Today at the 2012 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, John Parham received the Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award.
John Parham and his wife, Jill, established J. Parham Enterprises, Inc., in 1975 to fuel John’s passion for motorcycles. The small motorcycle shop was his “hobby” in the evenings and on weekends while he continued to work full time in factories. In 1982, John was laid off from his factory job; two years later the motorcycle shop burnt down.
Rather than give up on his motorcycle dream, John and Jill decided to rebuild the shop and run it as a full time business. Today that business, J&P Cycles, operates the largest and most comprehensive after-market motorcycle accessories company in the United States from their location in Anamosa, Iowa. In 2007 they opened a satellite facility at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach, Florida. Both locations have received numerous dealer awards over the years.
During the awards ceremony luncheon in Indianapolis, John was recognized for his lifetime of dedication to the motorcycle industry and most recently for his efforts in creating the National Motorcycle Museum, also in Anamosa. The museum is housed in a 36,000-square-foot facility and has on display more than 300 motorcycles from around the world. Also on display are pieces and parts of motorcycles, memorabilia, and artwork.
Recently John and Jill turned operational duties of J&P Cycles to their son, Zach, so they could concentrate on expanding and enhancing the museum.
J&P Cycles carries parts for just about every brand of modern motorcycle. In addition they sell clothes, helmets, luggage, and books. If it is motorcycle related, chances are J&P has it in stock.
The Don J. Brown Lifetime Achievement Award is presented each year to an individual who furthers the motorcycle sport, business, and industry in general over the period of a lifetime. The award is named after Don J. Brown, the founding editor of Dealernews, who became the leading motorcycle industry researcher during his half-century career.
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