Home topics news News Sponsored News braaap: A business operating at full throttle Lorna Brett July 22, 2011 [wposflv src=http://backend.dynamicbusiness.com/bradVideo.flv previewimage=http://backend.dynamicbusiness.com/baarup.jpg width=430 height=248 title=”A business operating at full throttle”] Brad Smith’s story is a classic example of a passionate hobby unfolding into small business success. From quiet beginnings in the backyard shed with his Dad, his passion, drive and energy have helped him build a retail chain of braaap stores. The original motocross store in his native Launceston, has now become 4 stores selling everything to do with the lifestyle – from parts and accessories, to riding gear and street clothes. Growing up Brad’s whole life was motocross. He particularly loved the Superlight category, however it was quite inaccessible due to the prohibitive price of the bikes. They were custom-built and cost in excess of $12,000. Brad was determined to develop and build a cheaper version. “If we were going to get the sport pumping in Australia, like it was in the States, we needed a superlight bike that was more affordable.” After 3 years of development in the garage, Brad designed a bike he thought was competitive. He then travelled to China to find a factory that would make it to his exact specs and avoid the quality issues he’d found with other imports. After much searching, and with very little money or backing, he was lucky enough to find a French-owned company that shared his vision. And the name braaap, well it was Brad’s nickname for years. “It’s