The story / John A. Kuelbs
An entrepreneur’s instinct.
A wider view of the world.
An entrepreneur, investor and creative partner focused on the next chapter in hospitality, consumer brands, entertainment and family office investing.
Experience in service of
what comes next.
Today, John’s work brings together mountain hospitality, consumer brands and creative development. He is an investor and board member at Whitefish Mountain Resort and a co-founder of Latin Gin, with an ongoing interest in original film and television.
Through Kuelbs Family Office, he explores investment opportunities and partnerships. Across these activities, his contribution is practical: recognizing potential, connecting people and helping a business or creative idea move forward.
His background includes co-founding Vaquero Studios with Kix Brooks, executive producing films and serving as Funimation’s chairman through its sale to Sony. Earlier ventures in product development, distribution and retail built the operating experience he brings to his work today.
Explore the venturesWorking together
A creative partner with the experience to make things happen.
Beyond the business
Bringing people
together.
Invited to join YPO at 33, John is a longtime member of YPO International and the Chief Executives Organization. He served as YPO chapter co-education chair. He has also served on public and private company boards and hosted executive education events.
Supporting a shared purpose.
John organized Texas Rides So Kids Can Walk, bringing together more than 5,000 motorcycle riders for a ride and concert benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
He later helped organize and raise several million dollars through the Children’s Cancer Fund luncheon and fashion show.
Sharing experience.
For more than 25 years, John has spoken with and mentored university students. His speaking has also included Harvard/YPO programs on purpose and life after a business exit.
84 countries visited and still exploring.
Travel is a continuing source of perspective. Different cultures, places and conversations inform John’s approach to people and opportunity.
Speaking & invitationsThe early chapters
Built from
firsthand experience.
Raised in Minnesota as the seventh of eleven children, John learned early to be resourceful. He moved to Texas and co-founded Texas Harley-Davidson, recognized as the nation’s largest-volume Harley-Davidson dealer for 1983.
In 1984, John and his brother Greg co-founded Chrome Specialties. They built Chrome Specialties around the world they knew: motorcycles, riders and the products that made a bike their own.
The Chrome Specialties story
Beyond the business
Life on
the ranch.
For more than 35 years, John has operated a cow-calf ranch in Texas, where he currently raises Hereford cattle. Ranching remains a longstanding part of his life alongside entrepreneurship, writing and international travel.
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