We had the good fortune of connecting with Dustin Kott and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dustin, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I really appreciate an excerpt from the poem “IF” by Rudyard Kipling: “If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run”. I think this excerpt resonates with me because there is nothing more useful than tenacity in the midst of struggle. When you break down a minute into mere passing moments, in times of trial, ask yourself if you can continue on for just one more second the unforgiving minute soon dissipates.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Motorcycles are culturally iconic. There is inherent beauty in motorcycles because they are simple and explicit in their design, you can’t just simply “close the hood” on a motorcycle and hide the sum of its parts. Therefore, those that see the beauty in these machines draw careful attention to those very parts in order to capture the attention of the casual passerby who wouldn’t normally even consider a mechanical object as art. I have my own unique interpretation of how I manifest my vision onto a motorcycle that differs from others. In so doing, I have created a recognizable silhouette, outline and stance to my projects that some would consider a “brand”.
I find that I’m most excited about the opportunity to not only improve my skill set in my craft but to have the chance to create from a place of abundance in that every project is entirely unique from its predecessor.
There really hasn’t been anything easy about creating a brand and sustaining a business that began as a hobby. When I received help and input from others along the way I had no idea how invaluable, perhaps even to the point of luck it was to be a recipient of such grace. The only way I ever overcame challenges in this brand building process was to actively choose to simply put my work boots on every day.
I have two very simple takeaways from all I’ve learned in my business and craft, humility and authenticity. Humility is often hard won but a necessary character trait. I have heard it said that experience is something you get just shortly after you needed it, I feel that humility is no different. Authenticity is a different lesson. I find that it’s critical in that you never want anything spoken about you or your brand to be inconvenient to the truth. Be honest in your failings and successes and meet Triumph and disaster with your integrity intact.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a SoCal native I would immediately entertain the idea of taking a friend or guest of my shop to the Bike Shed in DTLA. It’s an amazing conglomerate of food, beer, coffee, retail and motorcycles under one roof. As a long time surfer I think my next stop would be Ventura for a surf session on California street and then world famous fish tacos at Spencer Mckenzies. Lastly, L.A. county has some world class riding. From two lane canyon roads, beach front and Mountain views to iconic roadside attractions, a quick ride on shop built vintage cafe racers would finish off the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As with any endeavor there’s a long list of supporting cast, often too many to list. The gratitude that is due to so many cannot be expressed in words. Any and all of those intimate friends, colleagues and mentors know exactly who they are and what every irreplaceable moment means to me on behalf of their selflessness. Thank you.

Website: Kottmotorcycles.com

Instagram: Kott Motorcycles

Youtube: Kott motorcycles authentic

Other: Bike Shed L.A.

Image Credits
Alex Martino

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