Trike Business Going Full Bore !!!

[sandpuppi101]

Well this all started a few years ago ,when I decided to take my obsession with Trikes to the next level!! I talked it over with some highly respected board members on starting a ATV restoration Business as a side gig,and even posted everyones thoughts in a thread!! I stuck to my guns ,and really tried to make something out of it,actually having a gameplan,I have organized rides,made donations ,when ever possible,and am planning a ATV swapmeet for the summer of '07!! I shook alot of hands ,met alot of people and really worked on getting a good name in the ATV community!! I have dealt and or met alot of people on the boards and have helped spread the word of our sport,and along the way have had a great time doing it. I have built some very nice Restored machines, that have went to people in many states ,and had very happy relations with those people!! I have sold Quality parts and will continue doing so not only local but across the country!!
Well as most of you don't know ,I live near Detroit ,and am in the construction business ,as my main job! And the auto industry is basically the magnet which draws people to this area.Well the auto industry is in a major slump up here ,unemployment is at a major high,'Top in the country ,I believe',and work is sluggish at best,in my line of work!! So with that being said,I decided to take a deep breath and jump in full bore!! Begining next week I will be working full time on my ATV business which is Called Muddogs Restorations!! I decided to take a layoff and make something happen!! At this point I am both nervous and excited at the same time,but I will excell at this ,because of the high expectations I hold for myself ,and the Quality of my Items,and I will be taking things to the next level!! I am not using this thread to commercialize ,I am using this thread to let every one know that if they want something bad enough it can happen ,and sometimes you have to take chances!!And believe me,it will happen !!:w00t:
Sandpuppi101

[SYKO]

I wish you the best of luck man!! as a former business owner I know the knot twisting in your stomach about going full blast with this, Just make sure you have a good business plan to back everything up, I had more than enought work and was making wicked great money, but I had no business plan, and was running myself into the dirt with it. 2 years ago I ended selling out, and I will forever regret it, I still do on the side what I did at my shop, but its not the same when you got your OWN business, get some good advertising, but dont spend any money, defintily make a good website and then linc the hell out of it!

I give you my hope for the best!!!!

[jsimonh]

Good luck man! Sounds like it is going to be a heck of an adventure for you. You sound determined.... so I bet you will make it happen and have success doing it.:beer

[Lomax]

Well this all started a few years ago ,when I decided to take my obsession with Trikes to the next level!! I talked it over with some highly respected board members on starting a ATV restoration Business as a side gig,and even posted everyones thoughts in a thread!! I stuck to my guns ,and really tried to make something out of it,actually having a gameplan,I have organized rides,made donations ,when ever possible,and am planning a ATV swapmeet for the summer of '07!! I shook alot of hands ,met alot of people and really worked on getting a good name in the ATV community!! I have dealt and or met alot of people on the boards and have helped spread the word of our sport,and along the way have had a great time doing it. I have built some very nice Restored machines, that have went to people in many states ,and had very happy relations with those people!! I have sold Quality parts and will continue doing so not only local but across the country!!
Well as most of you don't know ,I live near Detroit ,and am in the construction business ,as my main job! And the auto industry is basically the magnet which draws people to this area.Well the auto industry is in a major slump up here ,unemployment is at a major high,'Top in the country ,I believe',and work is sluggish at best,in my line of work!! So with that being said,I decided to take a deep breath and jump in full bore!! Begining next week I will be working full time on my ATV business which is Called Muddogs Restorations!! I decided to take a layoff and make something happen!! At this point I am both nervous and excited at the same time,but I will excell at this ,because of the high expectations I hold for myself ,and the Quality of my Items,and I will be taking things to the next level!! I am not using this thread to commercialize ,I am using this thread to let every one know that if they want something bad enough it can happen ,and sometimes you have to take chances!!And believe me,it will happen !!:w00t:
Sandpuppi101

I did 3 years ago what you are doing now. With proper time and patience you will be able to make something of it without problem. Sometimes even when you can afford steak its still a good idea to get the sandwich for hard times as they come and go without warning. If you need anything in the ATV world (distributors contacts etc.) just give me a shout and I will help you out as best I can.

[firehart]

I wish you the best of luck. I have a few friends out here in Idaho that own three wheelers also. I'll put in a good word for you. Have you got a website set up yet? Someday I'd like to restore my 200x and just ride it for pleasure.

[atctim]

Sandpuppi,

I wish you good luck too!!!! I met you at TF06. What servicess will you be offering. I wouldn't mind outsourcing some of my work to you. Work on my personal collection that is.

Let me know what you'll be doing.

Thanks,
Tim

[sandpuppi101]

Thanks Guys ,I appreciate every thing that has been said,very much so!! I am obviously going to be selling some NOS Hondaline parts as well as refurbished and restored parts.I have built up quite a good clientel locally ,and the Local Honda dealer send's me business also,with older models.I will be having some nice riders on the market as well as customs, race trikes, and of course restored machines! Quads and sleds will also be serviced and or restored .
I do have too say that all of your words of incouragement are greatly appreciated and basically I am taking my main hobby to the next level,Honestly I am impressed that it has been as sucessful as it has been !! All I have to go on for now is the reputation that I have built for myself and the quality of what I put on the market......

[trikes4life]

your living my dream.....bust of luck to ya, and congradulations....

[Mrs.Mosh]

[QUOTE=sandpuppi101]I am obviously going to be selling some NOS Hondaline parts as well as refurbished and restored parts.QUOTE]
I will be PMing you about some parts:w00t:

[XTrumpX]

I think we'll all be PMing him!

[whyzee]

just dont do 85 86 250R's, thats my gig!;) :beer best of luck to you.
pm me with any 250R's you find locally and want to flip to me for some quick $$$
when you get too busy to do them all, or your garage has no more room:D

[sandpuppi101]

Don't worry Whyzee,I like building the thumpers better anyways!!LOL

[Aussieduner]

Go for it Roger,the best trike retorers come from Michigan !

Aussie

[tapper190]

You will do awesome!! Don't forget what I said to you about the Ontario market! The prices here are high!! and you are close to the boarder. I don't know how much of problem it is to ship over the boarder or take parts over but it might be worth investigating. If you need any help let me know! I am trying to help spread the word. A big classified paper here is called the TRI-AD. Talk to ya soon
:beer
Tapper

[whyzee]

Don't worry Whyzee,I like building the thumpers better anyways!!LOL
I see that!! That is great to know, I hate working on the thumpers, too much involved to do em right.
Can you rebuild a 200X top end and inspect the valves if I send it to you?
What about the new thumpers? namely a crf250R, the motocross bike?:beer

[sandpuppi101]

Yep,I can rebuild a top-end ,send me a PM. I have'nt worked on the crf 250 or 450 models yet,the Honda dealer keeps them for service work,I did redo a XR 200 awhile back though!! Tapper I probably will be catouring to the Canadian market ,Yes. And Aussie,I have to agree ,us Michigan Boys do build some" sick Toys"!!!

[Kintore]

Good luck buddy! Your living my dream!

And about the canadian market, 350x's around here are gold. They go for stupid amounts! AS with 250rs.

[sandpuppi101]

Thanks Kintore,Construction is shambles in this State!! This is my Dream too, I am gonna try real hard ,I'll promise you that!! The next time you are running down I-69 ,you'll have to stop in!!!

[gravelord]

good luck!! ill keep you in mind - you bore/hone cylinders by any chance, if so PM me i might have something for you...

[TravEX]

Good luck to ya!

[Aussieduner]

Thanks Kintore,Construction is shambles in this State!! This is my Dream too, I am gonna try real hard ,I'll promise you that!! The next time you are running down I-69 ,you'll have to stop in!!!

I expect to hear all good news next June when you,Joe and me have a beer or 10 at Trike Fest 07,maybe at your trade display you should have,now there's an idea mate !

Aussie

[Jason Hall]

sandpuppi101, Good luck with It all. Let me know If I can help with anything. I love building crazy stuff & porting 2-stroke's, I'm not far away :beer

[sandpuppi101]

Gravelord ,I send my boring items to a local raceshop-It is much easier to do that than do it myself,but the heads are done up here . Jason I am sure I will be using your services in the future,you do build some sick machines,You represent Michigan very proudly,LOL!!! And Aussie,I will have good news in June ,for sure!! I have alot planned for this next year,speaking of that Jason I am planning a Swapmeet in July @ the 21st ,I will post more when all the details are worked out but try to keep it open!!!

[seadoo650]

Congrats on starting you own business. I remember starting mine. It can be nerve racking at times but well worth it. I've found that customer service is KEY. If my customers want a gallon of milk, I'll get it for them. (No warranties of course). I wish you the best of luck and prosperity.