There are angels everywhere.  They come in all shapes and sizes.  They come with words of encouragement and support.  They come with ideas and individual creativity.  They come as volunteers with no questions asked and without looking for anything in return.  Chariots of Fire Customs LLC has experienced a flock of angels in the past eight weeks as we took a leap of faith in expanding our business.  Sure, we have had the desire to expand (again) for quite a while.  But this expansion came at us so quickly in the middle of our busy season my head is still reeling from it all!

Once we signed the rental agreement renovations began immediately.  The first week was to be a week of planning and organizing and setting up a game plan . . . or so I thought.  Jan went in that first week with the thought of “gut it and get started on the electric!”  This old building was in dire need of updating, cleaning (the daddy long legs had taken over), and painting.  We had a vision and the good lord above had his flock of angels ready and waiting!

As word spread about the move, folks began coming in and asking what they could do to help.  Jan and I gladly accepted the offers of assistance and the renovations moved forward at a steady pace.  Between the words of support and encouragement and the actual physical help with the renovations, Chariots of Fire Customs LLC was able to meet the deadline of opening on September 25, 2012!

We could not have pulled off such a huge undertaking if it had not been for the following individuals:  Gary Jamison, project manager (though he denies it)/construction/all around handy man; Jim Childers, computers/work space designer; Donna Childers, postcard stamps/supporter/mover; James McCloud, fabricator;  Marie Newell, designer/painter; Clayton Newell, all around helper; Mark White, clean up; Brian & Dawn Wagner, all around helpers; Doug Dillon, safety/electric; MaryKay Dillon, packer/supporter/postcard stamps; Benny Braungardt, consultant; Shayne Windels, flooring; Jimmy Lovelace, carpet; Keger, outside paint; Marty Marco, supporter/helper; Todd Rogers, safety; Yo Kock, unpacker/postcard stamps; Michealann Holloway, packer; Big Bob, mover; Jake Knobbe, mover/supporter; Ray Wilson trike rack delivery; Catie Ervin, photo organizer.   I know there are others that have volunteered to help out that I may not even be aware of.  Hats off to you all.  We love and appreciate each and every one of you!  God’s Blessings from above.

We are very grateful for all the support.  A special thanks to Ashleigh Ide, Photography & Retouching (www.ashleighide.com) for choosing us for her photo journalism story.  Ashleigh made our first week extra special by documenting our first week at the new location with her camera.  Ashleigh is releasing the photos to us and I will have them on our website as soon as I can.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you in coming weeks and months at our new location.  There are still little details that we want to get done before our GRAND OPENING on October 27^th.  Come by and help us celebrate our big move.  There will be live music in the afternoon, free food, specials and door prizes.  See ya soon!