Katie Washnok
Katie Washnok is no stranger to working in male-dominated spaces. She made a remarkable transition from her political career to becoming the co-founder of a motorcycle manufacturing company and an internationally acclaimed motorcycle manufacturer. From the outside, if you were to meet Katie without any knowledge of her business, you might assume that she owns a bakery or a bustling boutique in town—a stereotype that doesn't match her profile. This stereotype was challenged one day when a seasoned motorcycle manufacturer saw Katie at the International Minneapolis Motorcycle Show just before she received a prestigious award for her contributions to the motorcycle manufacturing industry.
Katie's journey and success in these male-dominated spaces can be attributed to one word: confidence. Her unshakable self-assurance is her driving force, propelling her forward with the belief that even her failures will be her most significant lessons. She has confidence in her passions, dreams, and, notably, in the unique value her femininity and age bring to any space she occupies as a woman.
She possesses an extraordinary ability to seamlessly integrate her femininity and small-town values into spaces traditionally dominated by men, as exemplified by her leadership at Blackout Industries. Blackout Industries has gained recognition across the state of South Dakota and the entire Midwest for its proactive and inclusive approach to motorcycle manufacturing. Katie's willingness to challenge conventions is evident in her choice of a more aerodynamic, aesthetically pleasing, and lightweight design for her motorcycles. When questioned by traditionalists, she responds, "Not all bikers look like you." Her perspective, heavily influenced by her need to carve out her own place in a male-dominated industry, drives her commitment to cater to market segments often overlooked.
Furthermore, Katie's commitment to excellence has extended beyond the motorcycle world. Blackout Industries has achieved remarkable success on a global scale, having shipped to 14 different countries and reaching 38 out of the 50 states in the last year alone. What sets Blackout Industries apart from their competitors is their specialization in injection-molded motorcycle parts—a distinction that places them among the select few companies worldwide with this expertise. Their secret weapon is a patented polymer blend- 'black matter'- unique to them, resulting in lightweight yet virtually indestructible parts.
In addition to their motorcycle endeavors, Blackout Industries has expanded into producing custom automotive parts. In 2023, they introduced a line of products tailored for Ford Broncos. With the rising notoriety of the Bronco and a five-year waitlist to get a new one from Ford, owners have been seeking customization that Ford's basic manufacturing can't accommodate. Katie and her team, expertly recognizing this gap in the market, seized the opportunity to provide Bronco owners with the luxury and customization they crave.
Katie's meticulous attention to detail reflects her unique perspective as a woman in the motorcycle and automotive industry. She adds elements that only a woman could consider necessary for these vehicles, transforming her passion into a business that defies stereotypes and empowers underrepresented market segments.
