Angie Fisher, co-owner of Behind Bars Powersports, says she has enjoyed the growth of the business since it began.
“Behind Bars Powersports is owned and operated by my husband, Larry Fisher, and myself,” Fishers says. “Behind Bars Powersports was established in 2009 by Larry. He raced competitively for several years and enjoyed the sport. “
Originally Larry began working out of his garage at night on his own vehicles, and helping others with their vehicles.
“Eventually he decided he wanted to have his own business and open a bike shop in town,” Fishers says. “What started as a hobby turned into a full-blown business in a short amount of time. In 2015 after I was diagnosed with cancer, I came to work after leaving my career as a social worker to work full time beside my husband. I have enjoyed it so much that I stayed and have continued to work beside him ever since.”
Behind Bars Powersports has a wide variety of products.
“Behind Bars sells recreational vehicles including ATVs, dirt bikes, go-karts, scooters, motorcycles and side-by-sides, and golf carts – both new and pre-owned,” Fisher says. “We also buy and trade recreational vehicles. We offer a full-service shop with a full-time, experienced mechanic. We sell parts, accessories and riding gear. We have helmets for youth and adults, as well as goggles, gloves and protective gear.”
She says the name of the business gets a lot of inquiries.
“People ask all the time, ‘Why the name Behind Bars?’” Fisher says. “As Larry’s wife, I always respond with, ‘Bars that go sideways, not up and down.’ Larry’s response is, ‘Behind Bars, because when you have had a rough day, you can go home, get behind a set of bars and ride. The stress will just melt away with the freedom.’ Behind Bars went from a small, brick building where we originally opened just doing services, to a thriving business, and now offers so much more than just mechanics.”
She says Behind Bars Powersports offers sales and services of recreational vehicles.
“We are a family-run business that doesn’t just sell a product to a customer,” Fisher says. “We offer support, honor our warranties, and provide continued support and services to maintain and keep your recreational vehicle running. When we sell to a customer, we do not sell based on a commission. We want our customers to have a unique, friendly and supportive experience. We help to choose what the customer is looking for, taking all aspects of their lives, whether it be for track racing, leisure activity around the yard, beginner and advanced riding.”
Fishers notes that every customer’s experience matters.
“We understand that each experience should be tailored around the experience that the customer wishes to gain when purchasing from us,” she says. “We also discuss rider/driver safety and laws put in place to maintain safety while enjoying the full riding experience. Our customers are treated the same as we would treat our family. We want them to be safe and happy when they leave our store. Our leading manufacturer, Tao Tao, offers free hands-on or online training to all beginner riders with the purchase of a youth unit. We also give a discount on helmets with each unit purchased.”
She notes that Behind Bars Powersports offers service and repairs.
“We have a full-service shop and can service most recreational vehicles except watercraft and snow vehicles,” Fisher says. “We do carry parts in stock and can order parts as well. Our service department can service anything from basic oil changes and tune-ups, to tire mounting, rebuilds, winch and plow mounts.”
Fisher says Behind Bars Powersports is fortunate to have loyal customers.
“Some of our customers we see several times a year,” she says. “Because we offer affordable recreational vehicles, our customers always come back to us. They come back to upgrade, trade in, and for all their service needs on their vehicles. Taking care of our customers will always be one of our most important priorities. Most of our referrals come from previous customers.”
Fisher says there are always a lot of different choices at Behind Bars Powersports.
“We are constantly changing our inventory,” she says. “The past couple of years, after noticing the high demand for golf carts in the area, we began investing in high-quality carts that offer reasonable prices. The Tao Tao Champ electric golf cart and the Evolution electric golf cart are our top sellers, and come with many different modern accessories such as USB ports, cameras, folding seats, storage, Bluetooth and much more. “
Behind Bars Powersports also offers financing for those who qualify.
“We also have great working relationships with financial institutions locally to help as well,” Fisher says.
To find out more, visit Behind Bars Powersports at 701 South Heaton Street in Knox, call them at 574-772-2411, or check out behindbarspowersports.com.
