Dei ex Machina Machines allow us to work better, faster,
cheaper,
stronger.
Craig
Dunlap, Mark Goos, and Marty Hardon have expanded and evolved their family businesses because they figured out ways to keep these machines working. Business Expansion and Retention is an important part of the Tama County Economic Development Commission’s service offering portfolio. Beyond demand driven free and confidential support for businesses navigating accelerating (or depressing) market patterns, primary research on primary industry clusters are also performed to anticipate how markets will likely evolve over the following three years.
YOUNG’S GOLF CARS, DYSART PROJECT: One of the unique sights in northern Tama County might be the golf carts lining our main streets. Ever wonder where they come from? Young’s Golf Cars may be able to tell you. Craig Dunlap explains. HOW WE DID IT: Dean Young started Young’s Golf Cars in the 1970’s. By the early1990’s the business had grown enough that he asked his daughter Julie & her husband, Craig to move back from Texas to work & eventually take over the business. Unfortunately, golf has seen decreasing numbers. OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE: To create new ways for carts to be used. Customers are keeping carts longer, creating a void on the cheaper tradeins. Most customers can’t justify spending $2,500.00+ for recreation. HOW WE OVERCAME IT: We started a winter payment plan which helped us with cash flow and helped out everyone that couldn’t write that one big check. Many people design their own cart by looking at the options on our web site. We service carts at 8 different courses in the fall.
Photo credits: 1. Craig & Julie Dunlap, Young’s Golf Cars Photo by Randy Aiken 2. Hardon’s Photo by Mike Adams 3. Mark Goos, Ben Goos Photo by Wayne Chamberlain
ADVICE TO OTHERS: Listen to your customers. If you hear it once, remember it. If you hear it twice, research it further. WHAT IS NEXT: Driving around campgrounds, acreages, lakes and or just around town are just a few reasons to check out a golf cart now!
HARDON’S, TAMA PROJECT: When Ed Hardon neared retirement, he set out to find talent to take over the business he had built up. Three years ago his son moved to Tama to gain some insight on the local market. In 2010, Marty took over and expanded the service offering. Marty Hardon ex-