4/30/2008

Twisted Cycles LLC

"“The SBDC was instrumental in helping make my dream of starting the business come true,” said Nick. “Now that I am up and running, I will continue to use them for marketing assistance.” "

Nick Peragine has always had a passion for motorcycles! He not only rides them, but can also assemble and assemble them in his sleep. He holds 17 different motorcycle repair certifications, including diagnostics, transmission, and power drive. It was only natural for him to gravitate towards opening his own cycle shop. Nick formed an LLC with his associate, Lee Underwood in January, 2008. Together they created Twisted Cycles, a motorcycle repair business in Lake Placid, Florida. They saw a need in the community that wasn’t being filled – quality motorcycle repair by trained, experienced, and customer service driven professionals. He even has a “clean room”, which provides a dust-free area for critical engine repair and painting. Nick first used the SBDC in Idaho where he attended seminars. When he was zeroing in on a business idea in Highlands County, he contacted the SBDC of the Heartland. Bob Raymond and Bill McKown, CBA’s, provided pre-venture assistance with his business plan. “The SBDC was instrumental in helping make my dream of starting the business come true,” said Nick. “Now that I am up and running, I will continue to use them for marketing assistance.” With the motorcycle repair infrastructure in place, Nick is moving on to his other love: ATV off- road riding and racing. This is a family oriented sport rapidly growing in popularity. It attracts people from 7 – 40, male and female. He has become a dealer for Trophy Karts, an off-road model popular on the west coast of the U.S. Nick has the first dealership on the east coast and is attracting a lot of interest. He is also partnering with a local Seminole tribe to create a venue for practicing and racing carts. To complement the dealership, Twisted Cycles sells items unique to the industry including helmets, goggles, gloves, and other apparel. Twisted Cycles now has a three-prong approach to success – Trophy Kart sales, accessory sales, and motorcycle repair. With these firmly in place, Nick can now concentrate on sharing his passion with the community.