Originally Published In The October 2013 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
Name: Rene Chavez
Age: 41
Business: Primos’ Helmet Design
Since 2006, Rene Chavez has been relining helmets and meeting interesting people along the way. Primos’ Helmet Design is a permanent fixture at the monthly Long Beach Swap Meet. Customers can choose their fabric, and with a quick measurement of your head, Rene can work his magic. He takes out the old moldy lining, cuts new foam to protect your scalp and covers it with your fabric of choice. Rene’s business is 95% word of mouth and his biggest advocate is Roy Kawahara from Big Head Motorworks. Roy sells vintage helmets at the swap and most of them require some form of restoration so Roy would send his customer to Rene’s booth. Over the past two years, Roy and Rene have been setting up at events together, promoting each others’ brand. Their friendship grew, both businesses flourished and they decided to open Helmet Division. Helmet Division is your one-stop-shop for vintage helmets and custom relining services. The retail store is located in Santa Fe Springs and is open Monday through Saturday. The vintage helmet line is constantly changing so be sure to stop by and check them out!
What’s your favorite song or band on your iPod/iPhone right now?
Anything from Queens of the Stone Age.
If you could choose your last meal, what would it consist of?
Pork chops and applesauce with mashed potatoes – no gravy.
What do you consider your worst bad habit?
Drinking soda.
If you were forced to get a new occupation and only had the following choices, which would you pick and why: Funeral Director – Cop – Politician
Funeral Director. I would like to give my friends a great service like I did for my dad. It’s important to take care of your family members and honor them with ultimate respect.
What’s another hobby you have that is not motorcycle related?
My life is a hobby.
What’s one materialistic thing you can’t live without?
My radio – music rules!
If you could hang out with someone famous for one day, who would it be?
My dad.
What would be your ideal vacation?
Somewhere on a beach with my 3 girls and no cell phone reception.
What’s one thing that you want to do before you die?
Watch my girls grow up and have children of their own.
What’s something that most people don’t know about you?
It’s important for me to get to spend time with my girls: Nika, Macy and Lana. I try to make every minute count and love them unconditionally, they are my life!
