Brian Vargas joined Beverly Bicycle Repair Shop as a manager back in 2018, and spent years honing his craft as the business went through several transitions. Former owner Paul Weise was considering retirement when the pandemic hit, which caused the team to rethink how they worked and sourced bicycles during a worldwide shortage. While the shop was waiting for an interested buyer, Brian was in a car accident in 2024 that nearly took away his ability to walk, forcing him to rethink his life and goals. The recovery period solidified Brian’s interest in buying the business, and in March of 2025, the shop reopened under the name Beverly Bicycle Repair Shop in a new location at 2555 W. 111th St. to continue the South Side legacy that started back in 1921.
Finding His Path
“The South Side of Chicago has always had a lack of resources and services. When Paul Weise decided to retire, it meant that one of the oldest shops in Chicago would vanish from the map. After experiencing the culture, love and support that this shop had, I knew my path was to become the steward of the business and lead it for the next generation. To me, [being a business leader in Beverly/Morgan Park] means that I have the privilege to help my community grow and improve for everyone.”
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Brian shared a bit about his background as a first generation Mexican-American.
“My family originates from Michoacan, Mexico, and in my culture, we believe that family, honor and compassion are paramount to living a prosperous life. Growing up, I had the privilege to witness countless moments of people going out of their way to help one another in any way they could, of people taking the lead when others were scared and of people being the change that they would like to see in the world. Being the change that makes the lives of the people around me better is how my culture influences me to lead and be a better person than I was yesterday.”
“Even from an early age, I could recognize opportunities to learn lessons that would guide my life. The first person who taught me an important lesson was my wonderful mother, who instilled in me the value of a hard day’s work. Growing up we didn’t have much, which forced my mother to work long hours for not very much money. What we did have, she made the best of. Regardless of how long she worked, she always took time to make sure I was happy, healthy and safe. Her work ethic taught me that when you work hard and for the right reasons, you can change your life and those around you for the better.”
“In my culture, working hard is standard. To have someone like myself in the position of a business owner and with the support of my ancestors fills me with a sense of pride that pushes me to work even harder for the people who depend on us, just like family.”
Brian is ‘Rooted in Beverly’
Watch Brian in this video profile from the MPBHBA’s Rooted in Beverly series.