Net Worth Ranker
What Is Michael Ballard’s Net Worth?
Michael Ballard, the American bar owner and motorcyclist best known for establishing the Full Throttle Saloon, possesses a net worth of approximately $10 million as of March 2025. This valuation is primarily derived from his ownership of the Full Throttle Saloon, a sprawling entertainment complex that gains significant revenue during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. His earnings also stem from his ventures into the liquor industry and his participation in a reality TV series that showcased the operations of his bar.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in 1965 in Trimble, Tennessee, Michael Ballard displayed an early inclination towards the bar and liquor industry, which set the foundation for his future endeavors. While the exact details of his early life are not extensively documented, it is noted that he eventually pursued a career in the cellular phone business. During this phase, he established and managed a company called Cellular Plus. The specifics of Cellular Plus’s revenue or market share during its operation are not publicly available; however, it served as a pivotal stepping stone in Ballard’s career.
A turning point occurred in the late 1990s when Ballard visited Sturgis, South Dakota. Captivated by the atmosphere and potential, he decided to sell Cellular Plus. The financial details of this sale, including the exact amount, remain private. However, the proceeds were substantial enough to allow him to acquire 30 acres of land in Sturgis. This land became the site for his ambitious project: the Full Throttle Saloon.
The Full Throttle Saloon
Ballard’s Full Throttle Saloon quickly evolved into a large indoor/outdoor entertainment complex. It boasts multiple restaurants, a tattoo parlor, various stores, and two stages designed for live performances. The facility also features a wrestling ring, a zip line course, and a designated burn-out pit. To accommodate the large influx of visitors, it includes approximately 200 cabins and extensive parking. The total investment required to construct and equip this facility is not publicly disclosed, but it represents a significant allocation of Ballard’s resources.
The Full Throttle Saloon operates seasonally, from March to mid-November. The peak of its activity occurs during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, when the facility hosts up to 20,000 people per night. During these peak times, the bar consumes about two tractor trailers worth of beer each evening. To manage the immense logistical challenges, vendors deliver supplies between 3 am and sunrise, given the daytime congestion caused by rally attendees. The precise revenue figures for the Full Throttle Saloon are not made public, but sources estimate annual earnings to be in the millions, particularly during rally weeks.
Reality TV Show: “Full Throttle Saloon”
In 2009, truTV approached Michael Ballard with the idea of creating a reality TV series centered around the daily operations of the Full Throttle Saloon. The show, titled “Full Throttle Saloon,” premiered on November 10, 2009, and ran for six seasons, concluding in 2015. The series documented Ballard’s efforts to manage the bar, focusing on financial sustainability and operational challenges during its limited operating season. During the show’s run, upwards of 300,000 people were said to pass through its doors.
While the exact financial compensation Ballard received for the reality show is not public information, it is reasonable to assume that he earned a considerable sum from truTV for his participation. Beyond direct payments, the show also served as a marketing platform for the Full Throttle Saloon, which likely boosted its popularity and overall revenue. The show also featured Ballard’s girlfriend, Angie Carlson, who worked as the bar’s Marketing Director. She led a team of dancers known as the “Flaunt Dancers” and hosted shows at “Angieland,” a special section within the bar. Precise figures regarding the revenue generated by Angieland are unavailable but contributed to the overall profitability of the Full Throttle Saloon.
Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle S’loonshine
Following the success of the Full Throttle Saloon, Michael Ballard expanded his business ventures by establishing a moonshine distillery called “Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle S’loonshine” in his hometown of Trimble, Tennessee, in 2013. The distillery’s establishment involved renovating existing properties, securing permits, and setting up distribution networks, incurring significant initial investments. The scale of the investment remains undisclosed; however, the distillery has since become a tourist attraction and a source of nationally distributed liquor. The revenue from the S’loonshine business contributes to Michael Ballard’s overall net worth. Specific sales figures and market share information for “Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle S’loonshine” are not publicly available, but the brand has successfully penetrated regional and national markets.
Real Estate and Assets
Michael Ballard’s assets include the land and infrastructure of the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota, and the moonshine distillery in Trimble, Tennessee. The Full Throttle Saloon property, encompassing 30 acres, is a significant asset, particularly given its location and the infrastructure it hosts. The value of this real estate is contingent upon market conditions and the success of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Although specific appraisals have not been made public, similar commercial properties in the area have been valued in the millions. The distillery in Trimble represents another real estate investment, which includes the distillery equipment, property, and ongoing operational capabilities. Additionally, Ballard likely owns personal residences, vehicles, and other assets that contribute to his overall net worth; however, details of these are not publicly available.
Business Operations and Partnerships
Operating the Full Throttle Saloon involves managing numerous partnerships with vendors, entertainers, and other businesses that contribute to the facility’s offerings. These partnerships are crucial for ensuring that the bar provides a wide range of services and attractions, from live music to food and merchandise. Contractual details with these partners are confidential, but they likely involve revenue-sharing arrangements or fixed payment terms. The financial health of the Full Throttle Saloon is heavily dependent on effective management, marketing, and operational efficiency. Successfully navigating the complexities of running such a large-scale operation is key to maintaining and growing Michael Ballard’s net worth.
Net Worth Breakdown
Estimating Michael Ballard’s net worth at $10 million involves considering several factors: the valuation of the Full Throttle Saloon, the profitability of the Full Throttle S’loonshine distillery, earnings from the “Full Throttle Saloon” reality TV show, and other assets. The Full Throttle Saloon, as a significant revenue-generating entity during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the rest of the operating season, accounts for a substantial portion of his net worth. Revenue from the distillery, although not as high profile, contributes to his annual income. Earnings from the reality TV show would have provided both direct income and increased exposure for the Full Throttle Saloon, further enhancing its profitability. Factoring in the value of the real estate holdings, personal assets, and ongoing business operations supports the $10 million net worth estimate. Financial analysts and industry observers typically use comparative analysis and revenue-based valuation models to arrive at such estimates, but the absence of detailed financial disclosures makes precise valuation challenging.
