Business spotlight: New Brentwood business features custom carts, electric vehicles

Name of business: Custom Carts & Neighborhood Electric Vehicles
Type of business: electric vehicles
Owners: Jack and Sandra Howell
Founded: 2009
Address: 2440 Sandcreek Road, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-642-7612
Hours: Every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Neighborhood electric vehicles and golf carts. Models include California Roadster, Hummer H3, 1939 Ford Roadster and Cadillac Escalade. The vehicles are manufactured by American Custom Golf Cars Inc. Low-Speed Vehicles (also referred to as NEVs or Neighborhood Electric Vehicles). They are manufactured primarily for use on public streets, roads and can go as fast as 35 miles per hour. Purchase of these vehicles qualifies for a federal tax credit of $5,335. The tax credit ends on Dec. 31, 2009.
How did you get into the business: A couple of years ago Jack Howell purchased a "tricked-out" golf cart and really loved the way it looked, but hated the way it operated. When he went out to look at a new model, he found American Custom Golf Cars Inc. When everyone commented on his new golf cart, he enjoyed telling them about it so much that he decided to contact the company and find out about becoming a retailer for the business. Now he is the lead distributor in the area.
Best part about the business?: "There are a lot of advantages to driving these vehicles," Jack Howell said. "For one thing they are pollution-free. They can be driven on roads up to 35 miles per hour and can be used for quick trips to the store or to visit friends and relatives. And of course they can be used as golf carts when playing golf."
Howell said that American Custom Golf Cars Inc. has been in business for 25 years and is a leader in the golf cart industry.
Worst part about the business?: "There really isn't a worst part. Everyone thinks these carts are so cute," he said.
Key to success: "Our customers and customer service," Howell said. "Our customers refer other customers."
Howell said that when a customer purchases a vehicle he helps them through all the steps to get to know their new vehicle. "The national excitement around the tax credit has brought a lot of people in to purchase the new vehicles," he said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Most people just think these types of cars are just used on golf courses, but these are street legal vehicles that can be used on streets up to 35 miles per hour," Howell said.
He also said that when people see the roadsters with the tops on and with them off that they think they are two different vehicles when they are just one vehicle.
Howell also reported that when the tax credits for these vehicles first came out they were running a little slow on the paperwork. He said all the problems have been worked out and credits are coming in right away.
Future plans: The new 39 Ford Roadster will be out in a few weeks and will include doors and a rumble seat. Howell said that he would be keeping up with the new models as they come in stock.