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I've watched the show on and off a bit over the years. I couldn't afford one of their bikes but they do so pretty cool stuff. Not real practical IMO, but cool nonetheless. I also like to see people make it big doing something they love. The haters always come out of the woodwork when that happens but that is usually because they don't have the courage to step out and give it a try themselves. That or they tried and failed so everyone who is successful must therefore be a fraud.
I dig the show. Hate the bikes, but love the show (other then when senior whips out an old school bike).
Read their book. Paul Senior IMO is a dying breed, and I admire the guy. He's a serious biker, blue collar worker who made it on his own by throwing down his retirement money and pushed his chips to the center and won. He's also a recovering hardcore alcoholic whos stayed clean. Whats not to like? I think anyone who begrudges someone elses success is a small minded wussy and flat out jealous. Its fine if YOU succeed, but not when someone else does? He built a product, got a show, and made it big. I would wish that on any one of you, and any one who wants em to fold I'd not pee on your head if your hair was on fire. And you wonder what is wrong with america --- they create jobs, build an american bike and do well. pfft. seriously, whats wrong with some people.
I like the show. I hope they go further. Ill admit It was more interesting with vinnie, because like Paul Sr he was the real deal. Same with Rick. Mikey is nothing but entertainment, but I even like him. Jr Im not sure about, although you cant argue with what he brought to the table.
Rock on OCC
Have to agree with this one. I too admired the old man for many reasons. He overcame substance abuse, was a hard working SOB, seemed to take care about of his family. But on the other hand he didn't get to the top on his own a failed miserably in one area where most businessmen fall short. The recipe for a successful business is easy. Get good people, take care of them, treat them with respect and the business will take care of itself. The number one reason people leave their jobs is due to lack of appreciation, this is where Sr fell short in my book. His arrogance became his own worse enemy. Seemed in the ealry days he really stood by Vinnie and Cody, and then became too hungry for the spot lights.
He was in the right place at the right time. He rolled the dice and cashed in good. His bikes are amusing but as a person that like to ride, very non functional. But to each there own.
Last edited by Roadjunkie1; Oct 25, 2008 at 06:17 AM.
They came to West Point and were pretty cool guys. They had an entertaining show, and more power to them on making themselves some money.
I can't stand their bikes though. They want a one off throttle body...task it out to another company. They want a one off swing arm...task it out to another company. They a sweet *** paint job...tell their painter to go nuts. OCC = high priced assemblers.
I live about 35 minutes from OCC & the wife & I stopped by OCC this summer when they had a car show going on out front. The place was packed & both Pauls were there signing autographs & taking pictures. The wife got a mug signed & took a picture with Sr. She was thrilled
The story I have heard that started the TV show was that The Discovery Channel was looking to do a show on bike builders & approached another builder with the idea. I don't remember who it was but it was a well known name in the business. They weren't interested in the show but the builder suggested OCC to TDC because of the personalities of the Teutels. Thought they would make good TV. TDC meet them, made an offer & the rest is $$$$$$. Right place, right time. Can't say it's 100% true but that's the local story.
The story I have heard that started the TV show was that The Discovery Channel was looking to do a show on bike builders & approached another builder with the idea. I don't remember who it was but it was a well known name in the business. They weren't interested in the show but the builder suggested OCC to TDC because of the personalities of the Teutels. Thought they would make good TV. TDC meet them, made an offer & the rest is $$$$$$. Right place, right time. Can't say it's 100% true but that's the local story.
Not true - at least according to a source at The Discovery Channel. When the show was being pitched, the original idea was to highlight the dynamics of a family owned business. TDC was not necessarily looking to spotlight a particular industry or product. But once filming began, the show took on a life of its own and as they say, "the rest is history" (much like the current state of the custom bike market).
Much like "Epic Ride", I found American Chopper to be like a car wreck - I know better than to sit and stare but I can't help but watch. (Although I admit I miss Epic Ride - even if it was nothing more than a 30 minute product placement cheesefest.)
Not true - at least according to a source at The Discovery Channel. When the show was being pitched, the original idea was to highlight the dynamics of a family owned business. TDC was not necessarily looking to spotlight a particular industry or product. But once filming began, the show took on a life of its own and as they say, "the rest is history" (much like the current state of the custom bike market).
Much like "Epic Ride", I found American Chopper to be like a car wreck - I know better than to sit and stare but I can't help but watch. (Although I admit I miss Epic Ride - even if it was nothing more than a 30 minute product placement cheesefest.)
That could be true but someone sent TDC to look at the OCC characters. The Teutels just happened to be there & got the part. Credit them for being successful but it wasn't their idea.
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I dig the show. Hate the bikes, but love the show (other then when senior whips out an old school bike).
Read their book. Paul Senior IMO is a dying breed, and I admire the guy. He's a serious biker, blue collar worker who made it on his own by throwing down his retirement money and pushed his chips to the center and won. He's also a recovering hardcore alcoholic whos stayed clean. Whats not to like? I think anyone who begrudges someone elses success is a small minded wussy and flat out jealous. Its fine if YOU succeed, but not when someone else does? He built a product, got a show, and made it big. I would wish that on any one of you, and any one who wants em to fold I'd not pee on your head if your hair was on fire. And you wonder what is wrong with america --- they create jobs, build an american bike and do well. pfft. seriously, whats wrong with some people.
I like the show. I hope they go further. Ill admit It was more interesting with vinnie, because like Paul Sr he was the real deal. Same with Rick. Mikey is nothing but entertainment, but I even like him. Jr Im not sure about, although you cant argue with what he brought to the table.
Rock on OCC
Mr. Zip is right on here, I couldn't agree more. I will ad that I have always been a car guy and bike guy, although at the time they 1st aired I had been bikeless for about 10 years. Now I have a Kawasaki ZRX 1200 and my beloved 04' Road King and watching them re-kindled my love for motorcycles.
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