He calls himself “passionate” about many causes: cancer research, autism, how to get safe drinking water to developing countries.
But long-time cyclist Jimmy Moncrief decided to go much more local for the focus of his inaugural trip across the country, something he said fulfilled a lifelong pursuit of “challenge and adventure.”
Unlike similar cross-country trips where cyclists have sought to raise awareness and funds for global issues, Mr. Moncrief didn’t ask for money. He simply blogged on Facebook and Twitter to get the word out about a different Chattanooga business each day.
The plan, which unfolded during the 29-day trek in June from Tybee Island, Ga., to San Diego, seemed perfectly in line with another of Mr. Moncrief’s passions: the importance of local entrepreneurship.
“Local businesses are truly what drive the economy and create jobs,” said Mr. Moncrief, a UTC business graduate and Memphis native.
“I just think strong local business is what Chattanooga should be known for,” Mr. Moncrief continued, pointing out success stories like Chattem, which started small and made it big. “I think in a hundred years that’s what (Chattanooga) will still be known for.”
Mr. Moncrief, 29, and his wife, Brittany, make a living in Chattanooga as professional photographers.
Their independent spirit over the years has connected them to a vast network of friends who similarly contribute to Chattanooga’s economy by nurturing small businesses, and Mr. Moncrief said he wanted to find a unique way to put them on the map.
Two who benefited were Amber Holritz, another local photographer, and artist Tobi Weldon who makes one-of-a-kind baby garments and other artistic accessories.
While both acknowledged that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly how social networking efforts affect business, they said they were honored and inspired by Mr. Moncrief’s idea for the ride.
Ms. Weldon also said Mr. Moncrief’s medium was perfect, because Facebook contributes to about 80 percent of her sales.
“With everyone riding for charity, it was just really nice to know that Jimmy thought of us,” Ms. Weldon said.
With his Twitter and Facebook contacts scattered across the country, Mr. Moncrief said he only hoped to drive at least some traffic to local websites to generate new business for the entrepreneurs, who ranged from artists like him to his brother-in-law who pours concrete. He said he gained about 100 followers on Twitter during the trip for a total of 349.
It wasn’t millions of followers, but Mr. Moncrief said he received feedback indicating some entrepreneurs definitely experienced more inquiries on their websites.
“I just like helping people,” Mr. Moncrief said.