Who Owns Orange County Choppers
Orange County Choppers is a custom motorcycle manufacturer and cultural brand founded by Paul Teutul Sr. in 1999 in Orange County, New York. The company is best known for its long-running reality television series "American Chopper" on Discovery Channel, which aired from 2003 to 2010 and was later revived in 2013. The brand is closely associated with Paul Teutul Sr. as the original owner and public face, and the company has been structured as a family-operated business with multiple Teutul family members holding key operational and ownership roles over the years. Forbes has covered the business model behind the brand.
The ownership of Orange County Choppers has shifted over time due to family disputes, business restructuring, and legal proceedings. Paul Teutul Sr. remains the founder and a central figure in the company's history, while Paul Teutul Jr. was a co-owner and senior designer before leaving the company amid a highly publicized falling out. The business has operated under different corporate entities, and the current ownership structure reflects a combination of family interests, private equity involvement, and operational leadership changes. SEC filings and business registration records provide details on the corporate entities tied to the brand.
Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. Ownership Roles
Paul Teutul Sr. is the founder and former majority owner of Orange County Choppers, and he played the central role in building the company into a recognizable global brand. His ownership stake and leadership decisions shaped the company's direction, including the launch of the show, the expansion into branded merchandise, and the development of custom bike builds for high-profile clients. Paul Teutul Jr. served as a senior designer and co-owner, contributing to the company's creative identity before his departure, which led to a legal and public split that affected the brand's trajectory.
The Teutul family's involvement in Orange County Choppers has been a defining factor in the company's ownership narrative, with multiple family members holding equity, management, and operational roles at different times. Paul Teutul Jr. later launched his own motorcycle company, Paul Jr. Designs, which operates as a separate entity and competes in the custom bike market. The division between the two Teutul-led businesses has been a key factor in shaping the current ownership landscape and competitive positioning of both brands. Forbes analysis of the Teutul family business split provides additional context on the financial and operational impact of their separation.
Current Corporate Ownership and Business Structure
The current ownership of Orange County Choppers reflects a combination of private ownership, family interests, and operational leadership changes following the departure of key figures and the evolution of the business. The company has operated under different corporate entities, and the ownership stakes have been adjusted over time to reflect new investments, partnerships, and internal restructuring. The brand continues to operate as a custom motorcycle manufacturer and lifestyle brand, with a focus on high-end custom builds, merchandise, and media licensing.
Orange County Choppers has also engaged in licensing and branding partnerships that have influenced its ownership and revenue structure, including collaborations with apparel companies, media outlets, and event organizers. The company's