The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has named Johnny Freund of Hunters Customs as the council’s newest spotlight member.
Get to know his story in the SEMA News interview below.
SEMA News: What made you join HRIA?
Johnny Freund: A friend, Boyd Coddington, encouraged me to join a long time ago. I was already a SEMA member, but he told me about a separate initiative they were doing for the hot rodding sector and said we needed to be a part of it. So, I called and joined that day.
SEMA News: Why have you stayed?
JF: This industry is my passion and hobby; I love everything about it and I want to see this legacy continue. It’s all about family, and my employees are family. I’ve known some of these guys for over 40 years. We’ve always had fun together.
SEMA News: What are some changes you’ve seen in the company since you first started?
JF: Social media and the internet, in general, have transformed the industry. Customers now rely more on what they hear or find online rather than listening to us in the shop. This shift makes it harder to build trust and get things done, but we adapt and work through it.
SEMA News: What advice would you give a new hot rod company starting out in the industry?
JF: First, learn the industry and observe what your competition is doing. You need to practice your craft and hone your talent. Patience, perseverance, and a bit of financial investment are crucial to getting things moving.
SEMA News: What advice would you give your younger self?
JF: Practice the basics until you perfect them. Be courteous, friendly, and helpful. Remember they came to you and could have gone elsewhere. Respect that.
Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA's social media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates.