Oliver Jones joins me at AIMExpo 2025. You know him as The Cut Rate. He grew up in Baltimore and later moved to Long Beach. His path started in graphic design and fashion before motorcycles took over. Time in Japan pushed him toward custom building after seeing how common custom bikes were on the street.

Oliver builds bikes to ride. Not for display. He works with metal, breaks things down, and rebuilds with intention. His design background shapes his style and gives his work a look you recognize fast. Many of his bikes have been taken on long cross-country trips.

He earned major respect in the community with multiple Born Free wins. He also worked with Harley-Davidson on custom projects that helped inspire later production ideas. He treats every build as a learning process. His drive comes from passion and curiosity.

You find his work on Instagram and YouTube under The Cut Rate. He talks about staying true to your own vision and ignoring trends. His presence at AIMExpo shows how connected he is with the industry and how he keeps creating new opportunities.

This episode of the Bad Beard Podcast features Sam Schneider speaking with Adam VanderVeen, Marketing Director for Triumph Motorcycles North America. VanderVeen shares his path into motorcycling and his work shaping Triumph’s presence across the United States.

He grew up in Milwaukee and built a career through several creative and industry roles. He started with a video production company, moved into parts and accessories marketing, and helped develop the “box and sleeve” retail packaging system during his time at Harley-Davidson. His career also included managing Milwaukee’s entertainment district and running a lifestyle magazine before returning to the motorcycle world.

VanderVeen explained how he started riding later in life and how that experience shaped his approach to marketing and connection with riders. He described Triumph’s current momentum, noting strong growth for 2024. The launch of Triumph’s first dirt bike and the success of the new 400cc road bikes have broadened the brand’s reach for new and returning riders.

He talked about Triumph’s expansion across categories. Modern classics. Adventure bikes. Naked roadsters. Each one built around Triumph’s goal of producing motorcycles that riders enjoy and feel comfortable on. Their “For the Ride” identity guides this approach.

At AIMExpo 2025, Triumph focuses on connecting with prospective dealers across North America. VanderVeen also meets with journalists, industry partners, and creators. He highlighted Triumph’s broader involvement in motorcycling culture, including their ownership of OSET Electric Trials Bikes and their sponsorship of the Vana Motorcycle Film Festival, where filmmakers showcase stories centered on riding. Triumph provides the grand prize motorcycle for the festival.

VanderVeen also hosts the “For the Ride” podcast, where he features rider stories and people shaping the community.

Austin Herring of Snow Story Productions joins Sam Schneider to talk about how short-form vertical filmmaking is changing Hollywood. They unpack his path from small-town theater to Los Angeles, the rise of mobile storytelling, and how creators can stay ahead of the next shift.

Sam sits down with Chris Litteral from Law Tigers live at Barber Vintage Fest’s 20th anniversary inside The Isle of Triumph.

Chris shares how motorcycles became the bridge between recovery, balance, and purpose. They talk about personal growth, the quiet power of consistency, and choosing family over the endless chase for success.

A story about redemption, freedom, and the steady discipline it takes to rebuild a life that truly matters

Sam sits down with Jimmy Cundiff, a Southern-born former Hollywood agent who climbed from the William Morris mailroom to representing major talent and now works with Triumph Motorcycles to connect brand and entertainment culture.

They talk about the evolution of the entertainment industry, building trust in a business built on deals, and how authenticity and Southern roots carried Jimmy through decades in Los Angeles. From representing stars to introducing Triumph to the screen, Jimmy shares lessons on mentorship, integrity, and creative longevity.

Filmed live inside The Isle of Triumph during the 20th anniversary of Barber Vintage Fest.

Sam sits down with Bobby Capo from Cigars.com at Barber Vintage Fest’s 20th anniversary inside The Isle of Triumph.

They explore the culture and craft behind cigars—from flavor profiles and cutting styles to pairing cigars with bourbon and coffee. Bobby shares how he helped grow Cigars.com from its early days, his trips to Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, and the brand’s mission to blend education with enjoyment.

This episode goes beyond smoke—it’s about connection, craftsmanship, and the ritual that brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or curious beginner, this is your backstage pass into cigar culture.

Sam connects with Eric and Maximus from Culpeper, Virginia—three builders and business owners shaping their local moto scene—live at Barber Vintage Fest’s 20th anniversary inside The Isle of Triumph.

They talk about building community around bikes, running multiple motorcycle-centric businesses, and what it takes to keep power sports alive for the next generation. From custom builds and lounges to restoration shops, these guys are growing a grassroots network where creativity meets craftsmanship.

A conversation about passion, mentorship, and what it means to represent your town in the national moto community.

Sam reconnects with Adam VanderVeen from Triumph Motorcycles live at Barber Vintage Fest’s 20th anniversary inside The Isle of Triumph.

They talk about how Triumph’s vision goes beyond machines—focusing on storytelling, shared experiences, and the growing community that defines modern motorcycle culture. Adam opens up about building authentic partnerships, balancing corporate strategy with creativity, and the value of voices like Bad Beard that connect riders and brands through real stories.

This episode also explores how the podcast itself is evolving, the importance of seasons, and the changing ways audiences connect to moto storytelling across platforms.

Sam hangs out with local legends Pistol Pete and Joel Brown live from Barber Vintage Fest’s 20th anniversary inside The Isle of Triumph.

They swap stories about Birmingham’s roots, the rise of Barber Motorsports Park, and how the event has evolved since the early wild days at “Ace Corner.” The conversation drifts from old-school stunts and local mischief to the tech and community that built the city—from phone lines to motorcycles.

A fun, unfiltered talk about friendship, homegrown pride, and why Barber still brings everyone together 20 years later.

Sam sits down with Matthew Gottardi—union grip, knife maker, and all-around craftsman—live at Barber Vintage Fest’s 20th anniversary inside The Isle of Triumph.

They talk about Matt’s journey from working film sets in Atlanta to hand-forging custom knives under MG Knifeworks, how he balances passion with steady union work, and what it takes to stay creative through life’s ups and downs.

A real conversation about art, trade, survival, and the shared hustle of building something with your hands.