“The stereotypical office cubicle in a metropolitan environment is the antithesis to the Tree Bicycle Co. headquarters in Potosi, Missouri. Potosi, population 2,698, is a two hour drive south of St. Louis, and about six miles east of the Mark Twain National Forest. The wooded bluffs, peppered with livestock, tractors, and Confederate flag bumper stickers, surround Tree owner Sam Schulte’s home, a glorified tent with plumbing and heating fashioned after the yurt, a traditional home of Central Asian nomads. Within the 30″ diameter wooden and canvas structure, the bulk of Tree’s labor is carried out by Sam and sales manager, Joe Montgomery.
A couple months ago I captured a typical day in the life at the atypical Tree Bicycle Co., which involves a dip in the pond, a stroll through the garden and a raw chicken dinner. Sam also breaks down the recently introduced Blue, Green, and Brown product lines.” – Bink Seavey / ESPN
Music: “Whiskey on the Mississippi” by Kevin MacLeod
