Special thanks!

Note from the owner:

Growing up, I would tool around in the garage with my dad. This sparked my interest in cars and wanting to work on them. I went to school, got some jobs and became a full fledged mechanic. Then one day my dad came home with an old 55 Chevy Belair. He was a tradesman with humble means but big ideas. Together we restored this car in our home garage. It was not fancy, but it was his pride and joy. For many years after that I watched him and my mom join a car club, build strong bonds with this car community and drive for hours, even days, to park on hot blacktop in the middle of summer and talk about cars. He couldn't have been happier.

For a long time starting on this journey of opening my own shop was just a glimmer in the distance. One of the loudest supporters of this venture was my dad. Sadly, I lost him before he could see me do it. It is in his honor that I embark on my life's dream - helping people feel as happy and as proud of their cars as my dad was of his.

The road to starting has been a long one, but there have been many who have helped me get here. Thank you to my wife and son for their unwavering support and their ability to see my vision and help me realize it.

Mom, at every stumble of this process you have been there to encourage, offer help and to get your hands dirty. I know the last year has been hard without dad, but you have poured yourself into your family like you always do. Couldn't be doing this without you.

Dena, thank you for being our BIGGEST fan! I am blessed to have such a fiercely loving sister to champion our marketing efforts.

Javier, Maria, Erik, Jr, Marco, Silvia and Sofia - thank you for your never-ending support. From the advice, to pushing around heavy things to cleaning the fake plant, you guys have helped everywhere.

Scott, Loretta, Crystal, Katelyn, Donna, Rick, Eric, Mandy, Nate, Kelly, Elliott and Lenny thanks for helping keep our morale up and our excitement flowing. The prayers and positive vibes definitely helped too. Couldn't have gotten the doors open without you.

Reg and Lisa (mylazybones.com) thank you for being our sounding board, the encouragement and so much free advice. You really should charge us a consultation fee - but please don't!

John Ohle, thank you for fanning this fire and helping me feel like I could do this.

To the Liljas, we appreciate the encouragement, check-ins and your friendship.

Shannon and Mike (Decisive Graphics) - the door graphics look incredible! Thanks for being our friends and coming in with such amazing designs.

Summer Knights Car Club thank you for loving my mom and dad, and by extension me. Your love and support through this process has been epic and I know my dad would be talking your ears off about the process and dragging you all here to see it.

To all of our friends and family, thank you for your patience in listening to every detail, good and bad. Your input, guidance, ideas and warmth has made this easier.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge our dogs Ivy Girl and Loki for not letting our house be burgled while we have been working hard to make all of you proud to be a part of the AM Speed and Custom family.

This one's for you, dad.