Paul Teutul Sr. is an American sailor, businessperson, and television producer born in Yonkers, New York. Paul Teutul Sr. gained public attention as the founder of Orange County Choppers and as a central figure on the reality series American Chopper. This Paul Teutul Sr. biography highlights the subject’s maritime background, entrepreneurial ventures, and media presence.
Demographic Data and Core Attributes of Paul Teutul Sr.
Paul Teutul Sr. was born Paul John Teutul on May 1, 1949, in Yonkers, New York. Paul Teutul Sr. was raised in Pearl River, New York, and attended Pearl River High School. Paul Teutul Sr. joined the United States Merchant Marines at age 18 during the Vietnam War, establishing a lifelong connection to maritime service.
Paul Teutul Sr. identifies as male and follows the Taurus birth sign.
Professional Career and Sailor History of Paul Teutul Sr.
Paul Teutul Sr. began a welding enterprise in 1973, launching Paul’s Welding in New York with a single pickup truck and welding machine. Paul Teutul Sr. expanded the operation to a 7,000‑square‑foot facility in Rock Tavern and renamed the company Orange County Iron, later becoming Orange County Ironworks, LLC in 2004. Paul Teutul Sr. founded Orange County Choppers in Newburgh, New York, after transferring leadership of Orange County Ironworks to son Dan.
Paul Teutul Sr.’s custom motorcycle business attracted television interest, leading to the debut of American Chopper on the Discovery Channel in 2003. Paul Teutul Sr.’s participation in American Chopper resulted in more than 230 episodes and multiple spin‑offs, including American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior, Orange County Choppers, and Orange County Choppers: American Made. Paul Teutul Sr.’s television exposure extended to appearances in the 2007 film Wild Hogs, a 2008 episode of My Name Is Earl, and Nickelback’s 2007 music video “Rockstar.” Paul Teutul Sr. competed on NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice from 2012 to 2013, finishing in eighth place.
Paul Teutul Sr. authored Orange County Choppers: The Tale of the Teutuls (2006) and Ride of a Lifetime: Doing Business the Orange County Choppers Way (2009). Paul Teutul Sr. shared an Astra Award for Favourite International Personality or Actor in 2007 with son Paul Jr. for American Chopper. Paul Teutul Sr. closed the Newburgh Orange County Choppers location in 2020 and opened the OCC Road House and Museum in Pinellas Park, Florida, in June 2021, providing a 11,000‑square‑foot venue for events, retail, and memorabilia.
Family, Brand, and Organization Connections of Paul Teutul Sr.
Paul Teutul Sr.’s family relationships have been integral to business and media activities.
- Paula Teutul: Married from 1969 to 1995, mother of three sons and one daughter.
- Paul Jr.: Son, co‑star on American Chopper, fired in 2009, later returned as consultant.
- Michael “Mikey” Teutul: Son, appeared on American Chopper until 2012, returned in 2018.
- Daniel “Dan” Teutul: Son, operates Orange County Ironworks after leadership transfer.
- Cristin Teutul: Daughter, works as a pediatric nurse.
- Beth Dillon: Married on July 29, 2007, divorced in 2015 after a three‑year separation.
- Joan Bulger‑Kay: Partner since 2011.
Paul Teutul Sr. founded Orange County Choppers, a custom motorcycle manufacturer, and Orange County Ironworks, LLC, a steel fabrication firm. Paul Teutul Sr. established The OCC Foundation, Inc. in 2010 to support charitable initiatives such as the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation and Iraq Star. Paul Teutul Sr. created OCC Road House and Museum, a multifaceted entertainment complex in Florida.
Awards, Rankings, and Achievements of Paul Teutul Sr.
Paul Teutul Sr. received an Astra Award for Favourite International Personality or Actor in 2007, shared with Paul Jr. for contributions to American Chopper.
Paul Teutul Sr.’s entrepreneurial ventures generated a net worth estimated at $500 Thousand.
Paul Teutul Sr.’s bankruptcy filing in March 2018 listed debts of $1,070,893 and assets of $1,801,729, reflecting a proactive financial restructuring approach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Teutul Sr.
What maritime service did Paul Teutul Sr. join?
Paul Teutul Sr. joined the United States Merchant Marines at age 18 during the Vietnam War.
Which reality series featured Paul Teutul Sr. as a producer?
Paul Teutul Sr. produced numerous episodes of American Chopper and its spin‑offs.
When did Paul Teutul Sr. open the OCC Road House and Museum?
Paul Teutul Sr. opened the OCC Road House and Museum in Pinellas Park, Florida, in June 2021.
How many lawsuits was Paul Teutul Sr. involved in by 2018?
Paul Teutul Sr. reported involvement in eight lawsuits in a 2018 financial statement.
How old is Paul Teutul Sr.?
Paul Teutul Sr. is 77 years old.