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Name: Fred
Home: Helmond/ Netherlands
Occupation: Owner of American Image
O-Reviewer Member for: 7.8 years
Glasses: 83 - Watches: 4

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since 1985

I started with my collection back in 1985, when I was riding motocross bikes, and I simply couldn't say goodbye to the goggles I used up. After Oakley introduced the eyeshade, I simply kept what I was wearing. I am a catalogue-freak, so during that period of time I simply asked for catalogues from my MX dealer, and he gave all his ones to me. things got easier when I started my shop in 1997, so I could just order what I liked for myself, AND order regularly for the shop. Catalogues also just kept on coming to me, thanks to a very cool sales rep. here in the Netherlands.

There was and is something that I just liked about the brand, and it is hard to describe, but I always felt that Oakley was worth keeping, and unlike other brands, Oakley's unique design and quality just is second to none.
( and I looked damn cool wearing these goggles and shades - hahahaha - )

Easy answer , the MX goggles 0/20 factory pilot

Losing a brand-new twenty (XX) with ruby lenses, while jet-skiing, doing a "submarine-move"; diving under water completely with the jet ski, and forgot to take of the glasses before I took off.

I got the Hijinx Bruce Irons, AND I got the C100 GasCan, So for now , I'm done

The 0/20 goggle my mother found in my old gearbag. It brought back some REALLY good memories. As far as eyewear goes ; the PLATE is one of my favorites, and I am totally hooked on the THUMP ( both the first, thump 2 , and thump pro ) and there isn't a day I don't use them.

I have an old ARNETTE display, and an old Oakley display. When I have the chance however, the doublewide is on my wishlist ( I hope my salesrep. is reading this !!!! )

Of course ; ME !! hahahaha
www.americanimage.nl

if you consider swapping lenses - original lenses - then yes.
if you mean dismantling frames and whatsoever, no.
I like the configurations Oakley provides, and BTO does the rest if I have a certain wish.

I don't consider it collecting, but ever since Oakley started making apparal, footwear, watches and accessories, I wore nothing else but Oakley, no other brands.
my personal closet is as stuffed as it can with Oakley gear.

My children and wife are my "other" passion, but I still like to go watch some motocross-races, do some jet-skiing, go out and wakeboard in the summer, and snowboard in the winter. ( with Oakley gear, of course ) I used to "do" cars with audio and rims , but that is on a low priority level nowadays.

Watch your wallet is the first thing that comes to mind, the second thing is that if you buy Oakley, buy it because YOU like it, and for no other reason than that.

Only my closest friends, and family ( yes ; o-reviewers, I consider you to be my Oakley-family ) know that I have such collection, and they all think I am completely crazy ! My wife - who I know 15 years - doesn't know me any way than with a pair of Oakley's . She doesn't like all the styles, but she lets me. I give her a new pair every now and than, and my two children are both completely into Oakley also; one of their very first words I learned them was in fact ; Oakley, mammy, daddy, Too bad Oakley doesn't produce children's gear....

For the rest of the family; my mom , dad , brother mother in law, father in law, brother in law, and a whole bunch of nephews and cousins are at least owning one pair themselves...

The first one ;visiting H.Q. in 1992 with a good friend of mine, and meeting Mike Parnell, Lewis Wellen ( old sports marketing guy ) and lots of other people.
The other one ; when Mr. Jim Jannard visited this site and called my collection "great" http://www.o-review.com/forum_detail.asp?ID=5754
that was pretty cool too...

If you like Oakley that much, and you are a commercial talent , go work in a shop where they sell Oakley, or do like me, start your own shop, and sell it yourself !!! You don't have to own a big store , if you are 100% behind the products you are selling, the satisfaction you get when another person walks out with an Oakley on his face, or bought a tee or whatever, is priceless...
And, of course a big thank you for Dann and all the others who keep the review the way it is.



Congrats fred. gr8 read. Nice to see a felow dutchman being honerd with this achivment. -o-static

I just come back from your shop website and he's really cool man. It must be a pleasure to work in such a place. And of course, nice spotlight, with cool pictures ! -BiGCoB

Congratulations Fred! It's great to learn a little more about you. Very cool shop and great pics! -yelkao

Great collection Fred! Quite distinctive with the vintage stuff and the ads/catalogues. It's like you said: collect the stuff you like and not what everybody else collects! Petje af, Iwan -Iwan

Very impressive collection and write-up. Seems like the honesty and true passion is well captured. There really seems to be a difference sometimes when an oakley enthusiast gets started in the 80's or early 90's - both in approach and collection. Congrats again and, of course, so very well deserved. -oogie

Congrats. Fred! Very nice highlights!! -Defenderoftheo

A true Oakley enthusiast through the years! Nice to see you "in the spotlight", Fred! -TERRORISM

Great Read there Fred. Your collection is so versatile and covers such a broad range of Oakley history! Always cool to see what Fred adds to his collection, and is certainly a pillar in the community we are a part of. Well deserved. Congrats are due! -ifynanceu

Inspirational Spotlight Fred. I think you could have included more pics of your hair from the 80's but apart from that - perfect! Enjoy your month in the sun! -Rick

I don't know why they call it the Netherlands because it seems like there's plenty there to enjoy! You're livin the dream dude, great spotlight -Tick

Great Spotlight Fred! Good to see that the love for the brand can last for more than 20 years! Keep up the good work and shop! -Pander

A well deserved Spotlight Fred. Your passion proves that this brand touches people all over the world, and that it can infect families as well. You have also offered so much help to fellow members since you joined...thanks. Plus having your own store selling the O makes taking your passion to a whole other level. -warwagon

great stuff from the man with the shop... congrats. -bong