From the South to ... anywhere, really. In a brief series, we track down people who were raised or educated here and are now doing something interesting overseas.
Today, we feature former Dunedin man Jeff Nash, whose love of speed on two wheels has taken him to the United States. Hayden Meikle tracks him down for a chat.
Q. Where do you live?
The Dallas/Fort Worth area in North Texas, USA.
Q. How long have you been there and what do you like about it?
Since moving to the US in late 1989 to pursue my dreams in motorsports, I have always been attracted to Texas because of its people. They embody what I believe is the spirit of the United States and someone who is patriotic and proud of their state and country. They are hard-working, welcoming and respectful folks who, over the years, I have become great friends with. In addition to this, Texas is very supportive of entrepreneurs and provides an abundance of business incentives to help keep costs down.
Q. What do you do for a job?
I am the president and founder of Advanced Motorsports Ducati Dallas. A little history on this ... Back in 1995, while personally pursuing motorcycle racing, I started Advanced Motorsports to provide race preparation and technical support for Ducati motorcycles. As I continued in my racing career, I managed to earn six national titles including the 2000 AMA Pro Thunder Championship. Upon retiring from racing in 2002, I opened my first Ducati franchise dealership. I knew I wanted to stay with the Ducati brand as I had developed a deep passion for the bikes that I had been racing. A few years after that, I was offered an opportunity to open a new Ducati store in downtown Dallas and since then have been able to grow the company into the largest exclusive Ducati dealer in North America.
Q. What is the appeal of your job?
I am very lucky to be able to work in an industry that I love. Motorcycles are a part of who I am and to be able to spend every day around them, talking about them, giving new riders the opportunity to experience them and spark the same passion that I have, is very rewarding. I could not imagine doing anything else.
My racing career will always be a highlight of my life as it directly shaped my business and instilled in me the ability to be adaptive and focused. I am also incredibly proud of an award that our dealership won this year at the Ducati Global Conference in Italy. I was presented with Dealer of the Year for all of the Americas by Claudio Domenicali, the CEO of Ducati.
Outside work, what do you like to do?
I enjoy CrossFit, riding track days on my motorcycle and waterskiing during warmer months.
Favourite country visited?
Italy is my numero uno! I have visited a multitude of times on business trips and love the history, culture, people and food.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Dunedin and completed school at Otago Boys’ High before starting a career at NZ Telecom.
What are your favourite memories of growing up or studying/working here?
We lived on the edge of town so growing up I spent most of the time out and about in nature exploring with my brothers.
Where will you be in five years?
I plan to still be involved with Ducati Dallas and hopefully guide the business into a larger online international presence while continuing to grow domestic sales.
