Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Bennett.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
When I was a kid, all I was interested in was hot rods and offroad trucks; it consumed me. I took auto classes in high school and then attended Universal Technical Institute after high school. I started a career in the auto collision industry at 18 after graduating and doing custom work on my after-hours for many years. Now, at 39 years old and 3 years into leaving that career and opening my shop, it’s as busy as ever and rapidly growing. Without the support of my wife and family, it wouldn’t have been possible. Starting a business like this today requires time, money, effort, skill, and persistence. It consumes you, but I’m okay with that because custom vehicles are my life; they consume me.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha! I didn’t grow up with the money, so I had to start this from the ground level; thankfully, I did have a few breaks here and there, and some fantastic people helped, but every week was still a struggle. There have been greedy people along the way that have taken advantage of situations, employees quitting and leaving you high and dry, long nights, long days, exhaustion, aching body, false promises, you name it, it’s happened. One of the biggest challenges has been finding good, reliable help. It’s easier to grow with scaling up; one person can only physically work so many hours.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bennett Built?
I started this shop as mainly a fabrication shop, custom suspensions, roll cages, and offroad parts, but as time has passed, it’s evolved into more of a start-to-finish custom shop. Everything from bolt-on parts and kits to full-blown frame-off custom builds happens here now. One of the most challenging things in a build is the last 10 percent. The previous details can sometimes be the most thorough to execute correctly, as shown in the final build. It can make or break a project. This shows when you think about your proudest moment, and mine would have to be finishing in the Top 40 Battle of the Builders at the SEMA show. I still have many ideas and want to return to finish even higher. I want people to know they shouldn’t be intimidated into asking about our services. Many people look at higher-end shops, thinking they can never afford them. Don’t ask, but please reach out; we would love to help you.
What matters most to you? Why?
I can tell you one thing that doesn’t. Money. Money comes and goes; it’s never permanent, and sure, I need to make a living, but I knew that if I got into this, I would never be rich, and I’m fine with that because I love it. I can’t see myself doing anything else, and I don’t want to. As long as I can help provide for my household and sustain my way of life, that’s all I need. I value integrity, honesty, and loyalty way more than money.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bennettbuilt.biz
- Instagram: @bennett.built
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbuilt.biz
