Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Radatz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My husband, Brian was the wreck technician for Brandon Harley Davidson. He had been around motorcycles and car racing his entire life. A natural mechanic. We were out riding one day and we road by an old gas station in Ybor City that had a for rent sign on it. He said that’s the spot and away we go. That was in 2005ish. Brian is an artist, not a business man. That being said, the beginning was rough. More of a boys club than shop. Eventually, Brian brought in his former boss Somer Huffman. Somer had years of experience in the motorcycle world. She was the GM for Brandon Harley and Huffman Harley in Lakeland. The business side of the puzzle was solved. Brian and Somer got along fine and fought like cats and dogs. A friend once said, “if ya’ll don’t fight, then you only need one of you”.
There is the beginning. The is a lot of rope between the hitch and post.
Today , we are one of the of very few shops in the area that work on older metric and Harley motorcycles. We have customers from all over the central Florida area. We actually care about our customers and their safety. We like for them to come back when they need something.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nope. Well, between the bomb threat, motorcycle crashes, and S.W.A.T showing up during a photo shoot, it’s been interesting.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
1) I am most proud of Brian and his work ethic. This shop was his vision and has sacrificed everything to make it what it is. We are still here after 20 yrs. That is something to be VERY proud of.
2) Our reputation. We do not advertise. All of our work comes by word of mouth. I guess you could say we are firm but fair. We will bend over backwards for our customers. We don’t charge them ridiculous prices and we treat each bike like it’s our own and their owners are family. Now, throw some jackassery around and have no respect for the staff, you will get fired.
3) Most coorperate motorcycle dealers/shops will not work on anything over 20yrs old. They just don’t have the experienced techs. Our guys have an amazing amount of experience and knowlede. Local Harley stores send folks with older bikes to us. The older riders love their old bikes. That is our niche.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It is not easy. It is never easy. You will donate your life to a small business. If you can make it work, you will never be more proud of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theridefactorytampa.com
- Instagram: theridefactory
- Facebook: The Ride Factory
- Other: theridefactory@gmail.com
