When Jerry Foster rolls up to a customer’s driveway with his mobile workshop van, it’s clear he’s doing what he loves. The founder of Jerry’s Mobile Cycle Care has built a business around something that’s been part of his life since childhood, a deep love for cycling and a knack for fixing things.
“For as long as I can remember, bikes have always been part of who I am,” Jerry says.
“From exploring bush trails to cruising along the coast, they’ve shaped so many of my best memories.”
Before launching his own business, Jerry spent 12 years as a bike mechanic and previously worked as an industrial designer in Sydney, where he even helped design bikes for a local brand.
“Working as a designer taught me to see the bike as one complete system rather than a thousand individual parts. Every small detail matters, and that mindset has shaped how I approach every service I do today,” Jerry says.
When Jerry and his partner decided to move from Wollongong to the Mid North Coast, it wasn’t just about slowing down. It was about building a life rooted in community and nature.
“My partner grew up in Taree, and I grew up on a farm, so we both understand the value of space and connection. It’s an amazing place to raise a family, and the local riding is some of the best in the country,” Jerry says.
Once settled in, Jerry quickly connected with the local cycling scene, and spotted a need waiting to be filled.
“After meeting and riding with locals, I realised people were travelling up to 45 minutes just to get their bikes serviced,” he says.
“With e-bikes becoming so popular, getting them into a shop isn’t easy. I thought, why not flip the model and take the workshop to them?”
That lightbulb moment became the seed for Jerry’s Mobile Cycle Care, a business that now brings professional bike servicing straight to riders across the Barrington and Mid North Coasts. But getting from idea to reality wasn’t simple.
“I had the skills and the vision, but I didn’t know where to start with the business side,” Jerry admits.
“I went online looking for support and came across VERTO’s Self-Employment Assistance program. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I figured it was worth a conversation,” he recalls.
The decision proved to be a turning point. Through the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program, Jerry received personalised support that helped him transform his idea into a structured, sustainable business.
“Once I was accepted into the program, it suddenly felt real, like, right, time to make this happen.”
“The advice I got on marketing and planning was gold,” he says. “It wasn’t fluffy or complicated, just clear, practical steps that made everything feel achievable.”
His facilitator, Kahrina Richardson, played a big role in building Jerry’s confidence.
“She helped me take all the ideas that were bouncing around in my head and turn them into something solid. Having someone to talk things through with made a huge difference,” Jerry says.
Since launching, Jerry’s business has grown steadily, built on reliability, convenience and word-of-mouth recommendations. His mobile workshop is now a familiar sight at events and on local streets, helping everyone from weekend riders to competitive athletes stay on the road.
“The most rewarding part is knowing this is something I’ve built from the ground up,” he says.
“When a customer tells me their bike performed perfectly in a race, or I see a positive review pop up online, it makes all the long days worthwhile.”
One standout moment for Jerry came when he was part of the mechanical team at the World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong. “Being part of such a high-level event and seeing my work help someone perform at their best, that was a special feeling,” he says.
Looking ahead, Jerry has big plans for the future of his business.
“In the next five years, I’d love to grow Jerry’s into a setup that combines a workshop space with the mobile service,” he says.
“That way, I can offer more options while still keeping that personal, flexible approach that people love.”
For anyone thinking about starting their own small business, Jerry’s advice is simple.
“Be patient, be kind to yourself and remember it takes time to grow,” he says.
“There will always be challenges, but programs like SEA take a lot of the pressure off and gave me the confidence to keep going.”
From bikes to business, Jerry’s journey shows what can happen when passion meets purpose, and the right support helps keep you rolling forward.
For more information about the Self-Employment Assistance program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit: www.verto.org.au/our-services/self-employment-assistance.
To find out more about Jerry’s Mobile Cycle Care or to book a service, visit www.jerrysmcc.com.au.
