Joe Effertz, StoneGate Founder

I’ve always enjoyed being in the driver’s seat. Whether I’m behind the wheel of a car or developing a new business venture, I thrive when I can direct forward momentum in a fast-paced environment.

My entrepreneurial drive has been fueled by my lifelong love of cars. When I was 15 years old, I bought my first car—a 1968 Pontiac Catalina convertible—with the money I’d been saving since I was 10 years old from mowing lawns. Between the ages of 16 and 21, I owned nine different cars, the first 5 of which were Pontiacs.   Motocross was another passion and I raced as a teenager and on and off till my mid 40’s.  Thanks to working on the family farm, I drove combines, 18-wheel trucks, tractors, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment.  If there was something with a motor, I could run it, and still, love anything with Horsepower!

Once out of college, I chose to combine my years of experience with my family’s farming business and a passion for entrepreneurial endeavors. I noticed trends while working in the architectural industry and took advantage of opportunities that came my way.

I’ve enjoyed success in business, but my love of cars and motorcycles has never left me. Across the nation, enthusiasts gather regularly for car shows, auctions, races, and other events. It was while I was at a car show and auction that I found myself imagining a location where motorsports enthusiasts could go enjoy their passion on a daily basis and could just open their doors and let the car events come to them.   That’s how the idea for StoneGate got its start.  Using my experience with land and business development, I began making my vision into a reality that I could share with the greater Kansas City area.

Contact Elizabeth Hill at 913.489.7223 (RACE) or elizabeth@hilllawfirm.com if you’re interested in learning more about ownership of a Private Garages @ Stonegate.