Always Curious, Always Share
Ambassador’s Story: Stefan Gehrke
"Describe Urtopia ebike in 3 words."
"Falling in love."
These were the words that slipped out of Stefan's mouth during our interview. It was an unexpected surprise, but then again, Stefan was never one to play by the rules. That's just the kind of energetic, offbeat old boy he is!
Now, let me introduce you to Stefan Gehrke, the Urtopia ambassador living in the hip streets of Berlin, at Buero fuer Neues Denken on Bötzowstr. He has a knack for making friends with every customer who comes for a test ride. He calls himself an "early adaptor always curious about anything.”
Like an early adopter, loves new things, loves all things
As an early adopter, Stefan loves new things and embraces everything. His story is as fascinating as a novel. In the 90s, he worked as a journalist, reporting on American football for ZDF Television Germany and serving as a roving reporter at the Atlanta Olympics. He has always been at the forefront of technology. While others were using landlines, he was among the first to try brick-like mobile phones. While others were typing on typewriters, he had already switched to computers. And let's not forget his unique motorbike that turned heads wherever he goes!
But here's the secret to Stefan's insatiable curiosity:
he desires anything and everything that brings him that delightful rush of novelty. He's so adventurous that he even implanted a chip in his left hand to pay for stuff and swipe subway tickets with a flick of his wrist. Talk about a magic man! And let me tell you, his conversations with us at Urtopia are a treasure trove of fresh, new ideas. His boundless knowledge and thirst for anything novel always leaves me in awe. He's a living testament to the saying, "A man stays forever young as long as he remains curious.”
It is this unwavering curiosity that drives him to browse through platforms like Indiegogo or Kickstarter, always seeking the latest technological products and the most creative designs. It was during one of these moments that he stumbled upon our electric bike. "I have never seen a bike that captures my attention like Urtopia," he exclaimed. Although supporting a product on a crowdfunding platform entails risks, Stefan believed that his love for Urtopia was destined.
As mentioned at the beginning, Stefan fell in love with the Urtopia ebike at first sight. Even though he believed he wasn't of the age to ride an ebike, considering it more suitable for his father's generation, he had the physical strength to ride a regular bicycle. However, these obstacles were insignificant in the face of love. Its lightweight design and unprecedented technological advancements in an ebike were like Cupid's arrow, hitting him directly in the heart. When he took his Urtopia out for a ride on the streets, his happiness and confidence in his decision soared. He didn't want his riding tool to be invisible; instead, he wanted it to be visible for everyone to see. Riding Urtopia became his fondest memory, and he cherished the moments when people on the road would inquire about his unique ebike. "It feels so good when others are curious about my ebike," he shared, highlighting the joy Urtopia brought him.
Test riding: Sharing what he loves
"It feels great when a product you love and use becomes loved by more people, and you are the one recommending it."
As an ambassador, Stefan has three Urtopia bikes—two different-sized Carbon 1 models and a Chord model. He proudly showcases Urtopia in the display window of his company, presenting it like a sculpted artwork. It allows passersby to easily notice them and facilitates the discovery for those who wish to book a test ride. For Stefan, test rides are not just part of his job; they are a way to share the Urtopia he loves. It's a means of connecting with different people and always being open to new conversations and opinions. He thoroughly enjoys helping others and sharing his knowledge. He can answer questions about Urtopia's smallest details, such as the number of spokes on the wheels. His ultimate goal is to recommend this ebike that he has fallen in love with to more people, helping them discover the joy of cycling and embracing Urtopia. Being helpful brings him the greatest joy.
The story of Urtopia's CEO and Stefan
Now, let me tell you a funny story about the friendship between Urtopia's CEO and Stefan. Last year, Stefan and the Urtopia team, along with CEO Owen, developed a deep bond. During Owen's visit to Berlin, Stefan acted as his trusty tour guide. He introduced the team to the local cycling culture, took them to the grandest bike shop in town, and organized a memorable evening party. In our conversation, I uncovered a hilarious secret—according to Stefan, our CEO Owen turns as red as a tomato after just one drink (don't worry, I got Owen's permission to spill the beans). When Owen mentioned Stefan, he always describes him as a "helpful early adaptor" with great admiration.
Everyone on the Urtopia team who interacts with Stefan has developed a deep affection for this knowledgeable and positive individual. His love for sharing, listening, and embracing new things, along with his genuine desire to help others, has endeared him to everyone. Because being helpful is the most happy thing for him.
