Meet Kyle Fitchhorn
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle Fitchhorn and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kyle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a police officer of over 12 years, and a current motorcycle officer and accident reconstructionist, I’ve investigated hundreds of accidents throughout my career. I repeatedly saw motorcycle accidents that were largely preventable, except for the rider’s lack of skill and judgement.
I researched the options for quality motorcycle training, and I was shocked to find there were very few in San Diego. Of the available training options, several were “script based,” where instructors read off a script and had no flexibility in changing exercises to appease different learning styles and paces. Other courses were taught by individuals who had no listed qualifications to be able to speak on motorcycle dynamics and riding skills and strategies. Furthermore, these courses and instructors were expensive, charging several hundred dollars for a few hours of instruction.
I founded So Cal Slow Cones to change the motorcycle training industry in Southern California. I take the knowledge I have from accident reconstruction and hundreds of fatal, major injury, and non-injury collision investigations, as well as my training and experience as a police motor officer, and combine them to come up with unique exercises and training programs for riders of all levels.
My training is 50% or more less expensive than anyone else in Southern California. I did not want people to choose between putting money in their savings and partaking in life-saving skills development on their motorcycle. My goal is to provide the most thorough, knowledgable, and affordable training in Southern California.
I want to help motorcyclists ride safer, more confident, and with a higher skill level than they ever had before. I make learning fun and train safe riders who can enjoy Southern California’s finest roads for decades to come.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, So Cal Slow Cones, is the only motorcycle training program in Southern California facilitated by motor officers and motor officer instructors. I take an immense amount of pride in providing the most thorough, knowledgable, and affordable training in Southern California. My training is 50% or more less than my competitors, and without a doubt provides much more knowledge and skills to keep riders safe.
Starting my business was not easy. I’ve never owned a business, never designed a website, never been a social media guru, or really possessed any of the skills to get this to the point I’m at today. Every aspect of business formation and building I’ve had to learn on the go, from video editing, accounting, social media, website design, etc. This is what I love to do, so I’ve dove all in and often spend several hours after a 10 hour work shift dedicated to learning about the different aspects of owning a business and improving my website and other aspects of my company.
Since starting my business in August of 2024, I’ve been privileged to host a riding seminar for BMW Motorcycles of Escondido, be the training provider for Indian Motorcycle of El Cajon and Motoworld of El Cajon, provide training for Back on Twos Law Group, and many more. I never thought I would be at this point so quickly, and it motivates me to keep driving forward.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is when this gets frustrating, difficult, or challenging, your passion will keep you going. Find something you are passionate about and pursue it. Even on the hardest days, you won’t feel like you’re “working,” but moving towards a dream.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I should’ve expected a question like this. Being a lifelong San Diegan, I’ve done most of the tourist activities dozens of times, and forget some of them even exist when people come to town. I actually have to think about this question when we have guests and rack my brain trying to put myself in the shoes of a tourist in San Diego and think about what I’ve been missing. Ultimately, it’s a great opportunity for me to be a tourist again in my own city and re-visit some of San Diego’s finest attractions.
We do have a world famous zoo and Safari Park which is always a hit with visitors. The U.S.S. Midway is a fantastic walking tour if you have a morning and want to experience a piece of history. Any of our beaches are bound to be a hit with visitors as well. I’ve recently re-discovered the museums in Balboa Park which have been a great experience. I’m also a HUGE fan of our San Diego Gulls, so a hockey game would definitely be on the itinerary.
Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay is a great venue with world-class performers. If there’s a band playing there you like I’d highly recommend going there for a night out.
Food wise, I love Rita’s Mexican Food in El Cajon, Handel’s Ice Cream, Calypso Cafe in Coronado, the Airport Cafe at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, Crispy Burger is a decent alternative to In N Out, the Tin Fish and The Field downtown, Grand Ole Barbecue, the list goes on!
Drink wise, I enjoy Cutwater Spirits in the Miramar Area, BNS Brewing and Distilling in Santee, and Mike Hess Brewing in Alpine. There are so many craft breweries and several distilleries in San Diego, you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t have been able to make any of my police motor training possible without Sergeant Ballardo and Officer Lozano. I owe them all the gratitude and thanks for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my career goals and get me to the point I am at today. When everyone told me “no” and said I couldn’t, the two of them advocated for me and made my goals their goals. They are some of the finest men I know and great mentors and coworkers. Additionally, my wife and family and have been integral, supporting me every step of the way in not only my career goals but my business aspirations as well. It is the support, confidence, and encouragement of my small circle that helped me get to this point and keeps pushing me forward.
Website: socalslowcones.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalslowcones/?hl=en
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@slowcalcones?si=kxyjHMEZN__FVLGY
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
