Janelle Rominski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)
Legendary car designer and host of TLC’s Overhaulin’, Chip Foose, rode into Woodfield Shopping Center to help open Ridemakerz over the weekend. Ridemakerz is a toy car customizing shop founded by “ZEO” Larry Andreini.
The Grand Opening took place Saturday, April 19th with Andreini, Foose and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) representative Christy Livingstone. Ridemakerz presented BBBS with a $1,000 donation in their continuous efforts to help kids and the community.
Ridemakerz was inspired by the Build-A-Bear Workshop. It was recently named 2008 “Retail Store of the Year” by Chain Store Age magazine.
When I walked in, I was in sensory overdrive. The sound of excitement from children and parents on the thrill
of making their own ride was incredible. The sight of all the different options was a bit intimidating. There are over half-a-billion ways to customize your own car.
As an observer, I wanted to become a participant in the Ridemakerz experience. Even though I was overwhelmed by all the options, I was put at ease very quickly by the Ridemakerz staff. They were all very helpful in answering any questions I had with my ride-making journey. Chip Foose, Larry Andreini and their staff were also hospitable.
I started by choosing my own body and paint style and then moved on to choosing between a monster or street-style chassis. I selected whether my car would include sound or not and then picked my tires and rims. When I thought I was finished with my car, I was actually only about half-way through. I was able to choose accessories, lights and more. Once all my options were set down, I put my ride together with help from the Ridemakerz crew.
When all that was completed, I received my own “Ridemakerz Certificate of Title”, checked-out and drove out with a perfectly “me”, perfectly customized, perfectly awesome ride!
Don’t miss Chip Foose in action on TLC for a new season of Overhaulin’ this Thursday, April 24th at 7 pm CST.
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