Private company

Gauntlet

Defunct American body piercing business

The Gauntlet, also known as Gauntlet Enterprises, was a body piercing business founded by Jim Ward that is considered the first business of its type in the United States and was the beginning of the body piercing industry. It was inspired by Ward's friend and mentor, Doug Malloy. The Gauntlet began in November 1975, with its original location in Ward's West Hollywood home, but on the evening of Friday, November 17, 1978 it celebrated the grand opening of its first commercial location at 8720 Santa Monica Blvd. (also in West Hollywood).2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

Nov 17, 1975Founded1

The Gauntlet, also known as Gauntlet Enterprises, was a body piercing business founded by Jim Ward that is considered the first business of its type in the United States and was the beginning of the body piercing industry.2

The story

Founded by Jim Ward on Nov 17, 1975.1

Leadership

Who has led Gauntlet, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Products and brands

  • body piercing jewellery

Listed on Wikidata.1

Subsidiaries and ownership

Owners

From Wikidata.1

Timeline

  1. Nov 17, 1975Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

  1. 1
  2. 2