By Brandi Watters, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer
Five questions with a businessman at Exit 34
Mike Hiatt, 65, of Yorktown, is the owner of Racer’s Edge at 15119 W. Commerce Road, Daleville. Hiatt sells NASCAR merchandise and boasts that his shop has the largest inventory of NASCAR memorabilia in the country. Hiatt pays for two billboards on the interstate, one facing each direction, in order to attract business.
What does Interstate 69 mean to your business?
Hiatt: It is my business. I live off the interstate. If I relied on the locals, I would have closed a long time ago.
Why choose this location at Exit 34?
Hiatt: I was in the outlet mall for five years and when they closed, I wanted something close so I didn’t lose customers.
How is business?
Hiatt: Right now? Slow. It sucks, just like everyone else, but Christmas is coming. December is my busiest month of the year.
What percentage of your business comes from the interstate and what percentage comes from the local area?
Hiatt: I’d say 75 percent interstate, 25 percent local.
What kind of growth would you like to see at this exit?
Hiatt: We need a Cracker Barrel or a main name restaurant. You can’t get off this exit without seeing me.
