Through my 20’s and many jobs I honed my skills and was known for doing custom building.

My first introduction to RVs was my neighbor who had a VW van that I helped turn into a camper. He was blown away with what I came up with in design, function and aesthetics.  With his constant persuasion he convinced me that this was my calling and began the next chapter in my life.

My Career

I got a job at a small RV dealership and apprenticed for four years in trade school (at the top of my class) including the job experience.

Into my first year I received a job to rebuild a trailer where a tree fell through it. Well, the cabinetry needed t be rebuilt from new and I said I could do it from my home shop. So I built it that night and installed it in the morning.

At work my service manager was taken aback at the quality, fit and finish and then asked me what else I could do to which I confidentially responded “Anything you want”.

In entered the general manager, the sales manager and then the sales people and so began the plan that if I could tweak any RV customers were interested in through sales I could customize to their specific needs. Well, what an opportunity!

So with that sales doubled as well as my workload. Not one to shy away from hard work I fulfilled the new position and the extra money I earned got reinvested into better tools and equipment.

Journeyman

As an apprentice it was always my goal to be self-employed and upon becoming a journeyman I made the leap and went out on my own.

Having my own customers gave me that meaningful connection and regard for doing what I do best, custom work.

Then 2008 happened next and reluctantly, I had to go back to working in a dealership.

Although a set back in my mind, I still never lost site of my goal. I used this as an opportunity to grow and really learnt the business.

At the dealership I saw and learned everything that was wrong in the industry and I knew I would just do the opposite because my own customers mean everything to me.

Finally, in 2015 an opportunity came up and I launched my new business. I also taught a series of classes to RV owners who then became my customers.

Things were good yet I felt my talents of customizing wasn’t being fully realized. There is a saying among successful business owners and it goes like this:

If you feel like you’re in your comfort zone you’re not growing and you need to step out of it. And boy, did I…

Our big move

In 2019 my wife and I made the bold decision to move from Canada (legally of course), pack up everything, all my tools and equipment, two chihuahuas, and move to Las Vegas.

And so began our new, best life. We are thrilled to serve all of our customers in Las Vegas and from many other states and give them our very best service, quality, and expertise as a Master Certified RV technician and Designer.

To the Great United States of America we thank you for opening your doors and hearts in welcoming us to your home and allowing us to serve you.

Respectfully,  James, Teri, Bolero and Bodhi 

Embracing vintage trailer shows

The Joy of Vintage Trailer Shows: Hot Summer Nights Revival in Reno, Nevada

Every August, the streets of Reno and Sparks, Nevada, come alive with the rumble of rebuilt engines, the glint of polished chrome, and the heavy scent of nostalgia. Hot Summer Nights Revival, part of the iconic Hot August Nights event, celebrates classic cars, rock ‘n’ roll, and the golden eras of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Among the many attractions at this festival, the Vintage Trailer Revival stands out as an awesome experience for people of all ages.  

The Vintage Trailer Revival

A Journey Back in Time

The Vintage Trailer Revival transports visitors to a bygone era. Rows of lovingly restored vintage trailers and motorhomes line the grounds, each one a time capsule waiting to be explored. These retro gems, dating back to 1976 and earlier, evoke memories of family road trips, campfires, and simpler times.

The Joy of Exploration

Walking through the Vintage Trailer Revival feels like stepping into a vintage postcard. The trailers come in various shapes and sizes: from compact teardrops to spacious Airstreams. Their colorful exteriors, retro decals, and polished aluminum skins invite curiosity. As you approach each trailer, you can’t help but wonder about the stories it holds.

Conversations with the Many Owners

The heart of the Vintage Trailer Revival lies in the conversations with the passionate owners. These enthusiasts have poured their hearts and countless hours into restoring these time-worn beauties. They gladly share tales of their adventures on the open road, the challenges of restoration, and the joy of preserving a piece of history.

Personal Touches

Inside the trailers, you’ll find cozy nooks adorned with vintage fabrics, retro appliances, and quirky decor. Some owners have kept the original features intact, while others have added modern amenities without compromising the nostalgic vibe. The attention to detail is remarkable, and every trailer has a unique personality.

Community and Camaraderie

Visitors mingle with fellow enthusiasts, swapping stories and tips. Whether you’re a seasoned vintage trailer owner or a curious first-timer, the sense of community is palpable. You’ll find camaraderie around campfires, during impromptu potluck dinners, and at the nightly gatherings where rock ‘n’ roll tunes fill the air.

Evening Illumination

As the sun sets, the Vintage Trailer Revival takes on a magical glow. String lights twinkle, lanterns flicker, and the trailers become cozy retreats. It’s a time to share memories, listen to live music, and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into these rolling time machines. 

Hot Summer Nights Revival and its Vintage Trailer Revival offer a delightful escape from the present. Whether you’re reminiscing about your own family’s camping trips or discovering the allure of vintage trailers for the first time, this event celebrates the spirit of adventure, creativity, and community. So in August, head to Reno, step inside a vintage trailer, and let the past weave its magic around you.

Remember, it’s not just about the trailers; it’s about the stories they tell and the connections they foster. Hot Summer Nights Revival invites us all to slow down, appreciate the craftsmanship, and share a piece of our hearts with fellow enthusiasts.

Vintage Culture: The endearing allure

In a world that often moves at a breakneck pace, there is a growing appreciation for the timeless charm and nostalgia of vintage culture. From the fashion-forward millennials to the nostalgic baby boomers, people of all ages are embracing the vintage lifestyle, finding solace and inspiration in the enduring appeal of the past.

The Vintage Embrace of the Young

Contrary to the common perception that vintage culture is the domain of the older generation, it is the younger demographic, particularly those under the age of 40, who are leading the charge in embracing vintage fashion, trailers, car shows, and thrift shopping.

For these fashion-forward individuals, vintage clothing represents a unique form of self-expression, a way to stand out from the crowd and showcase their individuality.

The allure of vintage fashion lies in its ability to transcend the constraints of modern trends, offering a timeless and often more sustainable alternative to fast fashion.

Beyond the sartorial realm, the younger generation is also captivated by the vintage trailer and car show scene. These events offer a glimpse into the past, allowing them to immerse themselves in the nostalgia and craftsmanship of bygone eras.

The meticulous restoration of these iconic vehicles, coupled with the opportunity to engage with their passionate owners, ignites a sense of wonder and appreciation for the ingenuity of the past.

Thrift shopping has also become a popular avenue for the younger generation to explore the world of vintage.

The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of uncovering hidden gems, and the environmental benefits of sustainable fashion have all contributed to the rise in thrift store popularity among millennials and Gen Z. Whenever we go antiquing we see many kids under 30 years and it endearing to see.

The Nostalgic Embrace of the Older Generation

While the younger generation may be leading the charge in the vintage cultural revolution, the older demographic, particularly those over the age of 40, are also finding solace and meaning in the embrace of vintage culture.

For many in this age group, the appreciation for vintage items is deeply rooted in their own personal experiences and memories. The vintage items they cherish often evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting them back to their teenage years and a time when life seemed simpler and more carefree.

The desire to reconnect with the past is a powerful driving force for the older generation, who find comfort and joy in the familiar aesthetics and functionality of vintage items.

Whether it’s the classic car they once dreamed of owning or the vintage trailer that reminds them of family road trips, these objects serve as tangible links to a bygone era, a time when the world seemed less complicated and more fun.

This nostalgic embrace of vintage culture is not limited to material possessions; it also extends to the broader cultural landscape. The older generation often finds solace in the music, movies, and television shows of their youth, finding comfort in the familiar and the timeless.

The Allure of Vintage: Simplicity and Authenticity

Across all age groups, the enduring appeal of vintage culture can be attributed to a shared desire for simplicity, authenticity, and a connection to the past.

In a world that is often dominated by the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of modern life, vintage items offer a respite from the chaos, a tangible reminder of a time when things were less complicated and more enjoyable.

The vintage aesthetic, with its emphasis on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless design, resonates with people of all ages.

These vintage items, whether they are clothing, furniture, or automobiles, are imbued with a sense of history and character that is often lacking in their mass-produced, contemporary counterparts.

Moreover, the act of acquiring and owning vintage items is often seen as a more interesting and “cooler” alternative to the mainstream.

The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of restoring a vintage treasure, and the sense of individuality that comes with embracing the vintage lifestyle all contribute to the growing appeal of this cultural phenomenon.

For many, the embrace of vintage culture is not just about the physical objects themselves, but rather the deeper connection they represent.

These vintage items serve as a tangible link to the past, a reminder of a time when life was simpler, more authentic, and perhaps even more enjoyable.

The Enduring Legacy of Vintage Culture

As the world continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the enduring appeal of vintage culture serves as a testament to the timeless human desire for connection, authenticity, and a sense of nostalgia.

Whether you’re a fashion-forward millennial or a nostalgic baby boomer, the embrace of vintage culture offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and reconnect with the enduring spirit of the past.

From the meticulously restored vintage trailers and classic cars to the carefully curated vintage fashion and thrift store finds, the vintage cultural landscape is a rich tapestry of stories, memories, and shared experiences.

It is a testament to the power of the human spirit to find solace and inspiration in the enduring allure of the past, and to create a more meaningful and authentic connection to the world around us.

As we move forward into the future, the embrace of vintage culture will undoubtedly continue to evolve and adapt, but its core essence will remain the same: a celebration of the timeless, the authentic, and the enduring spirit of the human experience.