What would you do?

[Draginutz]

I have access to a 45,000 (no typo) Sq. Ft. warehouse in Coloma MI. The people that own it used it for produce many years back and are looking for someone to give it some TLC and turn it into a thriving business again. My wife and I are trying to think of things we could do that won't take too much cost up front and that we could make a decent living at. Anyone in that area of Michigan or anywhere have any ideas? Is it worth leaving Colorado for? I want to just take the plunge and if I fail at least I can say I tried and failed instead of wondering forever. Thanks guys.

[Gitter Dun]

Produce is a good business if you were to continue with what the previous owners were using it for. I have friends and family in the business and do very well. If you can get there contacts for brokers just to get started and then eventually eliminate the middle man you'll do very well.

Then again, your leaving clorado for Michican. I think thats the toughest decision there.

[Draginutz]

Bump! The people who own the building are getting tired of kids breaking in and breaking things. They are thinking about just donating the land/building to Coloma. I was thinking maybe something family oriented IE Go karts, Bowling, paint ball. OR maybe a shop of some sort motorcycle or auto? Ideas anyone? Its hard becuase I live in Colorado and don't really know south western MI that well to know what people want/need in that area. Heres some pics.
Out building


Actual Building

[NJSPEEDER]

If you aren't sure what business you want to go into then it is probably best to stay away. The likelihood of costing yourself tons of time and money going into a business venture unsure is high.

Not trying to be a naysayer or bash anyone's hopes, it's just a reality that if you go into something not confident or knowledgeable the results are usually failure.

-Tim

[Amatouring]

Just recently, an indoor mountain biking place opened up near here. It seems to have done pretty well, especially in the winter (which lasts quite a bit of the year). Something like that might be cool, but it is tough to start a small business in the current economic climate. Just throwing out ideas.

[Draginutz]

thanks for the suggestion Shane and no worries Tim I get what youre saying

[trapin]

Then again, your leaving clorado for Michigan. I think thats the toughest decision there.

BINGO! That's the first thing that jumped out at me.

Pete, as a lifelong Michigander (yes, that's what we call ourselves) I can tell you that a popular thing out here right now is Skate Parks. Michigan remains inclimate roughly 8 months out of the year. Kids are always looking for ways to channel energy and some here have come up with the idea of indoor Skate Parks with professionaly built ramps, etc. One of the more popular ones in my area (Macomb) is Landslide Skate Park. Some friends of ours own it and it stays steady through the week and then explodes on the weekends. Summer's are usually slow (understandably) but they make enough over the winter to get themselves through it. http://www.landslidesk8.com/

Coloma is on the other side of the state from me. Don't know the demographics of that area too much but if you're into fishing you're right by Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, two of the biggest fishing ports on Lake Michigan.

[muthstryker]

Indoor dirt bike track?

[Draginutz]

Skate park or mountain bikes would work. I don't think the ceiling would be high enough for a dirt bike track. Just a tough spot to be in living in Colorado and trying to figure out what people in Coloma, MI would like. Of course I guess thats most business ventures. Thanks for the ideas guys.

[Draginutz]

Just recently, an indoor mountain biking place opened up near here.

Do you know the name of the place?

[Twentyover]

Just googled Coloma. 1600 people,according to 2000 census, located in the Fruit belt. Two percent of the poplation of your current place. Can you live in a town where everyone knows not only your name, but everything else about you?

[Draginutz]

Can you live in a town where everyone knows not only your name, but everything else about you?

Yeah that wouldn't be a problem I grew up in a town much like that.
The Town of Elizabeth, CO is a Statutory Town that is the most populous town in Elbert County, Colorado, United States. The population was 1,434 at the U.S. Census 2000.

[Amatouring]

Do you know the name of the place?

I think it is called Rays Mountain Bike Park.

[grenade inspector]

indoor range?

[muthstryker]

I don't think the ceiling would be high enough for a dirt bike track.

Ya I kind of figured, Was trying to judge it by the bay doors. Looked like a 25' Ceiling in some spots?

[novaderrik]

indoor go kart track/paintball arena. but don't separate them- imagine hooning around on a go kart with a paintball gun bolted to the front of it? it's a match made in heaven..

[grenade inspector]

indoor go kart track/paintball arena. but don't separate them- imagine hooning around on a go kart with a paintball gun bolted to the front of it? it's a match made in heaven..

I like that one, hell I might drive all the way out there to try that.

[71RS/SS396]

You need to do your research on the economic conditions in Michigan, it's been consistently in the top 10 worst economies in the country. The state government is not business friendly which has led to a mass exodus of business' and population. The unemloyment and foreclosure rate is up near or at the top in the country. I lived there for most of my life and left 3 1/2 years ago and still can't sell the house I have there, but it was still the best decision I could have made. Good luck in what ever you decide.

[Draginutz]

You need to do your research on the economic conditions in Michigan, it's been consistently in the top 10 worst economies in the country. The state government is not business friendly which has led to a mass exodus of business' and population.

Thanks for the heads up Tim I definitly got that vibe the very short time I was there.

indoor range?

I was thinking about that...I need to do some research and see what hoops I would have to jump through.

[John Wright]

A guy that I work with opened an archery range....and he does pretty well. Who knew that people around here would like to play bows and arrows....LOL