Riding the American Dream: Surviving Road Rash & Living to Tell About It

by Dan Hanlon

This true story is the remarkable, modern-day story of a brutally intensive business start-up—that dared to cross swords against the industry giants. As told by Dan Hanlon, founder of Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles, this book gives an insider’s view of the company that set out to accomplish what no other independent American start-up had achieved in nearly a century. This amazing saga, which has been compared to the Tucker Automobile company of the 1940s, and the DeLorean Motor company of the early 1980s, chronicles the good, the bad, and the ugly while raising nearly $100 million—from a public offering on Wall Street, to burnouts on Main Street. And, not one dollar from a venture capital firm. It is the story of the passionate grassroots heroes who endeavored to achieve the impossible. The pioneer spirit is alive and well in America today. Entrepreneurs, inventors, and everyday citizens alike pursue the American Dream with the vigor and determination of our founding fathers, blazing new trails across dangerous territory to accomplish their goals—except the wilderness now is the modern-day business world. These visionaries inspire us to reach higher, to battle the odds and live our dreams, to achieve our own levels of greatness. Rediscover the pioneer spirit in the Excelsior-Henderson family story as told in this true, compelling, often humorous tale written by company founder Dan Hanlon. With unequalled passion and a devotion to creating a top-quality product, this team built, from the ground up, a new American motorcycle company that raised nearly $100 million in capital from investors around the globe. Learn how they conquered the elements, battling industry giants, skeptics, and critics to bring their vision to life. Share in the Road Crew’s boundless energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to their pursuit and savor their moments of victory—an endeavor that reminds us what it means to dream, and more importantly, how to achieve our dreams. This poignant, behind-the-scenes tour of the company’s operations is one Ride you will never forget.

401 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jeff Kinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the best books ever, are the ones that friends give me. Of course, it helps to have smart friends! My brother bought an Excelsior-Henderson motorcycle. He loves it. Convincing my other brother to buy all three of us Dan Hanlon's book.

It is first of all, a great recap of the seven plus years of E-H's struggle from the man at the helm. But is really is a great business "how to" or perhaps "how not to" launch a capital intensive manufacturing business. The tales of fund raising are not for the faint of heart.

Serious about a startup business? Read this book first. It is so fast paced, that I was able to read the whole 401 pages in just two sessions. Some great photos included, as well as some corporate documents like the list of E-H dealers.

Even if you are not going for a capital intensive venture, it will still help. The passages on corporate culture were great. And the interaction with Wall Street was fun reading. Oh yea, everyone that knows anything about E-H has second guessed Hanlon. He convinced me that every single criticism was for the most part, untrue. One example is the building. It just "looks" expensive. The true costs were amazingly low.

If you are serious about business and enjoy motorcycles [riding or watching them ride down the street:], this is a must have. One of my top twenty picks.

[David G. Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story of determination, hard work and calculated business risk-taking. America needs more people like Dan Hanlon; entrepreneurs who are willing to take risks and "fight the good fight" in order to achieve something big, particularly in manufacturing. Good for you, Dan!