Paul Teutul Sr. and the Founding of Orange County Choppers
Orange County Choppers was founded by Paul Teutul Sr. in 1999 in Newburgh, New York. The custom motorcycle shop gained widespread attention through the reality television series "American Chopper." Paul Sr. served as the primary owner and public face of the business during its early years.
Paul Teutul Jr. and the Family Business Structure
Paul Teutul Jr., the son of Paul Sr., was a central figure in the company as a senior builder and later a co-owner. Disputes between father and son led to legal battles over control and ownership stakes. These conflicts were documented on the show and in subsequent media coverage.
Current Ownership and Business Status
In later years, Paul Sr. retained ownership of the Orange County Choppers name and brand. The original shop closed, and the company relocated under new management. Paul Jr. later launched his own motorcycle brand, Paul Jr. Designs, which operates separately from the Orange County Choppers name.
For more details on the company's history and ownership, see the History Channel profile of Orange County Choppers here.
