Introducing: Overland Flagstaff

Great business idea and your website is friendly. Seems like there are lots of possibilities... you may be able to get equipment sponsors and/or branch out to include trailers.

This would be a great idea for someone on the other coast because they could fly out and rent your rig whereas a cross country trip with their rig might take too much time. I know if you had additional locations on the east coast I would consider it if I couldn't drive cross country, maybe you could get additional locations or partners.

I like that you have the recommended trips, that's a great idea. Guided tours could be a good option, depending on what expertise level of customers you're seeing.

 

Thanks Phil!

Another truck is in the works at the moment. The goal is to slowly build up a fleet of 5-7 of them, all modified in a similar manner to this first one, and then I will build up the 2016, dubbed 'Project Zero' (as this truck is what made this idea possible) into the companies flagship vehicle, with a more aggressive and eye catching build. I'll then keep this one for myself, unless someone comes along who wants to pay more to travel in such a rig.

I'm still building up the M3, because let's be honest, who doesn't need a 600+ rwhp support vehicle? Haha

I would thoroughly enjoy that. It's been wayyyy too long since that has happened, and I have become a bit better at the whole thing compared to the old Tundra days!

 

Thank you for the kind words.

I have attempted sponsorships so far with numerous companies, and have snagged exactly (1) thus far. But I keep trying!

Definitely. Already had someone discuss that exact scenario.

Additional locations are always in the back of my mind, though we will have to see how the future pans out. I still do structural engineering 5 days a week, so I would have to get excellent systems in place to branch out. I really pride myself on Superior Quality Service, so finding a partner would be interesting.

Yep, so far, 100% of everyone who has rented requested my guidance on where to go and what to do. Alstrom Point is a killer recommendation, and people can't stop raving about it.

 

This thread is getting some attention, so here are a few more notable things I have been able to accomplish since I started it:

Wound up in the local paper: https://azdailysun.com/news/local/a...cle_e343f485-6d8a-540c-a5a0-070fe10cb1fb.html

Ended up on the TrailChasers Podcast prior to joining them on a 3 day trip (cut short for me due to work) to Parker, AZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRArZaOCksM&t=4520s

Was invited to a more 'Entrepreneurial' Podcast last week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcZnh_kLeAk&t=458s (warning, my ugly mug is on the screen the whole time!)

Partnered with Findlay Toyota Flagstaff. Their marketing team has been very kind. They brought a food truck in last weekend and we displayed my truck on their front step. Wasn't terribly busy due to the weather but I learned a lot for next time.

Front Lot Display - 1-30-2021 by Michael Rickerd, on Flickr

 

I see the loose window awning, I used to have this problem on my truck. If you ever add a roof rack, just add a bungee and it can pull it tight without needing the metal spring. Also, I never thing of snow when I think of AZ, is that a normal amount of snow?

 

Gotcha, thanks for the tip!

Yes, in Flagstaff at least. We are ~2 hrs north of Phoenix, which most people think of as AZ, but we are at 7,000+ feet up here. Can get massive amounts of snow. Belmont, AZ is often times the coldest place in the country.

 

I simply put a bend in one of the awning supports to curve around the roofline. Worked flawlessly on two different tents.

 

Damnit Michael. I've been sitting here thinking that an Overland Rental company would kill in AZ. Surprised there aren't more already.

 

There is apparently one on the horizon for the Phoenix area, a second location for an established company, not sure of a date though.

Bookings have shot up recently. Glad this is picking up more steam.