By Eva Carrasquillo-Wilkinson

Steve Schmitz first learned about BWorks through his son, Chris, who discovered the organization through his passion for cycling. After hearing about BWorks, Steve decided to visit himself; at the time, BWorks was located in a small storefront in south city before moving to its current location in Soulard. Steve still remembers the volunteer community coming together to move bikes and materials from the original location to the new building in a “caravan-like move.”

Shortly after the 2011 move, Steve began volunteering with BWorks. As a retired public school science teacher with 37 years of experience at Normandy High School, Steve knew he wanted to continue doing work that had purpose and value after retirement. With his background as a cyclist and outdoors enthusiast, BWorks felt like the perfect place to stay connected to his community while supporting a mission he believed in.

Longtime volunteer Steve Schmitz, at right, is pictured above with his friend, Tim, at BWorks.

Steve initially started as a volunteer mechanic, but eventually transitioned into a more customer-facing role: he greeted visitors, answered questions, helped manage donations, and assisted customers looking for bikes. Steve also developed a talent for finding customers’ appropriate bike size just by glancing at their height and arm length. 

Over time, Steve shifted to remote volunteering, a role he continues today. Every day, he helps manage BWorks’ email communications, directing questions to the appropriate staff members and ensuring people receive the support they need. He also created BWorks’ personalized 501(c)(3) tax letter that accompanies donations to BWorks!

Volunteering at BWorks has continued to be an important part of Steve’s life.

“It keeps me busy, happy, and doing something that I am proud of doing,” Steve says. For him, being involved in work that matters and helps others is what makes life meaningful.

Steve shared this blast-from-the-past photo from a celebration in 2013, when BWorks was celebrating its 25th year of empowering St. Louis youth through in-depth bike and computer education programs.

When asked about his favorite memories as a volunteer, Steve recalls one moment from his time working with BWorks visitors. A mother and her young daughter came to BWorks looking for a bike, and while Steve helped them explore their options, the little girl quickly warmed up to him and asked to sit in his lap in his wheelchair. With her mother’s encouragement, Steve and the young girl rolled around the shop together as they searched for the perfect bike. When they finally found one and were ready to leave, the girl smiled, waved goodbye, and left with a bike she loved.

Another special memory for Steve is that his son, Chris, held his wedding reception at BWorks, creating a meaningful connection between his family and the organization.

Over the years, the Schmitz family, including Steve and his wife, Wilma, as well as their adult kids and grandkids, have helped make BWorks the organization it is today.

When asked where he would bike if he could go anywhere in the world, Steve reflected on the many rides he took when he was younger, including trips through St. Charles County, across the river into Illinois, and along the River Road. 

“Those days and that riding have left memories that are both good and important to me — and that’s enough,” Steve explains.

We’re so grateful for Steve’s many years of dedication, kindness, and commitment to serving others.