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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Thursday, 14 December 2006 |
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 When Ken Conte approached his wife about getting a new motorcycle, she told him he’d have to get a second job. Little did he know this would start the career of his dreams.
“There’s something about American-made motorcycles that has shaped me,” he said. “It’s something about the sound.”
Conte, 34, of Severance owns Rise Above Consulting, a public relations, marketing and promotions company. The twist, though, is his company specializes in the American V-Twin motorcycle industry.
Conte originally thought he wanted to be a veterinarian, which brought him to Colorado State University. He ended up majoring in creative writing.
“I’m not very science oriented,” he said. “Reading and writing always came easy to me. It just didn’t seem like a thing I could make a living with.”
He landed an internship with a public relations firm in Denver after graduation. A month later, he was hired on full-time. While he enjoyed his job, it couldn’t fund living expenses and his motorcycle hobby.
Conte got his first motorcycle when he was 18. He remembers being at a friend’s house when a guy pulled up on a roaring bike.
“I remember talking to this guy who had just rode from Virginia,” he said. “He seemed he really had a lot of freedom. When I got my motorcycle shortly thereafter, my feeling was confirmed. To me, it is the epitome of freedom.”
One day, Conte stopped in at Redhill Motorcycle Werx in Lyons.
“I talked to the boss and said I wanted to help get his business noticed,” he said.
Conte started doing some public relations for the store on a part-time basis. From there, he was recommended to other businesses within the industry.
“After two years of doing it on the side, I took the leap of faith to do it solely,” Conte said.
This is the third year where he has focused on his business full-time. All of his clients are outside Colorado in places like Arizona, Michigan, Ohio and South Dakota. Conte also writes freelance articles for motorcycle magazines on a regular basis.
“The motorcycle industry is very much about image and being seen,” he said.
However, many bike shop owners and manufacturers don’t have time to do their own marketing.
“When I first started off, I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself in motorcycling, but it’s what I know and what I know best,” Conte said. “I’ll probably be in the motorcycle
industry for the rest of my life. It’s the best job I’ve had so far.”
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VITAL STATS
Name: Ken Conte, 34, of Severance
Company: Rise Above Consulting
Title: Owner
How long have you worked there? 3 years
Web site: www.riseaboveconsulting.com
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IN HIS WORDS
What is it about this job that makes it challenging?
Being a small-business owner in a very niche market is challenging because the industry could collapse at any time, but I think it is here to stay. It is also difficult because I don’t work for a company, so all my clients want to be in touch with me at all times. I have to juggle the phone and e-mail all day to keep everyone happy.
Did you ever think in a million years you’d work here?
No, but I am very grateful for what I do. I would have sold myself short.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done to make money?
Worked as overnight staff at Colorado Catholic Charities Homeless Shelter while putting myself through college.
Name one thing in your life that really prepared you for your job.
Working in retail with face-to-face customer service has paid off because I know how people want to be treated.
What do you do during your breaks?
Ride my motorcycle, hang out with my son and wife, exercise, read.
Pets?
Italian Mastiff named Tosca and American Bulldog named Sally.
Family?
A 14-month old son named Elvis and my wife Mary who is expecting this summer.
Favorite TV shows.
“Sopranos”
Movies.
“True Romance”
Books.
Too many to list, “Heart of Darkness” and “Staggering Work of Heartbreaking
Genius” for starters
What Web sites do you have bookmarked?
www.bikernet.com
Where do you play?
Winter Park, foothills and parks
Go out to eat?
The Bean Cycle, La Luz and Noodles and Company
Favorite spot?
Mountain Ave. | |
Ken Conte Article
Written by mcmaniaman on 2007-01-16 16:31:46
I would like to get in touch with Ken Conte of Rise Above Consulting. Can you direct me to where I can find his contact info? Thanks!
JT |
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| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
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