Passionate about motorsports and skilled in automotives, Paul Kramer uses his expertise to give his customers an advantage.

Name: Paul Kramer

Position/company: Owner of Ghost- rider Motorsports in Fernie, B.C.

Products and services: We carry the complete line of Honda including street bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, marine engines and power equipment. We also have Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATVs and plenty of outerwear and accessories.

Past lives: I was raised in Fernie from the age of two, so I guess you could consider me a local boy. After high school I went to East Kootenay Community College (now College of the Rockies) where I studied general mechanics. I then did an apprenticeship and got my Journeyman’s automotive ticket. In 1999 I opened Ghostrider Motorsports with a partner.

Describe an average day for you: I usually get a 7 a.m. start, help get my three kids Dylan, Austin and Noah off to school—although I must say my wife Shannon should get most of the credit for that—and get to work about 8:30 a.m., where I basically try to take care of business.

What is your biggest achievement? It would first and foremost be my family. We have gone through a lot of ups and downs and sometimes being self-employed means your family life can suffer. I am just so lucky to have a great gal at home. Without her support I would not be where I am today. Besides this, I think it would be surviving for 20 years as a self-employed business person in the Elk Valley.

How did you get started? I used to be co-owner of the Fernie OK Tire store and later became full owner. In 1995 I took on Arctic Cat and decided that there just wasn’t enough room at the store to service the community the way I wanted to.

What do you like to do away from work? I help coach kids’ soccer, dirt bike (Honda CRF 250R), street bike (Honda CD599 Hornet), snowmobile (Arctic Cat M7) and occasionally quad.

What is your strongest memory? Being naive. I don’t think I really realized what I was getting into when I started in business. I figured I’d sell a few sleds and feed my snowmobile habit. I learned fast that to build a successful business you need to be really devoted and put in a lot of effort.

Financially, how did you get started? I had a little bit of money and basically took out a mortgage for the building. I didn’t have any government grants or any of that sort of stuff. My partner at the time—who had great credit—and I basically did it on our own.

What advice do you have for others planning to start a business? It is a great lifestyle but it’s also a lot of work. Really research your products and get to know your customers and what they are looking for. I am so thankful that Fernie, Elkford, Sparwood, Cranbrook and area have supported us so much.