New amenity with PnP Cart Rentals
Patty and Paul Wachendorf are Guttenberg natives who returned to the area in 2014 and have started PnP Cart Rentals, providing access to the city of Guttenberg to campers, boaters, and locals alike. (Press photo by Molly Moser)
By Molly Moser
When the Guttenberg city council passed a new ordinance allowing golf carts to be driven on city streets, Paul and Patty Wachendorf saw an opportunity and seized it.
“We had always thought Guttenberg would be an ideal town for golf cart transportation,” the couple says, explaining that golf carts give an up-close view of the city – even without getting out. “We would rent golf carts when we traveled as a family to other places. At the campground we could make quick trips to the office or really fast trips to the bathroom for the little one waking you up in the middle of the night! Picking up firewood and getting to the boat or several fishing spots was a breeze.”
When they put two and two together, the Wachendorfs realized a golf cart rental service was an amenity that would be valuable in a variety of situations in Guttenberg. Their fleet of five carts became available for rent during Memorial Day weekend, and they’ve been at 100 percent rental since then. They’ll be adding more carts to their business, called PnP Cart Rentals, in the near future.
All five carts are electric and will accommodate four people. The back seats fold down to make space for storage, which Paul and Patty expect will come in handy for renters running errands and transport groceries, ice, or purchases from Guttenberg shops and Farmers Market.
“Recently there was a call from a boater anchoring in Guttenberg for the weekend,” the couple told The Press. “After making the walk from the South Marina to the Farmers Market, she asked if a cart could be delivered to the Farmers Market. She wanted to see more of the town, but her feet were giving out. We had it there in five minutes. She loved it so much she kept it the rest of the day!”
A May 30 wedding party rented all five carts for traveling from the ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Guttenberg to Lakeside Ballroom for the reception, though the Wachendorfs expect most renters will be camping or anchoring boats in Guttenberg. Locals looking for a unique way to travel as a family or show their guests around also may find a solution in PnP Cart Rentals.
A recent Friday night renter told the Wachendorfs that without the rental of a golf cart, their group would not have traveled from their docked boat to the River of Music concert. They considered the distance too far to walk, and one group member had a handicap. “This brings up a good point,” said the business owners. “The older generation, or people with walkers, crutches, etc., are able to keep up with the group.”
The new business may also prove beneficial to other local businesses as visitors discover places they may not have been able to access on foot. The Wachendorfs plan to include maps of the city with each cart that include restaurants, shops, and other landmarks.
A cart can be rented for as little as three hours, as well as for six hours, daily, weekend, week, month, or even an entire season. “We do our best to accommodate any request or reservation,” Patty and Paul told The Press.
Golf carts can be delivered to anyone who requests one at no charge. If a marked PnP cart is spotted on the street with the words, "Rent me now,” people need only call the number listed on the cart, state the cart number, and take it directly from that location. Renters may return it to the same location, or provide a different address for pickup. Carts can also be reserved in advance for special occasions, family gatherings, community celebrations, or even citywide garage sales.
Each golf cart is equipped with headlights, taillights, windshield, full cover, and slow moving vehicle signage. For more information, see the PnP Cart Rentals ad in this week’s issue of The Press or call (319) 310-1966.
