Net Worth Ranker
What Is Paul Teutul Sr.’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Paul Teutul Sr.’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000. This figure is based on his assets, business ventures, and earnings from television appearances, though his financial situation has faced some challenges, including a bankruptcy filing in 2018.
Paul Teutul Sr.’s Early Career and the Rise of Orange County Choppers
Paul Teutul Sr. was born on May 1, 1949, in Yonkers, New York, and raised in Pearl River, New York. At the age of 18, he served in the United States Merchant Marines during the Vietnam War. His passion for motorcycles ignited in the 1970s, inspired by films like “Easy Rider” and “Hells Angels on Wheels.”
In 1973, Teutul launched Paul’s Welding in New York, starting with “one pick-up truck and a welding machine.” He expanded the business to a 7,000 square foot facility in Rock Tavern and renamed it Orange County Iron, later changed to Orange County Ironworks, LLC in 2004. He eventually entrusted the operations of Orange County Ironworks to his son Dan, allowing him to pursue his passion for custom motorcycles by opening Orange County Choppers in Newburgh, New York.
The premiere of “American Chopper” on the Discovery Channel in 2003 marked a significant turning point. The show aired over 230 episodes, including two seasons on TLC. This success led to spin-offs such as “American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior,” “Orange County Choppers,” and “Orange County Choppers: American Made,” as well as specials like “American Chopper Live: The Build Off” (2011) and “Chopper Live: The Revenge” (2012). Paul also served as a producer for numerous episodes of “American Chopper.”
In 2020, Teutul closed the Newburgh Orange County Choppers location. In June 2021, he opened OCC Road House and Museum in Pinellas Park, Florida. This 11,000 square foot facility features a billiards hall, floor games, a motorcycle and memorabilia collection, a live event space, retail space, bar, and restaurant.
Orange County Choppers also engaged in charitable activities, building bikes for organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Iraq Star. In 2010, the company established The OCC Foundation, Inc., aiming to elevate their charitable efforts.
Financial Challenges and Bankruptcy
In March 2018, Paul Teutul Sr. filed for bankruptcy. The filing listed debts of $1,070,893 and assets of $1,801,729. He claimed a monthly salary of around $15,000 as a steel fabricator, while his monthly spending was approximately $12,600. His attorney described the filing as “proactive, not reactive.”
The bankruptcy filing provides a snapshot of his financial situation at that time, indicating significant debt despite his assets and income. The figures suggest that while he had considerable assets, his liabilities were substantial, contributing to his financial difficulties.
Television Appearances and Media Ventures
Paul Teutul Sr.’s fame stems largely from his role in “American Chopper,” but he has also made appearances in other media. He appeared in the 2007 film “Wild Hogs,” a 2008 episode of “My Name Is Earl,” and Nickelback’s 2007 music video “Rockstar.” In 2012 and 2013, he competed on NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” finishing eighth. In 2007, he and Paul Jr. shared an Astra Award for Favourite International Personality or Actor for “American Chopper.”
These appearances broadened his public profile and likely contributed to his income, although the specific financial details of these ventures are not publicly available. His television work, particularly “American Chopper,” was instrumental in establishing his brand and creating revenue streams through the show itself, merchandise, and related opportunities.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Paul Teutul Sr. was married to Paula Teutul from 1969 to 1995, and they had three sons: Paul Jr., Michael, and Daniel, and a daughter, Cristin. His relationship with his sons, particularly Paul Jr., was a central theme in “American Chopper.”
In mid-2019, Paul sold his 3,448 square foot New York mansion for $1.9 million. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home sat on 38 acres, and the sale included some of his farm animals. The property was previously listed for $2.89 million in October 2017.
He married Beth Dillon on July 29, 2007, and they divorced in 2015 after a three-year separation. Since 2011, he has been in a relationship with Joan Bulger-Kay.
In April 2017, Teutul faced legal issues when sued by his business partner, Thomas Derbyshire, who alleged misuse of funds invested in “Orange County Choppers: American Made.” JTM Motorsports also sued him, claiming a deal for promoting their business in exchange for work on his Corvette.
These personal and legal events provide a broader context to his life and potential financial impacts, though precise details are not always publicly accessible.
