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Josh Salazar joins the One Gang Worldwide Podcast for an honest conversation about risk, resilience, and what it really takes to build something from nothing.
After spending nearly two decades in the powersports industry, Josh built a reputation working with companies like MSA Wheels and MTA, learning the business from the ground up through sales, distribution, dealer relationships, product development, and countless miles on the road. Then, in 2020, everything changed.
When MTA unexpectedly shut its doors, Josh found himself standing at a crossroads. With uncertainty everywhere, the economy in turmoil, and the world shutting down during COVID, he made the decision many people only talk about, he bet on himself.
That decision became Dirtbag Brands.
In this episode, Josh takes us through the highs and lows of launching a company during one of the most unpredictable periods in modern history. He shares the lessons learned from years in the industry, the challenges of building a brand from scratch, what dealers truly need from their aftermarket partners, and why relationships still matter more than ever in powersports.
This is more than a conversation about products and business. It's a story about taking a leap of faith, navigating adversity, and chasing a vision when there are no guarantees.
Whether you're a rider, dealer, entrepreneur, or someone pursuing a dream of your own, this is an episode packed with insight, perspective, and real-world lessons from the road.
Connect with Josh Salazar:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshsalazar1
Website: https://dirtbagbrands.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dirtbagbrands
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dirtbagbrands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtbagbrands/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtbagbrands
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Connect with Cycles Worldwide:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CyclesWorldwide
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide
Timestamps:
00:00 COVID Launch Shock
00:25 Podcast Intro and Guest
02:03 Rapid Fire Icebreaker
07:43 Growing Up and Early Bikes
09:58 Denny's Leadership Lessons
14:49 Boiler Room Sales Grind
18:06 First Power Sports Break
21:21 Dealership Relationships Matter
23:17 Inside MTA Distributor Life
29:13 Starting Dirtbag Brands
33:08 Pandemic and Shipping Chaos
37:01 Honesty and COVID Loans
37:20 Why Dirtbag Brands
38:42 Durability First Products
39:33 Mentors and Design Genius
41:28 KISS Rule Universal Mounts
43:50 Engineering Mirrors That Lock
46:27 Modern Marketing and AI SEO
51:00 Organic Growth Over Influencers
53:41 Industry Trends Sub 10K Boom
55:23 Dealers OEMs and Price Shock
01:00:58 ATV UTV Lessons From Sea-Doo
01:03:30 Who Leads Side-by-Side Market
01:07:57 Future Plans and Industry Outlook
01:11:04 Where to Find Dirtbag Brands
01:11:55 Final Thanks and Networking
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