What is your biking background?
I have been riding dirtbikes since I was young. I started riding on the street about eight years ago when I was with the Motorcycle Industry Council. Now, I have the pleasure of bombing the 405 freeway for 100 miles a day to work.
Part of your job at Alpinestars is dealing with celebrities. Anybody stick out?
I have had the pleasure of working with several high profile people. But, I'd have to say that working with Jay Leno has been great. Unfortunately, from time to time I encounter some difficult personalities. However, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
What is the wildest event you've been a part of?
All events, in one form or another, are crazy. However, MotoGP in Jerez was pretty amazing. Hundreds of thousands of diehard motorcycle fans descending on southern Spain makes for a crazy event.
What is the strangest thing you've seen from riders looking for free gear?
The strangest thing that I can think of is when people get the Alpinestars logo tattooed on their body. That's a lot of commitment for an attempt at a free T-shirt. Believe it or not, we encounter these people frequently.
Where do you see the motorcycle apparel industry headed in the next five years?
I definitely see an increased focus on technology with regard to safety designs. I think we'll see a shift from implied safety back to products that are fully functional and relevant.
What is your favorite A-star product?
I'd have to say that the Supertech R racing boot is probably my favorite design. Basically, the bio-mechanical inner ankle brace, which includes the bulk of the boot's technology, was designed first. Then the rest of the boot was constructed around that. The outcome is a really comfortable and protective roadracing boot.