John and his family moved from New Jersey to Costa Mesa, CA in September of 1959. Growing up in Southern California in the 60’s was a very memorable time for him; hot cars, hot women, and cold beers; that’s what life was all about.
In 1964, John joined his high school band playing a variety of instruments ranging from Piano, Trumpet, Clarinet, & Saxophone. He bought a Fender MusicMaster guitar becoming proficient enough for he and several of his buddy’s to form a surf band. John recalls the event that ended his new found career; seems the group was playing at a function when someone in the crowd asked them to play “Louie Louie”. Although a Surf Band doesn’t typically have singers, the bass player shouted out “I can sing that” and proceeded to screech out the lyrics. The event was soon ended as they were asked to leave. Oops!
In 1967, after fixing cars and motorcycles for his friends and family, John opened his 1st business working on customer’s cars and motorcycles out of his parent’s home in Costa Mesa. After awhile as the business grew, the city finally said “Sorry you can’t run a business out of a residence”.
From 1968 to 1970, John worked for Award Motors in Costa Mesa (the franchised Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, Suzuki and every other brand dealer you can think of) initially as their only Honda mechanic, then their Honda & Triumph mechanic, Service Manager and Parts Manager. He quickly became their most valued employee out performing all other service personnel by making an astonishing $400 per week on commission only. To put things in prospective, John and several roommates lived on the sand in Newport Beach with rent obligations of $65 each per month, $5 for utilities each and 20-cents a gallon for gas.
In 1970, with his savings, John founded John’s Racing Cycles located at 1355 Harbor blvd at Wilson St. in Costa Mesa, CA repairing and racing motorcycles. John’s love for the sport found him as the 7th ranked Southern California flat-track expert, (district 37) after only racing for 5 months that year. The following year found him winning 15 out of 15 professional races accumulating a room full of trophies along with some cash.
In 1972, John added the franchised line of Bultaco Motorcycles
In 1973, he added the franchised line of Suzuki Motorcycles
In 1974, John’s Racing Cycles became the Number One Bultaco dealer in the world earning top sales
In 1975, John founded J.R.C. Engineering, quickly becoming the largest national Triumph Motorcycle parts manufacturer and distributor in the United States.
In 1976, J.R.C. designed, manufactured and marketed engine and frame components, including connecting rods, carburetor kits and various other hard-to-get items for British motorcycles.
In 1977, John purchased a computer (Cromemco Z-2), which he still owns to this day. The company he had purchased the computer from went out of business. Because virtually no one was available to write programs, John found himself doing the job, so as to operate his company.
In May, 1978, Cycle World printed a feature article on John’s Manufactured Motorcycles. These beauties were called JRC Specials. The production line was in full swing featuring two models. The 650cc Triumph Flat-Tracker and the famous JRC TrackMaster 750cc Dirt-Track Special. The latter went on to compete at the grand national championship at the Houston Astrodome finishing 3rd place. (Rider error not his motorcycle of course). Magazine articles Available…
In 1979, John rode an Ascot Park TT race with legendary John Hately who also worked with John Calicchio on an episode of the 6 Million Dollar Man. The episode had many moments where motorcycles and riders flew off a cliff into the lake, riders coming out of a saloon only to find themselves going over the handle bars after a quick getaway.
In 1980, John purchased an 8,000 sq. ft. building in Fountain Valley, California and J.R.C. Engineering was on the move with a product line of over 6,000 line items.
In 1981, Data Business Systems was founded. www.databusiness.com Purchasing hardware from a Multi-User Computer Manufacturer (Industrial Micro Systems), John wins “Sales Rookie of the Year” selling computer systems bundled with his “Signature Series” software programs.
In 1983, he developed and marketed “ShipMaster”, John’s computerized based package which provides automatic Rate & Zone calculations producing certified United Parcel Service Shipping Labels, COD Tags, and Manifest.
In 1984, John put together and managed a sales force which went on to win the top sales award for the largest systems integrator in the United States, selling “Industrial Micro Systems” computers and his “Signature Series” software program.
1985-1988 J.R.C. Engineering was appointed the Exclusive U.S. distributor for Triumph Motorcycles which dominated the country as the Largest British Parts Distributor, earning annual net profits exceeding $300K. (what would that be today?)
In 1987, John became involved in computer design and manufacturing. In 1988, he successfully manufactured the world’s first 286 multi-user computer slave card. Alloy Computer Products issued a purchase order and a five million dollar contract for the product.
In 1988, John was contacted by a marketing firm to design and manufacture a product called “MACnode” (a product that links Macintosh to the IBM world), he quickly went into production selling to some impressive companies: Lotus Designs, of Lotus 123 fame, the Federal Government, ARCO Oil, and Martin Marietta just to name a few.
In 1988, John sells 90% of J.R.C. Engineering and becomes an inactive partner
In 1988, John designs a program called “The Quiet Waitress”. A completely automated system whereas you would order and pay for meals directly from your table. John took his invention to the local Denny’s restaurant in Costa Mesa and demonstrated it to three executives. After the demo, one of them said “Come Back in 20 Years Buck Rogers”. Apparently they weren’t quite ready for it.
In 1989, as a hobby, John starts his company South Coast Auto Connection in Fountain Valley, CA. specializing in sales of Porsches only.
In 1990, John concentrated on the design of a “PC-in-a-keyboard”. In less than one year it was designed, packaged, tested and the first production run was delivered. With the second run virtually complete and minor kinks worked out, he was ready for full-scale production.
In 1991, John signed a local distributor, “Linksys”, an Irvine, California company, to market his Keyboard-PC
In 1992, John signs Tech Power in Fountain Valley to market his Keyboard-PC. Over 2000 units were ultimately sold
In 1992, Contacted by “MOS Scale International”, (exclusive supplier to all 120,000 Post Offices in the USA) to write the software package for PC based shipping and mailing systems. This would be bundled with their hardware platform and sold throughout the USA.
In 1993, John completes his 16-year pet project, his “Signature Series” software package, with over 3 million bytes of structured code. This multi-user software package consists of comprehensive interactive modules including:
POINT-of-SALE Over-the-counter Invoicing, Inventory and Customer controlled product. ORDER-ENTRY wholesale batch processing of invoices, tracking of back-orders, Accounts Receivable, Sales, Serial Numbers, Shipping Labels, COD Tags and UPS Manifest are also included. PURCHASING generates Purchase Orders controlling and tracking inventory. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, BANKING, Computerized Check Book. PAYROLL generates Checks and Reports. CARDMaster Automatic CREDIT CARD authorizing incorporated into POS & ORDER-ENTRY.
In 1994 “Signature Series” goes nationwide with Test Sites strategically located nationwide
In 1995, John opens a retail store in Costa Mesa, Calif., actively selling turn-key computer systems. Keyboard-PC is now selling actively into the corrugated paper market place.
In 1997, Data Business wins contract to sell Keyboard-PC to Reno Air. Further improvements on the Keyboard-PC are accomplished, with the announcement of the Pentium Series, and the birth of the Keyboard-PC “Multi-media”.
In 1997, John develops the “DiagMaster” Diagnostic Computer Panel as part of the lineup of “Computer Care Products” which goes into full production.
In 1998, Data Business signs Global Computer products as the distributor for DiagMaster, expecting the 5 major distributor magazines to follow suit. Startup plans for the DiagMaster II are under way.
In 1999, Signature Series Software “ShipMaster” becomes 1 of only 20 authorized United Parcel Service Electronic Manifest providers in the USA.
In 2000, John assumes 100% ownership of AlfaKleen Chemical Laboratories, Inc., a manufacturer of biodegradable cleaning products, primarily supplying to the Federal Government.
In 2002/3, John is hired as Vice President of Operations for PaperBoy Express, an LA based company competing with such companies as United Parcel Service and Federal Express.
In 2004, John designs his Signature Series Secure Computer File Servers & Workstations. These units have complete security from viruses, while not allowing the user any means of removing data. 300 units are built and sales begin.
In 2005, John opens a restoration shop in Fountain Valley, CA specializing in Chevy cars. 8 cars are completed, 4 sold and 4 remain in his collection; 1955 Chevy Bel-Air, 1967 Chevelle Convertible, 1970 Chevy El-Camino daily driver, & a complete frame-off museum quality Chevy El-Camino SS-454, 4-speed.
In 2006, the restorations take a turn to the more profitable and the more enthusiastic Porsche mark. Since John was 28 years old, he has personally owned 9 Porsches. In fact to this day he has never been without one. The 911’s are his favorite with a 1986 in particular, which he has owned since 1988, clocking 194,000 miles including driving around the USA 4 times.
In 2007, John sets up an assembly line producing a small number of completely re-manufactured Porsches. These vehicles are Porsche’s most desirable years, (Model 911, 1978 – 1989). All vehicles are completely disassembled and run through his re-manufacturing process. Bodies are walnut shelled down to bare metal, sealed, blocked & sanded to laser-straight perfection, then painted with a 2-stage process. The engines, transmissions, & clutches are completely rebuilt. The interior has all new pieces, additionally new brakes, suspension, wheels & tires. The final process produces a reliable vehicle with modern conveniences superseding the factory originals including deeper sound-proofing, additional interior lighting, free-flow exhaust system and much more… All vehicles come with a choice of colors, equipment, & accessories and feature a 3-year 36,000 mile bumper-to- bumper warranty.
In April 2008, John organizes his new company “EuroMasters Classic Cars” and intends to expand the companies’ visibility by becoming the Porsche * BMW * Mercedes capital for pre-owned vehicles specializing in vehicle Restorations, Sales, Service, Parts, Paint, Upholstery, & Vehicle Detailing.
In 2009, Euromasters is appointed as the US Distributor for Vintage Speedster Porsche replicas. These “Replicars” are the exact duplicate of the famous 1957 Porsche Speedster but fitted with a more modern VW engine and optional equipment such as 2-liter Engines, Disc-Brakes, & Air Conditioning.
January 2010, John is contacted by Disney studios to use his 1967 Chevelle Convertible for the Cheetah Girls production.
February 2010, John finalizes ClubEURO, Orange County’s newest event venue featuring special events such as weddings, mitzvahs, birthday party’s, musical entertainment, & club meetings.
August 2010, Euromasters launches its premier product; an assembly-line of re-manufactured 1973 Porsche Carrera RS and 1974 Porsche Carreras. These new products convert the famous 911 series from standard vehicle to the stunning look, feel & performance of the legendary Carreras’ with new paint, interior & drive-train.
January 2011, Euromasters sales hit an all-time high and with sales doubling every year since its inception.
ClubEURO, the Special Events Center located within the Euromasters building is also increasing sales at a fantastic rate. Event bookings are quadrupling every quarter.
March 2011, John finishes his Electric Porsche Speedster design and Winston Chung (the famous electric vehicle battery manufacturer) agrees to purchase Euromasters for $3m. The fabulous Euromasters building is slated to become an Electric Car Showroom with John heading up a new assembly plant.
November 2011, Disaster strikes. The purchase of Euromasters is delayed too long and since banks are not loaning to small businesses, the lack of the needed expansion working capital forces the closure of Euromasters and the offshoot of South Coast Electric Cars; a company John started just months ago. www.scelectriccars.com
Authors Notes: Mr. Calicchio’s fundamental expertise is in Mechanical Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering which puts him a favorable position for his next venture. He has been approached by several companies to oversee vehicle design and manufacturing. We’re all looking forward to see what the future brings…
John’s Biography, Revised 12/29/11