The Shim Cowboy

At the Fox office in Stockholm, Sweden, Johan Jarl sits at his desk, analyzing data and fine-tuning suspension setups with a unique blend of experience and scientific approach. His journey to Fox seemed to begin at a tender age of 3, when his father, an engineer for the SAAB Factory Rally Team, strapped him into Stig Blomqvist's SAAB 99 Turbo for an unforgettable ride. From that moment, Johan's path was set – he would follow in his father's footsteps.

After 12 years as a design engineer for Rally and Off-Road, and another 8 years in the mountain bike industry, Johan sought a new challenge. He yearned to work closely with customers, tuning products to suit their needs and wishes, a role he relished during his rally years. Fox offered him that opportunity, and he seized it, joining a team with resources he had never had before.

?Johan's personal values – a thirst for learning, an open mind, and a drive to never settle – are manifested in his work at Fox.

?"If you sit still in this business, someone will soon pass you," he says.??

?With a diverse team and customers from all walks of life, Johan embraced every opportunity to grow, recognizing there is always something to learn from those around him.

Despite the personal challenges he has overcome, including the untimely loss of his father at 17, Johan has emerged stronger. That very loss, though devastating, fueled his determination to build the SAAB 99 Turbo that they had planned to restore together – a testament to his resilience and the support of friends and family.

While his professional journey at Fox keeps him engaged, Johan finds solace in skiing and ski touring, reveling in the beauty of the mountains and the satisfaction of earning his turns. It's a passion that parallels his approach to work – a willingness to take calculated risks and push boundaries, even if it means making mistakes along the way.

?"You need to push boundaries in this business," Johan reflects. “Unfortunately, you will not always get it right or push it too far, but on those occasions, that is often when you learn the most. So, do not be afraid of making mistakes. You need to in the search of performance.”

?As Johan looks back, his only advice to his younger self would be, "Don't be so cautious." And as he looks ahead, his dream project may not be a specific undertaking, but rather a mindset – to continue enjoying life as it is, while always being open to new challenges and opportunities for growth.

?Johan's personal journey intersects seamlessly with Fox Factory's mission and values. "We are never done!" he exclaims, echoing the company's relentless pursuit of innovation and improvement. And it is this very mindset that has brought him fulfillment, as evidenced by a customer's heartfelt praise: “You guys are legends!”

?While being in Sweden presents its challenges, Johan approaches them with the same determination that has defined his career. And as he continues to grow under Fox Factory's nurturing environment, he envisions a legacy as one of the great "Shim Cowboys" – a tuner who blends experience with science, shooting a little less from the hip, but always with the same unwavering passion and dedication.

Editor's Note: The FOX TALES series discovers the passionate people behind the products who contribute to our overall success. From production workers, engineers, salespeople, marketers, and beyond, each person contributes to how we collectively drive innovation, challenge convention, and shape the future of Fox Factory.?