380EXCman
Sponsoring Member
- Sep 15, 1999
- 721
- 1
As some of you may know I opened up a motorcycle accessory and service shop (Moto Tech) last January 04. In September of 04 I took on a partner. In October of this year I sold out to my partner. I have a number of reasons why I sold out. I missed the family and they really missed me. I couldn’t find time to ride and when I did have time, it was hard to get motivated to go. Since January of 04 I have ridden maybe 6 times. I wasn’t eating right (2 jobs and 12-15 hour days, 6 days a week). My performance at my “real” job was suffering. It all was taking a toll.
I learned a lot though. I have great respect for small business owners. I learned a great deal more about dirt bikes than I knew before. I learned some of the strengths and weaknesses of the different brands. I enjoyed dealing with the customers and taking care of them. I take great pride in knowing that the shop is well respected and that with almost no money for advertising the business grew like wildfire. I started the business with 2 months rent (on a 1 year lease), a month’s salary for my employee and 2 credit cards with a zero balance. When it was all said and done. We had moved into a new shop doubling our space. We had became a Husqvarna, Gas Gas, Polini and UM dealer. We were one of the only full service suspension shops in Idaho. We used MX-TECH components and technology. We had a dyno machine. We also worked on all makes and models of dirt bikes and ATV’s. And it was profitable………
Even after all the accomplishments I am happy I hung it up. I do miss it and it hurts to think about how much of myself I gave to the place. It just was not the right time in my life…………..
I now feel refreshed and alive again. I went and had Lasik done. I am really looking forward to getting a new bike after the first of the year. Things are better at my work and in general I’m feeling pretty good! Now I have to decide what bike to get……….. :bang:
I learned a lot though. I have great respect for small business owners. I learned a great deal more about dirt bikes than I knew before. I learned some of the strengths and weaknesses of the different brands. I enjoyed dealing with the customers and taking care of them. I take great pride in knowing that the shop is well respected and that with almost no money for advertising the business grew like wildfire. I started the business with 2 months rent (on a 1 year lease), a month’s salary for my employee and 2 credit cards with a zero balance. When it was all said and done. We had moved into a new shop doubling our space. We had became a Husqvarna, Gas Gas, Polini and UM dealer. We were one of the only full service suspension shops in Idaho. We used MX-TECH components and technology. We had a dyno machine. We also worked on all makes and models of dirt bikes and ATV’s. And it was profitable………
Even after all the accomplishments I am happy I hung it up. I do miss it and it hurts to think about how much of myself I gave to the place. It just was not the right time in my life…………..
I now feel refreshed and alive again. I went and had Lasik done. I am really looking forward to getting a new bike after the first of the year. Things are better at my work and in general I’m feeling pretty good! Now I have to decide what bike to get……….. :bang: