By Ashley Reyes

A cool project vehicle will make the cover of magazines and even go viral on social media, but the builders are often the unsung heroes. Get to know and hear from some of the industry’s top vehicle builders by taking part in a SEMA360 Education Seminar.  

Taking place 100% online, November 2–6, SEMA360 is the new trade-only event for the automotive specialty-equipment industry that is focused on new products, feature vehicles, education and manufacturer/buyer connections. Over the course of five days, the Education Seminar program will include more than 30 sessions all available at no additional cost to those who are already signed up for SEMA360.

Below are four must-attend seminars featuring builders as they share how they started in the industry, the challenges they’ve faced and what they see for the future. These sessions will help inspire other builders, while providing others in the industry with insight and knowledge as well. All sessions and registration for SEMA360 can be found at www.sema360.com.  

Tuesday, November 3  
9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m. (Pacific) – Brew Talks: Builders Edition  
Moderator: Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed and Engineering Inc.
Speakers: Sabra Johnson (City Classic Cars), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers)

Tuesday, November 3
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. (Pacific) – Off Road Builders Panel—Powered by TORA
Moderator: Sean Holman, MotorTrend Group
Speakers: Doug DeBerti (Deberti Design), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers), Sara “Bogi” Lateiner (Bogi’s Garage)

Thursday, November 5
8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. (Pacific) – Hot-Rod Builders Panel—Powered by HRIA
Moderator: Rick Love (Vintage Air Inc.)
Speakers: Bobby Alloway (Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop), Brian Brennan (In The Garage Media), Kyle Tucker (Detroit Speed and Engineering Inc.)

Friday, November 6
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. (Pacific) – Automotive Restoration Builders Panel—Powered by ARMO
Moderator: Sabra Johnson (City Classic Cars)
Speakers: Steve Cook (Steve Cook Creations), Art Morrison (Art Morrison Enterprises), Dan Short (FantomWorks)

Sign up for seminars when registering for SEMA360 at www.sema360.com. Those who are already signed up for SEMA360 can access their accounts to add these seminars by visiting www.sema360.com.

View the full SEMA360 seminar schedule.  

By Ashley Reyes

A cool project vehicle will make the cover of magazines and even go viral on social media, but the builders are often the unsung heroes. Get to know and hear from some of the industry’s top vehicle builders by taking part in a SEMA360 Education Seminar.  

Taking place 100% online, November 2–6, SEMA360 is the new trade-only event for the automotive specialty-equipment industry that is focused on new products, feature vehicles, education and manufacturer/buyer connections. Over the course of five days, the Education Seminar program will include more than 30 sessions all available at no additional cost to those who are already signed up for SEMA360.

Below are four must-attend seminars featuring builders as they share how they started in the industry, the challenges they’ve faced and what they see for the future. These sessions will help inspire other builders, while providing others in the industry with insight and knowledge as well. All sessions and registration for SEMA360 can be found at www.sema360.com.  

Tuesday, November 3  
9:00 a.m.–9:20 a.m. (Pacific) – Brew Talks: Builders Edition  
Moderator: Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed and Engineering Inc.
Speakers: Sabra Johnson (City Classic Cars), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers)

Tuesday, November 3
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. (Pacific) – Off Road Builders Panel—Powered by TORA
Moderator: Sean Holman, MotorTrend Group
Speakers: Doug DeBerti (Deberti Design), Jeremiah Proffitt (Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers), Sara “Bogi” Lateiner (Bogi’s Garage)

Thursday, November 5
8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. (Pacific) – Hot-Rod Builders Panel—Powered by HRIA
Moderator: Rick Love (Vintage Air Inc.)
Speakers: Bobby Alloway (Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop), Brian Brennan (In The Garage Media), Kyle Tucker (Detroit Speed and Engineering Inc.)

Friday, November 6
10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m. (Pacific) – Automotive Restoration Builders Panel—Powered by ARMO
Moderator: Sabra Johnson (City Classic Cars)
Speakers: Steve Cook (Steve Cook Creations), Art Morrison (Art Morrison Enterprises), Dan Short (FantomWorks)

Sign up for seminars when registering for SEMA360 at www.sema360.com. Those who are already signed up for SEMA360 can access their accounts to add these seminars by visiting www.sema360.com.

View the full SEMA360 seminar schedule.  

By Ashley Reyes

Wendy Miles is  a sales manager for THE SHOP and a proud owner of a well-modified Nissan Xterra.

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest Volunteer Spotlight member is Wendy Miles of THE SHOP magazine. Miles is a current TORA Select Committee volunteer, a sales manager for THE SHOP and a proud owner of a well-modified Nissan Xterra. Check out her Q&A with SEMA to learn more about her experience volunteering for TORA and what her advice is for maintaining integrity and treating everyone in a respectful manner.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?    

Wendy Miles: I had been working for a magazine in the RV industry when a position opened at THE SHOP. Having never owned an RV, but having had an off-road and sports car (I still hope to finish and race), I was eager to make the move.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?    

WM: We only get one life and it is up to us to make a positive impact on the world while we can. For that reason, I enjoy volunteering in various areas. Some are community-service-based and others are leadership roles.   

I have met so many wonderful people through TORA, who all share a passion for this segment of the industry and life itself. Everyone I have met has been fun and eager to help others.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

WM: While the industry is large, just about everyone is connected in some way or another. Therefore, the standard life advice of maintaining integrity and treating everyone in a respectful manner is even more important. If you don’t, it will find its way around. You may not like everyone you meet, but it’s important to recognize the value they provide. Also, network, network, network.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

WM: I'm not one to buy a vehicle strictly based on its practicality. I currently have a well-modified Nissan Xterra that I enjoy taking off-road (and occasionally breaking) on the trails of Colorado and Utah. I am also eager to see the capabilities of the Rivian R1S. Will the “Crazy Redhead” ever go full electric? We shall see, but I’m going to need to modify it and make it my own.

By Ashley Reyes

Wendy Miles is  a sales manager for THE SHOP and a proud owner of a well-modified Nissan Xterra.

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest Volunteer Spotlight member is Wendy Miles of THE SHOP magazine. Miles is a current TORA Select Committee volunteer, a sales manager for THE SHOP and a proud owner of a well-modified Nissan Xterra. Check out her Q&A with SEMA to learn more about her experience volunteering for TORA and what her advice is for maintaining integrity and treating everyone in a respectful manner.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?    

Wendy Miles: I had been working for a magazine in the RV industry when a position opened at THE SHOP. Having never owned an RV, but having had an off-road and sports car (I still hope to finish and race), I was eager to make the move.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?    

WM: We only get one life and it is up to us to make a positive impact on the world while we can. For that reason, I enjoy volunteering in various areas. Some are community-service-based and others are leadership roles.   

I have met so many wonderful people through TORA, who all share a passion for this segment of the industry and life itself. Everyone I have met has been fun and eager to help others.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

WM: While the industry is large, just about everyone is connected in some way or another. Therefore, the standard life advice of maintaining integrity and treating everyone in a respectful manner is even more important. If you don’t, it will find its way around. You may not like everyone you meet, but it’s important to recognize the value they provide. Also, network, network, network.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

WM: I'm not one to buy a vehicle strictly based on its practicality. I currently have a well-modified Nissan Xterra that I enjoy taking off-road (and occasionally breaking) on the trails of Colorado and Utah. I am also eager to see the capabilities of the Rivian R1S. Will the “Crazy Redhead” ever go full electric? We shall see, but I’m going to need to modify it and make it my own.

By Della Domingo

Last week’s SEMA eNews featured several specials and details on what some manufacturers will showcase in SEMA360, November 2–6, at www.sema360.com.

Below, are details from more manufacturers and what attendees can expect to see during the online event.

• EMM Specialties/COLAD is launching the Colad UV Fast Curing System, an easy-to-use, lightweight system with a powerful UV light and a suite of associated products, such as body filler putties and PPE (gloves, goggles, etc). EMM will live-stream demos of the product from a booth that has been purpose-built for SEMA360 in an open studio space next to their offices.
• 4WP Factory is introducing its new line of 4WP Factory Xtreme R/T tires, featuring a robust tread design and a three-ply sidewall intended to give the vehicle a rugged look while the firm side lugs protect from any sharp objects.
• Challenger Lifts/Snap-on Total Shop Solution is showcasing its all-new VLE10 Versymmetric Car Lift. Featuring the popular economy-grade 10,000-lb. two-post lift, the VLE10 incorporates the Versymmetric Technology, which safely accommodates vehicles with either a symmetric or an asymmetric center of gravity using heavy-duty columns and arms. 
• Eagle Abrasives is promoting new Tolecut products, and new starter kits that make it easy to test-drive Eagle’s total dry hi-tech sanding system from sandpaper to interface pads. The company is offering a free box of Hi-Tech Sanding Discs to those who purchase a Proma-X Sander from any jobber, and offering additional giveaways through its Instagram account.
• XCLUTCH is showcasing its new 9.5-in. single-disc performance street and motorsport upgrades to suit VW Golf GTI MK-5, 6 and 7. The kits are designed and engineered to offer the ultimate balance between performance and drivability, and have been designed around XClutch’s race-inspired alloy pressure plate that offers low pedal effort, increased clamping force and low rotational inertia. Also on display will be a range of 9.0-in. twin-disc upgrades for even higher torque capacity.
• Morimoto Lighting is featuring LED headlights for the ’09–’20 Nissan Frontier, updated LED headlights for the ’18–’20 Ford F-150, LED taillights for the ’10–’14 Ford Mustang and LED headlights for the ’20-plus Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty.
• Intellitronix is featuring four new products: Ford Truck Super Duty ’11–’16 F-250, F-350 Off-Road Lights FSL001, Chevy Truck ’67–’72 Analog Gauge Panel AP6003, 6-Gauge Analog Universal Color Needles AP30002, and the 6-Gauge Analog Universal 3D Panel AP10002.
• Vortech Superchargers is introducing a new system for the ’20 Ford Mustang GT. Utilizing the venerable V-3 JT-Trim supercharger and an air-to-air charge cooler, the complete system can boost a stock 5.0 GT to 692HP and 584 LB/FT Torque with 7.5 to 8.5 PSI using CA 91 Octane fuel. They will also feature its supercharging system for the Dodge Hemi and its Big Block Chevy V-30 Bracket.
• Pareto Point Industries is offering special low prices for its TopDog-V Parallel-Flow Advanced Oil Filtration System, as well as adding a second premium advanced filter and six magnets with caps for additional capture of ferrous debris. The filtration system offers enthusiasts, off-roaders, racers and working vehicle owners/operators improved engine performance, increased mileage and provides environmental benefits.
• T.V.K. Industries Inc. is featuring the new sensor system for SURESHIFTER and SUREMATIC illuminated gear selection shift knobs and levers. The system receives the gear selection input signal from a Dakota Digital GSS-3000 sensor device, which is then transmitted to the SURESHIFTER/SUREMATIC illuminated gear selection display in the shift knob or shift lever. A similar sensor device can now be retrofitted to multiple transfer case shifters for activating the RangeFindrPro LED illuminated gear selection shift knobs in off-road 4WD applications.
• Metra Electronics Corporation is offering new dash kits for the ’16–’20 Mazda CX-3 and the ’19–’20 Toyota Yaris. The kits fit radios with an “L”-shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen, like the Alpine iLX-207. The kit is also compatible with Pioneer’s 6.8-in. modular radios and has special brackets included for installation of the Pioneer DMH-C2550NEX and MNH-C2500NEX touchscreen in-dash receivers.

View more special discounts and details.

As a 100% online event created to fill the void of the in-person SEMA Show not taking place in Las Vegas, SEMA360 provides the industry with a trade-only platform that provides manufacturers and resellers an opportunity to connect and focus on new products, vehicles, education and doing business. Attendance is not open to the general public, but is available to industry buyers, installers, restylers, distributors and Learn more by visiting www.sema360.com.  

Manufacturers who have special SEMA360 discounts, or who would like to promote their SEMA360 plans and be included on the list above, should email Kelly Clancy at kellyc@sema.org.

By Della Domingo

Last week’s SEMA eNews featured several specials and details on what some manufacturers will showcase in SEMA360, November 2–6, at www.sema360.com.

Below, are details from more manufacturers and what attendees can expect to see during the online event.

• EMM Specialties/COLAD is launching the Colad UV Fast Curing System, an easy-to-use, lightweight system with a powerful UV light and a suite of associated products, such as body filler putties and PPE (gloves, goggles, etc). EMM will live-stream demos of the product from a booth that has been purpose-built for SEMA360 in an open studio space next to their offices.
• 4WP Factory is introducing its new line of 4WP Factory Xtreme R/T tires, featuring a robust tread design and a three-ply sidewall intended to give the vehicle a rugged look while the firm side lugs protect from any sharp objects.
• Challenger Lifts/Snap-on Total Shop Solution is showcasing its all-new VLE10 Versymmetric Car Lift. Featuring the popular economy-grade 10,000-lb. two-post lift, the VLE10 incorporates the Versymmetric Technology, which safely accommodates vehicles with either a symmetric or an asymmetric center of gravity using heavy-duty columns and arms. 
• Eagle Abrasives is promoting new Tolecut products, and new starter kits that make it easy to test-drive Eagle’s total dry hi-tech sanding system from sandpaper to interface pads. The company is offering a free box of Hi-Tech Sanding Discs to those who purchase a Proma-X Sander from any jobber, and offering additional giveaways through its Instagram account.
• XCLUTCH is showcasing its new 9.5-in. single-disc performance street and motorsport upgrades to suit VW Golf GTI MK-5, 6 and 7. The kits are designed and engineered to offer the ultimate balance between performance and drivability, and have been designed around XClutch’s race-inspired alloy pressure plate that offers low pedal effort, increased clamping force and low rotational inertia. Also on display will be a range of 9.0-in. twin-disc upgrades for even higher torque capacity.
• Morimoto Lighting is featuring LED headlights for the ’09–’20 Nissan Frontier, updated LED headlights for the ’18–’20 Ford F-150, LED taillights for the ’10–’14 Ford Mustang and LED headlights for the ’20-plus Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty.
• Intellitronix is featuring four new products: Ford Truck Super Duty ’11–’16 F-250, F-350 Off-Road Lights FSL001, Chevy Truck ’67–’72 Analog Gauge Panel AP6003, 6-Gauge Analog Universal Color Needles AP30002, and the 6-Gauge Analog Universal 3D Panel AP10002.
• Vortech Superchargers is introducing a new system for the ’20 Ford Mustang GT. Utilizing the venerable V-3 JT-Trim supercharger and an air-to-air charge cooler, the complete system can boost a stock 5.0 GT to 692HP and 584 LB/FT Torque with 7.5 to 8.5 PSI using CA 91 Octane fuel. They will also feature its supercharging system for the Dodge Hemi and its Big Block Chevy V-30 Bracket.
• Pareto Point Industries is offering special low prices for its TopDog-V Parallel-Flow Advanced Oil Filtration System, as well as adding a second premium advanced filter and six magnets with caps for additional capture of ferrous debris. The filtration system offers enthusiasts, off-roaders, racers and working vehicle owners/operators improved engine performance, increased mileage and provides environmental benefits.
• T.V.K. Industries Inc. is featuring the new sensor system for SURESHIFTER and SUREMATIC illuminated gear selection shift knobs and levers. The system receives the gear selection input signal from a Dakota Digital GSS-3000 sensor device, which is then transmitted to the SURESHIFTER/SUREMATIC illuminated gear selection display in the shift knob or shift lever. A similar sensor device can now be retrofitted to multiple transfer case shifters for activating the RangeFindrPro LED illuminated gear selection shift knobs in off-road 4WD applications.
• Metra Electronics Corporation is offering new dash kits for the ’16–’20 Mazda CX-3 and the ’19–’20 Toyota Yaris. The kits fit radios with an “L”-shaped chassis design with the radio chassis at the bottom of the screen, like the Alpine iLX-207. The kit is also compatible with Pioneer’s 6.8-in. modular radios and has special brackets included for installation of the Pioneer DMH-C2550NEX and MNH-C2500NEX touchscreen in-dash receivers.

View more special discounts and details.

As a 100% online event created to fill the void of the in-person SEMA Show not taking place in Las Vegas, SEMA360 provides the industry with a trade-only platform that provides manufacturers and resellers an opportunity to connect and focus on new products, vehicles, education and doing business. Attendance is not open to the general public, but is available to industry buyers, installers, restylers, distributors and Learn more by visiting www.sema360.com.  

Manufacturers who have special SEMA360 discounts, or who would like to promote their SEMA360 plans and be included on the list above, should email Kelly Clancy at kellyc@sema.org.

By Kyle Cheng

Findings from the “SEMA State of the Consumer Report—Fall 2020” reveal that consumers are getting back on the road, feeling confident about their financial position, and spending at retailers again.

The last few months have been disruptive to many people, but new research shows that American consumers are adapting and moving past the crisis. Findings from the “SEMA State of the Consumer Report—Fall 2020” reveal that consumers are getting back on the road, feeling confident about their financial position, and spending at retailers again. Among the specific findings are:

• Retail spending in the U.S. hit a two-decade high of $482 billion in August, rebounding from the lows seen in March and April.
• Spending at auto parts and motor vehicle dealers hit a high of $110 billion.
• Approximately 1.34 million cars were sold in September 2020, a 6% jump from September 2019.
• About 74% of consumers report that their current financial status is better or at least the same as it was last year.
• 63% report saving at least a little of their money, compared to only 13% who are drawing on savings or running into debt.

When it comes to parts sales within the specialty-equipment industry specifically, SEMA expects sales to drop in 2020 but quickly bounce back over the next few years as consumers (and enthusiasts especially) continue to buy aftermarket parts and accessories. Vehicle sales are also bouncing back as travel restrictions ease up and consumers turn to their personal cars as a safe form of getting around.

Want to learn more about the current state of American consumers? Download the new “SEMA State of the Consumer Report—Fall 2020” for free at  www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

Findings from the “SEMA State of the Consumer Report—Fall 2020” reveal that consumers are getting back on the road, feeling confident about their financial position, and spending at retailers again.

The last few months have been disruptive to many people, but new research shows that American consumers are adapting and moving past the crisis. Findings from the “SEMA State of the Consumer Report—Fall 2020” reveal that consumers are getting back on the road, feeling confident about their financial position, and spending at retailers again. Among the specific findings are:

• Retail spending in the U.S. hit a two-decade high of $482 billion in August, rebounding from the lows seen in March and April.
• Spending at auto parts and motor vehicle dealers hit a high of $110 billion.
• Approximately 1.34 million cars were sold in September 2020, a 6% jump from September 2019.
• About 74% of consumers report that their current financial status is better or at least the same as it was last year.
• 63% report saving at least a little of their money, compared to only 13% who are drawing on savings or running into debt.

When it comes to parts sales within the specialty-equipment industry specifically, SEMA expects sales to drop in 2020 but quickly bounce back over the next few years as consumers (and enthusiasts especially) continue to buy aftermarket parts and accessories. Vehicle sales are also bouncing back as travel restrictions ease up and consumers turn to their personal cars as a safe form of getting around.

Want to learn more about the current state of American consumers? Download the new “SEMA State of the Consumer Report—Fall 2020” for free at  www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has named Riggs Fabrication as this week’s council spotlight member. In HRIA’s recent interview with company owner Jay Riggs, Riggs shares his memorable story of how his business began, the importance of having passion for each project and what changes he is seeing is the industry—including the role technicians play as skilled craftsman and artists for business.  

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop? How did you start?

Jay Riggs: I started building a ’29 Model A in my garage about 13-14 years ago. As a kid, I always played with Hot Wheels and glued together models. In the early 2000s, a friend let me ride with him in his hot rod to a car show. I quickly saw how much more fun the guys with cars were having, and I wanted to be a part of it. I decided to build my first car in my garage around the 2007–2008 timeframe.

I worked in the corporate world and built my car on nights and weekends. I found out I loved to shape metal and found buddies who were good at engines and power, so we could trade. A friend asked if I wanted to chop a 49 shoebox in my garage, and this was my first chop. In 2012, I became unemployed, with two chops lined up in my garage. In late 2012, we opened up for business in a 1,200-sq.-ft. shop. The first day in the new shop, the electric company had us under the incorrect address, so they didn’t turn on my power. I borrowed a portable generator and got to work chopping the top on a ’54 Plymouth. That was a memorable start to my business.

Riggs Fabrication currently occupies a 15,000-sq.-ft. facility in Justin, Texas.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?   

JR: I can’t really identify with a single moment. I kept my head down and worked hard. Within the first year, we were able to move into a 2,000-sq.-ft. shop on the same property. I was able to hire an employee and add equipment. By year three, we moved into a 3,000-sq.-ft. shop. We kept working hard, reinvesting in the business. As of April 2020, we now occupy a 15,000-sq.-ft. facility. In the beginning, we focused on metal fabrication only. I was doing subcontract sheet metal and chassis fab work for other shops. Now we have three really talented mechanics. We added paint and body in January 2020, and now have a five-man paint and body team.  

SEMA: Who helped you along the way?  

JR: I had a cousin with a hot-rod shop in New Braunfels, Texas, who helped me navigate some hurdles and give me confidence to get started and keep going. I also had a couple of local established shops that wanted to see me make it. They were always available for advice on the business side.

SEMA: What cool projects are you working on in 2020? What new and exciting projects do you foresee in the future?   

JR: We are doing a ’36 Ford pickup in a mild gasser-style build, House of Kolor violet pearl, crazy twisted headers—It is going to be wild. Being in Texas, we have always had a lot of pickups. We have a ’29 Ford truck, a ’36 Ford, a ’41 Chevy truck and a pair of F1s that will hit the street this year.

In the shop today, we have a ’29 Model A pickup, ’50 Ford F1, ’57 Dodge Power wagon, ‘51 Ford pickup, ’75 Ford 4x4, ’50 Mercury and a ’76 Dino Ferrari.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

JR: We have done a lot of work with Lincoln Tech and local high school programs. I have been able to hire students from the schools. We work with the local high school automotive program. We employed a recent graduate from the automotive program.  

My advice is to look at what you are passionate about. This industry has a lot of history, so you are dealing with family history and stories behind the cars. There is a lot of passion in each project, including the owner’s dreams and excitement. Be passionate about what you do. You can become a craftsman and have the ability to contribute to the industry.

SEMA: What changes are you seeing in the industry?    

JR: We see more innovations, part availability and greater technology. Hot-rod technicians are no longer the guys that did not make it at the dealership. They are skilled craftsman. Good technicians are tremendously valuable. They are artists, craftsmen and incredibly talented. They are setting the bar in our industry higher and higher with each build. These technicians are now earning their value with higher wages.   

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has named Riggs Fabrication as this week’s council spotlight member. In HRIA’s recent interview with company owner Jay Riggs, Riggs shares his memorable story of how his business began, the importance of having passion for each project and what changes he is seeing is the industry—including the role technicians play as skilled craftsman and artists for business.  

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop? How did you start?

Jay Riggs: I started building a ’29 Model A in my garage about 13-14 years ago. As a kid, I always played with Hot Wheels and glued together models. In the early 2000s, a friend let me ride with him in his hot rod to a car show. I quickly saw how much more fun the guys with cars were having, and I wanted to be a part of it. I decided to build my first car in my garage around the 2007–2008 timeframe.

I worked in the corporate world and built my car on nights and weekends. I found out I loved to shape metal and found buddies who were good at engines and power, so we could trade. A friend asked if I wanted to chop a 49 shoebox in my garage, and this was my first chop. In 2012, I became unemployed, with two chops lined up in my garage. In late 2012, we opened up for business in a 1,200-sq.-ft. shop. The first day in the new shop, the electric company had us under the incorrect address, so they didn’t turn on my power. I borrowed a portable generator and got to work chopping the top on a ’54 Plymouth. That was a memorable start to my business.

Riggs Fabrication currently occupies a 15,000-sq.-ft. facility in Justin, Texas.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?   

JR: I can’t really identify with a single moment. I kept my head down and worked hard. Within the first year, we were able to move into a 2,000-sq.-ft. shop on the same property. I was able to hire an employee and add equipment. By year three, we moved into a 3,000-sq.-ft. shop. We kept working hard, reinvesting in the business. As of April 2020, we now occupy a 15,000-sq.-ft. facility. In the beginning, we focused on metal fabrication only. I was doing subcontract sheet metal and chassis fab work for other shops. Now we have three really talented mechanics. We added paint and body in January 2020, and now have a five-man paint and body team.  

SEMA: Who helped you along the way?  

JR: I had a cousin with a hot-rod shop in New Braunfels, Texas, who helped me navigate some hurdles and give me confidence to get started and keep going. I also had a couple of local established shops that wanted to see me make it. They were always available for advice on the business side.

SEMA: What cool projects are you working on in 2020? What new and exciting projects do you foresee in the future?   

JR: We are doing a ’36 Ford pickup in a mild gasser-style build, House of Kolor violet pearl, crazy twisted headers—It is going to be wild. Being in Texas, we have always had a lot of pickups. We have a ’29 Ford truck, a ’36 Ford, a ’41 Chevy truck and a pair of F1s that will hit the street this year.

In the shop today, we have a ’29 Model A pickup, ’50 Ford F1, ’57 Dodge Power wagon, ‘51 Ford pickup, ’75 Ford 4x4, ’50 Mercury and a ’76 Dino Ferrari.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

JR: We have done a lot of work with Lincoln Tech and local high school programs. I have been able to hire students from the schools. We work with the local high school automotive program. We employed a recent graduate from the automotive program.  

My advice is to look at what you are passionate about. This industry has a lot of history, so you are dealing with family history and stories behind the cars. There is a lot of passion in each project, including the owner’s dreams and excitement. Be passionate about what you do. You can become a craftsman and have the ability to contribute to the industry.

SEMA: What changes are you seeing in the industry?    

JR: We see more innovations, part availability and greater technology. Hot-rod technicians are no longer the guys that did not make it at the dealership. They are skilled craftsman. Good technicians are tremendously valuable. They are artists, craftsmen and incredibly talented. They are setting the bar in our industry higher and higher with each build. These technicians are now earning their value with higher wages.