Help My Boys Fund Their Electric Bike Service

Hi Everybody! My name is Patrick Simms; I recently left my job of 15 years. After a passionate and challenging departure, I decided to inspire my kids, pursue my passion for entrepreneurship, and help open up a business for my two boys. Donovan (age 15 1/2) and Jayden (age 13). I am sure you can relate giving up much of your life and missing out on so much from your kids' lives puts life into perspective. My goal is to show them that there can be another way. The business we created is Cruise The Creek Electric Bike Rentals, based in Youngstown, Ohio. I hope to make this business as successful as possible for them before I head back into a working environment if needed. I want them to create and build something of their own, allowing them never to have to work for a company if they choose to. I'm not looking for a handout, but I am looking for support to help instill a sense of young entrepreneurship, so they can pass it along and inspire others.

We created Cruise the Creek to rent the bikes for the community to view and tour Mill Creek Park. The park is beautiful in the heart of Youngstown; many people love to visit it from around the world. The total capacity of the park is over 

2,000 acres. It's too large to see all the landmarks, so we invested in electric bikes so more people can see more of the park. Not only are we promoting a healthy lifestyle, but electric bikes also provide an eco-friendly, fun, safe way to view the park for ages 13 to 100. With goals and aspirations to have an entire fleet. The boys are already learning real-life experiences and social interactions on something that is already theirs. These real-life values at a young age set a quality foundation for their development and future growth. 

I've been fortunate and blessed to have a loving and supportive wife that believes in my skills and abilities, to help this dream become a reality. Over the summer, Donovan and Jayden got up and serviced all the bikes with my help. We make buying decisions together, as well as strategic marketing. On the weekends, they are even required to demonstrate how the bikes will be used for training.

Being in operation for a full three months, We started with 2 Bikes and increased to 4 Bikes after a month, as demand called for them. Each bike has been upgraded with mirrors, water bottles, carrying cases, safety helmets, anti-theft devices, locks, new seats, tag-along trailers, Bluetooth speakers, traveling coolers and safety lights. We Have been told these are the most comfortable bikes! Additionally, Legal Fees, insurance, Advertisement Fees, and Website fees. Start-up costs add up quickly. We chose the bikes we did because they are ideal for the steep hills the park has to offer. 

We now have had many requests for a new model of the Step-Through Electric Bike, so older riders, as well as those who barely meet the height requirement, can get on and off the bike easier. It is challenging for some riders to lift their leg over the bar causing improper balance. Unfortunately, our current selection can not provide this feature. We will hopefully acquire that step-through Model come Spring time as projected sales can support our growth. With your help and generous donation, we could efficiently service this demand immediately! 

My boys are on a payment structure plan with me to repay their debts: For each rental or tour sold, 60% goes towards their debts and future growth, and they split the remaining 40%. (20% each). This payment structure teaches them the importance of working towards operating as a debt-free company and paying off their liabilities. It's essential that Donovan and Jayden feel the success of their hard work and dedication. They are just kids, of course. They Both have their checking accounts and budgets set up to repay all monies owed if this Gofundme campaign fails to meet its goals. I am asking for your help to inspire youth and teach them that we can create and achieve so much more together, and they are not on their own. I teach them that all you need to do is bring value to the world, and the world will reward you. This donation structure can be something that keeps on giving and giving. They know that debt is a natural part of life and business. I hope that with your help, it won't be an obstacle for delay positive progress.

The Vision:

Each dollar donated is converted into a gift card that can be used towards either a rental or tour for:

Yourself, a loved one or donated to those who could not afford a rental on their own.

It's a beautiful park with so much history, and everyone who wants to experience it should experience it in its entirety. With your help, it could quickly become a reality. 

*NO MONEY donated will be used for profits; all monies donated will go towards paying off existing debts, to make the boys more profitable, as well as future inventories, repairs, advertisements, and reoccurring Fees*

Thank you for being so considerate.