By SEMA News Editors
Content Creator Spotlight: Niles Lee
Instagram: @Niles_19k_Lee
TikTok: @Niles.Lee
Facebook: @Niles.19k.Lee
Follower counts: 325k on Instagram; 284k on TikTok; 341k on Facebook
Focus: Fabrication, education and weird engine swaps
Niles Lee, a veteran of the Marine Corps, discovered his own enthusiasm for turning wrenches during the pandemic and has since started creating content to help others develop their own passion for cars. Through his various social channels, Lee is not only passing on his knowledge to younger viewers, but aiming to preserve the industry for the next generation of wrenchers. He also recently joined SEMA/PRI in Washington, D.C., in the fight to stop the ban on internal combustion engines (ICE).
Get to know Lee in his interview with SEMA News below:
SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?
Niles Lee: My dad was always working on his cars when I was growing up! I had zero interest in it until one day my truck broke down. During the lockdowns, I had the time to fix it, so I called him almost every day for advice. Once it was fixed, I realized I really enjoyed turning wrenches, so I decided to stick with it. A few years later, I decided to start creating content about it.
SN: What's been your biggest motivator?
NL: Definitely the fans of the channel. I'm grateful they love watching the content and are supportive, even when I'm cutting up these cars!
SN: What's been your favorite aspect about being part of the automotive community?
NL: Working with SEMA and amazing people who care about the industry, like the incredible Lauren Wilbor. Also, seeing the passion people put into their work, and buying vintage parts from old-timers while checking out their collections.
SN: As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience?
NL: As a veteran, I was a bit lost after leaving the Marine Corps. I was really lucky that my parents took me back in. Becoming a mechanic taught me a lot of life lessons, like how to use tools, the importance of attention to detail, and how to build something from nothing. I want to pass that knowledge on to my younger viewers because I think it's something some of them might need to learn in their lives. That's why I focus on the "how-to" aspect of building cars.
SN: Why is advocacy important to you?
NL: I think about my future kids and what the industry will look like for them when they're my age. I want them to have the same opportunities I've had, which is why right-to-repair is super important to me, as well as preserving the "car guy" way of life.
SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?
NL: Oh boy! A 2JZ-swapped '56 Chevy? A Godzilla-swapped '68 Torino? A 392 Hemi-swapped '66 Cutlass? [I have] tons of weird projects in the works!
Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.