The Ride of a Lifetime: Doing Business the Orange County Choppers Way

by Paul Teutul

Tough, smart business advice from the star of the hit TLC reality show "American Chopper"

Now in paperback, The Ride of a Lifetime elucidates the business principles that have made Paul Teutul Sr. and Orange County Choppers a household name. Paul's smart, commonsense business wisdom works for businesses both big and small in any industry. Here, he shows you firsthand how he built a uniquely successful business by working hard and demanding it from others; encouraging and embracing unfettered creativity; establishing well-defined roles for every team member and demanding they support each other; and using honest conflict and confrontation to solve problems and constantly innovate.

Paul and his sons build the best one-of-a-kind choppers in the world with unrivaled passion, creativity, and honesty. The Ride of a Lifetime shows you how they do it.

Offers an inside look at the business practices that built Orange County Choppers into a massively successful business Reveals a different side to the OCC family patriarch Full of practical, real world business principles that lead to unlimited success for any business The Ride of a Lifetime is a smart, tough-as-nails guide to business success that every entrepreneur should read.

Genres: Business, Biography

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2009

About the author

Paul John Teutul, Sr., (May 1, 1949 in Yonkers, New York), is the founder of Orange County Ironworks and Orange County Choppers. Teutul works along with his sons Paul Teutul, Jr. and Michael Teutul, who became celebrities when Orange County Choppers became the focus of a reality television series called American Chopper in 2002.

Teutul grew up in Yonkers, New York. He is a Vietnam War veteran of the United States Merchant Marine.

In a few episodes of American Chopper, Teutul has made references to past abuse of drugs and alcohol. He has stated that he was a frequent marijuana user and, according to him, "had basically done any drug around".[2] He feels that his alcoholism influenced his children to experiment as well. During an episode in which Mikey interviewed OCC's staff for the Web site, he asked his father, "What is your best memory?" to which Paul Sr. responded, "Gettin' sober." Additionally, he has mentioned having "missed out" on most of his children's childhood.

In the book written by the Teutuls called The Tale of the Teutuls, Paul Sr. reveals that he didn't know his middle name until his mid thirties, and he finds out that he is in fact a legal junior, having the same name as his father, but by then the nickname "senior" had already stuck.

Reviews

[Adriyana Grotseva]

Simple quick book of how the guy build “American Chopper” bikes. He gives the typical business advice of stick to your principles and commitments, put a lot of work, hire well, treat people well and give back. I didn’t learn anything new nor the book was so exciting to me. I didn’t know mich before about the bikes and struggles he went through to build the company so that was a bit interesting.

[James]

As a long time fan of the show, I was looking for a bit more behind the scenes story rather than business advice so left a little disappointed. With that being said, Paul Teutul's advice has evidently worked for his business and is broadly applicable to most people.

[Amroj Sandhu]

This book is a perfect example of NOT preaching what one is teaching. After looking at how the authors life turned out, not very motivated with the book.

[Chase Byrne]

Insightful and informative, shows his path to success through hardwork before he was ever on TV.

[Rickb]

Easy reading. Paul Sr gives good advise on the way he started and ran his businesses. Interesting to hear his story after watching the show on tv.

[Jeremy Mabingnay]

Back in 2003, I went to a Korn concert wearing an Orange County Choppers t-shirt. I noticed among the crowd that I wasn’t the only one. Little did I know that OCC is a brand name synonymous with badass custom motorcycles and a chic clothing line propelled to mainstream success by the hit television show “American Chopper”. The man behind the brand is Paul Teutul, Sr. and in his new book, he shares his recipe for success and opens up about his personal trials & business failures, parenting, and of course, his love of motorcycles. An inspiring read about the inner workings of a thriving motorcycle company and the man that fuels the engine of its operations.

[Liz]

Follow these principles of Paul Teutul Sr. and you are sure to succeed. Partnerships, passion, perseverance, stick to your commitments, welcome change, never sell out, be an example, surround yourself with good people, learn to trust others, don't let pride get in the way, stay organized, take care of your employees, running a family business, never back down, never stop halfway or lower your standards, learn from your mistakes, be humble, give back, and always follow your dream. Read this book to find out how these key principles can make a difference in your business or most importantly in your life!

[Traci]

I guess I was looking for a little more dirt of behind the scenes but didn't get it. He was an alcoholic and drug abuser who became very successful at business. That about sums it up. Then he goes on to repeat it about a million more times to finish up the page count. You can tell that his voice is in the book but there are too many big words which makes me think the "co-author" had a lot more to do with the book that Sr. did. Love the show and will continue watching but the book was a no thanks for me.

[Justin Sylvia]

At first i wasn't sure what exactly to think of this book, even though the book was about 1 of my favorite TV families...The Teutul's from Orange County, New York. I did however know that this would be a worth while read considering how into bikes i am. At first it sorta seems like its a blueprint/road map to do business the same way that Paul Teutul Sr does but it also has little tidbits and stories inter-woven into the book as to not make it boring and Wall Streetish. I would definately recommend this book to any Teutul Head or OCC Fan

[SouthWestZippy]

Paul Teutul Sr. does not hold much. He is very straight forward about the lessons he learned on his business owning journey. He talks about his growing pains with dealing with people that don't have his same views of doing things. Teutul does not talk a lot about his personal life but does give enough here and there to give you a full picture of the reason he is the way he is. He does also talk a little about dealing with having his kids work with him. Book is repetitive at times but overall a good book.

[Kristi]

I enjoyed this book more as a history of Senior's life as opposed to a business guide. It gives some practical advice and relates his real world business experience to it. It is definitely an inspiring story and I was amazed at what he overcame to be the man he is today and have the sucess he has. If you enjoy the show you will probably like the book and get some sound business advice as well.

[Kevin]

I enjoyed this book primarily for the background info on OCC and American Chopper. No real life changing biz strategies here but some (some) interesting reading and cool pics. Paul is no journalist (or writer) but not a bad quick read especially if you like motorcycles

[Rita]

Very interesting in his philosophies. I can understand his behavior more when watching the show.

[Brooke]

Didn't really like it, found it alittle self indulgent.

[Joseph]

Not very well written but what can you expect from the author?

[Jason_Sudeikis_IsMyHeart]

I am a huge fan of Paul Teutul, Sr. I really look up to him. This book was inspiring and a great read.

[Deon French]

Not really recommend the book, but for diehard fans.