Conversations with Jonathan Clingenpeel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Clingenpeel.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I had been working at Oakley in the design department for ten years already when I felt a need to start something on my own on the side. I needed a creative outlet that I could mix my skills and my passion for motorcycles. My father-in-law used to be a dental tech and taught me how to cast jewelry like he used to cast crowns and such. Using my design background and newly acquired skill of casting metal, Speakeasy Original was born.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Learning to cast was a bumpy road. A lot of time was spent on trying to perfect the process and work out the kinks. Note, it’ll never be perfect, there’s always more to learn. Combine that with figuring out how to start a small business, how to build a website, market, sell, and grow, I definitely had my work cut out for me. I learned that you can’t do everything yourself and do it well, so ask for help when needed.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Part of Speakeasy’s origin story came from a simple want of a ring from a well-known jewelry artist. The ring was about $1400 and I thought maybe I could do it myself and design my own ring. That’s what sent me down the rabbit hole. We create and collaborate with people to make custom jewelry. There weren’t a ton of jewelry artists in the Moto industry like there is now. I like to think that we got started before it really blew up. I think one of the things we did that wasn’t really being done was collaborating with all kinds of brands in the industry. Now you see collabs all over the place and not just in jewelry.

Any big plans?
A little over a year ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. After 14 years of slangin metal, Speakeasy had to take a backseat to my health. Thankfully I’ve had help along the way including my friend Travis that has taken on the casting and finishing portion of our designs. We didn’t completely stop doing business, but we cut way back as I was going through treatment, surgeries, and recovery. Although My passion for motorcycles and design hasn’t changed, my perspective and outlook on life has. I‘ve been sharing my story through Speakeasy’s social media and spreading awareness. I’m looking for opportunities to help people and give back to the cancer community. I’m so appreciative of all the support that I’ve received and want to pay it forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SpeakeasyOriginal.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakeasyoriginal?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=