Rhoades Car International, the nation's leading 4-wheel bicycle
manufacturer, was featured on NPT Tennessee Crossroads on January
26 and 29, the most watched and highest rated locally-produced program
in the PBS system, according to Nielsen ratings. The segment is
available online at http://www.wnpt.org/productions/crossroads/v2/2012/2012_jan.html#episode4.
The main focus of the seven-minute segment was that Rhoades Car is a
true "Made in the USA" product with over 80% of its parts manufactured
and assembled in the USA, which translates into jobs for Americans.
"We're really proud of the fact that we use local suppliers that share
the same high quality craftsmanship philosophy to produce custom
components for all of our 4-wheel 'quad' bikes," noted Bill Pomakoy,
president of Rhoades Car, who bought the company in 2010 after the death
of its inventor. "David Rhoades was literally a genius when it came to
putting things together. He launched Rhoades Car out of his barn in
1991, so it had a very organic start."
Master Builder Chris Spann is happy to see the company celebrate its 21st
year in business in 2012. "I knew we had a great product. People love
the bikes when they see them. It was very sad when David Rhoades died.
It looked hopeless. Then Bill [Pomakoy] came along and saved us."
"I think David would be thrilled with the strides that we've made since
his death while keeping true to what he originally designed," added Beth
Baker, Customer Service Manager.
Rhoades Car International, headquartered in Hendersonville, Tennessee,
offers a unique line of 10 residential and 18 industrial four-wheel
bicycles that have been sold all over the world. Recent destinations
include Germany, The Netherlands and Antigua.
Ken Wilshire, who produced the segment, explained that not only is the
Rhoades Car an economical eco-friendly form of transportation, but
burning 500 calories an hour is good too. "Riders simply need the
motivation to be leaner and greener but you might find the Rhoades Car
motivation is more fun than reaching your journey's end," he adds.
"It's such a stable ride," Pomakoy said. "Unlike a two-wheel bike, you
don't have to balance yourself. Anybody can ride a Rhoades Car."
Phyllis Shelton, Vice President, sees another use. "Two-thirds of
Americans are overweight or obese and Tennessee is the 4th
most weight-challenged state in the nation. People need to exercise, but
who has time, right? The Rhoades Car provides a way to do it both ways.
We're getting exercise, but we're having fun. We're spending time with
people we care about. We're having a real conversation. I think it's so
cool because families are fragmented and it seems to be a good way to
get families together again." She thinks the one and two-seaters are
great for corporate wellness programs as they struggle to fight health
care costs related to obesity.
Tennessee Crossroads has won two regional Emmy's and been
nominated for many others. It is in its 25th year and boasts
over 300 episodes at www.tennesseecrossroads.org.
"What a great experience we had working with the team at Tennessee
Crossroads," Pomakoy said. "They really care about featuring
Tennessee companies and individuals who offer unique products."
To see motorized and non-motorized Rhoades Car models, visit www.RhoadesCar.com,
call 800-531-2737 or send an email to info@rhoadescar.com.
