Founder Story
From the Lounge Room to the Long Road
The Real Story Behind Nomad Moto
Not every brand starts with funding, a boardroom, and a strategy deck.
Some start in a lounge room—with nothing but a vision, a bit of GRIT, and a fire that won't burn out.
My name’s Kurt. I’m the founder of Nomad Moto.
This is the story of how I got here.
Growing Up With Nothing but Grit
I didn’t come from much.
My parents were migrants.
We didn’t have money — but we had pride and big dreams.
I started working early.
Selling newspapers at eight.
Fruit markets at twelve.
McDonald’s after that.
Not because I had to — but because I wanted out.
I grew up in Rozelle, an inner city suburb of Sydney Australia, staring at the Sydney skyline, dreaming of riding a motorcycle through the Australian outback.
No access.
No money.
No clear path.
But the dream never left.
School Wasn’t My Thing
School never fit me.
I struggled with details — but I could always see the big picture.
I move fast, take the hit if needed, and keep going.
At 24, I took out a $30,000 unsecured loan and started my first business from my parents’ lounge room.
Every major bank said no.
Out of desperation, I pitched my idea live on a finance radio show.
Someone listening took a chance on me.
That moment changed everything.
I read a quote around that time that stuck:
“There is no way out. There is no way back. The only way is through.”
That’s been my rule ever since.
28 Years of Building From Nothing
That lounge-room business grew into a national publishing and events company.
Over 28 years, I built magazines and events, employed over 50 staff, and helped shape Australia’s adventure riding culture.
But the pull of riding never left.
Small rider meetups became something bigger —
What’s now ADV FEST in Dorrigo, NSW.
Starting Again — Nomad Moto
In 2022, I sold the business after 28 years.
And once again, I found myself back in a lounge room — starting over.
This time, I wasn’t building media.
I was building gear.
I’d spent decades riding, breaking equipment, and being let down by brands that didn’t ride what they sold.
So I started Nomad Moto.
No fluff.
No gimmicks.
No corporate nonsense.
Just tough, waterproof, modular adventure gear — tested by real riders, starting with me.
The Way Through
I’ve had gear fail in the bush.
I’ve been ripped off by brands that disappeared when things went wrong.
That’s why I live by one rule:
The customer is always right.
Because we’re all riders.
We all want gear that works.
And we all want to know someone on the other end actually gives a damn.
That’s Nomad Moto.
From Rozelle to the red dirt.
From publishing to panniers.
Still dreaming.
Still building.
Still doing it the hard way.
That’s GRIT.
— Kurt
Founder, Nomad Moto