Brian & Laura Klock
Klock Werks: Building Dreams on Two Wheels
Laura and Brian Klock are living proof that passion, family, and faith can propel dreams into reality. What started as a small, independent custom bike shop has evolved into an internationally recognized brand—Klock Werks, a name synonymous with innovation, speed, and community service. This husband-wife duo has used motorcycles not just to build a business, but to shape a lifestyle centered on family, empowering others, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels.
Brian Klock: From Small Town Beginnings to Custom-Build Stardom
Born and raised in Emery, South Dakota, Brian Klock’s fascination with bikes began early. Growing up in a town of just 385 people, his playground was his parents’ gas station, where he soaked in his father’s love for cars and motorcycles. By the age of ten, Brian was already showing an entrepreneurial spirit, charging neighborhood kids for rides on his Honda Trail 50 and using the money to fund his candy and comic book stash.
His passion grew from there. Under the mentorship of custom bike legends Jim Betlach and Donnie Smith, Brian built his first true custom bike—an FXR that started as a police bike, stripped down to its frame and completely reimagined. That bike went on to win numerous awards, launching Brian’s career and catching the attention of the custom motorcycle world.
In 1996, Brian partnered with mentor John Patton, officially founding Klock Werks. With John’s tools, garage, and support, Brian turned his passion into a business. The shop’s first employee, Dan Cheeseman—now the company’s COO—joined Brian and began building the foundation of what would become an iconic brand. Their hard work and creativity paid off, landing Klock Werks its first magazine feature in Hot Bike in 2001, followed by its first cover story a year later.
By 2003, Klock Werks was gaining national attention, but when the Discovery Channel came knocking, Brian made the bold decision to turn down the spotlight. He wasn’t ready to compromise his vision, focusing instead on refining the Klock Werks brand and preparing for the opportunities ahead.
Laura Klock: Trailblazing on the Salt Flats and Beyond
In 2005, everything changed when Laura Klock entered the picture. Growing up in Wisconsin, Laura was a kindred spirit—a girl who’d spent her childhood riding dirt bikes and soaking up the knowledge of her car-loving father. Her first project was customizing a Harley-Davidson Sportster, a bike that went on to win a first-place trophy. With two young daughters in tow, Laura’s journey led her to Brian and the Klock Werks team in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Laura’s energy and talent were exactly what the boys needed to take Klock Werks to the next level. The pair became partners in business and in life, getting married in 2007 in a ceremony that took place on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats—where just a year earlier, Laura had piloted Klock Werks’ custom-built bagger to an AMA National Land Speed Record, earning it the title of the “World’s Fastest Bagger.”
Their unique family legacy was solidified when, in 2008, Laura and her daughters, Erika and Karlee, became the first Mother-Daughter-Daughter trio to hold land speed records at the same time. The Klock family’s achievements have since become legendary, inspiring a new generation of women riders and racers to chase their own records and dreams.
From Custom Builds to Industry-Leading Innovation
One of Klock Werks’ most revolutionary contributions to the motorcycle industry came from its racing roots. After experiencing the intense wind conditions on the Salt Flats, Brian and Laura developed the original Klock Werks Flare™ Windshield—a patented design that combined performance and style to improve handling and reduce drag. The Flare™ Windshield has since become a cornerstone of the Klock Werks brand, twice named “Product of the Year” and used by riders around the world.
Today, Klock Werks has grown to include a team of 17 dedicated employees and over 370 different part numbers, including handlebars, exhausts, and air management products. Their parts are distributed internationally, making Klock Werks a go-to brand for those looking to customize and enhance their rides.
Giving Back: Helping with Horsepower
But for Brian and Laura, Klock Werks has always been about more than just building bikes. With a heart for community service, Laura co-founded the nonprofit organization Helping with Horsepower alongside her daughter Erika and Klock Werks GM, Dave Sietsema. This 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to empowering youth and women through hands-on motorcycle rebuild programs that teach life skills and inspire personal growth.
Their flagship project, the Helping with Horsepower Bike Re-Build Program, began at Mitchell’s Abbott House, a residential treatment facility for girls aged 7-17. Through the program, participants rebuild motorcycles while learning problem-solving, teamwork, and self-confidence. In its first year, the project raised over $70,000 for the facility, and the program’s success has spurred its expansion to other states, changing countless lives in the process.
Leading by Example: Service and Advocacy
The Klocks’ commitment to service extends far beyond the shop. Brian serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mitchell, the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Polaris Industry Indian Advisory Board. His contributions have been recognized with the Maverick Award from the state of South Dakota, and Klock Werks was a top five finalist in the Governor’s Giant Vision competition.
Laura, meanwhile, is a proud member of the Motor Maids, a certified Motorcycle Safety Instructor, and a board member for the Mitchell Area Safehouse and Mitchell Technical Institute. She also leads a faith-based recovery program at the Abbott House and served on the crew for fellow Hall of Fame member Cris Sommer Simmons during the first Motorcycle Cannonball Endurance Run in 2010.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond their achievements on the track and in business, Brian and Laura Klock are perhaps most proud of the lives they’ve touched. Whether they’re sharing their story at a school, leading a charity ride, or building a custom bike on stage, the Klocks use their platform to inspire others to live boldly, pursue their passions, and believe that with hard work and faith, anything is possible.
Their story is more than a business success—it’s a testament to the power of family, faith, and following your dreams. And as the Klocks continue to expand the reach of Klock Werks and Helping with Horsepower, they’re not just building motorcycles—they’re building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.