Originally Published In The May 2013 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
Name: Duane Ballard
Age: 46
Business: Duane Ballard Custom Leather
I’m the guy that makes everything at Duane Ballard Custom Leather. Lisa is the one that makes sure everyone knows about it. This is a lifelong hobby that luckily turned into a full time deal about ten years ago. I do custom motorcycle seats, bags, wallets, belts, etc. for people that appreciate nice handmade things. Every few years I build myself a new bike for the fun and challenge of it. I’ll have something new at this year’s Born Free V that I’m currently working on.
If you could go on tour with any band, who would you pick?
I have two and they both involve some sort of time travel. It would be Henry Rollins era Black Flag or the Plasmatics.
If you had to choose another occupation completely different from what you do now, what would it be?
Restore a WWII aircraft.
If you could spend one hour with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you do?
My father. He rode so it would be cool for him to see the bikes and other things I’ve been up to that are all his fault.
What is one of your worst habits?
I don’t drink, smoke, do drugs, caffeine, or anything that really could be considered a habit. If I have something I do that bothers someone else, that’s their problem.
What is something you are afraid of?
If you get a big spider near me I will kill you.
What’s one thing that you want to do before you die?
Finish all the dumb ideas in my head.
Who is your favorite actor?
Don’t have one.
What would your last meal consist of?
Some kind of Mexican food; I can’t get enough of it.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Hammers; bikes, leatherwork, everything revolves around me pounding on shit with hammers.
What’s something that most people don’t know about you?
I read everything I can get my hands on. I don’t care if it’s a catalog, junk mail, magazines, box of cereal, etc. I read everything.