Richard Raphael, a 35-year-old U.S. Army veteran, found time while studying for his second MBA to start a business that provides a much needed storage facility for runners in Central Park.
The idea came to Mr. Rafael four years ago when he was training in Central Park with his wife for a triathlon. They were able to bicycle together, but when it came time to run he was stuck watching the bikes, shoes, helmets and extras. According to Mr. Rafael, "that's when we said, 'Hey, wouldn't it be great if there was a place people could put their stuff?'"
That idea materialized as T2 Lockers this January. The name refers to the second transition in a triathlon - from bicycling to running.) T2 Lockers is a small facility of 15 lockers available for rent for $5 for 90 minutes at the Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park, and require only a quick scan of the items that are stored to make sure they do not include anything dangerous.
Mr. Raphael made an $800 investment in the lockers, attached them to a hand truck and added a small bicycle rack. He wheels it back and forth everyday from a storage facility at 44th Street.
After being able to obtain a general vendor license relatively quickly from New York City due to his 10 years in the military, Mr. Rafael is now applying for a food vending permit so he can also offer water, Gatorade, energy bars, and other items for athletes. He hopes to expand to Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens.
Already the father of a 14-month-old son, with his wife in the midst of another pregnancy, Mr. Rafael is cautious about the risk of not being in a stable job, but notices sales and momentum picking up as the the weather warms.
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Photo Credit: Wall Street Journal