By Ashley Reyes
Scott Wilkinson of Scotty’s Hubcaps is the latest company owner to be recognized by the SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) member spotlight program. In this week’s feature, Wilkinson shares the purchase that inspired him to launch his career in automotive restoration, and the advice that allowed him to stay in the industry nearly 20 years later.
SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry, and what made you choose automotive restoration?
Scott Wilkinson: Scotty’s Hubcaps was founded in 2002 with the purchase of a pile of hubcaps at a local auction. After selling a few sets of those hubcaps on e-Bay for a profit, I was hooked. This resulted in buyouts of hubcap piles and other dealer’s inventory all over the Northeast and Canada. Since 2002, Scotty’s Hubcaps has morphed from having a few piles of hubcaps to having over 27,000 wheel covers, hubcaps, center caps and trim rings in stock at all times.
SEMA: What’s the best advice you ever received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?
SW: Keep your nose to the grind and be honest with every single thing you do. Being honest from day one is the main reason I am still here 20 years later, doing what I'm doing.
SEMA: If you could do one thing over from the course of your career, what would that be?
SW: I would have started doing this full time sooner.
SEMA: What keeps your passion going in this industry?
SW: I’ve always been into the classic vehicles since I was a child. I have a passion with up-cycling and making things look new again.
SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the restoration industry today, and where do you see the industry in 5 years?
SW: Getting inventory quick enough to meet the demands. It’s only going to get bigger and bigger, especially with the truck market.
Fill out an ARMO member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the automotive restoration industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on ARMO’s and media, SEMA eNews, and future ARMO member updates.