Chris McIntyre

Chris McIntyre: Creating a Global Motorcycle Experience

Chris McIntyre’s journey from a motorcycle-loving college student to the founder of EagleRider, the world’s largest motorcycle rental and touring company, is a story of passion, perseverance, and a little bit of daring. With a deep love for the open road and an entrepreneurial spirit, McIntyre turned a shared dream into a thriving global business that makes it possible for riders around the world to experience the freedom of two wheels.

A Love of Two Wheels from the Start

Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, Chris was surrounded by his four sisters and a family that instilled in him a strong work ethic and sense of adventure. His father ran a family construction business while his mother took care of the home, and it was in this environment that Chris developed his grit and determination. But it was at the age of 8, riding a mini-bike for the very first time, that his lifelong passion for motorcycles was sparked. Though that first ride ended with a crash, he was hooked for life.

Throughout his youth, Chris remained enamored with motorcycles. While studying economics at the University of Wisconsin, he took every opportunity to ride—commuting to classes and his summer construction job on a Honda 500cc Interceptor or navigating off-road trails on his Suzuki PE175 Enduro. The thrill of riding became a constant in his life, and even as he pursued a traditional career path, his love for the open road remained at the forefront.

From Idea to Industry Disruptor

After college, Chris took a job with NCR, a role that gave him stability but left him longing for more excitement. It wasn’t long before he and his friend Jeff Brown hatched a plan to take a few months off and explore the country on motorcycles. They were surprised to find that, despite the many car rental companies around, there were no options for renting motorcycles. The absence of such a service seemed like an opportunity just waiting to be seized.

Determined to fill the gap, Chris and Jeff set about creating a motorcycle rental business. They faced an uphill battle. Banks didn’t understand the concept, insurance companies balked at the risk, and most people simply laughed at the idea of building a business around renting motorcycles. But the two friends pushed forward, undeterred. In 1994, after two years of hard work and determination, EagleRider Motorcycles opened its doors with a fleet of just four Harley-Davidsons, operating out of a residential garage in San Pedro, California.

Their first rental came from four Austrians who were eager to tour the U.S. on American bikes. While pulling up to a suburban driveway to pick up their bikes must have seemed odd, the customers left two weeks later beaming with excitement and gratitude. It was then that Chris knew EagleRider was destined for more than just being a rental company—it was about turning dreams into reality.

Building a Global Empire on Two Wheels

Since that first rental, EagleRider has grown exponentially, expanding from a small operation in a garage to a massive global enterprise with over 100 locations worldwide. From coast-to-coast U.S. tours to guided trips across Europe and beyond, EagleRider has helped riders of all backgrounds experience the joy and freedom of motorcycling in some of the most scenic and iconic locations on the planet.

But Chris didn’t just want to rent bikes; he wanted to create unforgettable experiences. His vision was to offer customers not just a motorcycle, but an adventure. With this focus, EagleRider has organized everything from Route 66 tours to group excursions through America’s national parks, enabling riders from all corners of the globe to experience the world on two wheels.

Chris’s leadership has been instrumental in the company’s transformation from a niche business to a worldwide leader in motorcycle tourism. Today, EagleRider serves more than 100,000 customers each year, with a network of over 400 employees who share his love for motorcycles and his dedication to making dreams come true.

Reimagining the Motorcycle Experience

EagleRider’s growth has been fueled by Chris’s unwavering commitment to innovation. Recently, the company opened its first EagleRider Experience Superstore in Orlando, Florida. More than just a rental facility, the Superstore is a one-stop shop for riders, offering a comprehensive range of services from rentals and tours to full-fledged dealerships featuring iconic brands like Indian and Yamaha.

The concept behind these Superstores is to provide a complete motorcycle lifestyle experience. Customers can browse bikes, shop for parts, book a guided tour, or just hang out in an environment that celebrates the motorcycle culture. With plans for similar Superstores in Los Angeles and San Francisco, EagleRider is poised to transform the motorcycle industry yet again by offering an immersive experience that caters to enthusiasts at every level.

Beyond Business: A Passion for People

One of the key elements that sets EagleRider apart is its commitment to creating opportunities for others. Chris believes in empowering people to follow their passion, whether it’s employees who get to live and breathe the motorcycle lifestyle every day or customers who get to experience the ride of a lifetime. EagleRider is more than just a company; it’s a community that connects riders from all over the world and shares the joy of motorcycling.

Chris’s approach to business has always been deeply personal. He credits much of EagleRider’s success to the incredible support of his wife June and their three children: daughters Nicole and Mackenzie, and son Jake. Balancing the demands of a global business with family life is no small feat, but Chris and June make it work, often blending family time with travel and outdoor adventures that reflect the same love for freedom and exploration that fuels EagleRider.

The Road Ahead

Chris McIntyre’s story is a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance, vision, and a willingness to take risks. From a small fleet of four Harleys in a garage to a global enterprise serving hundreds of thousands of riders, EagleRider has become synonymous with the ultimate motorcycle experience. But for Chris, it’s not just about business growth—it’s about sharing the love of the ride, connecting people to their dreams, and keeping the spirit of adventure alive.

As EagleRider continues to expand and evolve, one thing remains clear: Chris’s passion for motorcycles is as strong as ever. And as long as there are roads to ride and dreams to chase, you can be sure that EagleRider will be there, turning visions of adventure into reality for riders around the world.