Paul Michael Teutul Jr. was born on October 2, 1974, in Suffern, New York. He is the eldest of four children born to Paul John Teutul Sr. and Paula (Leonardo) Teutul. Shortly after his birth the family moved to the town of Montgomery in Orange County, New York. At that time Montgomery had a population of about 16,000. Teutul grew up in Montgomery’s small-town environment with his three younger siblings – brothers Michael (“Mikey”) and Daniel (“Danny”) and sister Cristin.
Both of Teutul’s parents were native New Yorkers (his mother was from Brooklyn and his father from Yonkers). His mother Paula took an active role in the children’s upbringing – she volunteered in their schools and was heavily involved in their education. Teutul later described his mother as “consistent” and “the glue that held our family together.”
Despite a loving household, Teutul has written that his early school years were difficult. He recalled instability at home caused by his father’s alcoholism during that period. As a result he struggled in school – he “did not do well academically” and had trouble focusing in class. For example, being an October baby made him young for his class, and he repeated kindergarten to avoid being the youngest student.
From a young age Paul Jr. showed a mechanical curiosity. He later wrote that he was a “happy little kid…quite curious,” and as a child he particularly enjoyed taking toys and gadgets apart to see how they worked. These hands-on explorations of machinery were early indicators of his natural affinity for metalworking and design, which would continue to shape his interests beyond childhood.
| Topic | Key Facts |
| Net Worth Status (2026) | Not publicly disclosed. |
| Primary Income Sources | TV shows and PJD business. |
| Business Ownership | Founder of Paul Jr. Designs (2010). |
| Early Career | Worked at Orange County Ironworks. |
| Breakthrough Fame | Rose via American Chopper (2002). |
| Role at OCC | Chief designer of custom bikes. |
| Design Expertise | Known for creative metalwork designs. |
| Independent Growth | Started own brand after 2009. |
| Recent Projects | Built custom 1939 Zephyr car. |
| Industry Reputation | Leading custom bike designer. |
Paul Teutul Jr. building his career as a custom motorcycle designer, from his early work at Orange County Choppers to leading his own company, Paul Jr. Designs, known for innovative and high-quality builds. Paul Teutul Jr. began his professional career working at his father’s steel fabrication business, Orange County Ironworks, where he learned metalworking from a young age. By the late 1990s he was head of the railing shop at Orange County Ironworks. In 1999 he co-founded the custom motorcycle company Orange County Choppers (OCC) with his father Paul Sr.
At OCC he served as chief designer and fabricator, overseeing the creation of OCC’s signature themed chopper bikes. This role involved hands-on leadership of the fabrication shop and design team, driving the engineering and aesthetic vision for each custom motorcycle.
Teutul Jr.’s profile rose dramatically with the 2002 debut of the Discovery Channel reality series American Chopper. The hit television show, which followed the OCC shop and Teutul Jr.’s family, gave him global exposure as a master bike builder.
On American Chopper(which premiered in late 2002/early 2003) he was showcased as OCC’s chief designer, collaborating with his father and brother Mikey to build elaborate “theme” choppers for corporate and celebrity clients.
This nationwide television platform brought Teutul Jr. widespread recognition, showcasing his designs to millions of viewers. Over nearly a decade on American Chopper, he became a familiar TV personality and cemented his reputation in the custom motorcycle industry.
As chief designer and fabricator at Orange County Choppers, Teutul Jr. was responsible for leading the engineering and creative direction of OCC’s builds.
He is “widely recognized as the chief designer and fabricator of some of the world’s most famous motorcycles”. In this capacity he managed OCC’s design team and worked directly on concept development, metal shaping, and assembly of high-profile custom bikes.
Under his leadership OCC produced many of its most iconic choppers, often featuring complex custom frames, elaborate metalwork, and eye-catching paint and components. His hands-on role meant he was deeply involved in every stage of design and construction, ensuring that each bike met both aesthetic and performance goals.
In 2009 Teutul Jr. parted ways with Orange County Choppers and soon thereafter launched his own company, Paul Jr. Designs (PJD). After honoring a one-year non-compete agreement he officially founded Paul Jr. Designs in 2010. As founder and chief designer of PJD, he expanded his career from working within OCC’s family business to heading an independent design firm.
At Paul Jr. Designs, Teutul Jr. continued focusing on custom motorcycle projects while broadening into new areas. Under his leadership the company took on a variety of design and marketing ventures.
For example, PJD has promoted working with “some of the largest companies, charities, corporations and celebrities” to create unique custom bikes and promotional pieces. Teutul Jr. leveraged his notoriety and design skills to provide “outside the box” marketing solutions for major brands, pushing the creative limits beyond motorcycles.
His company also began producing branded merchandise, apparel, and specialty products under the PJD name. As he himself noted, “the motorcycle has been my canvas, but design and marketing is my passion,” reflecting his dual role as both designer-builder and brand promoter.
Throughout his independent career Teutul Jr. has emphasized creative, thematic builds and old-school craftsmanship. He often integrates classic techniques like hand-formed metalwork and engraved finishes into his bikes, while also experimenting with modern materials and concepts.
He has said that for him the bike is a work of art: “the motorcycle has been my canvas, but design and marketing is my passion”. This philosophy is evident in PJD’s portfolio, which includes elaborate custom choppers with layered paint, multi-media accents, and engineering innovations such as springer front ends, custom engine builds, and intricate frame designs.
Over the years Paul Jr. Designs has built dozens of signature motorcycles that reflect Teutul Jr.’s bold, thematic style and attention to detail. His builds often draw on nostalgia and Americana, blending vintage references with fresh design twists.
Beyond the workshop, Teutul Jr. has expanded his influence through media and collaborations. He authored a memoir about his career and appears frequently in motorcycle press and fan events. His PJD brand extends into fashion and products, and the company now regularly hosts events to engage the community.
Paul Jr. Designs today highlights over 20 years of experience in the custom motorcycle industry, underscoring the company’s longevity and Teutul Jr.’s long-term impact on the field.
Through PJD he has worked on philanthropic projects as well, for instance building benefit bikes for charity auctions. The visibility from television has enabled him to attract high-profile clients, and PJD has created custom bikes for sports leagues, corporations, and celebrities as promotional pieces.
His firm’s collaborations with other brands have ranged from designing bicycles and scooters to concept vehicles for entertainment projects. In all these ventures, Teutul Jr. applies his expertise in custom fabrication and branding to drive business growth.
In recent years Paul Teutul Jr. has continued to innovate and expand his career. He remains CEO and creative director of Paul Jr. Designs, which continues building custom motorcycles at its New York facility and licensing its brand on apparel, collectibles, and other products.
In late 2023 he unveiled a major new project outside the motorcycle world: a custom coachbuilt automobile. In collaboration with American Collectors Insurance, he revealed “The Spirit of an American Collector” a dramatically restyled 1939 Lincoln Zephyr coupe at the Fall Carlisle classic car show.
This build incorporated Paul Jr.’s signature metalwork and design flair into a vintage car, with Teutul Jr. saying “This project is a testament to the enduring spirit of American craftsmanship and creativity”. The project marked a high-profile entry into automotive customization for Teutul Jr., demonstrating that his design work now spans more than just bikes.
Today, Paul Teutul Jr. is active as both a designer and entrepreneur. He continues to helm Paul Jr. Designs, pursuing custom motorcycle orders and new brand initiatives. His recent work from concept vehicles to accessory lines reflects his stated passion for blending design with marketing. With over two decades in the industry, he maintains a respected role in the custom motorcycle community and in motorsports media.
Whether on television, in the workshop, or in new collaborations, Paul Teutul Jr.’s career remains focused on leadership in design, innovative custom builds, and expanding his creative business ventures.
As of 2026, Paul Teutul Jr.’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed, and no figure has been officially verified by major financial authorities. He has earned income through his appearances on the reality television series American Chopper(including its spin-offs) as well as from his company, Paul Jr. Designs, the custom motorcycle firm he founded. The company manufactures custom motorcycles and sells branded merchandise. However, specific details regarding his earnings, including salaries or company revenues, have not been publicly disclosed.
Paul Teutul Jr. is best known as a custom motorcycle designer and television personality. He gained recognition through the Discovery Channel series American Chopper.
He founded Paul Jr. Designs in 2010 after leaving Orange County Choppers. The company focuses on custom motorcycles and design-related projects.
Paul Jr. Designs builds custom motorcycles and works on branding and promotional design projects. The company has collaborated with corporations, charities, and public figures.
Yes, he worked with his father at Orange County Choppers, where he served as chief designer. Their professional relationship was featured on American Chopper.
Yes, he has expanded into other design areas, including custom automotive projects. Notably, he worked on a redesigned 1939 Lincoln Zephyr.