Raconteur

Taking apart an old motorcycle is like watching a story unfold. Like witnessing history. Sometimes people abandon old things or treat them as “relics” only to be lost in a heap somewhere. We have the ability to not only restore these amazing, historic machines, but also improve them. To give them a new life. Something forgotten becomes something desired; A head-turner, a one of one, A rolling art. A ruggedly handsome go-fast machine. There’s something very satisfying about that and for me, it’s a greater metaphor for investing in the potential of something (or someone) rather than overlooking or undervaluing. Look a little deeper – ask a better question. Get to know more about the history. We quit on things way too easily these days.

Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by mechanics and performance machines. My family owned an automotive shop where I started my first job  working at 13. My stepfather also had a body shop behind our house. My dad raced, my uncles raced, my grandfather and uncles were pit crew members and crew chiefs, my stepfather was the body guy. I’ve been going fast my whole life. There’s fuel in my blood.

My grandfather and my uncle were heroes to me. They didn’t quit on anything or anyone. I admired their tenacity and determination and ultimately, their satisfaction at accomplishing something most people wouldn’t even attempt. Their character was legendary. They were the good guys and I want to bring that emotion and attitude into the shop every day. I want people to feel the way I used to see people feel when they would leave the family shop. Like someone cared, like someone was willing to go above and beyond to help – so they could worry about one less thing in their hectic and crazy lives. It mattered. We’re losing that sense of compassion and community and I want to bring that back. This is one way that I can do that and have a lot of fun in the process. People smile when they’re in our shop, that’s a big deal to me.

I love what we do here and I’m fortunate to have a like-minded business partner and friend, who also happens to be one of the most badass mechanics and fabricators I’ve ever seen. We’re a helluva team.