Cool Hand Customs (608) 513-0597 / (608) 513-0596
Our Story...
We started Cool Hand Customs in 2008. Yep, that's right, the year of the Great Recession. We had been running a successful construction and remodeling business when the economy turned, and like many other small operations we were looking at bankruptcy. We had a 4-year-old daughter and a mortgage that needed us to not fail. So instead of bankruptcy, we did the craziest thing we could think of. We closed our construction business took out a small loan and started Cool Hand Customs in our 400 sqft garage. We didn't have a dime to our name but if we were going down, we were going down in a blaze doing what we loved. EJ loved motorcycles and could airbrush. Amy loved cars and was willing to work on anything. We wanted a way to love our jobs and our everyday lives. Within the first year it became clear that we needed more space. 18 months later, we purchased our current location, a 4000 sqft bldg. We had found a way to do what we are passionate about, and we are fortunate to be able to do it together. We are a unique husband and wife team that works every aspect of our business together. We have been referred to as "Small but Mighty". A description we are proud to own.
In 2021 we added an additional bay giving us a little more room to spread out. We enjoy and excel at working on classics, muscle cars, Restomods, and anything else we can get our hands on to make cooler. We do everything in house, and it is just the two of us. We have tenacity to learn whatever we need to get the job done. We love it, and really are living the dream. Don't get it wrong, not every day is rosy.... but that's just life!
On the Track
Our journey has given us the opportunity to do some really fun things with our custom builds like race a 1955 Dodge Truck in the Optima Invitational Challenge. What a blast!
On the Highway
Hot Rod Power Tour is one way to break in a fresh 1957 Chevy Bel Air build. We are proud members of the "Long Haulers" in 2014 and 2015
In the Industry
We support our industry outside of the shop as well. We are active members of the SEMA Association as well as members ARMO, HRIA, ETTN, SBN, and volunteer for SEMA Scholarship Committee. Amy is a Select Committee Member of the SEMA HRIA Council. We sponsor car shows and events for local charities like Second Harvest and Cars Curing Kids. We support Youth Engagement Programs and Enthusiast Education to keep our passion alive for future generations.
