A local bike retail chain has come under new ownership.

Village Bike and Fitness founders Dale Phelps and Pam Kruse have sold their company to long-time employee Cory Bultman. A 25-year veteran of the company, Bultman now will assume responsibility of the company’s four stores in Jenison, Cascade, Kentwood and Plainfield.

Bultman began working at the Village Bike Shop on 5991 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, in 1993 at the age of 15.

“He was just a young high school kid who loved bikes, so we put him to work sweeping the floor and taking out the trash,” Phelps said. “When the time was right to open a fourth location on the north side of town in 2001, there was no question that Cory should be the manager.”

For the past several years, Bultman has been training other store managers, gradually taking on a greater leadership role within the company.

“I’m thrilled to be taking leadership of such a great company, working alongside a very dedicated and service-oriented group of people,” Bultman said. “Dale and Pam have developed strong relationships with our key vendors and community partners. We have a loyal and good-hearted customer base here in West Michigan and we’re truly grateful.”

All stores will remain open year-round and retain all full-time staff members.

Village Bike and Fitness was founded in 1974 and sells bicycles from Specialized, Giant and Raleigh Electric, as well as fitness equipment from Life Fitness, Lifespan and Endurance.