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It seems that the most successful folks who spent time in Moto were the mechanic's or those who liked to tinker...
Jim Jannord (Oakley), Greg Arnet (Arnet), Jim Felt (Felt Bicycles), Jim Castillo (innovation Sports) are just a few, but I know there are alot of people who spent time wrenching on bikes that went on to build some solid businesses.
Probably something to do with problem solving.
In other rider news, Jeff Emig owned a coffee shop and Hair Saloon with Launi back in the day. Brandon Jessman owned a Taco shop back in PA.
As much as it pains me to say this, Brian Deegan should be in the conversation for best racer turned businessman. Metal Mulisha became a massive global clothing brand and was worn by plenty of bro's who never even touched a dirt bike.
S72 Gin & Vodka by Stefan Everts
When I think businessman and moto, I immediately think of Jeff Glass.
The Shop
Former pro Donnie Emler started a small company called Flying Machine Factory in the early 70s (FMF)
A guy in a movie ran a motorcycle shop and started MSR, which was huge before it was sold. Malcolm Smith
Eddie Cole, former racer started Answer Racing and Pro Taper
Jim O'neal, (Gear and parts distributor)
Mary Tripes, Catering and mushroom business
Scott Burnworth: Jet Pilot jet ski racing gear, it was pretty big and he sold it off years ago.
The list is pretty long
Skip Norfolk HUDL Brewing Co. Las Vegas
Bob Hannah Aviation
He was not a Pro, but the founder of Planet Fitness Mike Grondahl was big into moto. And when he was on Gypsy Tales , he talked about how he felt like moto set people up better to succeed in life . His interview was the first time I heard one of the Gypsy Tales shows. He talks about helping other moto guys .
His Son Eric Grondahl was a pro racer and was/is running Alias gear, I think he may also have a MX graphic company.
Kevin Windham has made more off the Planet Fitness gyms he owns now than he made from racing. Its a business that is running and making a profit , owned by a former Pro.
Dr D Exhaust .
Maxima with Ron in a way.
Phil Lawrence has a parking lot sweeping service.
New England Pros that have had better or similar race finishes than AJ
Pat Barton has a landscape company. Earthworks.
Keith Johnson is running Southwick
Tony LaRusso owns NHMX and Rocky Hill before that.
Robby Marshal has Ramtrax a track building company.
Chris Canning is doing classes under Canning Speed .
George Holland has a almond farm
Gary Jones had is own motorcycle brand in Ammex
Davi Millsaps' new venture
Canyonbound Custom Storage & RV Park
Alex Martin
The PREMIER online motocross training program, used by hundreds of athletes worldwide (trolltraining.com)
There's some Jett guy selling donuts.
Seely with crypto scam.
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Seelys-Crypto-Currency,1…
I want to think that OP's example of AJ has not been valid, at least recently. If it was then he would have had little trouble directly or indirectly meeting his financial obligations to his business partner on the Georgia facility deal.
On the bright side, maybe its true this year and with all this new opportunity and the new math, he can pay the guy back and do a video about that.
Greg has made, lost and more money after his career than 95% of the current racers will make.
I think that was a personal fallout, not a lack of funds.
But also, he isn’t rich. The business is incredibly small. He’s just doing much better than he was prior to starting it.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=270488451684550
https://racerxonline.com/2021/12/02/the-list-racer-preneurs
Pit Row
King Jeremy started a furniture store for his wife. Ando tried the real estate stuff and hated it. Not sure if he sold what he had, or if he still has it.
Wasn't Greg who had the real estate invest deal go bad and Decoster and a few others lost a shit load of money?
Yes. He talked a little about it on his Whiskey Throttle interview.
Ronnie Stewart
Yes. He made truck loads of money and kept leveraging it in real estate and then the crash of 08 hit, and lost 35 million in land deals.
Valentino Rossi, started the VR46 brand encompassing merchandise, riding gear, and a riders academy.
A bit of moto apparel company trivia history for you but Lancer Leathers pre-dates MSR Racing and was, in fact, the inspiration for some of Malcom's early products, including the fanny pack.
The great Jim Pomeroy rode for Lancer Leathers. Lancer Leathers was owned by a gentleman from Arizona named Kent Myers who passed away a few years ago. Had a hell of a bike collection.
Didn't Damon Bradshaw own a company building airplane hangars? I know he drove monster trucks for awhile
Michael Leib Canvas MX
Bryce Hudson Grip Clean
Brian Deegan/Larry Linkogle Metal Mulisha
Jeff Stanton owns a wedding venue and a moto adventure business and I believe a few other things.
Fox Racing
Fox Shox
Rockshox
That should say
Trigger/Nathan Fletcher started metal mulisha. I was w trigger when he drew the first skull for MM in adam jones garage.
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