While most parents listen to their children, most would be hesitant to make a career move based on the suggestions of a then 13-year-old. Yet, Bridgeport resident Tim Ingram did just that in 2011 and based on the next major career move listening to his son has proven to be a good thing.

 

“I was looking at what to do and Brody came up with the idea that eventually became Xtreme Sports,” said Ingram of his now 16-year-old son who will be a sophomore at Bridgeport High School. “I guess it pays to listen to the younger generation. They’re the ones that know what’s trending and what’s hot.”

 

It would be hard to argue that point. After setting up shop in Bridgeport’s Gabriel’s Plaza in July of 2011, they shut their doors for good Saturday. And the shutdown is actually a good thing.

 

Come August 1, Xtreme Sports and its vast array of items that are hard to obtain anywhere else, let alone in one location, will be opening shop at the Meadowbrook Mall. The new location will be situated across from Buckle and Elder-Beerman and beside Olan Mills.

 

Meadowbrook Mall Property Manager Marcello Lalama said the addition to the facility of Xtreme Sports is a positive one. And the new business is positive for more than just filling one of the very few vacant storefronts available.

 

“It’s going to be such a unique shop. They have a number of unique items that you won’t find anywhere else in the mall, the community or anywhere nearby,” said Lalama. “Their unique inventory is something we believe will be a major plus for the mall. This is really a one-of-a-kind store.”

 

When Xtreme Sports first opened its doors, it was Xtreme Airsoft LLC. The store, Ingram said, was primarily a hobby story with a heavy focus on air guns that could be used for recreational purposes and for professional training purposes. While those items remained at the store and will be available at the new location, the store hardly mirrors what it was three years ago.

 

And the new store won’t mirror the old one. The reason for that is that the previous store encompassed roughly 1,000 square feet and the new location at the mall will have 4,000 square feet.

 

“When people would come in and ask for something that I didn’t have, I would usually be able to get it for them and I think that helped develop a great customer base. Now, with the new space, I think most of the items people come in looking for we’re going to have,” said Ingram. “We hope that further helps our customer base and we wouldn’t even be here if not for the support of those customers and the entire community.”

 

Those coming in to get items at the new store or just to take a look at what they have in stock will be pleasantly surprised.  Along with what’s already been mentioned, there will be a large supply of remote/radio controlled items including cars, helicopters and more. There will also be top of the line clothing that includes the highly popular Yeti brand and more. For the skateboard enthusiasts, Ingram said there will be top-of-the-line offerings.

 

“We’re going to have more than 7,000 items,” said Ingram, who said the new store and its size will facilitate the need for additional staff. “We’re looking at four or five different departments with the space to grow and offer even more items.”

 

One other item Ingram believes will be a hit is the presence of limited edition sneakers; including many of the hard to obtain Air Jordan Brands. Much like opening the store three years ago, Ingram said he listened to his son once again.

 

“Those are really hot items and I’ve learned to keep somewhat of an open mind when he tells me things he thinks will work. That’s not always easy because I’m a little bit old school,” Ingram said with a laugh. “At the same time, he’s a good kid and a straight A student so maybe I should be listening to him.”

 

Ingram said he’s looking to market the unique nature of the store. Although it’s aimed primarily at outdoor recreation, he said you won’t find baseball bats and footballs in stock.

 

“There are already businesses doing that. We’re creating an outdoor fun store with an emphasis on hunting, fishing, camping, tactical gear airsoft guns and more,” said Ingram. “I’m going to have items that cater primarily to young men from the age of five up to the age of 80.”

 

While Ingram wants to target the “men who sit at the mall many times while their wives and daughters shop,” he said he’s got items for women as well. He said many of his current customers are females and his expanded items – including clothing – will have plenty of female options.

 

Although things were going well at the old location, Ingram said it was time to make the move. And he’s well aware that any investment of this nature is risky.

 

“This is a gamble,” said Ingram. “It’s going to be a success or the biggest fail of my life, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I didn’t try this. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. We hope to see a lot of familiar and new faces when we open our doors come August 1.”

 

Along with the new business, Ingram operates an airsoft field and radio controlled track off of Interstate 79 at Exit 115. Anyone interested in visiting that location, learning more about the new business or those with general inquiries call email Ingram at xtremesportswv@gmail.com. The business can be reach by phone after August 1 at 304-842-1888. Messages can also be directed on the company’s Facebook pages that can be accessed by clicking HERE and HERE.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Owner Tim Ingram, right, and his son Brody at their POS system, while the second photo shows Ingram moving inventory that includes the heavily popular Yeti Clothing line. In the third photo, the father and son pose next to what they say is a very sought after sneaker section, while various inventory items are shown in the bottom picture.