Michael Ballard is a true force to be reckoned with in motorcycles and bar ownership. From humble beginnings in the small town of Trimble, Tennessee, Ballard has built a veritable empire centered around his renowned establishment, the Full Throttle Saloon – a place he proudly calls “the world’s largest biker bar.” Through sheer determination, business savvy, and a love for the open road, Ballard has crafted a legacy that stretches far beyond the confines of his beloved Sturgis, South Dakota.
Who is Michael Ballard?
Born in 1965, Michael Ballard’s early years were marked by mischievousness that earned him the local nickname “Little Al Capone.” As a young boy, Ballard developed a passion for bars and liquor, sneaking into the town’s Silver Dollar Cafe as early as 12. Though he may have been a bit of a troublemaker in his youth, Ballard eventually found his footing, venturing into the cellular phone business as a young adult.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Ballard |
| Date of Birth | 1965 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2023) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Physique | Fit, muscular build |
| Nickname | “Little Al Capone” (from his youth) |
Age and Physique
Now 58 years old, Ballard cuts an imposing figure, standing at 6’2″ and maintaining a fit, muscular build – a testament to his lifelong love of motorcycles and the open road. His rugged good looks and commanding presence have only added to his larger-than-life persona, making him a natural fit for the world he’s carved out for himself.
Personal Life and Relationships
While Ballard’s professional life has been well-documented, his personal life has remained relatively private. He has been in a long-term relationship with Angie Carlson, the marketing director for the Full Throttle Saloon. Angie is often featured on the reality TV series that follows the bar’s operations, showcasing her signature move of sitting on a patron’s head during her “Flaunt Dancer” performances.
Net Worth and Salary
Michael Ballard’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $10 million as of 2023. Much of this wealth can be attributed to the success of the Full Throttle Saloon, which is reported to generate anywhere from $1 million to $2 million in annual revenue. Ballard’s savvy business understanding and ability to capitalize on the biker community’s love for his establishment have undoubtedly played a significant role in amassing this impressive fortune.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $10 million (as of 2023) |
| Annual Revenue of Bar | $1 million to $2 million |
Company Details and Investments
The Full Throttle Saloon is the crown jewel of Ballard’s business ventures. Spanning 30 acres in Sturgis, South Dakota, the complex features multiple restaurants, a tattoo parlor, stores, two stages for performances, a wrestling ring, a zip line course, a burn-out pit, 200 cabins, and parking to accommodate the tens of thousands of bikers who flock to the establishment during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
In addition to the Full Throttle Saloon, Ballard has ventured into moonshine distillation, launching “Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle S’loonshine” in 2013. This diversification of his business interests has helped to solidify his financial standing and ensure the long-term sustainability of his empire.
Professional Career
Ballard’s professional journey began in the cellular phone industry, where he owned and operated his company, Cellular Plus. However, a trip to Sturgis, South Dakota, in the late 1990s would ultimately shape his career. Inspired by the vibrant biker culture he encountered, Ballard decided to sell his cellular business and pursue his newfound passion—the creation of the Full Throttle Saloon.
Investment and Funding
Ballard’s initial investment in the Full Throttle Saloon was substantial. He used the proceeds from the sale of Cellular Plus to purchase the 30-acre property in Sturgis. Over the years, he has continued to reinvest in the establishment, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the biker bar industry.
The reality TV series that followed the bar’s operations, also titled “Full Throttle Saloon,” provided an additional source of revenue and exposure for Ballard’s enterprise. The show, which aired for six seasons, helped to solidify the Full Throttle Saloon’s status as a must-visit destination for bikers and thrill-seekers alike.
Contact Details and Social Media
While Michael Ballard is a larger-than-life figure in the biker community, he maintains a relatively low-key presence on social media. His official website, FullThrottleSaloon.com, is the primary hub for information about the bar, events, and merchandise. Ballard can also be found on various biker-focused social media platforms. Still, he largely avoids the spotlight, preferring to let the Full Throttle Saloon and its devoted following speak for themselves.
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | FullThrottleSaloon.com |
| Social Media | Limited presence, primarily on biker-focused platforms |
Conclusion
Michael Ballard’s story is of boundless ambition, unwavering determination, and a deep-rooted love for the open road. Ballard’s journey has been remarkable, from his humble beginnings in Trimble, Tennessee, to creating the world’s most extensive biker bar. With a net worth of $10 million and a legacy that continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Ballard has cemented his place as a true icon in the biker community.
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