A Day in The Life - 2025

[DK Custom Products]

Bummed I missed it but I am on a road trip so hop you’ll forgive. Glad you had a good turnout in spite of the weather.

Hey Jer,

Enjoy your trip. When you get back, see if you want to give the foot clutch Sporty a spin!

Kevin

 

[ultrafxr]

Hey Jer,

Enjoy your trip. When you get back, see if you want to give the foot clutch Sporty a spin!

Kevin

Will do.

 

[Tonto]

We really enjoyed the Q&A and regardless of the weather, everyone there was in great spirits. As you stated, it was a Blast! Even my GW folks enjoyed it

 

[DK Custom Products]

I was at the shop yesterday, talking with Andrew about the SBS Chop.

Got some photos of him doing his main work at DK Custom.

Each shock is hand built for each bike and rider/passenger/luggage/preference.

Here are some base units that have already had much of the assembly done...

...getting closer to complete....

...ready for nitrogen & cleaning. At this point Andrew has 53 different parts that he assembled in that one shock...

These are charged and cleaned, ready for dyno testing. (yes, every single shock is dyno tested before it goes out the door)

Kevin

 

[Papa Zook]

Does Andrew know he will be getting replaced by a robot yet?

 

[DK Custom Products]

Does Andrew know he will be getting replaced by a robot yet?

I don't believe he will be replaced by a robot.

I believe that the real challenge with AI and robots isn’t the technology itself—it’s the people and companies who master it.

For the most part (not always) - People won’t lose their jobs to AI and robots; they’ll lose them to those who know how to use these tools effectively.

Similarly, companies won’t go out of business because of AI and robots; they’ll fail because their competitors leverage them better.

Kevin

 

[Zammy]

Give Andrew our thanks Kevin, our new shocks are on and Jo and I are very happy campers.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Give Andrew our thanks Kevin, our new shocks are on and Jo and I are very happy campers.

I will do that on Monday.

Great to hear you and Jo are enjoying the improved ride quality!

Kevin

 

[Papa Zook]

I don't believe he will be replaced by a robot.

I believe that the real challenge with AI and robots isn’t the technology itself—it’s the people and companies who master it.

For the most part (not always) - People won’t lose their jobs to AI and robots; they’ll lose them to those who know how to use these tools effectively.

Similarly, companies won’t go out of business because of AI and robots; they’ll fail because their competitors leverage them better.

Kevin

I'm sure Andrew's job is safe. This was meant as an inside joke based on our recent conversation about running our respective businesses past, present, and future, and your thoughts on how AI and robots fit into the plan. I found the level of AI integration you already use in your business impressive.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Happy Fathers Day!

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

I'm sure Andrew's job is safe. This was meant as an inside joke based on our recent conversation about running our respective businesses past, present, and future, and your thoughts on how AI and robots fit into the plan. I found the level of AI integration you already use in your business impressive.

I took it as such.

I have been putting a lot of thought into AI and Robots over the last couple of years.

I do believe there is a coming upset in the economy because of them, but the best way to guard oneself, personally, is to get really good at using them.

An interesting study (super small scale) is DK Custom Products.

Over the years we have added 3 HAAS CNC machines, 1 CNC bandsaw and have been using AI for the last 2 years.

We have only lost one person (manual bandsaw operator) due to robotics (CNC) and AI. And that one person did not want to do any of the other work we offered him.

During that same time frame we have doubled the number of employees.

Will that trend continue? We hope it will.

Is it scalable across the entire economy? That is the big question.

Kevin

 

[Gorilla]

Well said Kevin. Technology doesn't replace people it just means the people have to step up and learn new things. Look at medicine Robotic surgery didn't replace the Doctor, but the doctor had to ungraded themself and a better product/service resulted. Like Kevin mentioned the one person that got replaced choose not to upgrade themselves.

 

[Marc H]

I feel like my job is one of the ones that will eventually be dramatically changed by AI. It'll be interesting.

 

[DK Custom Products]

I feel like my job is one of the ones that will eventually be dramatically changed by AI. It'll be interesting.

If you feel like sharing, I would be interested to know what work you do that you feel will be dramatically changed?

Kevin

 

[DK Custom Products]

It is starting to warm up.

Here in northwest Mississippi we have already had quite a few days in the mid 90's.

I have been getting numerous inquiries on what gear we use to keep us cool in hot weather riding.

In hot weather Mary uses a cooling vest.

I just keep my mesh jacket wet. Before it completely dries out, I pour more water on it. Very effective at cooling.

In extremely hot weather, Mary will get a 5lbs bag of ice, poke holes in the bag. Set it on her lap and let it melt. This will last close to an hour, even in 110 F temps.

Here's a photo of her with her cooling vest and a bag of ice on her lap, heading into Las Vegas one summer morning.

Here are another couple of photos. First one is a fresh bag of ice...

...and here is the bag, empty after about an hour of it melting and cooling her down. Notice her blue jeans are darker than the photo above...still wet from the melting ice.

Kevin

 

[Jd1a]

Cooling vest and wet is a great idea, especially here in AZ. The "wet" will come whether you want it or not.

 

[Marc H]

If you feel like sharing, I would be interested to know what work you do that you feel will be dramatically changed?

Kevin

Parts at a tractor dealership. Pics of parts are already being AI-generated with low accuracy. Hopefully, that gets better. There are several things evolving at the moment, along with AI that I feel will make me a shelf stocker only at some point. Not being sore or anything, just a bit saddened. Progress has to happen, and I know that otherwise you won't survive.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Parts at a tractor dealership. Pics of parts are already being AI-generated with low accuracy. Hopefully, that gets better. There are several things evolving at the moment, along with AI that I feel will make me a shelf stocker only at some point. Not being sore or anything, just a bit saddened. Progress has to happen, and I know that otherwise you won't survive.

Understood.
Yes, AI and robots are developing at a surprisingly fast (at least to me) rate. It sure seems that we are in for some turmoil. How much, that is the big unknown.

Kevin

 

[Marc H]

We are entering an interesting time for sure.I can see alot of potential for many good things.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Been in the works for a while. I have retired as of July 1, 2025.

Below is a copy and paste of my "Farewell, but Not Goodbye" message that was sent out in a mailing earlier this week. Above that is a video where Devin and I discuss my retirement.



View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGg0c4dhRW4



From Kevin – The “K” in DK
After almost 18 memorable years working side by side with Devin, I have officially retired from DK Custom Products
.
It’s difficult stepping away from something that has meant so much. Over the years, I've poured my heart into this company, helping fellow riders get the most enjoyment out of their Harley’s. I’ll genuinely miss the satisfaction of knowing that each part we ship out makes someone’s ride better.

I think back to those early days, working side by side with Devin, building something from the ground up, and I’m humbled by how far we’ve come together, thanks to you, our Customers, and the incredible Team behind DK.

What makes this easier is knowing who’s guiding DK forward. Devin’s been my partner in this from the start, and Melissa, who’s worked closely with me over the past three years, are both taking full ownership of DK Custom Products.

They share the same commitment to quality and care for our Customers that have always defined DK Custom Products.

I may be retiring, but I’ll always be part of the DK family and may even pop in and shoot a video with Devin & Dwayne every now and then.

Kevin

 

[evermill]

Congratulations!! It's about time you and Mary enjoy retirement, after all the hard work. Sure it is hard to leave your baby (DK Customs).

 

[pwhoever]

Congratulations on this new chapter of your life! Being a founder of a company and retiring from that has to be an even harder decision than just being an employee. It is a strange feeling at first and will take some time to get used to but I think you will enjoy it. I hope you and Mary enjoy many different adventures and exploring together. You've earned it!

 

[14TG]

@DK Custom Products, I saw this video the day it was posted 5 days ago.
I was 1/2 tempted to make a thread on here congratulating you, but I knew it would be a short matter of time to announce it yourself.

Congratulations and enjoy!!!!

 

[Notgrownup]

Been in the works for a while. I have retired as of July 1, 2025.

Below is a copy and paste of my "Farewell, but Not Goodbye" message that was sent out in a mailing earlier this week. Above that is a video where Devin and I discuss my retirement.



View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGg0c4dhRW4



From Kevin – The “K” in DK
After almost 18 memorable years working side by side with Devin, I have officially retired from DK Custom Products
.
It’s difficult stepping away from something that has meant so much. Over the years, I've poured my heart into this company, helping fellow riders get the most enjoyment out of their Harley’s. I’ll genuinely miss the satisfaction of knowing that each part we ship out makes someone’s ride better.

I think back to those early days, working side by side with Devin, building something from the ground up, and I’m humbled by how far we’ve come together, thanks to you, our Customers, and the incredible Team behind DK.

What makes this easier is knowing who’s guiding DK forward. Devin’s been my partner in this from the start, and Melissa, who’s worked closely with me over the past three years, are both taking full ownership of DK Custom Products.

They share the same commitment to quality and care for our Customers that have always defined DK Custom Products.

I may be retiring, but I’ll always be part of the DK family and may even pop in and shoot a video with Devin & Dwayne every now and then.

Kevin

Duh! You better… lol

 

[Jd1a]

Congratulations, enjoy your retirement.

 

[KMRolling]

Congratulations!! It's about time you and Mary enjoy retirement, after all the hard work. Sure it is hard to leave your baby (DK Customs).

Congratulations on this new chapter of your life! Being a founder of a company and retiring from that has to be an even harder decision than just being an employee. It is a strange feeling at first and will take some time to get used to but I think you will enjoy it. I hope you and Mary enjoy many different adventures and exploring together. You've earned it!

@DK Custom Products, I saw this video the day it was posted 5 days ago.
I was 1/2 tempted to make a thread on here congratulating you, but I knew it would be a short matter of time to announce it yourself.

Congratulations and enjoy!!!!

Duh! You better… lol

Congratulations, enjoy your retirement.

Thanks guys!

It is indeed a strange feeling right now, but I believe both Mary and I are going to like it a lot!!!

Kevin

 

[evermill]

Thanks guys!

It is indeed a strange feeling right now, but I believe both Mary and I are going to like it a lot!!!

Kevin

Hope to see you in AZ

 

[Notgrownup]

Again, my countdown…lol

 

[wlivin2]

Enjoy your retirement congratulations

 

[Zammy]

Congrats Kevin, in my opinion you have earned it. You have developed so many great products and made our rides the better for it. Enjoy my friend, Jo and I wish you and Mary nothing but the best.