Andrew Donald Proudfoot, ex-owner of Titan Motorcycle Co. is charged in a 3rd-degree felony case of VIN fraud (altering or removing an original VIN number). Known as “Donn” Proudfoot, Andrew was arrested March 3rd in Volusia County, Florida during Daytona Bike Week. He was bonded out of custody the same day. He was arraigned August 20 and pled not guilty. Judge Edward J.Volz Jr will preside the trial set to begin December 17. Below, some background history regarding Titan Motorcycle.
The original Titan Motorcycle company began production in 1995 and was the first custom motorcycle company to produce in volume. At this time, you remember that there was a shortage of brand new Harley-Davidsons, and those who were lucky enough to get a new one would quite often disassemble them and add lots of chrome custom parts. There was a market for fast available mild customized bikes. These bikes had a valid VIN and were easy to finance & insure. Titan owners went public on the NASDAQ in 1997 and some would say that was the beginning of the end. The management failed, then dealer and customer support failed and Titan filed for bankruptcy in 2001. Andrew Proudfoot owned the largest Titan dealership in Florida and stuck with a lot of inventory went to events sell it. He also went To Titan’s headquarter and bought the company in July 2001. It is not clear if he paid anything to acquire the remaining assets. Titan number 2 was born but was never very successful due to inferior products, new competition from companies like Big Dog, American Iron Horse and many other Harley clones companies, and also because of a declining American motorcycle market since the beginning of 2006. In January 2007 Titan Motorcycles Cie (TMC) had filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In August 2007 an asset purchase agreement was signed between TMC (Titan Motorcycle Cie) debtor in-possession and Arizona Motorcycle Works as buyer where all assets of Titan were sold to Arizona Motorcycle Works. An Arizona bank called FNBA filed an objection to the proposed sale of now-bankrupt Titan’s assets to Arizona Motorcycle Works claiming it has a first rights lien on Titan’s assets and that the sale price undervalues the fair market value of the property. The bank also claims that Titan’s owner Don Proudfoot and Hope Smith, a principal in Arizona Motorcycle Works, have a personal relationship and that the latter company is subtenant of Titan’s and that this relationship has not been disclosed. These two allegations called into question that the proposed sale represents a good-faith, arms-length negotiation" between the two entities, the complaint claimed. FNBA stated that Proudfoots’ company, TMC Acquisitions, owes the bank about $813,000 on a $1.5 million business loan that the company took out in February 2006.
Proudfoot reputation is getting confirmed.
I don’t think we will see a version # 3 of Titan. Way too much had happened for the name to keep any credibility with clients & vendors. RIP Titan.
What comes around goes around.
It’s never fun to watch when someone who’s
wronged me gets the ax. RIP Titan
For the last few months information has been brought to you. It’s time to unveil the face of the white devil, ( Andrew Donald Proudfoot) behind the decline of the second Titan Motorcycle Co. It is a shame that this was the reaction he had after being able to get away without having to pay anyone for past digressions.
Check link below to see Proudfoot at his finest
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1305636068
2007 will be remembered in the industry as the year when the incompetent, the weak, the bad and the ugly disappeared. In 20 days we start 2008. Cool.
All industries have some bad apples. Cyril, you always get the news first, but can we get some good news? Oh, sorry. Your post seems to be good news to many.
I AM SOOOO SORRY ALL/MOST OF YOU BOUGHT BIKES FROM THE DEVIL PROUDFOOT… AT LEAST YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO WORK FOR HIM!!! THE CONCEPT WAS BRILLIANT, THE ORIGINAL OWNERS CREATED, BUILT, AND SOLD A SPECTACULAR TOP OF THE LINE BIKE… ONLY TO FALL VICTIM TO THEIR DOWNFALLS… DONN PROUDFOOT TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE ONCE GREAT QUALITY BIKE AND REPUTATION OF IT USED IT TO DO WHAT HE DOES BEST – CHEAT PEOPLE FOR FINANCIAL GAIN. WHAT COMES AROUND, GOES AROUND AND HE IS DUE TO GET HIS…. ANY DAY NOW!!!!!!!!!!
Was about to buy a Titan 2 years ago…The good thing is that whatever happen in court, this guy will no more work in the motorcycle industry. How could he?
Wanna bet????? Who do you think is behind AZ Motorcycle Works????? If your answer is Hope… LOOK A LITTLE FURTHER!
This Canadien Bastard has done nothing but ruin lives since the day he stole the remains of Titan out of court. I’ve seen him harrass wemon insult people, and destroy a place we all loved to come work at. Hope is his girlfriend. AZ motorcycle works is nothing but a way to screw all the vendors he owes money. I’m really surprized it took the law this long to catch up with him. RIP Titan. Send Proudfoot back to Canada on a bus with the rest of the illegals. Did anyone think to check his friggin greencard?!??
The guy is much loved!!!
This Idiot took a great name and made it trash, i worked with him and he has no morals or honor at all. his God is money.. pure and simple and he will screw anyone to make a buck. at one time Titan was great he put the final nail in the coffin
The only positive posts made here for Donn Proudfoot are posts he’s making himself or Hope. Donn has taken advantage of employees, customers and vendors including the bank. He will be answering this week for his bad behavior! Coal in stocking too!! We should not lash out at others that have been jerked by Proudfoot.
he has been put in jail more than once for his behavior, hopefully he will not be in the motorcycle business in the future, it is true that Az bike works is in his girlfriends name . but make no mistake he is calling the shots, pity they think we are stupid enough to think she actually runs the company.
I think Hope can run things as good as Donn, which were run right into the ground. Have pity for the mess she’s in.
Anyone know if he went to Jail? Any info on this? His court hearing was yesterday on his 3 counts of a felony.. hopefully he’s behind bars right now.
Trial updated here:
http://www.leeclerk.org/Criminal_detail_new.asp?CsNum=07-CF-000095&CsType=Adult%20-%20Felony
How long before we hear outcome?
I’m sure they will update their system before the end of the week..
Thanks you for posting any updates.
Dear Ex:
I don’t need your, or any one elses pity. There is a product that everyone believed in, and some still do. I took this on with confidence and have the support behind me that is needed to succeed and come hell or high water I WILL MAKE THIS WORK no matter mwhat opinions or acusations that lie out there. You can tak that to the bank.
Hope Galley
Hope.. I don’t dis-respect you, but it is hard to do business with anyone that has their support coming from Andy.. It would really help you out a lot if Andy didn’t answer the phone at Arizona motorworks though. Maybe this way people will actually think You’re running the shop. When people call me and ask me about it.. I tell them to call and ask for you.. but both the time I called.. and a guy that needed help with a bike.. Andy answered.. and he said he wasn’t any help to him. So just a quick pointer.. if it really is you thats running the place.. lose the bum will ya? He’s just using you to keep the name.
Hope,
You are in the driver seat with Donn.
He will take the wheel from you
and leave you like the rest of
the ladies he’s had.
Be smart and kick him to the curb!
dump the schmuck!
Update:
http://www.leeclerk.org/Criminal_detail_new.asp?CsNum=07-CF-000095&CsType=Adult – Felony
Dump him before he takes advantage of you too
Run Hope Run!
Working with Donn, I gave it my all.
Loyal to the end!
Seeing these 3 articles and the very
emotionally upset victims of Donn
makes me grateful I left when I did.
Messing with the bank doesn’t sound
very smart. What goes around eventually
comes back around. I think the bank
issues are going to be worse for Donn
than the VIN Fraud. They will deal
with Donn.
Is it safe to buy a used Titan?
Safe? Riding? Warranty (none)? Replacement parts? (huh). Safe if you have a good dealer near you.
Shouldn’t it be easy to get the S & S motor worked on if needed? I am looking at an 04 Titan Sidewinder Softtail with only 4000 miles on it. I am hoping it is solid but will have it looked at before I buy it. The price is right on it and it is $14K cheaper than the Iron Horse I am looking at. And I am hearing that AIH isn’t doing very well either! Not really wanting another Harley.
Hey Thomas.. how about a new “06” with 94 miles or less on it AT COST?
is it a Sidewinder? how much and do I need my own financing?
It is a 2006 sidewinder soft tail chopper Candy Red in Color. Send me an e mail at themaleenigma@aol.com and i’ll give you all the specs.. MAke sure you put FROM THOMAS in the subject line.
Dear “The Guy That Sued”… First off, WHICH guy were you? He averaged 3 per year. Next, the Prosecution was granted a Continuance due to one FRMR EMPLYEE the State located now to serve as a witness FOR [the State]… No definate date set yet for trial… Also, he is only being charged with 2 COUNTS, not 3.
And in response to another blog, I too cannot believe how long it finally took the law to catch up with the Devil Proudfoot. The man’s world will soon be crumbling around him. AZ Motorcycle Works…. Bad move for Hope, as she may very well end up going down with him. WHAT COMES AROUND, GOES AROUND!!!
Happy New Year to ALL!!
Having monitored this page quite often, I’d like to state that I do not appreciate a posting with the name “fpro” insinuating that it may be me! I have moved on and an happily employed elswhere. I do not need to be involved in such trivial pursuit. Thanks to all that know me, and know I would not comment on these matters.
dr, my words have been posted into this site without my knowledge. I should be flattered that a fat southern scooter mechanic can draw attention in a mess such as this. Fred, if YOU need my help for anything you know how to reach me. I JUST FIX MOTORCYCLES, don’t care WHAT brand they are………………… long as I get PAID! peace
To burnout on Jan 21st at 3:20 pm Thank you for your comment. Thank you for your loyalty. Hopefully, our paths shall cross again!
Fred,
I just happened on this site and was dismayed to read of all the troubles at Titan. I guess I suspected something was weird by the time we got back from Daytona, but I figure it was my choice to stay and I can’t be bothered enough to hold any losses against anyone including Donn. It’s just another lesson in life, right?
I had a great time in the South and got to spend 6 weeks touring some of the country and I met some good people like yourself and the others at Titan. (man is Texas big!!!) Thanks to you all for your patient, professional attitudes. You’re really are knowledgeable bunch and I enjoyed learning from you guys. Best of luck to you all.
Hope,
Thanks for opening your home when you did. I know how hard it must have been to cater to a stranger for so long and I really did appreciate it but never got the proper chance to say it. Thanks.
(man it’s cold up here)
Proudfoot Motorcycles, Inc., dba Hot Bike Street Chopper of Ft. Meyers (”Hot Bike”) sold a Titan of mine to Nicholas Preece. I was never paid in full for this motorcycle and would like to hear from Nicholas. I can help if you are having trouble getting the Titan titled and licensed.
Currently, Andy Proudfoot is trying to sell the business Proudfoot Motorcycles, Inc., dba Hot Bike Street Chopper of Ft. Meyers (”Hot Bike”), and also dba Arizona Motorworks, the CURRENT NAME that he is using under Hope, his girlfriend.. I contacted Kip about not doing business with Andy, and although he has not determined on whether or not he will buy the business, it would be great for all of you to voice your opinion so that Kip may see, and hopefully understand, that anyone that does business with Andy, has been, or will more than likely be burned by his business ethics. I am posting an e mail sent to me this morning February 11th, 2008. If anyone thinks this has been changed or altered, please send a response with your personal e mail, and I will forward you the original response by Andy. This e mail FROM Andy also indicates that Andy is obviiously still trying to run the show in the backround, behind Hope. It obviously ticked him off that I’m finding out information that he’s trying to keep well guarded, which is why he wrote me.
In a message dated 2/10/2008 11:42:15 P.M. Central Standard Time, Footproud writes:
Dear Artie
The other day you sent me one of your regular unsolicited chat messages claiming that Kip would not be doing business with me. I asked you what you meant and you refused to explain. Next day I receive an email from Kip asking who this Art Welch is. Kip was clearly annoyed that you had his number and that you contacted him in the manor you did. Then I get an email forwarded to me with your dialogue and Kip’s answer to you telling you not so politely to not bother him again
This email was forwarded to me. It is not the first time I have received such an email. An email from some one you have annoyed. Someone you have stalked. Someone you have pestered Someone you ‘have attempted to get them to lie for you. Someone whom insisted, you stop bothering them. I have several such emails, which I have saved for that special action.
I have not wasted my time answering your countless childish email and chat comments. You certainly are an unhappy sad individual. continually stalking me . Obsessed with your quest to slander me and Titan. Obsessed with your attempts to intervene in Titan business activities and my personal life. All because the little man did not get his way, As Artie claims” I always get my way”.
Artie, I am asking you on my behalf of my friends and associates that you cease harassing all of us for your personal cause .I demand that you cease interfering with Titan business as the new owner has had enough of your self serving crusade. If you do not, you will have the privilege of seeing all of them in court as a witness against you for harassing and slandering me and intentional interfering with Titan business activities.Most people do not share your negative opinion of Titan and everyone does not appreciate your childish negative attacks.
Artie, move on, get a life and be useful.
Artie, how many times do you have to be told by people to stop bothering them before you get the hint. Be a big boy and take responsibility of your own business
Bring it on Andy, I didn’t break the law.. YOU did.. i would LOVE to see you in court.. please, by all means, lets go to court. Lets do it in the U.S. Too so that you don’t try to run off to Canada.. And there has been NO slander, Andy… Only truth and Facts.. you switching Vin #’s on bikes speaks for itself… We’ll make sure to bring that up in court as well.. currently, so you know.. there is an investigation to see if the bikes I have here, also have the Vin #’s switched.. I’m sure you’ll be praying that I don’t have any of THOSE bikes. “Most people do not share your negative opinion of Titan and everyone does not appreciate your childish negative attacks.” are you kidding? haven’t you read the blog? Cyrilhuzeblog.com Type in TITAN in the search area.. PLENTY PLENTY of people that don’t like you, trust you, would never say anything good about you as a personal hair dresser, business person, or anything else you consider yourself to be. Please.. by all means, use what you think you have, that you think you can use in court against me.. although.. if you know the laws.. of which you don’t follow.. contacting a guy in Canada, is breaking no law in the U.S. So take your demands, and shove them where the Sun don’t shine Andy.. please.. lets go to court.. the sooner the better.
bye bye Andy.. have a good day.
ARTURO
ps
try using your real first name instead of hiding behind your middle or last name, cuz if I were you.. there’d be nothing to be “proud” about except that you’ll be going to jail soon.
Sorry I didn’t break the page by the way.. my response to him begins where it says “Bring it on Andy, I didn’t break the law.. YOU did.. i would LOVE to see you in court.. please, by all means, lets go to court. Lets do it in the U.S” I copied and pasted the e mail onto the blog
Looks like I really hit a nerve.. Right after I responded, he HAD to write me back. Here’s what he wrote. And of course I responded.
In a message dated 2/11/2008 9:57:02 A.M. Central Standard Time, Footproud writes:
Dear Artie
As i suspected your email is again self serving and ignorant. By the way, in the U.S., the country you claim you are a native of, you are inocent until proven guilty. Apparently you have your own code of ethics
Again, I ask you to stop harrasing and interfearing with Titan business. The new owner has had enough of your self indulgent crusade.
From what I understand.. he hasn’t bought it Yet Andy.. but thanks for writing back.. Keepin these for myself too.. These will show your guilt.. definitely no innocence on your behalf. I can’t wait for February 25th.
More of Andy….
In a message dated 2/11/2008 10:54:25 A.M. Central Standard Time, Footproud writes:
Hello again
As usual you do not comprehend. The new owner is Arizona Motorcycle Works, not Kip. AMW, purchased the Titan assets last year. Your are interfering with AMW and now the other businesses AMW is communicating with. Your ignorant statement of ” this shows my guilt” is absolutely meaningless, typical Artie. As for February, 25, there is now trial and at no time will I be going to jail. You have to be guilty and proven so. I am not guilty.
Now stop harassing me
Maybe you should stop writing me back then Andy… When you came to the shop in 2006, I asked who the owner of Titan was.. and you said, and I quote, “I AM Titan.” My employees of course took it as a joke, and laughed after you left. What they also thought was funny, was that all your little motorcycle videos all had you as the “star” in them. Are you seriously that vain? Anyway.. what the heck is this “YOU HAVE TO BE GUILTY CRAP”?? guilty of what? following the law? Jeez man, how stupid do you think a lot of people are? Go away now.. and stop buggin will ya? Go away now you little elf.
ps
whats it like workin for your girlfriend?
FYI…too much emphasis is being put on the name “Proudfoot”, try “Snyder” and as far as morals go anyone who will sue his own mother is not above cheating anyone of anything. So glad I declined on your proposal. Is Snyder more Canadian or German? Hmmmmmm.
ps
good luck and stop calling me.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2007/08/08/titan-motorcycles-assets-sold-to-arizona-motorcycle-works/
too bad you closed the above blog. It…..seems Donn got his way again………
I think Art Welsh just won’t tolerate being burned by Donn.
It isn’t right when someone flat out lies in business and continues to do business!
This has been a great channel for those of us who have been lied to by Donna.
You’re right J, I won’t.. and neither should anyone else that has burned by this guy. Too many people give up too easy because they don’t want to deal with lawyers, and having to wait around for court dates, and wait months upon months to get an answer from the courts.. So what I can tell you is that THIS corner, is still persuing loss damages.. and as long as I am still persuing them, he has to pay a lawyer to keep protecting himself. You see the thing is, Donna found all these loop holes in the law, and every time, he found one, he slipped through one. That is until, he finally got charged as a felon for switching Vin #’s. He is now a convicted Felon/Criminal. He may call my “crusade” SELF SERVING… but it only makes him more angry that someone like me won’t let go, and give up. This Blog is meant to let people know what is going on in the industry… Shouldn’t Dealings with NOW a recent criminal/Felon, be part of whats going on in the Industry? Shouldn’t people be aware, that a loop hole artist, is still in the backround running a bike shop, that will more than likely not take off again, unless he actually tries to sell the business to Investors in Canada?
This is another loop hole for Andrew Snyder a.k.a. Donn Proudfoot. If he can’t operate the business here.. Why not try and sell it to a fellow Canadian. Fujnny how when I talked to the guy in Canada and warned him.. He never ONCE mentioned Hope’s name.. He only Mentioned that Donn was trying to sell it to him. What does THAT tell you. Donna…. you’re running out of loop holes. I’m sure you’ll sell it to SOMEONE.. but I have no doubt in my mind, that someday you’ll try and buy it back… again. In the meanwhile.. I’ll still see you in court. =o)