Here’s something some of you might be able to relate to: Adversity. Long distance riders learn to overcome it, and Tammy Robinson is no different. What Tammy learned about pressing on when things get tough served her well when her business burned down in the California fires and when the economy started to go south.
Tammy has almost 17,000 recorded AERC miles and really knows her market. “Going to rides, talking face to face with customers about what they want and being supportive of endurance has really helped me over the years,” she says. “Also, really knowing the products is imperative. We don’t sell anything we haven’t used. Customers want to hear your experiences, and want you to be honest and upfront about the products you sell. They know when they come to me that I will give them the pros and cons. It keeps them coming back and keeps returns down.”
Tammy not only retails products, but wholesales as well. Trail-Rite manufactures Polar Fleece cooling blankets, Trail-Rite’s Magical Ointment, “Mesh Manger” hay bags and more.
What’s her secret to business longevity? “Keep a sense of humor,” she says. After my business burned down and smoked up my entire property I had a customer who called and ordered Easyboots. I told her, “I have some, but they’re melted and are kind of stinky—do you still want them?”
I’m stuck forever with these smelly Easyboots,” she says.
Trail-Rite can be reached here.
