Brotherly love of motorcycles runs business

If entrepreneurs are going to move from one business to another they had better have name recognition as well as a solid reputation based on quality work and service.

Mark and Brad Yuill have used these attributes as they moved from one business to another.

Each of their ventures were a case of following something they loved.

"We started Yuill Brothers High Performance Speed Shop in 1972," Mark Yuill said.

"At first it was my dog and me then Brad came on as the business grew."

The speed shop handled clients who wanted to put performance equipment on their cars and needed someone to install it for them.

For the Yuills, the shop was a way to fund their professional drag racing career.

From 1973 until 1988, Mark and Brad raced in NHRA's Pro Stock division and traveled the country.

As Yuill Brothers grew, they picked up a Saab franchise and made that a success.

Finally they closed the shop in 1995 but kept a part of the business.

"Brad and I kept Nevada Performance Wholesale going until we sold it to Andy Dalool in November 1998," Yuill said.

About this time their love of motorcycles got the better of them.

"I got interested in motorcycles when I was 15," Brad Yuill said.

"A few years ago I licensed 11 different motorcycles and rode a different one every day."

After working on their own Harleys, the brothers moved into an office on Edison Way and started Freedom Cycle.

"It started with us taking care of our own stuff and grew into a big business," Brad said.

They soon needed bigger quarters and long time friend Michael Winkle offered them space in his Freightliner dealership at the corner of Sparks Boulevard and Greg Street.

"We were there from 1999 to 2003 and built our current store to deal with our increase in business," Mark said.

"The same guys we helped with their Chevys trusted us with their bikes."

Those customers have brought enough work that the Yuills don't need to advertise.

"Word-of-mouth advertising is the best," Mark said.

"Because of our reputation and quality, Harley people come here from across the country and we try and schedule them in the off season, which keeps our business as busy as it is."

Staying at the cutting edge of motorcycle technology is another key to their success.

"In 1997 two friends of ours (Racing legends Terry Vance and Bryon Hines) told us they were playing with fuel injection," Mark said.

"We got a jump on that and began to make our own system, which is as good or better than anywhere in the country."

Now Freedom Cycles builds cylinder heads, exhaust systems and other parts.

Customized bikes are tested on the in-shop dyno.

Located beside Highway 395, just north of Winco Foods, the shop has a Triumph franchise, sells Ridley motorcycles, TPD and Kendon trailers, Xtreme ATVs and dirt bikes.

The brothers also carry a full line of clothes and accessories.

To handle the steady influx of business the Yuills have split their duties.

"Brad handles all of the service as well as our R&D while I handle all sales of motorcycles and parts," Mark said.

Reflecting on their success over the years, Brad said, "If you treat people right and do good work, you'll be busy." Asked what he sees for their future, Mark said "I see the business growing and being a viable motorcycle dealership.

It's the best place to shop and should take us to retirement."