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An intro to White Industries

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This is Doug White

In the late '60s, I began my career as a machinist at United Airlines in SFO. Restlessness led me to leave my steady job in 1970, moving to Marin County with no clear plan. My journey in the bicycle industry began at Sunshine Bicycle Centre during the '70s cycling boom. Teaming up with Phil Brown, I then founded Brown & White Cycles in 1972, where we sold 30 to 35 frames before parting ways. 

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After concluding my frame-building career, I sought a new income source and identified an opportunity in the growing trend of bike commuting. In response, I created "Peggers" in 1978—a multi-colored elastic band with Velcro to secure the right pant leg from chain entanglements. This marked the inception of White Industries, with Peggers gaining popularity and selling in large quantities to notable brands like Raleigh, Schwinn, and Merry Sales. However, the demand for additional income arose in 1987 with the birth of my daughter, and so it was out with sewing machines and in with milling machines. Relocating to San Rafael's Canal neighborhood and later to Bel-Marin Keys in Novato in 1988, White Industries began making its mark in the mountain bike world.

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In recent years, my son Alec and I have dedicated ourselves to enhancing and expanding our product line at White Industries. We've been tirelessly refining hubs, freewheels, cranks, chainrings, bottom brackets, headsets, and pedals while simultaneously planning for the future.

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Perhaps my greatest achievement lies in navigating this company through the ever-changing landscape of tastes, fads, new standards, overseas competition, recessions, and the challenges of broken end mills. Today, we continue to manufacture our products here in the U.S., conducting business globally, and providing gainful employment to 16 dedicated individuals. What brings me the most joy is witnessing people's excitement about riding their bikes. Even after all these years, I come to work every day with enthusiasm for new projects and a perpetual hope to sneak out for a bike ride (and maybe a beer!).

Keen to see more?

You can check out White Industries' catalogue here or get in touch to place an order

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