KN Rider Helmet Trading has become a go-to destination for riders seeking quality products and accessories in Marikina. Founded by passionate entrepreneurs Niña Ocillo and Kyna Benito, KN Rider fosters a strong community within the motorcycle industry.
With its eye-catching banners and signage, proudly displaying its partner brands, KN Rider is nestled on a busy street corner in Concepcion Uno. Its store facade features a distinctive black and red color scheme, with a logo depicting a helmet crossed by wrenches, emphasizing its focus on safety and quality.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Ocillo and Benito's unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have propelled KN Rider's success. Serving the motorcycle community drives this start-up to grow further and explore new opportunities head-on.
The gift that started the dream
The journey of KN Rider's co-founders began with a simple yet meaningful gesture: Ocillo gifted Benito a helmet as they co-owned their motorcycle. Looking back, the value of the helmet "wasn't much," the former reminisced. Despite that and their limited resources at the time, the gesture sparked a desire to explore the motorcycle community through helmet trading.
Being motorcycle riders themselves, both recognized the importance of safety gear. Inspired by the growing popularity of motorcycles, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey and leveraged social media to promote their limited helmet offerings.
"In 2019, we started thinking about what our business would be. There were limited options for people to use cars, especially during the pandemic," Ocillo recalled. "So, at that time, we looked for suppliers from whom we could source helmets. That's when we started borrowing money because we only had ₱50,000. We could only avail of nine helmets for that amount."
Even with their small beginnings, the two business owners persevered. They actively promoted their products by contacting individuals in their former workplace, including maintenance staff, building clerks, and security guards. When the pandemic hit, they went the extra mile to personally deliver helmets to customers in areas such as Cavite and Bulacan. This quickly built trust within the motorcycle community through their genuine hospitality and dedication to service.
Overcoming challenges
Building upon the success of its online store, KN Rider opened its first physical location along Marcos Highway in Marikina. Ocillo recalled with enthusiasm how Benito had secured the location, marking a significant milestone for KN Rider. This physical store expanded its reach and provided customers with a more tangible shopping experience.
However, despite initial successes, they faced various challenges, including inconsistent sales, a store flood caused by a typhoon, negative external perceptions, and the ever-changing logistical protocols during the pandemic.
Instead of giving up, the couple decided to reset their mindset. They recognized that their business was not just a venture but also a partnership in life and the motorcycle industry. They closed their first store and relocated to their ideal spot in the city, where they began seeing significant business growth.
Benito managed the physical store and inventory, while Ocillo took charge of expanding its online presence, mainly through social media. They eventually tapped vloggers who helped amplify their brand. Together, they agreed to source reliable suppliers to keep the momentum of their store rolling with high-quality products.
In 2023, realizing they needed more than just helmets to stay competitive, Ocillo and Benito expanded their product line to include essential motorcycle accessories such as motorcycle mags and topboxes. This diversification, alongside exclusive deals with major brands like Freedconn and Evo Helmets, helped solidify their reputation in Marikina.
Strengthening bonds with the motorcycle community
KN Rider emphasized building trust with customers and suppliers as its customer base grew. It offered products based on suggested retail prices (SRP) and cultivated relationships with customers by promoting its culture of "unli-friendship."
They hired employees recommended by trusted individuals, ensuring their team shared the same values of honesty, reliability, and customer care. Additionally, they established a service center adjacent to their store to cater to more specialized motorcycle needs.
Recognizing the diverse needs of motorcycle enthusiasts, KN Rider offered a wide range of products beyond the essentials. This allowed customers to personalize their motorcycles, pegging them as an extension of their identities. To make these purchases more accessible, KN Rider established partnerships with financing solutions providers like UnaCash. This strategic move enabled customers to upgrade their motorcycle gear without bearing the weight of upfront costs.
"One reason clients travel to us, even from far away and to Marikina, is because of our financing options. In other areas, there's no financing available or they don't know how to process it, so they say they'll pay in cash even if they don't have enough money," the co-founder stated. "Because of this, we often receive recommendations through word of mouth. So whenever clients come in, we treat them like a queen, like a boss."
Steady ride to expansion
Looking ahead, KN Rider remains committed to promoting rider safety, particularly in nearby provinces where helmet use still needs to be widespread.
"My advice to riders is that they must prioritize safety first. They may be good drivers and are careful, but we can never be sure about the people they encounter along the road. Prioritize the safety of your head," Ocillo said. "As for their motorcycles, they should ensure the engine is in good condition, remember to check the brakes and tires to ensure a smooth ride. They need proper safety gear and patience on the road."
Their focus on safety extends beyond helmets to ensuring motorcycles are well-maintained, from checking brakes to tire conditions and helping their customers ride safely and confidently. The couple's mission is clear: educate riders on the importance of safety gear and promote responsible motorcycling.
By promoting responsible driving practices and the importance of safety gear in riding a motorcycle, KN Rider has become a valuable resource for riders in Marikina City and beyond.
"For those who want to start a business, just have a little patience. That's how life is—sometimes you're on top, and sometimes at the bottom. Always remember the people who helped you. We wouldn't have made it this far if it was just me and Kyna," she expressed with a grateful glimmer in her eyes.
As KN Rider continues to grow, both founders remain focused on their passion for motorcycling and their dedication to serving their customers with warmth, trust, and the best products available.
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