So, why “GOON”?
Bikers are known as being tough guys, scary guys, gangster, outlaws. Hot Rod guys are known as hooligans, low-brow, troglodytes, and knuckledraggers. From the country, then you are a redneck.
I’m all those things but have never felt like I was any of them. Instead, I’m a big dork, a massive gearhead nerd, a big Teddy Bear who would be just as at home turning wrenches as laughing like an idiot at the Three Stooges or flipping through the boxes of comic books at the local comic shop. Hick-Hop, 90’s Pop-Punk, Metal, the country legend Johnny Cash, all of these and more can be heard thumping from my rigs, sometimes back to back.
So, what am I?
I’m a goon.
GOON (noun) : a foolish or clumsy person, a hired muscle or enforcer, or a gangster or tough guy
The story of GOON is short: the corporate world sucks.
Working at a company I hated and doing a job a zombie could do left me emotionally, mentally, and creatively dead. A shoulder of vegetable-tanned leather and a moment of inspiration saved my life. Over the next ten years, I built a name, Weld Burn Co., and a reputation online for my artwork and my craftsmanship. Professionally, I moved out of that mind-numbing job into designing and developing motorcycle riding apparel. GOON Manufacturing LLC is the combined culmination of everything I have done, learned, and built over the last 10 years.
As an Idaho-Boy I was raised to believe that the best things in life are built. By age 16 my father and I were building a 55 Ford F100 in the garage. By age 18 I had my 1953 GMC panel truck, which I still have. My daily driver is a 1951 GMC truck that I built. I’m inspired by the true craftsmen dotting this great country I call home and GOON strives to support them.
Owning a motorcycle used to come with the requirement that you work on it, maintain it, and best of all customize it all yourself. In a world of “bolt-on customs” and people worried about protecting their warranty, GOON exists to support the people in the garage cutting things up, getting their hands dirty, and beating the ‘stock’ out of their rides whether it has two or four wheels. Hot Rods, Kustoms, Lead Sleds, Bobbers, Choppers, Baggers, whatever you own and wrench on, GOON is here to support you with riding gear, work wear, and custom leather accessories from wallets to knife sheaths and more.
Take a look around and if you don’t see what your little heart desires most in the world, message me, and let’s talk about a custom project… here’s a secret: I love custom projects more than anyone running a business really should.
Vintage + Handmade + Passion = High-Octane Handmade Gear
-Zombie Jake
“Old roads, old dogs, old folks, and old ways still have a lot to offer in this sped-up world we all live in.”
“ ‘New’ doesn’t always mean ‘Better’.”
“I was born the day I got my license.” – Jay Leno
Would you like to read some reviews from my last 10 years as maker and product designer? Click here.
