San Diego Customs: Inside the Journey of Chip Kastelnik & Mikey Van | One Gang Ep 109

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Today’s guests need no introduction in the performance Harley world. San Diego Customs, founded by Chip Kastelnik and now run alongside Mikey Van, have set the standard for what a Harley should be. These guys took the FXR and Dyna scene and cranked it up to eleven building bikes that don’t just turn heads, they tear up the streets. It’s performance, style, and culture all rolled into one. San Diego Customs isn’t just a shop, it’s a movement. 

We sat down with Chip Kastelnik and Mikey Van of San Diego Customs and got into it all, their beginnings, the struggles, the grind, the wins, and everything in between. From growing up and finding their way into bikes, to building one of the most influential names in the Harley world, this conversation is about way more than motorcycles. It’s about passion, persistence, and the journey of turning vision into reality. Their story is honest, gritty, and real. It shows that the culture they’ve built didn’t come easy, but it came from the heart.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to San Diego Customs
00:35 Welcome to the One Gang Worldwide Podcast
01:24 Icebreaker Questions with Mike and Chip
09:41 Mike and Chip's Background Stories
12:57 Early Motorcycle Experiences
18:03 Founding San Diego Customs
34:13 Challenges and Growth
38:10 Turning Point and Industry Recognition
41:51 Discussing Shop Culture and Organic Growth
42:58 The Unexpected Success of Profanity in Branding
44:13 Balancing Style, Performance, and Authenticity
45:53 The Cannabis Business Debacle
50:46 Staying Grounded Amidst Success
54:18 Challenges and Sacrifices in the Motorcycle Business
59:30 Reflections on the Industry and Future Plans
01:02:31 The Impact of Digital Marketing and YouTube
01:07:46 Current Motorcycle Scene and Trends
01:13:02 Advice for Young Builders and Future Plans
01:21:30 Concluding Thoughts and Appreciations

Connect with San Diego Customs:
Website: https://www.sandiegocustoms.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/sandiegocustoms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegocustoms/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnENCpldWZK2FcgRccuYgxQ

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#SanDiegoCustoms #MikeyVan #ChipKastelnik #MotorcyclePodcast #OneGangWorldwide #CyclesWorldwide #PerformanceBaggers #FXRBuilds #MotorcycleCulture #CustomMotorcycles