Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Lampman.
Hi Devon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After moving from Bryan-College Station to Austin at 21 to pursue my passion for BMX riding, I scraped by with low-paying jobs—but I was content. The flexible hours gave me time to ride, which was all I really cared about then.
I knew a lot of fellow BMX riders who worked at Barton Springs Bike Rental (BSBR), but I never had much interest. They often worked weekends and didn’t seem to have the same freedom I enjoyed. At the time, I’d been working at Subway for almost four years, living the easygoing Austin BMX lifestyle. Eventually, though, I felt it was time for a change. A couple of my roommates had worked at BSBR and spoke positively about it, so I figured it was worth checking out.
In 2013, I rode my bike over to the shop and had a short conversation with the owner, Mark Mitchell. That same day, he hired me as a mechanic and rental assistant. To be honest, I wasn’t much of a mechanic at the time, but I faked it well enough to get by—and in the process, I started learning a lot. Not just about bikes, but about business. Mark was an old-school, no-nonsense kind of guy—“If you’ve got time to lean, you’ve got time to clean.” He had a fascinating background, from working as a private investigator to running a successful cell tower business. I soaked it all in—how he built BSBR, how he did his market research, and how he emphasized customer service and marketing.
After a couple of years, I was promoted to a managerial role. That’s when things really shifted for me. I learned the ins and outs of running the business: hiring and scheduling staff, managing inventory and insurance, handling customer relations, and improving operations. It was like getting a free business degree on the job. We started focusing more on our Austin bike tours, and I took charge of setting them up on various booking platforms, creating content, and refining the overall customer experience. The business kept growing, and Mark gradually stepped back to enjoy the fruits of his hard work.
After we reopened following the COVID shutdowns, Mark and I had a serious talk. He told me he was ready to retire and gave me two options. One: he could sell the business and give me a portion of the proceeds as a thank-you for being his most loyal employee over the past seven years. Two: if I was serious about the business, we could form a partnership—he’d step into the background, and I would take over operations.
At that point in my life, things had changed. I had an amazing daughter and all the responsibilities that come with being a parent. I had also poured years of effort, energy, and passion into the shop. So I took the leap—and chose to become a partner in the business.
Soon after our conversation, Mark moved to Colorado to pursue his version of retirement, and I’ve been running the shop ever since. I’m fortunate to have an incredible team that keeps everything running smoothly, allowing me the freedom to spend quality time with my daughter and still stay connected to my passions.
As Austin continues to evolve and grow, I take a lot of pride in keeping Barton Springs Bike Rental alive and thriving. The shop remains rooted in the spirit of the “old,” funky Austin—the one that drew so many of us here in the first place. Being part of that legacy, and helping carry it forward, is something that means a lot to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most small businesses, staffing has always been a major hurdle—especially finding the right fit. Our busiest times are weekends and holidays, but understandably, that’s when most people want time off. Striking a balance between employee needs and business demands is a constant juggling act.
On a more personal level, one of my biggest growth areas has been stepping into a true leadership role. I’ve always been pretty non-confrontational by nature, so shifting into a “boss” mentality took some time. Learning how to manage people, set boundaries, and make tough decisions didn’t come naturally at first—but over the years, I’ve grown more confident in that role.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Barton Springs Bike Rental is proud to be the original bike rental shop in Austin—and over the years, we’ve grown to become the largest, with a fleet of around 250 bikes and e-bikes. Our location couldn’t be better: just down the street from Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail.
We’ve built a reputation we’re proud of, maintaining a 4.9-star rating across all platforms year after year. That’s a direct reflection of the care we put into our customer service, our gear, and the overall experience we provide. We’re not just renting bikes—we’re sharing a piece of Austin’s culture and helping people experience the city in the most fun and accessible way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bartonspringsbikerental.com
- Instagram: @bartonspringsbikerental
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g30196-d5957799-Reviews-Barton_Springs_Bike_Rentals_Tours-Austin_Texas.html
Image Credits
Tristan Afre
