John standing on the forklift he was assigned to drive at 9 years old
My passion for quality and customer service is rooted deep in my family’s legacy. As a third-generation Roadrunner, I grew up in a family business that started with my grandfather’s antique business, selling from our own shops and flea markets all over the east coast where we sold only the finest primitive antiques. From a young age, I was immersed in the art of negotiation and the importance of delivering an exceptional product.
My father expanded the business when he was just 21, and when I was born I had no choice but to learn the trade alongside him. I was involved in every aspect—wood refinishing, loading, unloading, packing, selling, and deliveries. After school and on weekends, I worked at the Annex market with my parents on 26th St in Manhattan, where I developed a strong work ethic and learned how to ensure every customer would leave feeling valued.
My fascination with machinery began early, sparked by watching equipment demolish old buildings and seeing tower cranes rise to shape Chelsea, Manhattan. My father took me to heavy equipment auctions, where I would sit in machinery, pretending to operate it. At just nine years old, I was entrusted with a Yale forklift to move folding tables after market hours, and I quickly realized how much easier and more efficient tasks could be with the right equipment.
As a teenager, I channeled my love for mechanics into fixing a project car with a blown engine, applying the principles my father had taught me refinishing furniture. At 15, I became a top salesman for a high-end lighting store. Being a family owned business I moved on from that position the week I turned 18 and was hired in the electrical department Home Depot, where I became the youngest manager in the company’s history.
After a year and a half, I pursued my dream and passion of mechanics in the racing industry. I had the opportunity of working at one of the most renowned race shops on the East Coast. There, I focused on fabrication, engine building, transmission repair, and complete vehicle restoration honing my skills in delivering clean, reliable work that not only looked good but most importantly, performed. After seven rewarding years, I returned to my roots in buying and selling, this time specializing in equipment.
At Roadrunner Equipment, I bring the same dedication to quality that I learned throughout my life to the equipment. My team and I ensure that every unit is meticulously inspected, refurbished, and restored to meet the highest performance standards. We understand that buying used equipment can be daunting, which is why we prioritize transparency and thoroughness in our process.
If I’m not committed to being the best, I won’t pursue it—that’s my guiding principle. With this mindset, I strive to deliver outstanding products that not only meet but exceed your expectations. Thank you for considering Roadrunner Equipment, where quality and reliability come first.
— John Gomm Jr.
©Roadrunner Equipment
