James T. Gardner, PhD, Founder, CEO

James T. Gardner (Jim) is the founder and executive director of Good Karma Bikes, the largest nonprofit bike community center in the United States. Since founding Good Karma Bikes in July 2009, Jim has transformed what began as an effort to provide reliable transportation to homeless and low-wage workers into a comprehensive program that builds self-esteem and provides valuable job skills in bike repair, maintenance, eCommerce and retail.

Education and Professional Background
Jim holds a PhD in Solid State Physics with a specialization in Optoelectronics from the University of Southern California, where he also earned his bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in engineering. His academic career included an internship at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked on space radiation effects.

In 1995, Jim moved to the Bay Area to work at Applied Materials, launching a career that spans multiple high-tech industries including flat panel displays, 3D monitors, nanoparticle synthesis, water and energy conservation, and environmental protection.

Founding Good Karma Bikes
After experiencing setbacks with four startups, Jim had a moment of clarity when he encountered a homeless individual riding an unsafe bike. What began as informal bike repairs in a local park evolved into Good Karma Bikes, a registered nonprofit organization that has served over 51,000 clients and provided $4.1 million in community aid.

To better serve his mission, Jim obtained a certificate in nonprofit executive management from Georgetown University and a business certificate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Technical Expertise
Jim’s passion for cycling began in his youth along the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, California. He is a graduate of the United Bicycle Institute and holds certifications as a Bicycle Suspension Technician and DT Swiss Wheel Builder. He has taught over 200 students in Park Tool School

Personal Life
Jim lives in Willow Glen with his wife of thirty years, Laura, whom he met at USC in 1989. Together they have rescued numerous animals and currently share their home with three rescue cats. Beyond cycling, his interests include mathematics, traveling, art, and classical music. Since founding Good Karma, he has read over 200,000 pages of history, biography, and philosophy.

Jay Cobb, Sales Associate

Jay is super passionate about getting everyone that walks through our doors on a bike! Jay himself is a life-long biker who has transitioned recently to e-bikes. Need a bike? Jay will size you up and get you one that fits your needs.

Kenneth Lounge, Staff Mechanic

Kenneth grew up exploring the undeveloped around his home by bike. As a youth, he found bikes a tool for freedom and independence. He raced mountain bikes in college and worked at a bike shop. In 2005, Kenneth was a professional mechanic at Race Across America. He has been lucky enough travel a lot as an adult and is happy to be in California. Kenneth is passionate about helping people with their bikes.

Danny Campos, Staff Mechanic

Danny started as a volunteer at Good Karma Bikes, and we now get to enjoy his skills and passionate as a full time mechanic. Danny has years running his own bike shop and is ready to help you with all your bike needs.