Entrepreneur, Brand Builder & Investor
John A. Kuelbs has a remarkable track record of success across diverse industries, from Harley-Davidson aftermarket parts to global entertainment and spirits brands. Known for his exceptional ability to spot opportunities, build strong partnerships, and execute bold ideas, Raised in a hardworking Midwestern family as the 7th of 11 children, he developed grit, determination, and a decisive mindset early in life. One bitterly cold morning in Minnesota, while fixing a frozen car engine, he decided to embrace a new path. Packing up his 1977 Pontiac Firebird, he left the familiar behind and drove to Texas, where a career of bold moves and groundbreaking achievements awaited.
Entrepreneurial Breakthroughs: From Local to Global Impact
Harley-Davidson Transformation
John’s first major entrepreneurial breakthrough was revitalizing a twice-bankrupt Harley-Davidson dealership in Texas. Through innovative ideas and customer-focused strategies, he turned it into the highest-volume Harley-Davidson dealership in the USA.
Chrome Specialties
Building on this success, John co-founded Chrome Specialties, which grew to 13,000 products serving 4,000 retailers in 48 countries. “Going international taught me business success isn’t just built on strategy; it’s built on understanding people,” he says. Chrome Specialties became a catalyst for larger global ventures.
World Factory
John co-founded this product development company that created over 2,000 items supplying major retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot, and Target. The company’s flagship invention, the solar umbrella, has been sold in over 20,000 stores worldwide.
Media and Entertainment
Funimation Revitalization
John led the turnaround of Funimation, transforming it from a struggling anime distributor into a globally known brand, bringing iconic titles like Dragon Ball Z to mainstream American audiences. With over 500 shows on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, Funimation ultimately grew into a billion-dollar enterprise when merged with Sony and Crunchyroll.
Hallmark Channel Productions
Partnering with country music legend Kix Brooks, John co-founded Vaquero Studios, a movie production company that produces Hallmark Channel films.
Winter Sports, Inc.
Together with legendary financier and Las Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley, John transformed a struggling Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort in Montana into a top 5-rated destination in North America.
Banking
Alongside a group of fellow YPO members, he acquired a struggling independent Worth Bank and expanded it into a seven-location operation with over $500 million in assets, later selling it to Bank of Texas.
Latest Venture
Masterpiece Spirits
John’s latest venture, Masterpiece Spirits, reflects his passion for blending creativity with cultural relevance. Its flagship brand, Latin Gin, is available in twelve countries, a testament to John’s ability to create products that resonate globally. But what truly sets Masterpiece Spirits apart is its mission to craft brands that tell a story—a philosophy that John believes is key to connecting with modern consumers.
Mentorship and Giving Back
Speaking at Texas Universities
John is made a commitment to inspiring the next generation. For over 25 years, he has shared his insights as a speaker and mentor at major Texas universities, addressing both MBA and undergraduate students. Known for his clarity and engaging style, John focuses on topics such as entrepreneurship, international business, and branding. “The greatest reward,” he says, “is seeing young minds light up with possibility.”
Speaking at Harvard/YPO Events
John has also been a featured speaker at Harvard/YPO events, where his expertise in business transformation has earned him a reputation as a thought leader. Addressing distinguished audiences on the topic of discovering your purpose after a successful exit of your primary career.
YPO and CEO: Mentorship and Giving Back
John has served on the boards of numerous public and private companies, chaired charity fundraisers and hosted numerous executive education events. He is long-standing membership in YPO International, where he was invited as one of its youngest members. Later, he was inducted into the exclusive Chief Executives Organization (CEO), a global network of distinguished leaders worldwide.
Philosophy: Building Meaningful Success
John believes that true success isn’t about accumulating wealth—it’s about creating something meaningful, fostering strong relationships, and constantly learning. “The world is full of opportunities,” he says. “But it’s the way you approach them that makes the difference.”