In Lisbon, Ohio, entrepreneur Adam Pratt has built a business that merges mechanical craftsmanship with artistic expression, turning a historic downtown building into a hub for motorcycles, custom vehicles, and creative projects. As the owner of Youngstown Cycle and Speed, Pratt has reshaped the long standing company while embedding himself in the local arts community.
Pratt purchased the business eight years ago from its founder, Jim Nadasky, who established Youngstown Cycle and Speed in 1969. After a fire forced the company to relocate from Youngstown to Boardman in 2005, Pratt later moved operations again in 2023, this time to Lisbon. The new location, formerly the Bye and Bye Hardware building, sits in the village square and has become both a showroom and workshop.
Inside, motorcycles line the front space, several featuring Pratt’s custom paintwork on fuel tanks and body panels. Beyond standard sales of parts and riding gear, he produces custom signs, paints helmets, and applies detailed pinstriping hand rather than relying on decals. Airbrushed finishes and personalized artwork have become a signature element of his projects.
While Youngstown Cycle and Speed traditionally focused on used motorcycles, Pratt expanded into Jeep restoration and other custom vehicle builds. He frequently takes on frame up rebuilds, completing everything from mechanical assembly to final paint. Vintage projects, especially during slower winter months, allow him to dedicate time to detailed restorations. Some of his work has been showcased at the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in Butler, Pennsylvania, an event that draws thousands of enthusiasts each year.
Art remains central to Pratt’s identity. In addition to vehicle customization, his artwork is displayed and sold at Source Gallery in Lisbon. He works across various mediums, from oil painting to repurposed vinyl records transformed into painted pieces. Many of his commissions involve personal themes, such as recreating a client’s family vehicle as a hand painted tribute inside a restored Jeep.
Pratt is also active in community initiatives. As a member of the Lisbon Arts Initiative board, he contributes to efforts that promote creative programming in the village. He teaches art classes for children and adults in nearColumbiana and plans to host specialized workshops focused on pinstriping techniques.
Beyond art and vehicles, Pratt organizes local events that bring visitors to Lisbon. The Lisbon Rumble, held each June, attracts more than 100 classic cars along with live music performances. He has expressed interest in expanding the event in future years to accommodate larger crowds. Pratt also coordinates participation in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a global motorcycle event supporting mental health and prostate cancer research, encouraging local riders to join the annual charity effort.
