Affordable Golf Carts wins top award, owners note newest models
In the world of golf carts, E-Z-Go is a top-of-the line.
That’s why owners Dan and June Stewart were thrilled when they received the distinction of 2009 E-Z-Go Used Cart Dealer of the Year.
The distinction includes all dealers in Florida, with the exception of those in the Panhandle.
The husband and wide team run a busy shop at this time of the year.
Dan said they particularly like their North Fort Myers location, on mid U.S. 41.
“We’re right in the middle of Heron’s Glen, Pinelakes and Lake Fairways, and to the North we have Del Tura. To the south are Six Lakes and Tamiami Village. We just have so many communities close by.”
He said he also likes the people in the area.
“The people here are also very nice. We have two segments of customers – those that play golf and those use use carts for casual transportation,” he said.
And they are loyal customers.
“When people walk through the door I’d say eight out of 10 have been refered by a customer.”
What’s the hottest new cart this year? The new E-Z-Go, they said.
“It’s the technology. It’s completely redesigned, with no parking brake – it locks itself. Another nice thing is that they went to a plastic v-battery so there is no rust or corrosion.”
This is a second career for Dan. He was in the steel business for many years, until he started the cart business in 2002.
“June really runs the place,” he said.
She’s receptionist, bookkeeper and more.
“I enjoy it,”she said.
The two are from Kentucky, where they grew up as neighbors. They still own a house on the street where June grew up on, and her mother still lives there.
“We’ve been married 32 years,” said Dan.
They sell new and used golf carts, and the business also has a large repair shop, much like auto dealer’s repair shop. Several mechanics are on duty everyday – the day The Neighbor visited five were working on carts.
Last year, the two opened a second store in Naples, near Marco Island,
“It’s doing well,” Dan said.
Hours at the North Fort Myers location are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m to 2 p.m on Saturdays. The address is 17521 North Tamiami Trail and the phone number is 731-9500.