Motorsport Direct ‘06
By
Gone Racin’…to
Motorsport Direct
Roger Rohrdanz and I headed south, this time to Santee, California, to visit with Jim and Fran White, founders of Motorsport Direct. This company sells NASCAR, NHRA, Hot Rod, Muscle Car and other racing collectibles, apparel, diecast cars and a catalog full of racing memorabilia. In every office, and on every wall, there hung collectibles, posters, racing suits from famous racers encased in glass, and curios of every description. Pat Weick gave us a grand tour of the 15,000 square foot facility, introducing us to the staff, including Chad Hurley, General Manager, and Greg Finch, Retail Manager and son of Jim and Fran. Pat and her talented staff create artwork, graphics and ads, as well as produce the full color catalogs and maintain MSD’s award-winning website in house. She showed us the busy warehouse, and the frenetic activity as a dozen or more sales reps processed orders and then delivered them to the Warehouse Manager to package and ship for immediate delivery.
This is a family owned and operated business, and though Jim said that there is tremendous stress involved in deciding on what product lines to invest in, it was evident that this business of some 35 individuals enjoyed what they were doing and worked well as a team. Jim has been involved in many businesses, starting up White’s Pit Stop, just south of Chicago, Illinois, in the early 1960’s. He is very proud of that first venture, which is still being run by family members and is quite successful. Jim came to California and opened up The Leatherworks, which made gift accessories for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Inc. When HD went offshore to other suppliers, Jim and Fran changed their business focus, but stayed in the San Diego area. Times were tough in the early 1990’s, as Jim and his business partner decided that their small business, with $600,000 in annual sales, was too small to support both families. Jim scraped together enough money to buy out his partner, but was also preoccupied with family matters. He and Fran were helping to save his eldest son, David, a diabetic, who was in dire need of a kidney transplant. Just before Christmas, 1994, Jim gave one of his kidneys to save his son. We’ve all been through tough times, but the difference is that some give up, and Jim and Fran White will never do that. They have helped their business evolve into Motorsport Direct, with around $15 million in sales for 2002, and an anticipated $20 million in 2003.
Jim is working on several new product lines. Some he could not discuss, as the marketing programs have not been finalized. One that is ready to go to market is DCW Diecast Wax. One 4 ounce bottle of this specially formulated wax will clean and protect 100 1:24 scale diecast models. The wax is proven to protect and preserve diecast collectibles with a high gloss finish that repels dust and saves collectors hours of dusting and cleaning. Jim states that he is in a tough business. His secret of success is to stay ahead of competitors by always looking for that extra product that the consumer needs. He and his staff strive to provide the best service and quality to all customers. A self professed street racer who came up with the name “Pro Street,” and a drag, boat and car racer, Jim has been there and done it all. Jim and Fran support various worthy charities and groups. Motorsport Direct is a presenting sponsor for the GoodGuys Del Mar Show, and they are expecting over 30,000 spectators at their very own Southern California Motorsport Expo, featuring racing superstars, set for the 3rd weekend in April of this year.
Jim and Fran invited us to “The Barn.” This is where they store their treasures. Priceless antiques, tin toys, license plates, and plate toppers, an Ed Roth “Rat Fink,” measuring nearly five feet tall, a custom made Harley, and curios and keepsakes from a by-gone era. Jim and Fran White are collectors, but more than knickknacks and objects, they are collectors of memories, friendships and causes. Always ready to pitch in and help, they use their very successful business to help the many vital causes that need not only money, but time, service and commitment as well. One of their latest charitable causes, is working with a local organization, Lions, Tigers and Bears. This is a program to help fund a refuge for bears, tigers, lions and other exotic wildlife left stranded by owners who can no longer care for these half domesticated but still wild animals. I truly enjoyed my visit with Jim and Fran. A family owned business that has a lot to be proud of.
Gone Racin’ is at www.oilstick.com