House of Cars: Driven to Success

CJ and Lauren's journey into the world of eCommerce began out of a shared desire to turn a passion into profit. Their love for the thrill of the industry led them to explore the niche market of collectible toy cars. They identified this by comparing the excitement to that of legalized gambling where everyone hunts for that one elusive collector’s item. This enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit led them to partner with Hot Wheels in 2009 for a toy car convention in Las Vegas, which has since evolved into an annual collector's paradise fostering a unique sense of unity among enthusiasts.

Initially operating under the name House of Customs, CJ and Lauren started by producing custom Code 3 Cars, which involved repainting Hot Wheels cars to sell as custom pieces. However, they quickly realized that this niche approach wouldn't scale as they envisioned. This realization prompted them to rebrand and expand the product line, leading to the birth of House of Cars.

Balancing Multiple Ventures

In addition to House of Cars, CJ and Lauren also run a seasonal Christmas light company. This venture allows them to give back to the community by donating lights to individuals going through tough times, leveraging the proven psychological benefits of holiday lights to spread joy and positivity. "It's our way of making the world a little brighter," CJ says.

From Humble Beginnings to Explosive Growth

The Diecast Supercon in Las Vegas, an event they host annually, continues to be a significant milestone in their journey. Drawing 5,000 to 10,000 attendees, including celebrities and reality TV stars, the event aims to become the SEMA of toy cars. Strategic hires from shows like Pawn Stars and Pimp My Ride have helped elevate the event, securing brand sponsors and driving growth.

However, this growth has brought its own set of challenges. They went from shipping 1,000 packages a week to 3,000 a day, creating a bottleneck effect exacerbated by the supply chain issues during COVID-19. Despite these challenges, their market share has expanded with 11 national and one international storefronts, earning them recognition as a national brand akin to the Hard Rock Cafe. Collectors have even been seen going on tours of their stores across the United States, taking pictures of their finds at each location.

Seeking Funding with Onramp

As House of Cars grew, so did their need for consistent cash flow to sustain and expand their operations. Balancing cash flow is a constant challenge for any small business, and CJ and Lauren recognized that securing additional funding could open more doors and lead to increased revenue. This realization led them to seek funding through Onramp.

Onramp provided a supportive and simple process for obtaining the necessary capital. The team at Onramp is always available for CJ and Lauren, and they felt truly supported throughout the process. This partnership has been instrumental in managing their explosive growth and ensuring the continued success of House of Cars.

The capital obtained through Onramp has been primarily used to secure more inventory and product. This continuous investment in inventory is crucial for maintaining customer confidence and meeting the growing demand. With Onramp's funding, House of Cars has kept moving forward, innovating, and expanding without the constant worry of cash flow constraints.

Lauren: A Legacy of Leadership

Lauren, the CEO of House of Cars, is driven not only by business success but also by the desire to set a powerful example for her youngest daughter. In an industry where women often don't receive the same recognition, Lauren's leadership is a testament to breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. Her daughter is proud to see her mom as a successful woman in business.

CJ and Lauren's journey with House of Cars is a story of passion, resilience, and strategic growth. Their partnership with Onramp has been a crucial element in managing their explosive growth and ensuring their continued success. As they look to the future, CJ and Lauren are excited to keep innovating and expanding, all while maintaining the impeccable customer service that has been their hallmark. 

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