After finding our fixer-upper in Spirit Lake, I’ve only committed to hobby jobs while completing our remodel, and looking for the right opportunity in construction.

I’ve received offers, but haven’t wanted to accept a position that I can’t see myself working long-term. I would never want to leave mid-project for a better role and put anyone in a jam.

So, for me, the right thing to do has been to take my time and earn a living working my hobby interests while looking for the best (and not just any) fit. This has allowed me to re-energize while feeding my passion for restoring classic Land Cruisers + other 4×4’s.

Custom overland builds are a serious investment for clients who put 100’s of thousands into sometimes a brand new rig. By the time we’re done outfitting it, we could’ve built them a small lake house!

This has kept my Superintendent and Project Manager skills sharp. I’ve continued leading builds, collaborating with teams and subs, and managing day-to-day communication with high-end clients.

Pictured here is my favorite custom build, a rare Land Cruiser Troopy. Fresh from a rollover accident, he original body was combined with a second body to start.

A great deal of customization later—including an auxiliary fuel tank for long-range trips and complete custom interior—the Troopy was transformed into the beautiful ride seen here featuring the classic military-style side-facing bench seating in the back.

The build was completed for a retired veteran who fell in love with Land Cruiser Troopies while serving in the Middle East. It was an honor to work on this project and so many others with their own stories.

But this one was the most satisfying to deliver to a client who served our country, and brought home a memory that led him to a dream, and we got to make it a reality.

It’s a lot like building a home or business and getting to hand the keys to a happy client. I look forward to getting back to that.