Today we’d like to introduce you to Rob Paul.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in CT, and I have been (and still am) a custom cabinetmaker for over 35 years. For some ungodly reason, I decided it was time for a change. So, I decided to buy a restaurant. After working in the restaurant industry for many years, I was approached to be in charge of a fine dining restaurant bar and cocktail program. After many years there, I met my current business partners, Colin Caplan and Christian Bruckhart. They had purchased a party bike for CT, and I knew instantly I wanted to be part of this. After telling them my dreams of moving to FL and opening a party bike business, Limo Cycle came up for sale. I had never heard of Sanford, but I came down with my wife Dawn, and we fell in love with the charming city. We had 18 days to get our affairs in order in CT to sign the paperwork and transfer the business to us. Dawn stayed in CT for a little over 2 months, and I moved here and started running the day-to-day operation in 2018. The residents and business owners welcomed us with open arms, which really impressed me and solidified our decision to move to Sanford.
So, we will fast forward to 2020 and PANDEMIC! Limo Cycle will be shut down for 10 months. So, what does any smart business person do while everything is shut down? Open another business, of course.
We saw the party bike business start to change and figured getting a party pedal boat was the evolution of our business model. We were either the smartest business people or just plain crazy to purchase a 26-passenger party pedal boat during the height of the pandemic, with no revenue stream and not knowing when (or if) we would ever open our doors again.
Well, our forward-thinking paid off. We are now the proud owners of Pedal Cruise, and I am a Master Captain of our vessel “Pier Pressure II” on Lake Monroe right here in the Downtown Sanford Marina. We moved our first vessel (Pier Pressure) to our Pedal Cruise CT location. We have just ordered vessel number 3 for an undisclosed location.
If you had asked me 5 years ago, “Do you ever think you’ll be a Captain living in Florida?” Well, I don’t know what I would have answered, but I sure would not have dreamed this up.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth?! I’d say we have had our bumps. But I will say, the City of Sanford, Sanford PD, the business owners in Downtown Sanford, and Sanford residents have been overwhelmingly kind, helpful, and behind all our ventures. We could not have done any of this without everyone’s help.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pedal Cruise?
So, we own 3 businesses in Sanford. Pedal Cruise, Limo Cycle, and Sanford Food Tours.
The Limo Cycle is a fun, social, and relaxing way to experience the town while exercising. We offer groups the ability to bar hop while viewing extravagant architecture, historical sites, and serene Lake Monroe in sunny Sanford. Groups of 8-15 people cruise on 2-hour rides giving a breezy and exciting view of historic Sanford. Our trained drivers steer you through the streets cruising with the power of your legs and feet! We take you to popular bars, restaurants, and shops offering our guests an unforgettable experience.
Pedal Cruise: Party on the water in Sanford’s only pedal-powered party boat operating on beautiful Lake Monroe in Sunny Sanford for groups of up to 26 people! This relaxing excursion is perfect for bachelorette, corporate, family, friend, or birthday parties. Our custom-crafted boat fits 26 guests at 12 pedaling stations, a bar table, coolers, stereo, and even has a bathroom!
Sanford Food Tours: You and your guests will be immersed in Sanford’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Your walking tour will start by meeting your local foodie and tour guide. From there, you will walk through Downtown Sanford, learning about Sanford’s rich past, amazing present, and what’s coming in the not-too-distant future.
Come hungry, as we will be stopping along the way to eat and drink at some of the best restaurants Sanford has to offer.
After your tour is over, stay and hang out in Downtown Sanford. Your local foodie tour guide can also point you in the right direction for the coolest breweries, bars, and cocktail spots.
My proudest moment for our Pedal Cruise brand was the day we took delivery of our first vessel, “Pier Pressure” I was awestruck at the enormity of this vessel. I was terrified and excited, all wrapped up in one package. The fact that I had become a Master Captain and was about to venture in “Uncharted Waters” (no pun intended) This was a brand-new business that really had no track record. We all jumped off into the deep end and hoped for the best.
For the readers who have not been to Sanford:
There is something for everyone here in Sanford. Whether it’s bar hopping or singing your favorite songs on Limo Cycle. Drinking your favorite beer, cruising down the St John’s, watching manatees and wildlife on Pedal Cruise. Or eating your way through some of Sanford’s best restaurants… We can provide it ALL!
We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success Defined: the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
I would say I have set goals and have achieved the goals I have set fourth for myself for our businesses. Am I successful? There is always room for improvement. I learn something new every day. I make mistakes, I learn from them and move on. Our business goals are constantly changing. To be successful, we evolve with the changes and make decisions based on the climate of our business.
Pricing:
- Starting at $40.00 PP
Contact Info:
- Website:www.pedalcruise.com
- Instagram: pedalcruise
- Facebook: Pedal Cruise
