Look what we did with that old oak tree

After greeting the company mascot, Bosco, a mix of black Labrador retriever, Rottweiler and occasional entertainer, one of the first items that catches one’s eye is the counter in the Pacific, Mo., store. The counter is fashioned from an oak tree that was felled by a violent windstorm several years ago. In fact, Meyer collected many of the items in the showroom over the years. The roof from a dilapidated barn, an old door abandoned in the country, and a fireplace that seemed to have too much charm and character for the trash heap have all found a home in A.I.M.S. Fog Hollow.

Counter is company symbol

Like many of the items that were discarded, the oak tree stirred Meyer’s imagination. Everything, it seems, should have a chance for a second life. "I wanted to build something that would show what this business is all about," said Meyer, who quit his job as a construction worker to begin his business. Gary’s wife, Cathy, left the medical profession as a nurse to become the company’s vice-president.

In the spirit of originality, Gary and A.I.M.S. Fog Hollow manager Paul Stallings weighed various construction and design options before rolling up their sleeves and building the counter. In addition to becoming a tourist attraction in Pacific, MO., A.I.M.S. Fog Hollow is now able to offer the best of both worlds: used parts for foreign motorcycles as well as new parts for American motorcycles. It’s more than just a business, maintains Meyer. Indeed, it’s a slice of history that celebrates the spirit of the American pioneer.

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