The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/19/08
It has long been considered the holy trinity in the business community: the right product in the right place at the right time.
Tucked behind a McDonald's in Peachtree City, Ga., Achor Njoku and Cheryl Brothers, his wife of 20 years, think they've hit upon this business trifecta by selling solar-powered golf carts to increasingly energy-conscious consumers in Peachtree City, where residents own more than 9,000 golf carts.
 Frank Niemeir/Atlanta Journal-Constitution | |
| Cheryl Brothers and husband Achor Njoku sell solar-powered golf carts in Peachtree City, Ga., which has 90 miles of paths. | |
Smart Energy Stuff offers a variety of solar-powered golf carts, from $6,000 to $9,000. The costs are on par with those of regular electric-powered golf carts, but they come with the added sweetener of one-time state and federal tax credits of up to $990.
"Things are tight," said Njoku, a Nigerian-born New York City transplant who has lived in Fayetteville with his wife for the past three years, "and tight people are holding on to their money. What we're trying to do is give them products that will save them money and also be very green."
Smart Energy Stuff sells other solar-powered products, such as a sun-powered water heater, electric panels and outdoor lights.
A self-professed "solar geek," Njoku said he is a civil engineer and architect by trade with a natural affinity for cars and all things solar.
He was attending an energy conference in Atlanta in the spring of 2007 when he first heard of Cruise Car Inc., a Florida-based company looking to market solar-powered golf carts.
Njoku and his wife, who has 13 years of corporate marketing experience, signed on as dealers and soon concluded that Peachtree City, 30 miles south of Atlanta, was best suited as the company's home.
A sign their new business is gaining a little momentum in this affluent community with 90 miles of golf cart paths: One of its bright red solar-powered carts is to cruise in the July Fourth parade.
