More Miles to the Gallon
by Robin Arnold
     The price of gasoline is the hot topic anywhere you go. The only way we’re going to beat this is to just stop driving, some will say. But there are ways to live smarter, ways to think one step ahead. Steve Jones did this years ago, by accident he will tell you, “My dad was into building cars and hot rods so I grew up around it. I worked for an automotive company and got over that then decided to start building custom bikes for a few years at home. A buddy of mine gave me 2 old junked up golf carts that he happen to have. I customized them, jacked them up and decided to sell them on eBay. I had no idea what the market was on these things, and when the first one went I was like, whoa! They sold quickly and that’s when I realized there was something to it. And here I am now, five years later.”

     The location of Steve’s shop borders the Caratoke highway in Moyock. Steve shared, “It use to be an auto parts store so it was pretty much ready to roll.” Steve saved up to quit his company job and work out of his home. With profits coming in, he decided to rent the building and appreciates the inspirational atmosphere that keeps him in a zone of thought to work. He liked working out of home but said it was too easy to take breaks and be accessible for other purposes, so the building gives him not only a place of focus for his craft, but a roadside spot to showcase his work. He often puts his customized carts near the road, and when traveling the road, you can’t help but check out his work. 10 inch lifts, nitrous oxide for more power, 28 inch mud tires, custom paint jobs, stereo surround sound systems, all sorts of ‘bling’ to make the carts appear anything but stock. Steve can customize carts head to toe, inside and out. He uses Mike Boyce to do some fantastic paint work. A lot of times people walk in and share what they want done and Steve will price it out for them. He also can work backwards, say you have so much to spend, Steve can tell you what he can do depending on what your needs are.

     The best quality of the carts…most do not use gas. The average cart can go 20 mph. but he can put after market motors and controllers in them to increase speed. Gas carts are available, but these days, why? Battery operated or electric carts keep the trip to the gas station out of the formula for traveling. Many of the customers use the carts around the neighborhoods or for camping. Many neighborhoods permit carts for transportation because those streets are not maintained by the state. With the rollercoaster economy, having a custom cart is an excellent alternative to getting around. Steve forsees future subdivisions really accommodating golf cart travel.

     Who are Steve’s customers? “Anyone and everyone,” says Steve. He made a customized cart that sold for $8500, the man liked it so much he wanted another one, one for his son and one for his daughter. He has customers all over the world who order carts which are shipped to overseas locations. “90% of my business is friends who have recommended me to them. I do well, very well on word of mouth alone.” Carts sell for anywhere from $2500-6500. He can do and add anything to a cart if its possible. When asked about his business and his outstanding luck at growth, he replied with a word of wisdom for the youth of today with a knack for similar dreams… “I just wish I would have listened to what my dad said. If I had just gone to school like he said, I would have been here a long time ago…”

     Steve has lived in Moyock for 16 years with his wife Cookie and grandson Jeffrey. You can reach Steve Jones and Custom Carts at 252-435-1050 or 252-202-6300 and check out the website at www.stevescustomcarts.com