Lowbrow Customs

Tyler Malinky is the embodiment of the expression “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Tyler, an avid vintage motorcyclist, is the CEO of Lowbrow Customs, which he founded in 2004. The company designs custom parts for Harley-Davidson and other motorcycles. What started as a hobby for Tyler evolved over time and is now in its 20th year, employing 18 and providing aftermarket products for enthusiasts across the world.  

Before he launched Lowbrow, Tyler was running a screen-printing business. He had no formal training and would not have described himself as “mechanical” until he bought his first bike, a 1970 Triumph. Using a shop manual to repair and maintain the engine, Tyler became very interested in how things work. He began designing very basic parts with the help of local machine shops. In satisfying his own curiosity, he created a job that didn’t exist and that no one else would give him if it did. Addressing the challenges of finding and receiving parts for vintage motorcycles and choppers slowly replaced his screen and sign printing business. He expanded his surroundings and his team.  

Much of his company's success is owed to Tyler’s investment in Lowbrow’s very popular website. With this internet success, however, his unique designs are at risk of rampant infringement across the industry.  In response, Tyler has adopted the strategy of securing Design Patents for many of his products. Importantly, he has also not been afraid to enforce his intellectual property rights with Cease & Desist letters for competitors who are not willing to play by the rules.  For small brands like his, this has been a cost-effective strategy to not only save money but to save the anger and frustration that comes from infringement in the online marketplace.  

Protecting his designs with patents allows Tyler to focus on what he loves doing most – providing custom designs and other products to a cross-section of enthusiasts. As for what comes next, the folks at Lowbrow are currently having a great time. Tyler wants to keep the business and its employees healthy and happy, and to continue focusing on the customers. Rather than growing too quickly, he wants to ensure efficiency and continue developing a workplace culture where his employees get to do what they love as well.