Markel employees build custom motorcycle

It’s not a secret that Waukesha, Wis.-based Markel American Insurance Co. insures motorcycles and other recreational vehicles, but it is a surprise that its employees are accomplished builders of motorcycles.

The company recently announced the completion of the custom board track racer style motorcycle built by Markel American associates through a “Markel Builds Fun” project to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang charity. Although the support for the charity is not in question, it is likely that the building of the motorcycle was a reward in itself.

“I have never built a motorcycle from the ground up and it was great fun, a terrific and rewarding experience,” said Tom Conroy, a builder, marine director and company employee since 1989.

Conroy, along with Mark Hoedel and Dale Moldenhauer built the motorcycle from a rolling chassis kit purchased from Milwaukee Iron in Lynchburg, Va. Numerous Wisconsin companies were also involved in the project including Hoban Brothers Cycle Shop in Newton, Auto Source in Chilton, Custom Designs in Malone and Innovative Auto Body in New Holstein. Each company played a key role in seeing this bike through to completion.

But for the builders, this was a dream come true. “All of us have motorcycles and we are able to ‘walk the walk and talk the talk’ because of that,” Conroy said. Conroy added that although they all enjoy the sport none of them had ever built a bike.The challenge for the three was finding the time to put the bike together. “We worked after work and on weekends, it was a labor of love,” Conroy said.

Entries to win the motorcycle in a sweepstakes were accepted at http://www.markelbuildsfun.com until September. No purchase was necessary to enter, but entrants were encouraged to donate to the Victory Junction Gang. At this writing the winner’s name has not been released, but Conroy said that a conservative estimate of money raised was at least $5,500.

“Victory Junction Gang Camp is a place that provides exceptional experiences for very, very sick kids,” Conroy said. “We support their efforts as best we can with our fundraiser.”

The mission of the Victory Junction Gang Camp is to touch the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. Founded by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam, the Victory Junction Gang Camp is a year-round facility serving children ages 7 to 15. Each summer, children suffering from similar medical conditions including heart, lung and kidney disease, spina bifida, HIV, cancer, burn survivors, neurological disorders, and a host of others, gather to kick back, relax and have some fun.

The Victory Junction Gang Camp, located in Randleman, N. C., is a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, and is free to children and their families. The camp operates solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundation.

“This project was great fun and I can’t wait to see the face of the winner when we present it to them,” said Dale Moldenhauer, builder and marine underwriter.

A subsidiary of the Markel Corp., Markel American Insurance Co. specializes in the lines of powersport products, specialty marine, preferred yacht and small boat, and specialty property.