Spotlight On Roland Krainz
We’re kicking off a new series in Spectra Update, where we explore the exceptional talents of the AGS community beyond jewelry and gems.
Roland Krainz, president and CEO of Krainz Creations, races Porsches when he’s not designing jaw-dropping jewelry. We asked Roland a few questions about his adrenaline-pumping hobby.
What inspired you to pursue race car driving alongside your professional career?
As a teenager, I loved fast cars but could not afford them. A few years into the business, I started with some track days, then joined a race club in New York, where I got to do some club racing. I got serious about racing in 2021 and joined a series called Porsche Sprint Challenge, where I finished #2 for the year.
This year, I get to race with my son Austin in a professional series called SRO all over the USA. I have an amazing team at Krainz Creations as well as the racetrack, which allows me to enjoy both.
How does racing complement or influence your work in the jewelry industry?
They are very similar. Both require patience, taking calculated risks, precision, self-confidence, organization, and reliability. That is what my company is about. We use technology and engineering from racing in my jewelry. I have a patented self-sizing ring that uses something like a car suspension. And we just enjoy ourselves every day!
Have you encountered any unique challenges or interesting experiences with racing?
I would say experience. My son Austin was very sick as a young child into his teens with Juvenile Myositis (JM). We now have the opportunity to use racing to promote several charities, including CURE JM, where Austin is heavily involved. He joins national Zoom calls to talk to the families and invites them to the racetrack to show them a good time, to forget some of their worries for a day, and encourage the kids to take care of themselves and fight.
Do you have a favorite track?
Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida—one of the oldest racetracks in the U.S. It’s an old airfield with lots of original surfaces, that are rough on the car and driver.
Which do you prefer—straights, hairpins, or chicanes?
Personally, I like the technical sections best. Straight is boring and high-speed turns are scary.
What advice would you give others who are interested in racing while maintaining a successful professional life?
If you would like to make a small fortune in racing, start with a very large one! First is business; build it up and have people you can trust to help you run it. Most of all, surround yourself with good people that can lift you up where you may fall short. Enjoy every day, as tomorrow is not guaranteed.
In May 2023, Roland raced at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, TX. Watch this video and experience the race from Roland’s POV (point of view)!
Showcase your talents! Do you have an interesting hobby outside your jewelry profession? We’d love to hear about it so we can share your hidden talents and experiences with the AGS community! Contact us at [email protected].
