The Bus, The Brotherhood, and The Big Son of a Bitch

The Journey to Daytona Bike Week: Finding Brotherhood and Purpose on the Road

When we loaded up our converted school bus—lovingly nicknamed "Large Marge"—and embarked on the 26-hour drive from Maine to Daytona Bike Week, I knew we were taking a significant risk. What I couldn't have anticipated was how profoundly this journey would transform not just our brand, Loud Proud American, but my perspective on what truly matters in business and life.

The preparation alone tested our resolve. Weeks before, I had announced our acceptance to Bike Week, only to realize the financial mountain we needed to climb. It required creativity, hustle, and closing more business than I thought possible just to make it happen. Building a team willing to put their lives on hold to help achieve this bucket list dream wasn't easy either. Enter Brian and Zach Pomelo, who deserve the biggest Winnie Wednesday shout-out for their unwavering support throughout this adventure.

Our arrival at Cackleberry Campground set the stage for what would become an intense two-week experience. The vendor location initially seemed ideal—near the main stage with a bar in front and the Wall of Death behind us. However, we quickly learned a vital lesson about festival commerce: people tend to walk the perimeter before deciding whether to venture inward. Our spot, while visible, wasn't capturing the foot traffic we had hoped for. Similarly, our camping situation presented its own challenges, including sleep deprivation from relentless motorcycle noise and a local "Janet" who took it upon herself to honk her horn at 6 AM every morning to protest Bike Week's presence.

The schedule was brutally demanding. Operating from around 11 AM until after 1 AM, then unwinding across the street where bars stayed open until 3 AM, we averaged just 3-4 hours of sleep nightly. Between the exhaustion and the Florida dust filling my lungs, the physical toll was significant. Yet through this struggle emerged the most valuable takeaway: relationships are everything.

Through the generosity of Lisa, who became our unofficial tour guide, we experienced parts of Florida we never expected to see. She introduced us to key people in the industry, including Doug from Sick Boy, a successful motorcycle apparel brand owner who started much like we did. Every introduction, every conversation, every shared beer reinforced that people—not products or profits—are the true currency of a meaningful life.

The most significant highlight was meeting Daniel Johnson, a talented country singer who crossed our path at precisely the right moment. What began as two strangers sharing a bar and dodging an intoxicated patron evolved into a genuine brotherhood. After hearing him perform, I was moved to tears by his talent and drive. That chance encounter resulted in Loud Proud American's first musician sponsorship and a friendship that feels destined.

Then there was the surreal moment of meeting WWE star Braun Strowman (Adam Scherr), who not only accepted a shirt from our brand but promised to tag our social media when wearing it—something I never asked for but deeply appreciated.

As I reflect on Daytona Bike Week, I realize the financial results are secondary to the connections we forged. We lived like kings with limited resources, creating spoons from beer cans, building fires to cook meals, and making memories that will last a lifetime. The brand grew, certainly, but more importantly, so did our circle of friends, supporters, and family.

This journey taught me that stepping outside your comfort zone isn't just about business growth—it's about putting yourself in positions where fate can work its magic. It's about being vulnerable enough to start conversations with strangers who might become brothers. It's about recognizing when someone is placed in your path for a purpose.