challenging careers
By CatheRiNe poRtMaN-LaUX
Cart and soul
These specialized rides are not just for the golf course
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HV
hen is a golf cart not a golf cart? Ask Bruno and Diane Ferretti that question and they will tell you, “When it is used as an ambulance on stand-by for crowded events; as a road vehicle in senior citizen communities like The Villages in Florida; even when decorated to transport bridal parties.” The Ferrettis are entering their second decade as owners of Orange County Golf Carts, based in Port Jervis. They sell and rent golf carts. Last year’s sales numbered about 200 carts, with rentals several times that number. “We had a Russian client who found our website, www.orangecountygolfcarts.com, and ordered five carts in one day for a resort,” Diane said. “They had to be electric. That’s all that is allowed.” The Ferrettis offer gas, diesel and electric-powered vehicles. The couple does tailor-made designs for their clientele. They order the chassis and Bruno does the construction work while Diane works on designs, assisting customers in selection of paint and fabrics. A model bearing the name “Diane” guarantees each customer a one-of-a-kind vehicle. The couple agreed the happiest aspect of their business is making senior citizens mobile. “Some live on farms and couldn’t get around otherwise,” Diane said. “In many states, carts are allowed on roadways having a 35 miles per hour speed limit. The lowspeed vehicles are popular at senior-citizen condominiums. “Golf cart rentals are in demand for tournaments, where time is a factor,” she said. As for individual golfing, “Some people walk the course for exercise, but others have time restraints.” One rental in particular stands out in the couple’s memory. “We had a wedding booked six months in advance,” Diane said. “A l929 Ford Golden White eight-passenger limo was rented for the bride and groom, and others for guests, with our drivers. While transporting party members from a cocktail hour at one part of the resort to the reception at another, it began to pour. Planned outdoor photos could not be taken in the rain. So, the next day we had nothing booked for those carts. We dried off the decorations, and Bruno went back with the photographer and got the desired shots.” The business was born after Diane retired from a horse enterprise on a family farm in Greenville. An avid gardener and golfer, she
Diane Ferretti and a l934 Ford Phaeton Street Rod designed for a New Orleans client.
was emerging from the golf course one day when a truck pulled up to deliver golf carts. “I thought that one of those would be perfect for carrying around my gardening tools,” she said. “I asked the driver how I
could get one. Friends began to ask me where they could get these for themselves and the manufacturer suggested that I become a retailer.” The world of motors was no stranger to
her husband, who for 40 years operated an automotive business in Pine Island, which the pair still owns, now managed by their sons, Eric and Bruno. He joined Diane in ownership of the golf cart business. The Ferrettis attended the same grammar school in Vernon, N.J., but not at the same time. They met when she was a carhop and he was employed in a silk mill, custom designing clothing labels. That was in l964. They married the following year. Then it was off to Germany for both while Bruno served in the U.S. Army. Once back home he went to work for a company that made windows for the space shuttles. His introduction to the automotive business came through part-time work for a friend. So, for both Ferrettis retirement meant only embarking on a new career venture. Challenging Careers focuses on the exciting and unusual business lives of Hudson Valley residents. Comments or suggestions may be emailed to Catherine Portman-Laux at cplaux@optonline.net.
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Marcia Rudy of Westfair Communications directly at (914) 694-3600 x3021. HV Biz • WCBJ • January 13, 2014
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