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Eddie Pettus, Jr. (0wner and Metal Fabricator Specialist). My parents enjoy telling the story about me as a toddler taking apart my toy lawn mower and reassembling it. They knew I would utilize my love of working with my hands and use all that extra energy I had to work with cars, and I do! I have been fortunate all my life to be surrounded by talented people. These individuals, too numerous to mention, have been willing to teach me. Their knowledge and skill base have provided the foundation to achieve my dreams. First my dad. His business experience to-date includes that of an auto mechanic and business owner for over thirty-five years. I inherited my love of cars from him. He is always willing to share his knowledge and teach me. In my youth we did lots of street rod projects. At the age of 10 he helped me purchase my first car, a 1948 Crosley. Richard Crees, (The Rod Doctor). It is fortunate a brilliant and well known metal fabricator lives only 90 minutes away. Even more fortunate that he was willing to let a 16-year-old shadow him. He taught me amazing metal techniques. From the prestigious Wyo Tech School, Laramie Wyoming, I earned my Associate Degree in Applied Science. There I met another talented metal fabricator, CW Holton of CW's Hot Rods. CW took me under his wing and allowed me to work on my 1948 Crosley in his garage while attending school. I was taught many metal fabricating tricks that could have taken years to learn. Another valuable relationship was developed through Kirkwood Community College (KCC), Cedar Rapids, Iowa. KCC is fortunate to have on staff an individual that excels in the art and science of automotive body work and restoration. Gordie Jacobsen taught our body specialist, Joe Santolin. Gordie is always available to me when I have a question. In fact, you never know when he will drop by to check on us. This is a valuable and unique asset to Eddies Rod and Custom. When I get away from the shop, I enjoy outdoor sports of hunting and snow boarding. Joe Santolin (Paint/Body Specialist). How do you describe an artist? Joe takes a relatively unremarkable metal vehicle to the creation of an art form worthy of exhibition. He achieves this through a combination of mechanical and technical capability along with media selection and artistic skills. His creations are a mural on wheels. His unique eye for perfection enables him to create a product with flair. Joe excels in the ability to combine multiple-step processes in a unique and original manner based on solid concepts. At a recent major trade Exhibition, an experienced professional auto painter stated Joe's efforts, "…give the illusion of a liquid glass finish." This sets the standard for the meaning of "straight." The final result is a unique creation of metal and form transformed into a piece of art. Joe's away-from-work pastimes include playing online Socom Confrontation Gaming, drifting his 240 Nissan, and pampering his 1956 Volkswagen Bug. Not to be left out, he also loves to spend time with his wife, daughter and two dogs. Michael Ernster (Fabrication Specialist). Mike (big Mike to many) came to work for us on a part-time basis while attending college. He is truly a well rounded and capable person. Fabrication is his favorite area and his specialty. However, he welcomes the opportunity to expand his talents to other areas of the process. Mike has the unique ability to watch someone at their job, ask his colleague a few questions, and in a short period of time has mastered another technique. No one can teach him when it comes to details. We receive many compliments and also questions about who laid these brake and fuel lines. Seems like a minor thing, right? This shows how much attention we give to each of our projects. Along with Mike's knowledge and talents, his easygoing personality makes him an ideal associate on any of our quality project teams. Away from work, Mike's hobbies include hunting, fishing and more hunting and fishing. Mom and Dad (Team Pettus). My parents have set the standard for family values. These standards will benefit me the rest of my personal and business life. Each one provides unique and complimentary capabilities to our business. Mom (Kathy). Kathy provides administrative functions that the mechanical people hate to do. Her effectiveness allows things to run smoothly so we can concentrate on utilizing our skills. When we need parts or materials, frequently it is on short notice. Mom sorts through the emotional explosions and procures what is needed - never complaining. She also puts on her sales person cap if necessary, helping prospects with our stock Toyota/Honda vehicles. We could not accomplish what we do without her assistance. Dad (Ed Sr.). We previously mentioned Ed's extensive background in the automotive industry. But as the business expanded and grew, he called on other capabilities as well. With three segments of the business, Ed Sr. not only champions the requirements of day-to-day operations, he also provides for the business planning and long-term direction. There are others behind the scene, like the car crazy teen we hire each summer, Jake Roalson. Even my younger brother Michael, likes to come in and detail cars and help when needed. And of course you'll be greeted by Sadie, the shop Weimaraner mascot. No matter who is working on your vehicle we will continue our focus on customer satisfaction and follow our long-standing policy of: * HONESTY * KNOW-HOW * DEPENDABLE PRODUCT * QUALITY * VALUE
