Award winner, MLB pitcher, Johan Santana, singer-songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, and now- retired NBA shooting guard and legend, Kobe Bryant.
While these celebrities certainly bring-in business for Gateway Classic Cars that exceeds the spending limits of their average clientele’s bankroll – $150,000-$400,000–Akbani sees in their patronage more than meets the eye. Akbani also believes that American popular culture has played a major role in the rolling success of Gateway Classic Cars. Gateway Classic Cars’ involvement in charitable endeavours is no secret to classic and exotic car aficionados. Akbani sees his “fun business” as the perfect starting line for worthy causes including the Red Cross, Children’s Miracle Network, The American Lung Associa- tion, and Shriners. Retired NFLer Demetrious Johnson, formerly of the Detroit Lions (1983- 1986) and the Miami Dolphins (1987), is a friend of Gateway Classic Cars and now the founder and face of the Demetrious Johnson Founda- tion in St. Louis. “We just recently signed up to help his foundation,” Akbani explains. “His foundation helps inner-city kids graduate from high school while gettingthem involved with music and arts programs. We’re sponsoring his organization and we’ve got a few events with them this year and in the coming years. We’re really excited.” The future of Akbani’s dream is directly tied to the dreams of his cus- tomers. “There is a culture of friendship and trust here – on both sides actually,” he explains. “Forty percent of our business is from repeat
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