Senior peddles pedicab business from ground up
Michael Naughton
Issue date: 3/23/05 Section: News
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Morris, a senior finance and marketing major, already has a job lined up after he graduates in April. In fact, Morris even owns the company.
Boston Pedicab is based in a one-story brick shop on West Newton Street in the South End. The company consists mainly of a fleet of five 21-speed tricycle "cabs," with padded seats big enough for two situated on the rear of the bicycles.
Pedestrians who would rather ride than walk to their destinations can hop on the back and get to where they need to go for a $2 entry fee and $1 every tenth of a mile.
Boston Pedicab is the creation of Morris, who said he decided to investigate the idea after reading an online article about another pedicab company.
"I read an article online and had just returned from San Diego because I was on co-op out there," Morris said. "I did my research for five months, day and night."
Now, five months later, Morris is the owner of his own company, in charge of 10 employees and works seven days each week, all the while trying to go to class. He said since he has started his own business he has used almost everything he has learned in class and from his co-op experiences.
Boston is a city where pedicabs can flourish, Morris decided, and with the help of a "family investment," spent enough money "to put a down payment on a house." The price tag to purchase just one of the "cabs" can range from $4,000 to $5,000, Morris said.
On St. Patrick's Day his dream became a reality when, for the first time open for business, Morris and one of his employees took the bicycles for a spin. He said his first night was slow. He attributed the lack of business to people starting to drink early on St. Patrick's Day and not being out at the bars when his cabs were out there waiting.
Advertising is where Morris expects more than half of his revenue to come from. Each "cab" has at least five different areas where advertisements can be displayed.
However, Morris still has a certain demographic in mind. Tourists are what he is hoping will help drive his business.
"We're trying to sell the entertainment side of it. The ride just comes along with the experience," Morris said.
Although he is trying to get his company's name out to all the Boston-area hotels, Morris still transports anyone who needs a ride. An employee of his even picked up a Northeastern student one night last week.