Automotive restorers open up and share personal stories in the ARMO Builder Series, a collection of entertaining and inspiring videos that include intimate conversations and in-shop interviews with real-world builders who have shaped the restoration market. Hosted by Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars, the videos go behind the scenes to uncover surprising stories about the history and challenges facing today’s builders.
View the full list of on-demand videos and access each episode below at www.sema.org/virtual-education. You can also register below for upcoming ARMO Builders Series live sessions featuring Kyle Tucker of Detroit Speed and a panel of SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Gun competitors.
Battle of the Builders - Young Gun Panel Registration
Episode 1: Bob Smith, Coachworks
Known as "The Ferrari King,” Bob Smith shares the four words that he never uses: No. Can’t. Never. Quit. Learn more about Smith’s passion and creativity, how he got started in the industry, what the SEMA Show means to him and how Covid has impacted his business by watching episode one of the ARMO Builders Series.
Episode 2: Steve Cook, Steve Cook Creations
Steve Cook, owner and founder of the automotive restoration shop Steve Cook Creations, shares the story of his company's legacy in episode two of the ARMO Builder Series. Viewers will get to know Cook's insight on combining engineering with creativity, the importance of having the right team, and where the future of the industry is headed.
Episode 3: Heroes in the Shadows
High school automotive teacher Morris Hafford encouraged one of his students who was looking for a job to meet with Sabra Johnson at City Classic Cars. When the student showed up, the staff at City Classic Cars mistook him for another individual who they were expecting to arrive for an interview, but because Hafford’s student showed up and the other individual did not, Hafford’s student got the job. Watch episode three of the ARMO Builders Series to learn more about Hafford and why he’s a mentor to so many in the industry.
Episode 4: Dan Short, FantomWorks
In this episode, the owner of FantomWorks Dan Short shares his company’s build philosophy for auto restoration and takes viewers behind the scenes into his shop. You’ll hear what one word Short promotes as his guiding star, what he has planned for the 2021 SEMA Show, and discover what he looks for when hiring new employees.
For more builder stories, join the industry at the Builder Panel at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Taking place November 3 at 10:15 am – 11:15 am, builder interviews will come to life up close and in person.