Who Owns Orange County Choppers
Orange County Choppers (OCC) is a custom motorcycle brand founded by Paul Teutul Jr. and his father, Paul Teutul Sr. The company is best known for its reality TV show, Orange County Choppers, which aired from 2002 to 2010 and again in 2013. In practice, ownership and day-to-day control rest with the Teutul family, while operations have scaled through company leadership and management roles. This guide explains the ownership structure, key leaders, business model, and verifiable facts about OCC.
Founders and Family Ownership
Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr.
The core ownership of Orange County Choppers centers on two family members:
- Paul Teutul Sr., the founder and patriarch, established the company in 1999 and remains a principal owner.
- Paul Teutul Jr., the founder’s son, co-founded the brand, led motorcycle design, and served as a public face of OCC.
Both have been central to the brand’s identity. Their public split and the subsequent TV series shaped OCC’s early fame and long-term brand narrative. While exact equity splits are not publicly disclosed, public statements and business registrations indicate shared family ownership with operational roles divided between the two.
Key Leadership and Management Roles
As the company has evolved, day-to-day operations moved beyond the founders to include appointed executives. Current and past leaders include:
- Mick Zeolla, who served as CEO and brought corporate structure to manufacturing and sales.
- Katie Stefan, who joined as president and helped expand merchandising and retail operations.
- Other executives overseeing fabrication, marketing, and logistics as the company scaled.
These leaders report to the ownership group, which retains final strategic control. The shift from founder-led to professionally managed reflects OCC’s growth from a boutique shop to a recognized motorcycle brand.
Business Structure and Operations
Orange County Choppers operates as a limited liability company (LLC), which separates personal liability from business obligations. The company designs, manufactures, and sells custom motorcycles, apparel, and branded merchandise. Its core revenue sources include:
- Custom motorcycle builds for individual clients and corporate partners.
- Retail sales of apparel, accessories, and licensed products.
- Media, licensing, and appearances tied to the brand’s public profile.
OCC’s production facility in Newburgh, New York, serves as the primary manufacturing hub. The company has also partnered with third-party manufacturers for select models to meet demand.
Factual Overview at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1999 | Company records and news archives |
| Primary Founders | Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. | Interviews, legal filings, biographies |
| Ownership Structure | Family-owned LLC; specifics not publicly disclosed | Business registration, public statements |
| Headquarters | Newburgh, New York, USA | Company website, media reports |
| Core Business | Custom motorcycles, apparel, branded merchandise | Company catalog, press releases |
Evolution and Public Perception
Orange County Choppers gained national attention through its reality television series, which dramatized family dynamics, business pressures, and motorcycle production. The show amplified the brand but also exposed internal conflicts, including well-documented tensions between the Teutuls. After the original series ended, OCC continued operations, focusing on limited production runs, special projects, and branded products. Public interest has remained steady due to the legacy of the show and ongoing collector interest in custom motorcycles.
Common Misconceptions
Because OCC’s ownership was dramatized on television, some viewers conflate TV storylines with business reality. In practice:
- Ownership is family-based, but professional managers handle operations.
- Not every public dispute reflects current business relationships.
- Production volume is limited compared to mass-market manufacturers; each bike can involve significant labor and customization time.
How to Verify Ownership and Leadership
To confirm current ownership and leadership of Orange County Choppers, consider these steps:
- Review New York State business records for LLC membership and filing updates.
- Check official press releases and credible business publications for executive announcements.
- Monitor the company’s official website and verified social channels for organizational updates.
The Bottom Line
Orange County Choppers is owned by the Teutul family, primarily Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr., operating through an LLC. Leadership has expanded to include professional executives as the company grew. OCC remains a niche custom motorcycle maker and lifestyle brand, rooted in its Newburgh, New York, operations and public legacy. Understanding the distinction between television narrative and business structure clarifies how OCC is owned and operated today.