Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Peterson.
Hi Jeff, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At a very young age, cars and bikes became my life. I started as a young kid, around the age of 7. I worked on projects with my father in our small home garage—anything from a small go-cart to my dad’s 1968 mercury Cougar. I was fascinated with anything old/vintage it grabbed my attention. In high school, I worked at a local BBQ restaurant. I save every penny I made to purchase my next car part. Allowing myself one step closer to fixing up that Mercury Cougar, which would ultimately be on the road my senior year. From Highschool, I went to college during a summer home from school. I was offered an internship at the Austin Speed Shop off of south Lamar blvd. It was the beginning of something exceptional. I honed my skills as a metal fabricator, mechanic, and artist. Working on classic cars allows you to develop creative freedom. There are no rules to follow other than showing your craftsmanship and care when you work on timeless pieces of automotive history. Fast forward 15 years. I officially opened up my workshop in Hutto, Texas. We specialize in classic cars from the 1970s to the early 1920s.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Working at multiple shops over the years has been a long road, perfecting my skills and constantly learning. Owning my shop was always the goal, but many struggles come with it. Set goals for your self, be disciplined. Communicate with your clients as much as possible. You must be very patient. Learn from others. Stand behind your work., build community, save financially, build your tool collection, and be respectful and honest as a business owner.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Restore and revive long-lost projects. We specialize in early fords, particularly the 1920s and 40’s. We take great pride in saving these old cars that, in most cases, wouldn’t be salvageable. We have resurrected many special cars over the years that had no hope. From sheet metal repair to mechanics to repair original chassis and suspensions.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Craftsmanship and honesty
Contact Info:
- Instagram: thehotrodpreserve
