Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kenneth Cole Jr. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kenneth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea of renting Slingshots was something that I always thought about doing. I just never knew how I would get started. Being that I own a Slingshot, people would wave and smile everywhere I went while pulling out their phones to take pictures. Parents would always ask if it would be ok for their children to sit in it and take pictures. In addition to taking photographs, many people would ask me if I rent them or if I know where to rent them. Of course, at that time, the answer was always no. However, after more and more people asked me about them, I knew I had to find a way to give people the same joy and fun I experience every time I drive mine. Now, when they ask, the answer is always yes, you can rent one from me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. I left for the military at 20 and never looked back. After 21 years of honorable service, I retired in 2018 and planted my flag in Texas. I got into this line of business by first enjoying the open air, relaxation, and the overall experience of owning my own Slingshot. There is nothing like looking up into the sky on a beautiful night. Not to mention taking in the freedom that you feel behind the wheel of these amazing vehicles. Everything inside my heart told me that if I enjoyed it, other people would love to experience this same enjoyment. These vehicles are so versatile. People have used them at weddings, parades, birthday parties, and anniversaries. Many people have driven them out to the Hill country and experienced the motorcycle routes from the safety and security of a Slingshot. You only need a valid driver’s license, a smile, and some good riding music with these vehicles. The list can go on forever with the different ways people can experience it for themselves.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Amazingly enough, the primary source of most of my new clients is my old clients and word of mouth. I have established a small footprint on social media. Still, nothing makes a person feel more comfortable than reading honest reviews from customers who have experienced what they are about to experience for themselves. I prioritize ensuring that everyone that pulls out of my parking lot in a Slingshot is way more comfortable and confident than they were when they arrived. I have spent 5 minutes with some customers and 25 with others. Both times are spent with laughs and instructions on safe driving techniques to ensure the most enjoyable ride.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

After I retired from the military, I started working as a GS (General Service) employee. Even while working full-time, I always dreamed about being my own boss. Renting Slingshots gave me that opportunity. I started with just renting a few a week, and now it has grown to the point where I can’t accommodate both worlds and had to make a hard decision. It was, and still is, a terrifying transition for me. I gave up a guaranteed paycheck and stepped out on my hopes, dreams, and faith. However, I always told myself I would rather try and fail than not try. So here I go San Antonio!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.slingshotrentalssa.com
• Instagram: saslingshotrentals
• Facebook: Slingshot Rentals of San Antonio
• Youtube: @SlingshotRentalsSA
• Other: TikTok @slingshotrentalssa