Understanding ‘Rack-it’ Science

Rack Attack Installs Vehicle Add-on
Systems to Haul Just about ‘Anything’

by Heidi Thomas

It could be a new travel game for the youngsters: “Count the Racks.” Everywhere you look on the highways, owners of cars and trucks just are not satisfied with the number of toys and tools they can pack inside their vehicles. So they turn to stacking on the roof and on the back, using bars in various configurations called “racks.” There are almost as many as license plates.

The popularity of racks is the response to a recreational dilemma: Once you buy your “toys,” how do you transport them to the “playground?” There’s a dizzying array of possibilities, but fortunately, there are experts nearby.

Go to Rack Attack, in West Mount Vernon, and ask owner Shaun Goodman what to do. Goodman and his wife, Wendy, own the local retail store that sells and custom-installs all manner of vehicle rack systems. “We have racks for everything,” he says, “and we are experts in determining what people need.

“We are the ‘rack-it scientists,’” he comments with a whimsical grin.

Racks are used for bicycles, kayaks, canoes, skis and snowboards. There are also lockable boxes to hold skis and boots and double as off-season garage storage. Giant soft bags can be used for luggage or camping supplies on top of the car and then easily stored in the trunk when not needed.

Pointing to a display of bicycle racks, Goodman observes, “No one north of Seattle has what we have: more than 25 different rear bike racks in the store — we even have a bigger selection than REI.” Add that selection to the rest of the options and it’s no wonder a growing customer base has been building from a multicounty area.

A practical dream

Goodman started the business five years ago. He was involved in several sports and realized no one had a one-stop rack store. His dream proved practical. Although five years is a relatively short time in the world of entrepreneurs, Shaun and Wendy can already call their business “successful” and they now have two part-time employees.

In addition to the retail store, Rack Attack boasts a huge installation area, large enough for three vehicles at a time. An office area upstairs with an eating area and a playroom for their son, 2-year-old Carsen, gives the Goodmans a place to do paperwork and other business chores as a family. “He loves to help Dad,” Shaun says with a parent’s pride and delight.

In addition to the lucrative recreational business, Goodman says 40 percent of his business is commercial, fitting pickups and walk-in vans with racks for tools, lumber, work boxes, shelves and bins.

“The variety of configurations is almost endless,” he says, “and contractors keep us busy year around.” Some of his commercial clients formerly used Seattle firms, he notes, but now are happier doing business locally. Rack Attack also works with truck dealerships, where the racks and other truck accessories can be rolled into the loan package. “It’s another significant piece of the business and it keeps us hoppin’,” he adds.

Hard work is paying off for this family-owned business. “We say that we have two kids, Carsen and the store,” he says, “because when you have a business, you have to feed it and take care of it, too.

“When you have something you see the need for and are willing to work, you’ll succeed,” he notes. “We are making a comfortable living.”

Rack Attack, 731 West Division St., is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5:30, and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays. Call 428-2665 or consult the Web site: www.rack-ourworld.com.