This better be the last move!  LOL  What a journey it has been.  We went from 800 square feet to close to 12,000 square feet in 13 years (by the way, 13 is Jan’s lucky number).  Just 15 years ago, owning our own business wasn’t even on our minds.  Jan and I are certainly not on this journey alone.  Family, friends and loyal customers have all been along for the ride.  There are no words to express our deepest gratitude all along the way!

  This whole project parallels some of the bike builds we have completed over the years.  A customer comes in with a dream and then we make that dream a reality.  With some bumps and road blocks along the way.  Big projects never seem to go smoothly.  So many things that are out of our control.  Like weather conditions which can put a damper (pun intended) on any ride and completely halt the pouring of concrete.  Relying on outside labor to complete a part of the build we send out can be frustrating as they have their own deadlines.  We don’t always have control on how quick, or slow outside labor works.  Then there are the parts.  Our nemesis!  You take the time to find just the right piece of chrome; pipes; handlebars; engine parts and they are on backorder; ordered correct part/wrong part comes in; driver left it back at the warehouse.  Same scenario goes with a big building project just different parts such as lighting; bathroom fixtures; doorway hardware etc.

  So what goes right?  The biggest thing and yet hardest to measure is the support along the way.  When you dream big those around you help to make that dream a reality.  In the case of a big build, whether from a mishap such as an insurance job turned into the dream build you’ve been putting off or just finally coming up with the funds to make your dream bike become a reality your family and friends encourage you and enjoy hearing about the process.  The builder, in this case, Chariots of Fire Customs LLC, will guide; make suggestions; and help keep you on budget.  In the case of our building, Girod Builders did the guiding and lead us in the right direction for what was possible. 

  Making a dream come true is always worth the wait to see the end product.  Getting on your new build and riding it in the wind for the first time is just feel good happiness!  Having family, friends and strangers marvel at your creation is just icing on the cake!  For me personally, I am just tickled pink to have the back deck with the overhang.  That has been my big dream!  The interior show room was very much a collaborative project.  Thank goodness Jan and I have the same taste which helped with the process.  This part of our build I have kept guard over as I want that “wow” factor when you walk through the doors.  I believe Jan is most proud of the front entrance.  It took him months to find those doors and the barn wood front is simply amazing!  And, of course, Jan can’t wait to have the back completed and operating at full capacity.

  Jan and I cannot express in words our deepest gratitude for all the support and help along this journey.  Many individuals have volunteered their time and expertise, too many to name but know we are thankful for each and every one of you.  The Chariots of Fire Family cannot wait to show off our new home.   Please, take this as a formal invitation to join us on September 22 for our Grand Reopening at 2113 Alexandria Crossing.  See you then!