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Talk to me about Treadmills.
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I run outside no matter what the weather is like but now that I am a single father, I can not run when I have my kids. I have never run on a treadmill but now that life is forcing me to get one if I want to run more, what should I look for.

There are some amazing deals on treadmills right now.

Here are two that I was thinking about.

Tempo 632T - 2.25 CHP, large 20 X 55" cushioned deck, 10mph, 10 pre set programs. $550

Livestrong 10.0T - 2.75 CHP, not sure on deck size, 12mph, 11 programs. $800

Is it worth the extra $250 to get a little bit stronger motor and the extra 2mph. My days of running sub 6 minute miles are long over. This is to do a bit of speed work, indoor bricks and some running when the kids are in bed.
Last edited by: BMANX: Jan 4, 12 9:29
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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All the information you want here.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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I love it when people on this forum just tell you to search the forum....a most unfriendly seach function at best. Your question was very specific. Try- treadmilldoctor.com and look for the specific reviews of those 2 treadmills. I went with a higher CHP motor because I am a heavier runner but have no idea if thats logical or not. :)
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [The Authority] [ In reply to ]
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The Authority wrote:
All the information you want here.

So that's what makes you "The Authority"?

To the OP, I'd had 3 treamills over my 20 yr running "career", starting with a $250 piece of junk (puny deck, 1.5 hp) up to a larger more powerful Reebok S9.80 with multiple programs (on sale for$599). My normal mileage is ~ 45 min - 1 hr every other day with a longish 1.5 hr run on the weekend over the winter. My wife also walks ~ 30 min - 45 min every day. I'm pretty sure that's on the high end of what people normally use a treadmill and we've never had one break down or wear out. The only reason we replaced them was just going after bigger decks/more features/upgrade-itis. That being said, after the first couple of runs on the newest one, I haven't felt the need to use any of the features again...

If the $ difference is a make or break, go cheap. If not, go for the HP/bigger deck. They both have similar features and you won't wear them out, so $$$ is the deciding factor. With kids around, you won't regret having a 'mill. However, spend a couple of bucks on a "Runerval" DVD to keep you interested.

Of course, I'm sure the 'mill snobs will suggest you spend $2K min, but in my experience you don't need to break the bank to get what you are looking for.
By the way, this is a highly "critically acclaimed" treadmill that isn't much more than the LS you mentioned:

http://www.amazon.com/...ativeASIN=B0030EW7Q8

Brad

3SIXTY5cycling.com
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [Pharmguy] [ In reply to ]
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I like it when the 184 post guy is telling the 3900 post guy to use the search function. Like I did not already do that but yes like you mentioned, I have specific questions about these two models and would like others useful input.

Thanks for the link and I will take a look over there.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [hillier99] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you. These are $1500-$2000 normally and on sale for these prices. One is $1050 off and the other is $1200 off.

I am not worried about the extra features as I have a 37" TV mounted on the wall with a swivel mount so I can move it where needed or watch any shows I want to watch. I already do this with my bike trainer downstairs as well. PVR also helps. If there is nothing to watch then I just run with my IPOD. Again I do the same thing with the bike trainer.

Thanks for the input. The only reason I am thinking about it now is the fact they are all 60%+ off.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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BMANX wrote:
I like it when the 184 post guy is telling the 3900 post guy to use the search function. Like I did not already do that but yes like you mentioned, I have specific questions about these two models and would like others useful input.

Thanks for the link and I will take a look over there.

The "Authority" is paulo. Way more than 3900 posts, esp. if you include his first nick, smartasscoach.

John



Top notch coaching: Francois and Accelerate3 | Follow on Twitter: LifetimeAthlete |
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [Devlin] [ In reply to ]
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Devlin wrote:
BMANX wrote:
I like it when the 184 post guy is telling the 3900 post guy to use the search function. Like I did not already do that but yes like you mentioned, I have specific questions about these two models and would like others useful input.

Thanks for the link and I will take a look over there.


The "Authority" is paulo. Way more than 3900 posts, esp. if you include his first nick, smartasscoach.

John

Someone is wrong on the Internet! What should I do???
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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Compare both. Get whichever one is the heaviest.

If you can run on them before purchasing, it would be a good idea to do so. Sometimes specs are good, but once you get on one you can see (or feel) low quality.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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Your probably paying extra because it has the "Livestrong" tag.

I'd go with the other one. 10 MPH is fast on a treadmill.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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If you dont mind me asking, where are you thinking of purchasing them? Im also in the market for one and besides amazon, I dont really know of any good sites having a sale.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [JPDMD25] [ In reply to ]
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JPDMD25 wrote:
If you dont mind me asking, where are you thinking of purchasing them? Im also in the market for one and besides amazon, I dont really know of any good sites having a sale.

Dicks sporting goods is having a decent sale, and includes free shipping.

John



Top notch coaching: Francois and Accelerate3 | Follow on Twitter: LifetimeAthlete |
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [bmcmaster11] [ In reply to ]
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x2 10mph is pretty quick on a mill.

Brad

3SIXTY5cycling.com
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [JPDMD25] [ In reply to ]
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I am in Canada so Canadian Tire has them in the flyer this week but I have been watching them for a month now and they have been on sale for quite a while. I am thinking they are just last years models. The pricing is right.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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If you're in Canada, check out Sears. They usually got some hug discounts going on.

Brad

3SIXTY5cycling.com
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [Devlin] [ In reply to ]
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I'm surprised that someone named the "Authority" would have spelled their name wrong on their first attempt. "Autority" LOL.

Brad

3SIXTY5cycling.com
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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Sears has a decent sale on treadmills right now. I've been eyeing the nordictrac T5.5 and T5.7 treadmills for a few days
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [The Authority] [ In reply to ]
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To wikipedia!
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [hayai_240] [ In reply to ]
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Check out Canadian Tires new flyer. They seem to have better deals.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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let me preface this by saying I don't know anything about treadmills.

But...I have one that I bought used from someone that was using it as a clothes rack.

I don't use any functions other than the fan.
I only run on manual
I do use the incline everytime I run.
the biggest deficiency that I wished I was aware of before BESIDES deck width is the cushioning.

Mine has an air cushion which makes it very squishy. and sometimes the belt actually wiggles if landing hard and will cause you to fall.
My machine forces me to concentrate on running with light steps thus smoothly because of this but I think it's so dangerous that no one else uses it.

I think it was more intended to be a walker than a running treadmill. I don't know the brand. I think it's a Horizon T620 or something close to that. Came from Sears.

Will probably upgrade when someone needs to sell a better clothes hanger.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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BMANX wrote:
I run outside no matter what the weather is like but now that I am a single father, I can not run when I have my kids. I have never run on a treadmill but now that life is forcing me to get one if I want to run more, what should I look for.

There are some amazing deals on treadmills right now.

Here are two that I was thinking about.

Tempo 632T - 2.25 CHP, large 20 X 55" cushioned deck, 10mph, 10 pre set programs. $550

Livestrong 10.0T - 2.75 CHP, not sure on deck size, 12mph, 11 programs. $800

Is it worth the extra $250 to get a little bit stronger motor and the extra 2mph. My days of running sub 6 minute miles are long over. This is to do a bit of speed work, indoor bricks and some running when the kids are in bed.

I think it is. While I haven't heard of more than anecdotal reports of 2.25HP treadmills failing from engine burnout, the truth is that most of the TMs in the $500-$700 range were really meant for walkers and not runners. Running TMs nowadays are typically 2.75-3.0HP, with most of the good midrange ones being 3.0.

The smaller engine will have to 'work harder' to maintain the same pace as the bigger motor, which means more noise and potentially more engine burnout, and also lower top speed.

As you will likely keep this TM for quite awhile as a dedicated triathlete, I'd at least get the $800 one - sounds much more like a running treadmill to me. While the cheaper one could work just fine, I think you're taking a bit of a risk by buying it, and TMs are big and bulky enough that it doesn't seem worth the hassle, especially for something that you'll be keeping for a long time.

For what it's worth as well, there are a lot of folks who bought the Livestrong TMs on other forums, and I haven't heard nary a peep of complaint from them, so it does sound like the real deal.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [lightheir] [ In reply to ]
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I bought the Horizon T101 for $499 at Academy two years ago for reasons OP described. I use it a ton during the week. I've been shocked how well it has held up for a "basic" treadmill. Fan works. Fairly quiet. Cushioned. It folds up too. It's still quiet and works like a charm. I run anywhere from 6.5 mph to 9.5mph on it with incline between 1-4%. http://www.amazon.com/...admill/dp/B002IN6LKA

Edit: and another thing is that the front base and controls don't vibrate or move around when running on it. Make sure you run on your model first. Several of the Livestrong models have too much front base/control panel movement/shaking for my liking.
Last edited by: 3Aims: Jan 4, 12 11:39
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [Cmikul] [ In reply to ]
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Cmikul wrote:
let me preface this by saying I don't know anything about treadmills.

But...I have one that I bought used from someone that was using it as a clothes rack.

I don't use any functions other than the fan.
I only run on manual
I do use the incline everytime I run.
the biggest deficiency that I wished I was aware of before BESIDES deck width is the cushioning.

Mine has an air cushion which makes it very squishy. and sometimes the belt actually wiggles if landing hard and will cause you to fall.
My machine forces me to concentrate on running with light steps thus smoothly because of this but I think it's so dangerous that no one else uses it.

I think it was more intended to be a walker than a running treadmill. I don't know the brand. I think it's a Horizon T620 or something close to that. Came from Sears.

Will probably upgrade when someone needs to sell a better clothes hanger.

I agree with this - I 'inheireted' one from my Mom when she moved, and I don't like it. I spend 150 days a week on the road, and so am used to hotel / health club mills, so the wiggly, slippy, noisy one bugs me... I tried it again last night, I feel like - besides the bouncing - that my foot is causing the belt to hesitate at every strike...actually had a sore knee when I got off... cripes, listen to me whine...lol

Anyway, roundabouts way to say look for frame construction, deck thickness and weight, too...
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [The Authority] [ In reply to ]
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The Authority wrote:
Devlin wrote:
BMANX wrote:
I like it when the 184 post guy is telling the 3900 post guy to use the search function. Like I did not already do that but yes like you mentioned, I have specific questions about these two models and would like others useful input.

Thanks for the link and I will take a look over there.


The "Authority" is paulo. Way more than 3900 posts, esp. if you include his first nick, smartasscoach.

John


Someone is wrong on the Internet! What should I do???

start a facebook group for "internet information awareness"

_________________________________________________
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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Just something to keep in mind if you do pull the trigger on a treadmill: the overall size and weight. I went for a Nordic Track a few years ago with a bigger track area. After wrestling it down into the basement, it will never come out again.

Travis Rassat
Vector Cycle Works
Noblesville, IN
BikeFit Instructor | FMS | F.I.S.T. | IBFI
Toughman Triathlon Series Ambassador
Last edited by: Travis R: Jan 4, 12 12:35
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [Travis R] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for that information. I am lucky because when I back into the garage and open the door into the house, I only have to go about 8 feet to where it will end up for now. If I move, then out 8 feet into the garage an into the moving truck. My friends will hate me but they can come over and use it when they want.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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BMANX wrote:
I am in Canada so Canadian Tire has them in the flyer this week but I have been watching them for a month now and they have been on sale for quite a while. I am thinking they are just last years models. The pricing is right.


I got mine at Costco. Highly reccomend it given that they deliver and also have one of the best, no questions asked, return policies.

There are number of excellent models to choose from.
Last edited by: rlanger: Jan 4, 12 13:40
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [rlanger] [ In reply to ]
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I bought the Livestrong 10.0 from Dick's last month - get the Dicks credit card and deduct another $80 off, then cancel the card. I was ready to buy another more expensive model but the 10.0 was solid while running on it. I liked the built in fan and the iPod speakers. I just came off a week of using it every day, and it's rock steady for the money.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [The Authority] [ In reply to ]
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The Authority wrote:
Devlin wrote:
BMANX wrote:
I like it when the 184 post guy is telling the 3900 post guy to use the search function. Like I did not already do that but yes like you mentioned, I have specific questions about these two models and would like others useful input.

Thanks for the link and I will take a look over there.


The "Authority" is paulo. Way more than 3900 posts, esp. if you include his first nick, smartasscoach.

John


Someone is wrong on the Internet! What should I do???

I knew you were trolling! I just saw three posts from you.

You said:

FTP is based on normalized power.

The Triathlete Training Bible is the best fitness book.

And then you just told someone to use the search function.

:)

CEO at TrainerRoad
Co-host of the Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [smarchildon] [ In reply to ]
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What type of running were you doing on the tread mill. Just straight running at a constant speed, pre programmed or your own programmed plans.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [Travis R] [ In reply to ]
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I had to actually dismantle our old one when replacing to get it out of the basement. We turned the treadmill into a zillion pieces. The kids had a blast unscrewing every screw they could find with an electric screw driver :). We tore it down in about 15 minutes. I did keep the motor as it still works fine.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [ In reply to ]
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I am curious about the treadmill thing too. I found on treadmilldoctor.com that the nordictrack c1500 is a "best buy" or award winner and was $1299.
just an FYI
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [BMANX] [ In reply to ]
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Another option is craigslist. Like most exercise equipment, many used treadmills have not really been used very much and sell for a fraction of original cost. This gives you the chance to get a much nicer model for any given budget.
Cheers,
Jim
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [Pharmguy] [ In reply to ]
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Pharmguy wrote:
I love it when people on this forum just tell you to search the forum....a most unfriendly seach function at best. Your question was very specific. Try- treadmilldoctor.com and look for the specific reviews of those 2 treadmills. I went with a higher CHP motor because I am a heavier runner but have no idea if thats logical or not. :)

I used the treadmill doctor.com too, and found it very helpful. They gave their top 3 choices in different price points, and had excellent reviews.

I have an older Sole, aside from a minor glitch in the head unit (stop button doesn't work) it's been a solid unit. For all I know the newer model soles have fixed this (I'm quite sure the issue is from sweat). I just slow the TM down, and pull the safety stop to stop it, no biggie for me.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [smarchildon] [ In reply to ]
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It's not pre-programable but with the USB port they have some pre-programed workouts that can be downloaded. I won't likely mess with that function though. I did my speed work out on the treadmill last week and found it easy to speed up or down with the adjust speed button both on the handle and on the control panel.

I was looking for a basic treadmill to get me through the winter and this 10.0 is working great. If money was not an option, I would have looked for one that could also be pre-programmed, and for one that had as close to as zero give/bounce as a treadmill can have.
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [hillier99] [ In reply to ]
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hillier99 wrote:
I'm surprised that someone named the "Authority" would have spelled their name wrong on their first attempt. "Autority" LOL.

Brad

Perhaps English is not his first language...
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Re: Talk to me about Treadmills. [nickwhite] [ In reply to ]
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wow I know this post is super old but just in case you came across this recently and are looking for a treadmill I have some great advice.
IF you can budget for it then I recommend going with a refurbished commercial grade treadmill rather than a home model treadmill.
There are several advantages such as a more heavy duty frame that doesn't bounce/flex when running, a larger running belt (20x60" standard commercial size belt) a WAY bigger motor (4 or 5HP rather than 1HP to 3HP) and a much larger user capacity limit (up to 600lbs!!!!). The home model treadmills tend to show signs of wear and tear after a couple of years because the deck is coated with a lubricant that wears down. Commercial treadmills have a self-lubricating system or at least a longer lasting deck lubricant compared to home models.
One of the most important thing is to avoid putting your treadmill on carpet which destroys treadmills. If you must then put a rubber mat under it and be sure to clean under the belt and hood to remove carpet fibers that wear out the lubricant and put more stress on the motor control board.
Commercial grade refurbished treadmills range from $1,800 to around $4,500 with an average price of about $2,500. Star Trac, Life Fitness, Precor, Matrix, FreeMotion, Nautilus, True, Cybex are all great commercial brands. I have been in the fitness equipment industry since 2005 (it's my life!!) so if you want some honest advice about treadmills feel free to call me directly at 817-385-8190 and ask for Steve.
I do have a website but it's best to just give me a call since I can offer best pricing over the phone: http://www.discountonlinefitness.com/...fitness-centers.html (I promise no spam or bs!) family owned and operated since 2005.


God Bless!
Steve
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