No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Brandon Manzer, who is the owner of Marathon Bike Works. After selling his businesses and moving to the Keys, he realized that community members and visitors could really use a nice bike shop in the area. He has experience owning bike shops in Michigan and is looking forward to the many ways he can get involved with the Marathon community.
BRANDON MANZER
Marathon Bike Works
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I have been in Marathon for a short two years and that time has flown by. After a 25-year career in another industry, I retired/sold my corporate company to a larger organization. It just so happened my daughter graduated college the same year. So, with my second act it was a perfect time to put down roots in a place I had manifested for years of my life.
What’s your spirit animal? I tap into several different animals, but if I had to choose, I would say a silverback gorilla. My loved ones always tell me that. It’s an ongoing joke for them to take pictures of my hands and how I hold them and put them in our group chat.
If you were a bicycle, which part would you be and why? Great question – maybe a derailleur? This is the part of the bike that changes the gears for the bike. It makes riding easier and more enjoyable. The derailleur is capable of finding that perfect gear for a slow enjoyable ride enabling you to feel like a kid again on your first bike.
What is your favorite ’90s jam? I love music of all types, but one song? Probably something by Jodeci like “Forever My Lady” or “Come and Talk to Me.”
What is your go-to breakfast food? If it’s every day, then it’s eggs in the morning for me. If I want to spice it up, add a pancake on the side.
What is the funniest thing that’s happened to you recently? The first thing that comes to my mind is my dog, Titan. He’s an extremely loved elderly family member and shop dog. His mind is young, but his body unfortunately doesn’t always cooperate with him. So our family laughs together about things as silly as him doing a “number two” randomly while he’s walking and looking back at it like it surprised him too. We laugh with him, not at him! Love that guy.
What fictional character do you identify most with? The Incredible Hulk. I could connect all the dots for you, but I guess I’ll just say it’s not the muscles and angry beast, although some of that plays. It’s the misunderstood gentle man that even during times of distress he really does do the right thing.
Red, white or blue? Why? Red for sure. When you ask this I think of our flag. I think about my appreciation for the courage, sacrifice, bravery and blood shed by those who fought for us to be able to live like we do.
What is one thing people don’t know about you? I’ve never once tried coffee – not even a sip.
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?” Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
