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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
While running a successful mortgage company, Joe Miller needed a side business to channel some of his revenue. Over the years he had learned to build racecars, go-karts and motorcycles in his free time, a passion he'd developed for years. Of course the most natural choice for his new venture was to open a raceway. And so with that in mind he created and launched Fastkart Speedway.
Joe didn't expect to make any money and, instead, within the first month, his new venture was a thriving success. Today, Fastkart Speedway has three locations — Salt Lake City, Ogden and Spokane, Washington, with a fourth opening in Orem later this year. He also has around 45 employees on board at all of his locations.
Joe says Fastkart Speedway will appeal to people who want to drive a go kart that's fast and fun. These are modified race cars, and although men are the largest demographic, he is still serving a strong population of females interested in tearing up the track.
Joe says go-karts are great because you're essentially mixing a sport and an entertainment into one activity. That's one of the reasons some famous people have made their way to Fastkart Speedway. This includes actors like Antonio Banderas, and musicians like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
And if you're concerned about safety, Joe says no worries there since go-karts are statistically safer than skiing, riding a bike or even skateboarding. But it is a motor vehicle so the potential for injury is there. That's why following safety instructions and strapping yourself into the kart while at Fastkart Speedway is essential and greatly decreases the likelihood of injury.
Joe also handles quite a few corporate parties and retreats, but one thing that gives him the most personal reward is raising money for charity. They've raised thousands of dollars for the Utah Food Bank and other organizations. Joe says it's part of what makes this one of the best side businesses ever created, especially since he's working with something he feels passionate about.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Fastkart Speedway With locations in Salt Lake City, Ogden Spokane, WA, and, later this year, Orem www.fastkartspeedway.com
