We recently had the chance to connect with Dustin Kott and have shared our conversation below.
Dustin, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is critical as a starting point before intelligence or energy. Without integrity often our actions can be foolish which nullifies any intelligent decision making. Energy is irreplaceable in life, business or hobbies but without integrity our best intentions or plans typically fail as there is either low moral or shallow roots.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dustin Kott, owner and Chief executive at Kott Motorcycles. I specialize in the restoration and modification of vintage motorcycles. I have been successful at turning a passion and hobby into a globally recognized business and brand. I am grateful that the emotional, tactile and mental investment I’ve made toward a true love of mine has paid me back in spades. I really feel that my business was the greatest education I could have ever received in terms of client communication, sales and personal time management.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that really shaped my understanding of the world happened on a motorcycle as I was riding across the country in 2006. I decided to ride from Los Angeles to New York City and back. It was a five month journey in total. I learned tremendous resilience in the face of adverse weather, mechanical problems and low monetary funds. I learned that self application and faith are a powerful combination and when applied in unison can make your visualizations a reality. I realized on this trip that the world is actually smaller than we think! We all need to be on our best behavior because we’re only separated by six degrees from one another. Lastly, we are all tougher than we think, our souls and bodies are not made of glass.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
My present circumstances have been discouraging. I’ve had several missed opportunities that haven’t reached fruition in combination with my economic situation being stifled. This is the oldest I’ve ever been, I thought that my previous efforts as a younger man would keep me from this present situation. I guess you can’t really know or plan for the curveballs that life throws at you. I know I can’t quit but sometimes I just want to wave the white flag at life.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I have multiple energies that I operate from. I can be very gregarious and out going but I’m actually rather introverted. I think that people are surprised by both versions of me if they’d ever previously seen only one side of my personality. I like the puzzle of creating custom motorcycles because it often matches either emotional or frenetic energy that I’m experiencing when I’m working on them.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people misunderstand the concept of fighting to stay small in your business. I have always understood that my business plan, or lack there of, was problematic. Working with a finite resource like vintage motorcycles is just the start. I believe and practice constant contact with my projects from start to finish. The finished product brandishes my last name on the side of the fuel tank of every custom machine I build, that’s a big statement and one I need to stand behind with guaranteed quality. Only I can set and promise that standard.
Contact Info:
- Website: Kott Motorcycles.Com
- Instagram: Kott Motorcycles
- Facebook: Dustin Ryan Kott
- Youtube: Authentic Kott Motorcycles
Image Credits
Josh Premako
Premakemyday
www.Josh Premako.com
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