another great Drag Specialties rep, but of a different sort. Todd is the King of the Phone reps and his story is worth knowing.

DS: How long have you been with Drag Specialties?
Todd: “I’ve been with Drag since March of 2001.”

DS: What is your job all about? What’s good, bad, and fun about what you do?
Todd: “I man the front lines (on the phone) so to speak. That would entail everything from taking orders from dealers, to maintaining account
info, to introducing or hyping new product, or to answering any question a customer may have. I’m a problem solver. I love motorcycles, so being immersed full time in motorcycles is a dream job. Overall, being able to think and talk motorcycles all day long and being able to access the newest of parts and information makes it a great and interesting job.”

DS: How did you get started in the motorcycle industry?
Todd: “I got bitten by the motorcycle bug very early in life. All of my bicycles became choppers. By the time I was 9, my brothers and I got minibikes of the Briggs & Stratton variety. At 15, I bought my first motorcycle, a Suzuki 90, with my money earned as a dishwasher in a restaurant. Every bike I’ve owned I took apart and fixed myself. Throughout my 20’s and 30’s, I was a touring rock drummer, most recently with a band called Dumpster Juice (our video “Fist Catcher” aired on USA networks “Up All Night.”) During those years, my day job was running a music store in Minneapolis. At that time, Wally Johnson (rep# 238-Seattle area) was working in a print shop on the corner.
He must have seen me ride my Cafe Style ‘78 Triumph Bonneville to work for 10 years before I got my first Harley. It was a ‘71 Sportster Custom in an old Amen Savior Plunger style frame. Soon, the music store became a pseudo after hours bike shop. Everyday at closing, there were four to six bikes hanging out. When the owner of the print shop sold the business, Wally applied for and got a phone rep position at Drag Specialties. He had overheard me complain about my getting too old for my lifestyle and needing a change. He must have needled me for six weeks before I went and applied at Drag. It was the best move I’ve ever made as I got the job.”

DS: Of all the bikes you’ve ever ridden, what is you alltime favorite?
Todd: “Being a chopper fan, my favorite bike to ride is my current Shovelhead Rigid. However, I did also like my Cafe Style ‘78 Triumph Bonneville.”

DS: What is your favorite type of riding?
Todd: “I like to do day trips to any of the surrounding towns. I rode my ‘71 Ironhead Sportster Custom to the 100th anniversary in Milwaukee at 300 plus miles each way. I also rode the Sporty in Sturgis last year and rode the Shovel Rigid there this year.”

DS: What bikes do you currently own and ride?
Todd: “A Shovel Rigid Chopper-80” Shovel, Delkron case, 12” over Paughco taper leg Springer, frame of unknown origin.”

DS: Looking into the future, where do you see the industry going, changes, trends, etc.?
Todd: “First, the EPA approved drive train push will hopefully fuel stylish, yet EPA approved accessories. I also wonder how long the ‘baby boom’ will drive sales. I foresee a younger crowd having to take the reins. I see lower priced Bobbers and a back to basics aesthetic.
Perhaps a combination of the two crowds–flat black dressers!”

DS: What is your favorite thing about working for Drag Specialties?
Todd: “I like the chance to be around motorcycle people and the training is invaluable. I like going to Cincinnati or our NVP Showcase to see the newest parts. Meeting the vendors and the dealers who are now some of my best friends.”

DS: Anything else you’d like to add or statement you always wanted to make?
Todd: “Thanks to BAMA for the welding help, Larry for machining help, and Dan for obscure parts help. Build it yourself, make your own rules. Rust is cool.”