Today we’d like to introduce you to Murpho Murphy.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I moved from California around 2011 to open Murpho’s Rods and Customs off of Fort View Road in South Austin. Flash forward to 2021, and the shop is now located in Buda with over 10,000 square feet and two magazines in house. When I’m not working on pre-72 automotive restoration, my wife Charlie and I are running Murpho’s Publishing with the help of our team. We produce two magazines, Car Kulture Deluxe and Ol’ Skool Rodz which are sold all across the US and in 13 countries outside of the US.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like all good things, creating a business has its ups and downs. Outgrowing the old shop, building the new, and wanting to continue growing Murpho’s comes with its challenges. We have a really solid team here at Murpho’s Rods and Customs as well as Murpho’s Publishing so working alongside people just as passionate as me and my wife makes it all worth it. We sacrifice a lot of nights and weekends but I would say it has definitely been worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being a car builder is a great mix between being creative and being skilled enough to execute your vision. I specialize in kustoms, chops, and other kustom body modifications to set cars apart. I have been fortunate enough to win awards but this year has really humbled me. I received the 2021 Kustom Kemp’s of America 777 Custom Crown Award for a 1946 Merc I built as well as the John D’Agostino “Custom D’Elegance” crystal award. It is a great feeling to get outside of the shop and be recognized by people in your industry, I am so thankful for the opportunity to show what I can do.
What makes you happy?
Spending time with my family, building cars and getting out on the road. Murpho’s isn’t just my business, it is an extension of my family and I am thankful every day. My wife and daughter’s support helps me to want to improve and continue to grow. I have a lot I still want to accomplish and I am thankful to have such an incredible support system.
Contact Info:
- Email: Shelby@murphos.com submissions@murphospublishing.com
- Website: Murphos.com and Murphospublishing.com
- Instagram: @murphosatx @carkulturedeluxe.olskoolrodz
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/murphosrodsandcustoms/ www.facebook.com/murphospublishing/
Image Credits:
Car photo: Sarah Holt Photo of my and my wife, Charlie: Spike and the Camera
