Revheads, a business that has finally come to life as a brick-and-mortar store in 2023, was actually born in the mid-1980s, during my childhood. Growing up, my world revolved around two things: cars and my dad, or as I lovingly called him, “Pops.” He was always tinkering with his cars, telling stories about his past adventures in drag racing with my Uncle Lynn. From a young age, I watched in awe as Pops transformed old, non-functional cars into working machines. Little did I know, these moments would shape the path I would eventually take.
A Father’s Lessons and the Birth of a Passion
As a kid, I spent countless hours by Pops’ side, watching him work. It wasn’t just about fixing cars—it was about creating something special. As I got older, Pops would point out cars during our drives and ask, “Boy, can you tell me what kind of ride that is?” At first, I didn’t know much, but over time, Pops taught me everything—how to recognize makes, models, and years just by looking at a car’s details. Those lessons would become invaluable.
One of the most memorable experiences came when I was nearly 16. Pops had an old Mazda truck sitting in the garage, gathering dust. One day, he handed me the keys and said, “Boy, if you can get that truck running, it’s yours to drive.” That challenge was life-changing. It became the first project Pops and I completed together, from finding parts in junkyards to hours spent fixing the truck. It wasn’t just about getting my first car—it was about learning the ropes and bonding with my dad in a way I’ll never forget.
The Road to a New Beginning
Over the years, my passion for cars grew stronger, and I followed in Pops’ footsteps by working with my hands. After attending trade school, I became an electrician and worked in the construction industry for over 18 years. While I enjoyed the work, it was my connection to Pops that made it truly special.
Then, in December 2016, everything changed. Pops, my best friend and mentor, passed away unexpectedly. I was left with a void that nothing seemed to fill. I found myself picking up the phone to call him out of habit, only to remember he wasn’t there to answer. The joy I had once found in my work faded, and life felt harder with each passing day.
In 2018, my wife and I made the bold decision to relocate from St. Louis to Las Vegas. It was an exciting but nerve-wracking move, and I knew I needed to find a new job in our new home. After searching for construction jobs without success, I began considering a career shift into car sales—something that felt closer to my passion for cars. Despite our concerns about changing careers, my wife and I knew it was time for a new chapter.
A Leap of Faith
Not long after, I learned of an open sales position at the world’s largest classic car consignment dealership in Las Vegas. I applied, interviewed, and was eventually hired, despite my lack of formal sales experience. It was the beginning of a new journey—working with classic cars, something I loved. My manager saw potential in me and fought for me to get the job, a gesture I’m still thankful for today.
Six months into the job, I was given the chance to transfer back to St. Louis and work at the company’s corporate location. While Las Vegas was a great adventure, my family and I were happy to return home. I was quickly promoted to Showroom Manager, and under my leadership, the showroom’s profits grew significantly, bringing in over $100,000 monthly. It was a proud achievement, but I soon found myself at odds with the management’s treatment of customers. After multiple attempts to voice my concerns were ignored, I knew it was time to move on.
The Birth of Revheads
Leaving that dealership wasn’t easy, but it gave me the clarity and drive to start my own venture. The lessons I learned along the way—both good and bad—prepared me to create something new, something that honored the values Pops had instilled in me. In 2023, Revheads was born.
Today, Revheads is more than just a business. It’s a tribute to Pops, a reflection of the love for cars he passed down to me, and a continuation of the legacy we built together. The knowledge and passion I gained from years of working alongside him are at the heart of this venture, and every car that comes through our doors is a testament to the lessons he taught me.
Looking Ahead
Revheads is not just about cars—it’s about the journey, the connections, and the memories made along the way. As we continue to grow, I’m proud to carry on Pops’ legacy and share our passion for classic cars with others. It’s been a long road, but one filled with lessons, love, and resilience.
And just like Pops always said, “Boy, look at that badass ride”—I now have the chance to carry forward that tradition, one car at a time.
