Conversations with Matt Rodwell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Rodwell.

Hi Matt, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from the Boston area. After highchool I attended an automotive technical college in New Hampshire and I earned my degree in 1985 in Automotive Science. I have been certified since 1993 as a Master Auto Technician by ASE – The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. I recertified with ASE as a Master Technician in 2007. I have owned and operated two automotive tool franchises with Snap on Tools and Matco Tools. When I sold Matco Tools my customers called me Matty Matco so the name Matty has stuck with me through a few businesses. I have owned a few auto repair businesses which were mobile and industrial shop locations. My last business back east was called Matty’s Automotive. The cold winters and gloomy weather made me dream of coming out to Arizona and starting a hot rod shop. I have been living the dream for 10 years now and I’m grateful every day for the work that I’m doing. I build incredible cars and I’m very passionate about my work. I’m 60 years old but I look and feel younger. I attribute a lot of that to living a low stress life style and working in my shop on awesome cars is what makes it happen for me. I have a low overhead, no employees, and I make my own hours and I really appreciate having that freedom.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I really paid my dues over the years. There were times that I had to work in filthy auto repair shops with guys who were real grunts. I also performed used car inspections and auto repairs in driveways and parking lots. It was also a big challenge making the cross country trip from Massachusetts to Arizona 10 years ago but it was well worth it. When I think of these difficult times, it makes me really appreciate where I’m at now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider my work to be industrial art because I create rolling works of art. I’m very passionate about designing and fabrication work. I have built over 150 high performance engines and every single one of them was a beautiful engine to look at. I’m always aware of form and function when I build things so the engines that I build run as good as they look. There are other shops out there but very few guys have my finess, technical knowledge, certifications, or experience. I’m also extremely well equipped with automotive tools and equipment thanks to my 6 years in the automotive tool business. It really does matter having the right tool for the job. I’m a perfectionist and I feel as if that’s a definite prerequisite for what I do.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I’m very neat and organized and I feel as if that has always made a good impression on my customers. I also do awesome work and I’m very honest and fair about how I charge my customers.

Pricing:

• $115 per hour

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.mattysrodandcustom.com/