Report On Business : March 2008 // Canada

Splurge: Stroller Get your own custom-designed hot rod—stroller, that is

DAVID FIELDING

Too posh to push? Not exactly. Introducing the Roddler by Kid Kustoms, possibly the hottest set of wheels you—or your kid—will ever own (actually, this set belongs to NBA all-star LeBron James and his son, Bryce). Two-tone leather bonnet, suede bucket seat, custom red-walled Kenda tires and, most importantly for any happenin’ dad, a fully integrated Harman/Kardon Guide + Play sound system with GPS navigation. The Roddler is the brainchild of Montreal’s Jamie Coblentz, California custom king Joe Iacono, fabrication specialist Jason Albert and their friend Stephen Beallor. Each stroller is made to order. Ostrich leather carriage? Built-in LCD monitor? A paint job by George Barris, the man who did the original Batmobile? Hey, it’s your baby. As for cost, even LeBron James’s tricked-out model comes in a hair or two shy of a classic Silver Cross pram. But Coblentz admits three grand is steep for most parents, which is why he founded Dads Against Wack Strollers, a program that allows guys to win one of the company’s creations. Says Coblentz: “I’d rather they put their kids through college than buy a Roddler.”