01
Getting His Start
Jamie Strasser began building motorcycles at a young age. By 21 he already owned a shop out of Big Bend, WI.
02
The Struggle Is Real
Business wasn't easy and building motorcycles is tough work. But failure wasn't in Jamie's blood.
03
Catching Fire
Jamie won his first national award at the 1998 Builders of America show taking first prize in 3 different classes.
04
Taking Success
Now, Jamie's Customs & Powersports world headquarters is a 20,000 Sq Ft retail and custom shop space packed with the craziest custom bikes, cars, and trucks in the Midwest.
Born and raised in Big Bend, WI Jamie’s love of power sports started very early. His parents were self-employed gas station owners so he’s been around business and has worked hard most of his early childhood. When Jamie was just 14 years old his father gave him a 1973 Chevy Camaro that he found for $600 that had been wrecked.
He worked tirelessly to restore this vehicle with every spare moment he had. Affectionately named “2nd Gen” as it was a 2nd Generation Camaro. Jamie’s second project was the customization of a 1969 RS/Z that he still owns today. In the fall of 1986 at 18 years old and fresh out of high school, Jamie took the plunge and started his own shop.
Jamie was fast becoming a master painter thanks to his true artistry, creativity and love for customizing the standards, the word spread and his business started to grow. Throughout the years Jamie has won many accolades and awards from Harley-Davidson® shows, DuPont Registry Paint Calendar, Snap-On Tools Billboard, two-time Easyriders winner featured in V-Twin Magazines. Also a Pro Class Bike Build Winner to mention a few.
While we associate him with Jamie’s Customs and Power Sports since 2002 in Big Bend, it all started with one guy in a garage. Jamie’s shop consisted of tin walls, a concrete deck and a roll up door. Without running water or facilities, he was bringing water in daily by jugs to clean his paint room. He remained in this shop for 16 years until he saved enough money to purchase land and build his new shop just down the road in Big Bend where that shop sits today. When he opened his current business the shop existed of approximately 7000 square feet which today after three additions the shop sits at over 20,000 square feet. Jamie’s philosophy; work hard and remain humble.
Always remember where you came from and where you’re headed. Always treat your latest customer as if your life and lively hood depended solely on it, just like your first. You’ll notice some changes around here and the incorporation of a few new signs. Welcome to Jamie’s Customs & Powersports and 50/50 Motorsports. The name of 50/50 Motorsports represents diversity in seasons and products from Motorcycles, ATVs/UTVs, Snowmobiles, Cars and Trucks.
We’re excited to go back to our roots of presenting our customers with a new showroom chock full of exquisite vintage Imported and American muscle.
Jamie's Customs & Powersports is conveniently located near the areas of Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison, and Racine.
Get to know Jamie
His favorite “toy” – a 1994 self-built Decker Rotax Ski-Doo Race Snowmobile. While Jamie had been riding snowmobiles most of his life this one was indeed the rocket that he longed for. This again was just one of many as Jamie would get something new and ALMOST ALWAYS, IMMEDIATELY disassemble it and tweak it to make it faster, stronger and louder. Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Hot Rods, you name it.
His first bike was a 1995 Bad Boy Springer – this really started his love of two wheels. Jamie completed his first custom “ground up” bike in 1997 fueling his passion for customization, creativity and his love of just being different. Since then he’s ridden and touched just about everything that moves on two wheels and while of course he has his favorites his true pride is a bike named Cinnamon Stick – Stop in we’d love to show it to you. It is on display in Big Bend. The detail and artistry that have gone into this chopper are truly awe inspiring.
So, how does the name 50/50 come to fruition? Due to Jamie’s work ethic, he had very little time for socializing. When asked to attend a gathering and or event with his friends he would say “yes and then no” (changing his mind often as things arose) knowing full-well his heart was into running the business. He’d elect, often times at the last minute, work before play. Jamie’s friends came up with the 50/50 (will he or won’t he?) To Jamie, “It is a way of life. It’s providing a dream. That is what we’re all doing here.”
We feel very blessed to have had 30 great years of this “ride” we’re hoping you’ll “ride” with us for the next 30 years.