29 years ago
29 years ago, exhaust manufacturers were inflating prices and performance gains. The industry was missing a product with a promise of integrity, quality and value: a product that consumers could trust. Martin and Ginger Barkey saw this as an opportunity to develop products they were looking for themselves, so they built MBRP with those values in mind.
With dozens of magazine covers, podium finishes, and continued diversification of product offerings, it would be easy to forget about the early days. But MBRP holds tightly to its beginnings because those days built the framework for where the company is today. Here’s the story.
SEMA SHOW. Breaking into automotive.
The early years
1975
Martin discovers his passion
A young Martin Barkey spends time with his dad in the garage, watching him build exhaust systems. His attentive curiosity lights a spark for his own creativity.
1996
MBRP is founded
Now older, Martin watches his father build a custom snowmobile exhaust and it gives him the idea to develop an initial product offering around this system – and pursue that same craft for himself. Martin travels through Ontario and Quebec City, where he knocks on every shop door and garage he can find to help his father sell these custom exhaust systems. In this process, he learns and develops his own manufacturing process. Soon, Martin paints 75 snowmobile cans a day in a closet-sized booth he set up in his garage. Martin and Ginger Barkey officially found MBRP from their one-car garage where the company’s first products were manufactured. Their mission is clear: make premium aftermarket exhaust systems that are accessible to everyone
1997
Eagle River Snowmobile Event
Martin books a spot at the biggest snowmobile event in North America: the Eagle River Derby. Martin and his good friend James Treadwell load up their snowmobile cans in a rented U-Haul trailer and drive 12 hours across the US border to get to the show. Martin and James work day and night in the freezing cold, to showcase their superior product. They set up a listening booth so prospective customers can compare MBRP’s sound against a stock system. Word-of-mouth spreads from this event, and MBRP emerges as a serious contender in the exhaust industry.
THE SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS IS THE MBRP COMMUNITY
1999
Breaking into Automotive
Martin’s exhaust systems are a hit display at SEMA. They drive a fully customized Ford F-350 all the way from Canada to Las Vegas. This first year at SEMA creates many relationships that they still cherish today. A magazine asks Martin to do a photoshoot. In classic Martin Barkey style, he doesn’t just show the magazine his product – he offers them an experience. Martin jumps over dunes, throws rooster tails in the sand, and puts everything on the line to give this reporter a big enthusiastic show. Martin busts the front axle on his truck while jumping for the camera. The press is surprised and delighted.
2003
Diesel duals changed the industry
“4 inches never looked so good.” Martin and Ginger continued pushing to innovate beyond the 3-inch diesel exhausts they had on the market. Eventually, they figure out how to build the highest quality 4-inch diesel exhaust. This would be the first of its kind on the market. And instead of just offering single exits, they offer duals. The 4-inch exit with a dual option provides customers with a style that better matched the size and toughness of a diesel truck. It’s an instant runaway winner. MBRP is known for their “Cool Duals”.
2005
Big East PowerSports
The Big East PowerSports Show overlaps with SEMA. Ginger covers one event while Martin showcases their products at the other. This experience – and the customer feedback they hear from a growing number of MBRP enthusiasts – allows Martin and Ginger to begin pioneering an MBRP community. Customer satisfaction and word-of-mouth launch MBRP’s sales and market influence into the leading exhaust manufacturer in North America.
Introducing MBRP RACING
2008-2009: Tested on the track. Proven on the street. There was one place left for MBRP to showcase its dominance: the racetrack. Martin and Ginger knew that if they could stand out with the race crowd, it would establish MBRP’s reliability and dominance in every other driving condition. Martin admits racing is a natural calling, saying “racing is a passion and sickness all in one.” Martin wins amateur racing events in CASC regional races and the IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Canada.
2019 - Present
Experience pays off.
After years of hard-fought podium battles, Martin and his co-driver Kyle Marcelli take the 2019 Pro/Am championship in the Pirelli World Challenge GT3 series for Racer's Edge Motorsports with their Acura NSX. Apart from road racing, Martin races off-road in deserts, rocks and short courses in Ultra4 Racing.
All the roads lead to today:
2019-Present: Grounded in values. Built by a family.
Now Martin and Ginger are proud to say that MBRP is a family-led business. Many family members have played a part in the company’s growth and helped them build MBRP into what it is today.
Josh Barkey–who began his journey with MBRP as a child sweeping the factory floor–becomes the Chief Operations Officer at MBRP, Inc.
2025
Looking back on 29 years.
MBRP continues to create a legacy. Their factory employs many people who have been with them from the very beginning. Their robust relationship with dealers, distributors, and enthusiasts is still the foundation of their success.
MBRP has always been so much more than just Martin and Ginger. It’s the story of all of the employees, partners, and devoted fans – people who wanted to enjoy a great sound and have the best possible automotive experience.
We never stop improving.
Years of hard work, rigorous design, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship sets MBRP apart. From supercars to diesel trucks, and everything in between, MBRP promises to deliver performance aftermarket parts that sound great, last longer, provide value, and unlock the full potential in your vehicle.
Today, getting the most out of any vehicle looks different for everybody. MBRP offers a variety of material types, finishes, and exit styles – so you can find the best product to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for an ultra-tough T304 stainless steel system with great durability, or a black-coated system for the ultimate style, the goal of MBRP is to give you an option that’s best for you.
Martin & Ginger's Promise
“We will always be a company that’s built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.”
Martin Barkey’s world has always revolved around motors. His passion to go fast has been underlined by the simple principle that stock isn’t enough. With that in mind, the goal of MBRP has been to give people products that were better than stock - better sound, performance, quality and style - while staying within an accessible price point. Martin and Ginger believe that you always need to keep the ball rolling, hold your head high, and show that you care.
ULTRA 4 RACE. Round 4
29 years ago
Almost 30 years in business and MBRP sticks to the principles Martin and Ginger founded the company on. They also work with a lot of the same people. Their relationships continue to be a large part of their success with vehicle builds, as well as marketing and promotional opportunities. MBRP is much more than just Martin and Ginger. It’s about all of the employees, the loyal partners, and the devoted fans.
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Exhaust Sold
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Years of Racing History
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Signature MBRP Sound
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