My successes.

Wheels on Rails came to mind when I was in the middle of college (2020). I was stuck on what I wanted to do with my future, but at the time, I was working for the State of Michigan in the Office of Rail while attending school. I gained a huge passion for the railroad industry because of what this job has brought me. It was in the middle of COVID when I started biking a lot. I made a few big trips throughout Michigan and found a lot of peace in nature. I wanted to combine my two passions and fell in love with the idea of railroad biking. It was a long road to get the approvals. Because of my colleagues at the state of Michigan and the railroad (Great Lakes Central), they believed in the young female entrepreneur I am, and for that, I am so grateful! It has been such a dream to bring this to my home state.

The only funding I could get because I was a new business with no previous gross income was what I had saved up since starting work at age 15. I didn’t know why I was saving,  but I was taught to save growing up, and I used all my savings that I had built to start this business. It wasn’t easy, but I took a leap of faith and tried! I was young; there was time to fail if needed. 

I faced a lot of discrimination for my age and gender -being 20 and a woman. I am grateful in the long run because I have been able to advocate for women in entrepreneurship and women in male-dominated fields. I have also been able to share my story with younger generations. Anything is possible if you have the time and energy to do it! Additionally, meeting with a SCORE mentor allowed me to get advice and validate my business model at the front of this endeavor. Their guidance provided more in-depth questions that I needed to consider for my business. 

Because Wheels on Rails is brand new and the only rail-biking experience in the state of Michigan and all the surrounding states, we can bring a brand new concept for families and friends to enjoy a pedaling experience that is safe and fun to enjoy while being outside! Nature is so beautiful, and so is the history behind all the railroad tracks worldwide! It is so much more than just the business. It is the entire history and concept of being outdoors together!