My journey to becoming “The Movie Car Guy” is a tale of diverse passions and unexpected turns. From childhood, cars captivated me. Bedtime wasn’t about fairy tales; it was about poring over Consumer Reports and Motor Trend, absorbing every detail about each model’s unique character.
This fascination wasn’t limited to books and magazines. In movies, cars weren’t just vehicles; they were central characters. ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’, ‘Fast and Furious’, and ‘Back to the Future’ – these films were my car showcases. I idolized the cars that heroes like Tony Stark and James Bond drove – from the sleek Audi R8 to the classic Aston Martin DB5.
My father played a crucial role in nurturing this passion. Our regular visits to classic car auctions were almost sacred. He’d diligently document each car’s sale price, though we never bought one, which still baffles me. I sometimes wondered if he was secretly writing a book titled ‘The World’s Greatest Cars We Never Owned.’ The real thrill for me was sitting in these cars when allowed, imagining owning one someday. These experiences were more than just about observing; they taught me the value and appreciation of cars.
My professional path started in an unexpected arena – plumbing. Equipped with a pick, shovel, and a chip on my shoulder, I learned the importance of hard work, precision, and the real-life truth behind the myth of the plumber’s crack. My journey in plumbing had its ups and downs, and one incident stands out: a rather unforgettable encounter with an elderly lady. It involved a misaimed plumbing mishap that left me, well, in a bit of a stinky situation. Let’s just say, I got more than I bargained for and learned some valuable life lessons, along with the importance of always wearing a hat!
Next came real estate, where I juggled roof repairs and unique discoveries – like finding a deceased tenant or a frozen feline popsicle in the freezer. The hardest part was realizing I couldn’t dictate tenants’ interior design choices, no matter how much I wanted to. This adventure was not only a masterclass in human psychology but also taught me the importance of market analysis and why following the herd (or the other real estate guys) isn’t always the wisest move.
The most unexpected twist in my career came with a tech startup. Born from a brainstorming session at a Halloween party with a friend from Seattle, this venture plunged me into a whirlwind of learning. From managing finances to navigating high-stakes meetings, I rapidly acquired knowledge in business finance, marketing, and sales. This intense period of growth led to recognition by Y Combinator and an acquisition, marking a pivotal moment in my journey.
These varied experiences were stepping stones to my true calling – cars. Founding Paradigm Production and Picture Rentals was the culmination of my diverse skills and passions. Here, I merged strategic planning from my real estate days, innovative thinking from tech, and problem-solving from plumbing.
In the world of picture cars, each day presents a new challenge. It’s about finding that perfect vehicle that not only suits the scene but also captures a character’s essence. This role demands an eye for detail, storytelling understanding, and the ability to thrive under pressure – all honed from my eclectic career path.
My route to “The Movie Car Guy” has been anything but straightforward. It’s been a journey of learning, adapting, and evolving. Each career transition brought new challenges and lessons, shaping a unique skill set I now apply in the picture car industry. This journey proves that sometimes the most scenic routes indeed lead to the most thrilling destinations.