About Wheel House Strategies

About Wheel House Strategies

Wheel House Strategies is a consulting firm dedicated to helping bicycle industry leaders unlock growth through data‑driven insights, operational excellence, and community engagement. We combine deep industry expertise with advanced analytics and practical solutions to deliver measurable results for retailers, suppliers, and stakeholders across the cycling ecosystem.

About Michael Forte

I bring decades of experience in the cycling industry, having held leadership roles at Specialized, Giant, Felt, and Rossignol. My career began in retail, where I owned and operated bicycle shops — giving me firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities retailers face. This foundation, combined with my later work in supplier operations, ERP implementation, and strategic planning, allows me to bridge the gap between retail realities and supplier strategies with credibility and precision.

Our Five Pillars of Value

• The Bike Shop List
  • Comprehensive database of U.S. bicycle retailers.
  • Packages range from basic contact information to expanded demographic insights and mapping tools.
  • Helps suppliers and brands identify, segment, and connect with retailers more effectively.

• Data Analytics
  • Sales forecasting, market trend analysis, and customer segmentation.
  • Turning complex datasets into actionable insights for smarter decision‑making.
  • Example: Identifying underperforming regions and recommending targeted distribution strategies.

• Inventory & Purchase Order Management
  • Streamlining supply chain operations and improving accuracy of stock levels.
  • Tools and processes to reduce carrying costs and avoid stockouts.
  • Example: Implementing purchase order workflows that align supplier production with retailer demand.

• Financial & Strategic Planning
  • Budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term growth strategies.
  • Aligning financial discipline with operational goals.
  • Example: Building multi‑year financial models to support expansion or new product launches.

• Team Augmentation
  • Providing specialized expertise to extend internal capabilities.
  • Short‑term or long‑term support for analytics, operations, or project management.
  • Example: Acting as interim project lead for ERP integration or retail network expansion.

Our Value

Wheel House Strategies helps companies in the cycling sector differentiate in a competitive market, modernize operations, and position themselves as leaders in innovation and customer connection. We bring a unique blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and industry credibility to every engagement.

Partner with Wheel House Strategies and transform challenges into opportunities.