Risk & Business Magazine F.A. Peabody Insurance Fall 2016 | Page 27

Ski Rack
Sports
Changing
With The
Times

Outside Bangor Ski Rack

S

ki Rack Sports, located in Bangor
Maine, has been owned and operated
by Jay Peet’s family since 1984. Jay’s
father, Jeff, ran the business until he
passed away suddenly in 2003. Jay,
having just graduated from the University of
Maine, began working there the following
week to help fill the void left by his father’s
passing.
Ski Rack’s inventory has changed through
the years based on consumer trends. Jay’s
store carries a vast array of top brands in ski
and snowboard equipment, kayak and canoe
equipment, and a wide variety of bicycles.
Currently, revenues are made up of about 60%
winter sales, 20% canoes and kayaks, and
20% bikes. One market that Jay has seen great
success with, is cosmetically blemished canoes
and kayaks. These boats, which he acquires
from the Old Town Canoe factory located
near Ski Rack Sports, have been scratched or
dented in the production process and are sold
at discount prices.
The 80’s were a time when skiing was at its
peak; however, the Peets noticed a significant
drop off in that sport in the 90’s. It was
then that they first opened their bike shop
to meet new consumer demands. Today, Ski

Rack Sports carries a significant inventory
of hybrid, road, and mountain bikes.
Cannondale and Scott are the two top brands
showcased in Jay’s bike shop.
Jay is a firm believer that service plays a
crucial role in reaching success; therefore,
he offers a full year of unlimited free tuneups with every bike purchase. This allows
customers to develop a relationship and
reach a certain level of comfort that keeps
them coming back. Its service and selection,
coupled with very competitive pricing that
has led to the long-time success of Ski Rack
Sports. +

BY: HEIDI WHITE, LIFE
& HEALTH AGENT, F. A.
PEABODY INSURANCE

Heidi White is an agent specializing in life
and health insurance.