GNCCRacing.com: Tell me a little bit about yourself and your company.
Ronnie Hames: First, thanks for interviewing me for this week’s toolbox! My name is Ronnie Hames, and I’m the owner of HBD MotoGrafx …. well, I work for my wife (laughs). We are super excited to be celebrating our 10^th anniversary this year! My love for off-road racing started back in 1980 when my family moved from North Carolina to Florida. Shortly after arriving we joined Daytona Dirt Riders, the club that puts on the Alligator Enduro. I’ve been hooked ever since then.

And how did you get started in the graphics industry?
After taking some years off to start my family, I decided to get my boys into the sport that I missed so much. At that time I owned a company that made blueprints. Since we had a color department as well, I started doing our graphics. That turned into doing graphics for our friends and before I knew it we had another business. That was how HBD MotoGrafx was born.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in those early days?
I would say juggling both companies and trying to get noticed in a crowded marketplace. Early on, I was fortunate enough to meet Jason Raines at one of his first riding camps. We started doing his graphics and he introduced me to a lot of people in the industry. Jason took a chance on me and HBD, and gave us the kickstart we needed to really get our business going. I can never thank him enough for all he has done for us!

So I’ve always been curious about this – what is the actual process of making graphics?
We start by having some designs ready to go, that way the customer can choose one to personalize and make their own. Our design team can also take the customer’s idea and make them a completely custom kit. After we get final approval of the proofs, we send the design to our production department. This is where we print and laminate it, before sending it to the cutter. From there it goes to the shipping department and is sent out to our satisfied customer.

Interesting stuff! Why did you decide to start supporting riders in the GNCC series and then coming to the GNCCs yourself with a pit setup?
We wanted to be part of the largest and toughest off-road series in America. So when we received a call asking us to become a sponsor of the series, it as a no-brainer. The setup we have on vendor row is a great way to meet our customers face-to-face too! This year we have Brian Koster and open-A standout Bryce Koster running the booth for us. I want to give them a big thank-you for all of their hard work!

You have quite a few GNCC riders running HBD MotoGrafx – which rider are you the most proud of?
It’s too hard to pick just one! (laughs) We have a lot of talented riders on the pro teams as well as all of the riders in our amateur support programs. We love them all and appreciate them for making us look good on and off the track!

I know you don’t race at the GNCCs, but do you ride or race anywhere else?
Running two companies keeps me busy, so I don’t get to race much outside of Florida. When I do race, I compete in the Hare Scrambles and Enduros put on by the Florida Trail Riders series.

Do you have any advice for riders who would someday like to work in the industry?
Whenever you find an open door, jump through it. Work as hard as you can and do everything you can to make yourself more valuable.

Is there anything else you would like to mention that we didn’t already talk about?
Yeah, congrats on your big win at the TKO Rachel!