City Garage Under New Ownership
City Garage Under New Ownership
Shop Manager Trey Clauss Takes Over Ellicottville’s Funkiest Ski Shop
Late in September on a sunny morning on the porch of 13 Elk Street, ownership of City Garage Ski Shop changed hands from Sean and Elizabeth Lowes to Trey and Mila Clauss. Sean reflects on his transition approach, “It is most important for me to maintain the legacy of The City Garage; it was never put up for sale on the open market – in my brain, the right answer was always to pass the torch to Trey who has worked so hard for us since 2001 and has, over 20 plus years, significantly contributed to the growth and direction that the shop has taken. The business never would have been successful without my sister Patra’s artistic merchandising skills and with Elizabeth managing all business aspects.”
Sean added that The City Garage has its own unique personality, built first and foremost by its employees and loyal customers. “Our customers have contributed the most to the shop’s growth! Trey and Mila have a unique understanding of the importance of moving forward to grow the business, while maintaining its essence.”
Trey expressed that he has been blessed to have been able to spend over 20 years working for Sean & Elizabeth Lowes. “During those years, I’ve grown up in an industry that I hold very close to my heart. Skiing has been one of the biggest factors in my life and now I can say that I own one of the best ski shops in the country. Closing the chapter of Lowes’ ownership and transitioning to our ownership has us looking forward to what lies ahead for City Garage and our cherished customers. We are very confident that The City Garage brand will continue to grow and retain our loyal supporters!”
Looking back on 46 years of selling skis year-round, Sean added, “I am most proud of the second half of my career and these past 24 years with the shop employees and customers. The City Garage is in excellent hands, and I am excited to see where it goes… let the band play on!”