Atlantic Association of CBDCs | New Brunswick Association of CBDCs | CBDC Kent
Success Stories
 Kent County Custom Mfg. Inc
Have Wheels... Will Travel.
Imagination, creativity and vibrant designs are alive and doing just fine, thank you, in the busy shop of Luc Leblanc, the proud owner of Kent County Custom Mfg. Inc. Little did Luc know that when he traded in his old ‘99 Yamaha R1 motorcycle for a rag-tag bunch of parts from an ’88 Harley-Davidson Softail, a few months later he would be rolling down Highway 15 in Shediac, NB, on a completely remodeled custom built “Hog” enjoying the scent-laden summer breezes from the Northumberland Strait gently fanning his face.
From his early days tinkering around his father’s backyard shop tearing apart engines and reassembling them, now at the ripe young age of 29, Luc Leblanc has combined two of his passions in life and turned them into a thriving business. By merging his love of all types of motorcycles and coupling this with his keen eye (and imagination) of being able to capture other people’s dreams of what they’d like their own machines to look like has propelled him into the ranks of one of New Brunswick’s premier customization bike shops.
Since 2002, Kent County Custom, located at 28 Ch Viaduc, Shediac Bridge, NB, has built almost 20 motorcycles, and the most expensive one which took a total of 750 hours to build, was retailed at $100,000. Kent County Custom Mfg. Inc. also provides custom built motorcycles in the $20,000 range which makes them highly competitive in motorcycle sales. Luc is a machinist and motorcycle mechanic by trade and his shop also services all makes of motorcycles which have been a key factor in contributing to the stability of his business. “From March, early April until October, we are very busy due to the fact that we offer various services such as mechanical work, welding, machining, custom painting, chrome work, etc." said the young entrepreneur who also sells all sorts of Harley Davidson parts. “Being able to offer a wide array of services along with creating one of a kind machines is a big plus for motorcycle enthusiasts,” says Luc.
Being asked to participate in TSN’s Canadian Chopper Challenge in 2005 certainly helped cement Kent County Custom Mfg. Inc. and Luc’s reputation as a custom builder of amazing wheels. All contenders had three months, a limited budget and a hockey-based theme upon which to build their bikes and then their creations were shipped to the TSN Studios in Toronto, ON to be judged by NHL referee, Ray Scampinello, NHL hockey great, Kirk Muller, who also doubled as the commentator for the show, NHL legend Dale Hawerchuck, TSN sports announcer, Darren Dutchyshen and the head judge Mark Baker. Competing against seasoned veteran customizers such as Bob McKay, Ryan Robinson and Tom Langton, Luc’s creation named “Misconduct” managed to place second with merely 15 points separating his entry from Bob McKay’s winning entry. “This was definitely one of the best experiences of my life,” says Luc. “Being able to participate in this type of contest with people who have been producing customized bikes for years was amazing. Just to be included in this high caliber group was an honor, although coming in a close second was nice as well,” Luc stated. This is just one of the many honors that Kent County Custom Mfg. Inc. has received in recognition of Luc’s artistry. In 2008, Luc received the Enterprise Kent Young Entrepreneur Award; was First in Class and Outstanding in Class at the Radical Speed Sport Show in Moncton, NB; placed 2nd at the North Eastern Custom Bike Building Championship, and took home the Pro Builder’s Class ‘Best in Show’ award from the North American International Motorcycle Supershow.
However nice winning accolades for his creations may be, Luc is the first to admit that without much needed assistance from the great people at CBDC Kent, his dream business would have never made it to reality. “The CBDC guided me through the process of completing key steps that allowed me to present a complete business plan which was necessary for me to be eligible for financing,” states Luc. “If not for their help I probably wouldn’t have started Kent County Custom, as I had no idea of what resources were available to me as a new business owner. Frankly, the whole idea of starting a company making customized motorcycles seemed like too much of a risk to me, plus trying to get the necessary cash to open my doors for business was a huge obstacle. Thankfully the folks at CBDC Kent helped me through all the stages and pointed me in the right direction from day one.”
Luc Leblanc is one enterprising young entrepreneur whose ‘wheels’ are firmly planted on the ground and roaring down the highway towards continued success in the future.
Copyright Marlene Oulton © 2009
 Back to Success Stories
|
