ABOUT US

 

 

Chad Ferris and Tad Hays met in August of 1993 at Northwest Missouri State University. Chad was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity since 1992 and Tad rushed the Fall of 1993 and became a member later that year. They quickly became friends as their personalities were quite similar; very creative, energetic and had high hopes for their futures. 

For the past 20 years they have maintained their friendship, even though they live in different geographic locations. Tad was born and raised in Des Moines, IA and now resides in Kansas City, MO with his wife, Sarah, daughters Ella and Reese. Chad was born and raised in Missouri Valley, IA and currently resides there. 

In 2011, when the bike ride across Iowa started in Glenwood, Chad got a crazy idea that he could make a few dollars selling water to bike riders along the route, as Tad looked on from the road as he participated in the ride that year. It was quite a success and Chad had thought of taking a step further, but nothing came of it in 2012 as the route was not feasible at that time. 

2013 came upon them and learned that the route was to start in Council Bluffs that year. Tad called Chad and said that they should think about selling water on that year’s route. Then Tad had an even better idea: “Let’s sell PICKLES!” 

Chad and Tad put their minds to work and came up with a small idea of selling water, pickles and bananas and soon came up with the name “WHAT’S THE DILL YO!?” to honor specifically the pickle. Tad, being a graphic designer started molding a logo and a scheme, as Chad, a zookeeper, put together the components of the aspect of selling. 

Together, they researched and found that the idea they had was not just a small “let’s make a few bucks together” idea, but something more. They found that the bikers would benefit from their product(s). For example: preventing cramps, dehydration, electrolytes, etc.; Important things that many bikers/athlete’s may be afflicted by. 

In 2013, after spending long hours over a 6 day time frame, they grew attached to many of their repeat customers along the route. Many of their customers would stop every day just to have a delicious pickle or a refreshing water and to enjoy some shade and fellowship with other bikers. 

This is where Chad and Tad decided that maybe they were more than just a couple guys on a simple week-long adventure, but providing a service with a little bit of humor (ok, a lot of humor) and fun. 

This website is dedicated to the customer’s and sponsors who support us and believe what we are doing is good. For those who haven’t met us yet, we’ll see you in 2018!! 

 

We can’t wait!! 

Chad Ferris and Tad Hays