By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Savannah Cranford, general manager at Motion Marine Customs, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Cranford in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?
Savannah Cranford: I've always loved creating, no matter what it is. I didn't know how to put it to use until I met my boss and his daughter, Shane Coulter and Hannah Coulter Neal. They believed in me, gave me the tools I needed and watched me run. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to pursue and enjoy the huge world of restyling/manufacturing. They inspired me to pursue this career and still inspire me every day to go further in it.
SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?
SC: My mentor and best friend, Hannah Neal, brought me to my first SEMA show with her in 2024. Until that show, I had never been around so many people with a 'go-get-em' mentality. Every person at the PRO booth was inspiring in their own way and I felt the drive and devotion before I even stepped foot in the booth. I learned many things from that first experience with the PRO group, but for the first time in my life I realized just how possible anything was if you work hard and take the right steps.
SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
SC: Talk more and listen most. Learning shouldn't be overlooked, especially in the automotive aftermarket, where there is so much to learn and so many people to learn from.
SN: What is your dream vehicle?
SC: Porsche 911 Sally Carrera Model. You'd find me at Radiator Springs or at work.
SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?
SC: Nothing is 'un-f-upable.' It's true and I wouldn't be where I am today otherwise. Starting something new or unknown shouldn't be scary. Even if you make a mistake, you can fix it. The worst thing you can do is not start something new out of fear of messing it up.
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
SC: The unlimitedness of it. You really can just try anything if you have a team like mine who is willing.
SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
SC: In my sunroom with my plants!
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 News and future PRO-member updates.
