By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named North Speed as the council's newest member spotlight company. Get to know their story in the SEMA News interview with Ron Hinshaw, North Speed's president, below.
SEMA News: Tell us the story of North Speed. How did the company start?
Ron Hinshaw: Our shop was founded in 1983, initially focused on vintage street rods and customs. Many of our current team members were working in shops building classics and musclecars. Over the years, we have blended the team's experience to accommodate the current variety of customer build requests. We continue to hone our skills to create some of the best vehicles in the country for our customers.
Our shop has grown to more than 10,500 sq. ft. to accommodate the number of projects we see each year. We employ state-of-the-art tools, materials and craftsmanship in all of our projects. As I insist, there are no compromises.
Over the years, our efforts have been rewarding for our clients. We were fortunate to have our first car at the SEMA Show in 2019. We went again with another in 2023 with a '73 Firebird. As to our longevity and commitment, for more than 40 years, we remain actively involved in our community, both in the hot-rod automotive circles and our local community here in Minnesota.
SN: What's going on these days? What projects are you most excited about?
RH: Most recently we've been showing a super clean lifted one-ton square body, which we had at Triple Crown, SEMA Show and Dino's Git Down. We plan to show it a few more times before the owner takes possession. We focus a lot on musclecars but always jump at the chance for 4x4, as I have a lot of background in off-road. We have many exciting projects in the works and are most excited about finally getting to our own Twin Turbo Foxbody project.
SN: What's the best piece of advice you have for professionals getting started in the aftermarket?
RH: Never coast! Always be looking to improve your craft, equipment and technology.
Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA's social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.