Allen Alvarez
Allen Alvarez: A Hall of Fame Career Fueled by Passion and Persistence
In the motorcycle world, longevity often goes hand-in-hand with experience, but it’s dedication and the ability to evolve that set true legends apart. For Allen Alvarez, who started his journey in 1975 and remains active in the industry to this day, his 45 years in motorcycling have been about much more than just time spent in the business. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament not just to his staying power, but to his unwavering drive, unparalleled work ethic, and the countless contributions he’s made behind the scenes.
From Humble Beginnings to a Tireless Advocate
Allen’s story began long before he ever set foot in a bike shop. His work ethic was formed early on, starting at the age of nine at his family’s Dairy Queen stores in Clarksburg, WV. By the time he reached adulthood, an interest in cars had led him to a job selling import car parts, where he discovered his knack for sales. But when he noticed that nearly every town with a single car parts store had multiple motorcycle shops, Allen’s entrepreneurial instinct kicked in. In 1975, he approached Wayne Sullivan of Sullivan Brothers Distributing with a bold proposition: “Send me a catalog, and I’ll see if I can sell anything.”
That simple request launched a career that would span decades and take Allen into the deepest corners of the motorcycle industry. “If it had a door, I went through it,” Allen recalls, a phrase that has become synonymous with his relentless determination to never leave a potential customer untouched.
Persistence That Pays Off
A story from early in his career perfectly captures Allen’s drive. He once walked into a Yamaha shop in Frederick, MD, only to be told by the owner that he didn’t need anything. But Allen had a proposal: “If I can go through your order sheets and find things you need that the other guys missed, can I write an order?” Skeptical but amused, the owner agreed. An hour later, Allen walked out with a $2,200 order, proving that no opportunity was too small if approached with the right mindset.
Allen’s success was never just about products or prices—it was about the relationships he built along the way. “I helped whoever I could,” he says simply. “It’s a people business—I worry that we forget that now.”
Making His Mark in the Motorcycle World
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Allen expanded Sullivan’s territory across West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia, and his expertise in the aftermarket industry grew rapidly. He developed an intricate knowledge of everything from metric parts to V-twin components. Over time, he worked with many of the industry’s biggest names, including Accel, Accessories Unlimited, and NEMPCO, where his sales prowess turned a small catalog into a major revenue stream.
But it wasn’t just about selling parts—it was about shaping the industry itself. He played a pivotal role in introducing new products to the market and bridging the gap between manufacturers and independent shops. His collaborations with companies like Cometic Gaskets and Crane Cams brought innovative products to riders, often helping businesses break into the V-twin segment and find new success.
A Network Like No Other
Allen’s ability to connect people and products made him a force in the motorcycle aftermarket. Over the years, he represented or worked closely with a staggering list of brands and distributors, including Drag Specialties, Custom Chrome, Dunlop, Continental, Belray, Standard Motor Products, and more. His friends and collaborators read like a who’s who of motorcycling history: Bill Gickling, Jeff Fox, PJ Harvey, Bob Kay, Lee & Brenda Clemens, and Danny Fitzmaurice, to name a few.
One of the most telling signs of Allen’s impact was the time he signed for a shop’s entire spring order when they had no credit, taking on the financial risk himself. It’s the kind of gesture that’s nearly unheard of today, but to Allen, it was just what you did to support people you believed in.
Going the Extra Mile—Literally
Even with decades of experience under his belt, Allen never let up. He moved to Florida in 1986, where he continued to build new relationships and forge new paths in the industry. His partnership with Hector Melendez at Crane Cams led to innovations in camshaft and ignition products that are still felt today.
Outside of work, the Florida lifestyle allowed Allen to indulge in another passion: deep-sea fishing. For years, he balanced his professional commitments with competitive fishing, sometimes even running his business from his boat for months at a time. “It’s an expensive hobby!” he jokes. “That’s why I’m still working today.”
A Legacy of Friendship and Service
When asked what his induction into the Hall of Fame means to him, Allen’s response is characteristically humble. “It’s about being recognized by my peers for what I’ve been able to add to the motorcycle industry over the years. I think I’ve been able to contribute a lot to advance products, manufacturers, aftermarket companies, and smaller independent shops.”
And he’s right—Allen’s influence can be felt in every corner of the industry. He’s helped countless businesses get off the ground, introduced game-changing products, and, most importantly, always put people first.
As he turns 80, Allen shows no signs of slowing down. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to advancing the motorcycle business, all while keeping the human element at the heart of his work. It’s no wonder that, in 2020—the same year as the 80th anniversary of the Sturgis Rally—Allen will be celebrating not just his own milestone, but also the legacy he’s built over nearly half a century.
Awards and Recognitions
2005 Lifetime Achievement Award from Hot Bike/Street Chopper
2011 V-Twin Lifetime Achievement Award
Served on the Daytona Bike Week committee for several years
1981 marked his first year at the Sturgis Rally
Hall of Fame inductee, recognized for 45 years of contributions to the motorcycle industry
Looking Forward
The fact that Allen remains friends with so many of the people he’s met in his career is a testament to his genuine passion and approachability. It’s fitting that, as he looks back on all he’s accomplished, he’s still thinking ahead: “There’s always more to learn, more people to meet. I’ve been lucky enough to do what I love for a long time, and that’s worth more than any title or award.”
For Allen Alvarez, the journey continues. And the industry is better for it.