Ringgold Power Sports owner Bonnie Wagner will be opening her shop to the community for an exciting week of events.
Ringgold Power Sports is celebrating 10 years in business in downtown Ringgold with a Customer Appreciation Week from April 7-12.
“We've had such great support from the community over the years, we wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the community,” explained Bonnie Wagner, the owner of Ringgold Power Sports. Located at the corner of Lafayette and Maple Streets, behind the Catoosa County Courthouse, Ringgold Power Sports has been dedicated to selling, repairing and customizing everything from chainsaws to golf carts for local residents.
“My brother and I began racing BMX bikes when I was 6 years old, and I was either watching my brother or my dad fix something or doing it on my own,” explained Ms.
Wagner. Growing up in South Florida, Wagner competed state wide, as well as toured the U.S. and raced in Puerto Rico and Japan. Ms. Wagner competed with girls and boys, as there was not always enough girls. “Racing boys was very competitive because they didn't want to get beat by a girl,” said Ms. Wagner. Ms. Wagner was ranked first in the state by the National Bicycle League for at least four years. Some of her sponsors included SE Racing Bikes, Oakley Goggles, and Bell Helmets. Being able to gain notoriety as a young female competitor had its advantages. When she was 16, she traveled to Japan, and was featured on the promotional poster for the Japan International BMX Race.
Ms. Wagner went on to earn her Masters in Business Administration at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in 1995, and soon thereafter moved to Ringgold with her parents, (her Mom being a Ringgold native and former Ringgold High School valedictorian.) Early on in the business of selling golf carts, Wagner realized the demand for outdoor vehicles and repairs, especially when her 4-year-old son, Jacob became interested in 4 wheelers and dirt bikes. “I helped another dealer clear a lot of inventory of used bikes and carts and realized there was a big niche here in Ringgold that wasn't being filled,” said Ms. Wagner.
In 2011, Ms. Wagner became a Husqvarna dealer to sell chain saws, just a few weeks before the tornado hit Ringgold. Overnight there was a flood of equipment to take care of and a huge demand. Ms. Wagner said, “We sharpened chain saws for free, and with our golf carts , transported supplies and equipment all over town, because the roads were closed.”
To mark the 10th anniversary of her business in downtown Ringgold, Ringgold Power Sports will host a week-long celebration featuring door prizes, discounts and special product demonstrations during the second week in April. “We are offering a different special each day,” said Ms. Wagner, “and discounts will be available through the month of April.” Tuesday is free battery installation with purchase of batteries for a Deka lawnmower or AGM motorcycle. Wednesday is free sharpening on axes, lawnmower blades and precision sharpening on chainsaw chains – maximum of two sharpenings. Thursday will be 50 percent off rebuilding ATV and Lawnmower starters. Friday will be 50 percent off rebuilding electric golf cart motors on site. A Husqvarna 370BTS back blower will be raffled at the cost of $10 per ticket. Only 50 raffle tickets will be sold. The final event is on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 pm, when Husqvarna will provide a chainsaw carving demonstration – with hot dogs and soft drinks for lunch for their guests.
“I have always developed a great relationship with my customers because they are our neighbors and friends. I have customers who will travel a little farther out of their way just to buy from a place they know is owned by someone locally.” After expanding services, employees and renovating the shop, Ms. Wagner still gets questions about how a mother of two has become so successful repairing small engines. “Well,” Ms. Wagner said, “Girls can run a small business, too, and I enjoy the challenge and I think everyone should own a recreational vehicle and a Zero Turn Lawnmower to cut their grass.”
Ringgold Power Sports is located at 831 Lafayette Street in downtown Ringgold. For more information about Ringgold Power Sports Customer Appreciation Week, visit www.ringgoldpowersports.com or call 706-965-3791.