By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Garrett Pahlke as the council’s latest volunteer spotlight member.
Pahlke is the CEO at Top Coverage—a family-owned restyling business that specializes in custom leather interiors, appearance packages, commercial vehicle accessories and more. Get to know the best advice he’s ever received, and what advice he has for someone pursuing a career in automotive restyling in his Q&A with SEMA.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?
Garrett Phalke: There are so many outstanding professionals in PRO who have so much knowledge and experience within the automotive industry. Courtney Pahlke (my sister and business partner) and I see PRO as a huge benefit to gain and promote ideas along with being a part of problem solving for today’s issues within the industry.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone who is pursuing a career in the automotive industry?
GP: Be forward thinking. Trends keep changing in the auto industry and you will only fall behind if you focus on just what’s in front of you.
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
GP: My dream vehicle is a ’67 Shelby Mustang fastback. You would find me on an open country road.
SEMA: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
GP: The best advice I had ever received was to listen more than talk.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
GP: I truly enjoy the completion of our projects. Whether it is giant truck builds or intricate appearance packages, it’s a great feeling to know you completed a unique vehicle.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA eNews and future PRO-member updates.