By Ashley Reyes
SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has named LEED Brakes as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with LEED Brakes Vice President Bill Cummings below.
SEMA News: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?
Bill Cummings: Since 2004, LEED Brakes has carved a unique path in the aftermarket brake industry. What began as a supplier of brake components evolved into a leading manufacturer of complete, high-quality brake solutions for classic cars. This transformation was driven by a clear vision: empowering owners with the best brakes and expert knowledge to keep their beloved vehicles safe and on the road.
To achieve this vision, LEED Brakes assembled a dream team of industry veterans and experts. Together, they built a robust infrastructure encompassing inventory management, quality systems, manufacturing capabilities, deep brake technology expertise and top-level data management.
But for LEED Brakes, it's not just about offering the best products. It's also about fostering a community of empowered enthusiasts. That's why we share our extensive knowledge through resources and support, ensuring safe installations and overall exceptional customer experience.
LEED Brakes is more than just a brake company. It's a passionate collective dedicated to preserving the spirit of classic cars, one safe and satisfying experience at a time.
SN: What was your breakthrough moment?
BC: In 2016, LEED Brakes made waves in the stagnant hot-rod brake vacuum-pump market. Tired of the single, noisy piston-driven option, they envisioned a better solution: a quiet, pre-wired, rotary vane pump housed in a sleek, patented canister resembling a vacuum tank.
This innovative Bandit Series pump was a game-changer. Its whisper-quiet operation, effortless installation and hot rod aesthetics gave LEED Brakes a commanding edge, propelling us into the spotlight of the aftermarket brake scene.
This commitment to quality, completeness and user-friendliness echoes throughout the entire LEED Brakes product line. We constantly strive to develop solutions that not only perform flawlessly but also simplify the experience for automotive enthusiasts.
SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.
BC: LEED Brakes excelled thanks to a winning formula: strong wholesale partnerships, loyal customers and a dedicated team. It's not just a saying--it's our foundation. We foster continuous communication with every customer and partner, ensuring their voices shape our journey. This open communication fuels our new product development, innovative tech solutions and the entire company's direction.
In short, our partners and customers are part of the engine that drives LEED Brakes forward. Thank you for being on this road with us!
SN: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.
BC: Our team, hands down, is what I'm most proud of. They're not just colleagues--they're a well-oiled machine of individuals that share the same passions and goals. This isn't just a metaphor--it's the reality of their seamless collaboration, mutual support and unwavering commitment. This remarkable team is the backbone of our success, and I'm incredibly grateful to have them by my side.
SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive restoration segment?
BC: Get in and hold on! This industry isn't just a job, it's a full-throttle addiction, a rush of fulfillment and reward that keeps you coming back for more. Here, you'll be surrounded by the most electrifying crew you've ever met: creative visionaries, relentless go-getters and collaborators with hearts of pure passion. CEO or weekend enthusiast, it doesn't matter--we all speak the same language, fueled by the same fire. As we say in this industry, the faces never change just the business cards.
Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates will be featured on ARMO's social media, SEMA News and future ARMO-member updates.