Steve Flagg

Steve Flagg is the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Quality Bicycle Products (QBP), a leading wholesale distributor of bicycle parts and accessories headquartered in the United States.2

Career and Company History

Steve Flagg, along with his wife Mary Henrickson, founded QBP in 1981 in St. Paul, Minnesota.23 The company initially specialized in importing hard-to-find mountain bike parts from Japanese suppliers.1 Under Flagg's leadership, QBP grew from a small operation with $100,000 in first-year sales to become the nation's largest wholesale distributor of bike parts and accessories.23

Company Growth and Innovation

During his tenure, Flagg oversaw significant expansion and diversification of QBP:

• Development of in-house brands: QBP now owns and manufactures several bicycle brands, including Salsa Cycles, Surly Bikes, and All-City.3
• Market expansion: The company entered new markets, such as fat bikes and winter cycling gear.2
• Geographical expansion: QBP opened multiple distribution centers in the U.S. and an office in Taiwan.1

Leadership Transition

In 2015, after 34 years as president of QBP, Steve Flagg stepped down from his role and named Rich Tauer as his successor.1 Flagg transitioned to the role of chairman, focusing on strategy, product innovation, and organizational development.1

Recognition and Impact

Steve Flagg is recognized for his vision and integrity in the bicycle industry.4 Under his leadership, QBP has been acknowledged for its commitment to sustainability and workplace quality, receiving awards such as the Carbon Buster Award and being named one of America's Top Work Places.3

Steve Flagg's LinkedIn profile can be found under the username steve-flagg-0237b5.4