In 2011, after Big Dog Motorcycles went bankrupt, founder Sheldon Coleman started a small company in one of Big Dog’s former warehouse called Big Dog Motorcycle Performance Products (BDM), selling parts to Big Dog owners to maintain their bikes.
For his new venture Coleman took new loans from Intrust Bank totaling more than 20 million for a monthly payment of $90,000 secured by Big Dog buildings and several of Coleman’s investment and personal entities. On Oct. 15, 2013 Intrust Bank started a lawsuit to foreclose on the real estate. On November 1st, a Judge transferred all Big Dog Property, all equipment and 7 remaining motorcycles kept in the window of one building, to Intrust Bank.
The parties have agreed that the property transferred represents only a value of $860,000 against the total debt. The judge has still to decide the status of other collateral offered by Sheldon Coleman to secure the loans. BDM Performance Products was never a profitable business and consequently shut down on November 1st.
You didn’t have to be a great businessman to know that BDM Performance Parts had zero chance of succeeding. All Big Dog parts could be ordered directly from the original manufacturers and it’s what Big Dog owners did. Trust fund kids rarely make good business people. Some failures are deserved.
I think that big ego is what made Sheldon Coleman start right away a new business after Big Dog Motorcycles bankruptcy. Just pride, trying to erase his failure. Pride is not a reason to start a business. Coleman continued to borrow like there is no tomorrow. Of course, kaput in less than 2 years, losing everything. Now, he has to swallow his pride and I will be very surprised if he tries again a new motorcycle business.
Anybody of any worth makes mistakes an learns from them. Mistakes are like gold (to the mistaker, but not so much the mistakeree).
“mistaker……mistakeree”?!
Go look that up in the dictionary. HA!
FYI a manufacturer has to maintain a parts supply for two years after it ceases
manufacturing operations.This is for companies that have proprietary components. This was BDM perf. prod. His two years are up ,sheldon picked up his ball and went home. Don’t understand a 20 million dollar loan to kickstart the parts company. The books on that business would prove to be interesting reading……………..So it shall be written so it shall be done.
I was told that Sheldon Coleman received $900 million dollars in cash when he was forced out of Coleman.
I’m sure there are a few millions left, the whole BDM business probably cost him around $100 million.
I don’t really understand why you would have to borrow 20 million but then again, no one every gave me $900 million to play with.
Cooldaddy- who says a manufacturer has to keep parts for 2 years after they cease mfg ops? I’m not sure how that works. If a company closes, who is suppose to offer parts?
There aren’t too many people who have founded a company that grew to $125 million revenue in 10 years. Because mr Coleman did that, I’d say he’s much more than just a trust fund “kid”. He’s definitely deserves respect as an entrepreneur. It is incredibly unfortunate the economic situation changed so quickly that almost none of these manufacturers were able to adapt.
I wood assume BD owners were grateful for BD performance products help with parts and technical help while they were operating. Could that have been the point of starting the parts business, to help the owners.
At least we were able to get another wiring harness to keep our bike running. If there is another failure, then I will simply have to rewire the entire bike. That will be a bummer.
There were market forces beyond his control that killed the company. There were not perfect, not by along shot. But they made a lot of bikes, and some money, how many of you can say that?
Good luck to Sheldon and all the remaining employees.
Rod
the bank gave him 20 million on 860,000 in assets. not to smart
“the bank gave him 20 million on 860,000 in assets. not to smart ” – That says a whole lot about US banking practices.
Another GREAT Example of: How To Make a Million Do$$ars in the Motorcycle Business”……….Start With $20 Million and get out when $860, 000 is Left.
It appears from the article that Sheldon also used some of his personal fortune to secure the loan. I am sure it was only some. I bet he has a plenty left. So the bank did not make a risky loan. After they sell the real estate, not worth much in that location, and the other assets, they will then go after Sheldon’s personal assets and trusts for the rest. Just like if you co sign a loan, and they default. You are on the hook. I am pretty sure it was the only way for him to start BDM Performance.
Rod
There is no doubt in my mind that there is alot of money to be made of bdm if and when someone can aquire the big do assets and patents. There is still a major market out there for BDM products and my hope is that someone with the know how can provide a solution for proud big dog owners in the near future.
Well, crapo – did not hear this until I was trying send a message to find out where my left-front turn signal housing (ordered in Aug 2013) was.
Someone mentioned getting parts from the original manufacturers – who is that for TSs, please?
Also agree w/wiring harness comment. Glad I put my new one on in 2012!
I hope something once again rises from the ashes!
Louie/Los Alamos, NM
I need a replacement igntion key! Where can i get one
Where can parts be gotten? I need a headlight and a gas tank mount (rubber bushing and billet cap) ?
I need to find out where to get a license plate mounting bracket and frame for an ’06 big dog k9. If anyone knows where please let me know. Thanks
Success is not final and failure not fatal. He will be back stronger than ever 🙂
i need a PDM for 2007 big dog k9 where can I get one from
After looking over a few of the articles on
your website, I really like your technique of blogging.
I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back in the
near future. Take a look at my website too and tell me what you think.