Restyler CRM
Restyler CRM

Ride in Style Podcast: Episode 45 with Terry Payne of RDM Builds

What happens when a lifelong car enthusiast, former truck driver, and Hot Wheels collector decides to turn a personal project into a mission to inspire an entire industry?

You get Terry Payne.

In this episode of the Ride in Style Podcast, Terry shares the remarkable story behind RDM Builds, a company that grew from a custom Jeep project into a respected builder, manufacturer, SEMA exhibitor, and industry advocate. Along the way, the conversation covers mentorship, volunteering, manufacturing, vehicle building, scholarships, youth development, and why Terry believes the future of the automotive aftermarket depends on helping the next generation succeed.

And yes—there’s also a story involving Matthew McConaughey, a custom Bronco, and a six-figure auction result.

Ride in Style Podcast: Episode 45 with Terry Payne of RDM Builds
  • 00:00 From Hot Wheels to SEMA
  • 00:47 Volunteering Changed Me
  • 01:46 Sponsor Advice Mindset
  • 01:55 Podcast Intro Guest Terry
  • 02:39 RDM Origin Story
  • 03:53 Truck Driver to Builder
  • 04:56 Pro Cup Gladiator Spotlight
  • 06:31 Scholarships and Students
  • 08:28 Connection Drop Interlude
  • 09:14 Why Volunteer Really
  • 10:32 Building Shop Conglomerates
  • 11:05 One Stop Shop Manufacturing
  • 12:03 Industry Future EV Debate
  • 13:33 Youth Programs and Unity
  • 14:23 Health Grit and Passion
  • 15:05 SEMA Booth and Builds
  • 16:32 Customer Involved Builds
  • 17:03 Biggest Career Challenge
  • 18:24 Marriage And Build

Meet the Guest

Terry Payne

Founder, RDM Builds

  • Custom vehicle builder and manufacturer
  • SEMA Pro Cup Challenge participant
  • Scholarship committee volunteer
  • Industry mentor and youth advocate

Terry Payne’s automotive passion began long before RDM Builds existed.

From collecting Hot Wheels as a child to working around legendary customizer George Barris at age fifteen, Terry has spent decades immersed in automotive culture. Today, he leads RDM Builds, a growing company focused on custom vehicle construction, manufacturing, restyling, and industry mentorship.

What We Covered

  • Growing up obsessed with cars
  • Learning from George Barris and industry legends
  • Starting RDM Builds in 2019
  • Building 42 SEMA vehicles in six years
  • The Pro Cup Challenge experience
  • Why volunteering changed Terry's life
  • Creating one-stop-shop automotive partnerships
  • Transitioning from restyler to manufacturer
  • The future of the aftermarket industry
  • Inspiring the next generation of builders

A Lifetime of Automotive Passion

For Terry Payne, cars weren’t just a hobby.

They were a lifelong obsession.

Today he proudly displays more than 570 die-cast vehicles, but the fascination started much earlier.

As a teenager, Terry had the opportunity to work around legendary custom car builder George Barris, gaining firsthand exposure to automotive creativity and craftsmanship.

That experience helped shape the mindset that still drives him today.

“I started with Hot Wheels,” Terry explained.

Long before social media, YouTube channels, or SEMA fame, he simply loved cars and wanted to learn everything he could about them.

That curiosity would eventually become the foundation of an entirely new career.

Building a Business During Life's Hardest Moments

The story of RDM Builds begins with a deeply personal project.

In 2019, Terry’s wife was battling glioblastoma multiforme grade four, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Searching for something positive to focus on, Terry decided to build a Jeep—something she had always wanted.

What happened next changed everything.

The vehicle attracted attention from industry professionals and eventually earned an invitation to SEMA.

For many builders, a SEMA invitation is a career milestone.

For Terry, it became a launching point.

At the event, he connected with influential leaders from Mopar, Stellantis, and the aftermarket community.

The momentum from that first build led directly to the creation of RDM Builds.

From Truck Driver to Builder and Designer

Before founding RDM Builds, Terry spent years working as a truck driver.

But even while driving, he constantly analyzed vehicle designs and imagined ways to improve them.

Eventually, a friend encouraged him to leave the road and work in a shop environment.

That opportunity introduced him to:

  • Race car fabrication
  • Vehicle design
  • Performance modifications
  • 3D CAD software
  • Custom fabrication

The combination of hands-on experience and creative thinking allowed Terry to develop a unique perspective on vehicle building.

Instead of specializing in one area, he became interested in all of them.

That versatility remains one of RDM Builds’ defining characteristics today.

The Jeep Gladiator That Changed Everything

One of Terry’s most important milestones came through the SEMA Pro Cup Challenge.

Selected to participate in 2022, Terry built a customized Jeep Gladiator while staying within the competition budget.

The project didn’t win the competition.

But it created something arguably more valuable.

The build generated significant industry attention and became one of the most widely displayed vehicles associated with the program.

Dealerships replicated the package.

Marketing teams used it in advertisements.

Industry publications featured it extensively.

In Terry’s eyes, that outcome represented a different kind of victory.

Sometimes the impact of a build extends far beyond the trophy stage.

Why Volunteering Became Part of the Mission

One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation was Terry’s commitment to giving back.

Today, he actively volunteers within SEMA and has spent multiple years helping review scholarship applications for aspiring automotive professionals.

But volunteering wasn’t always part of his personality.

“I was probably one of the most selfish people you’d ever meet,” Terry admitted.

His perspective changed after becoming involved with industry organizations and seeing the impact mentorship could have on young people.

Now he regularly visits schools, speaks with students, promotes scholarship opportunities, and encourages newcomers to pursue careers in the aftermarket.

For Terry, success isn’t measured solely by the vehicles he builds.

It’s measured by the people he helps.

Creating One-Stop Automotive Ecosystems

One of the more innovative parts of Terry’s business strategy involves creating partnerships between specialized automotive shops.

Rather than viewing every business as a competitor, he focuses on collaboration.

By connecting:

  • Off-road shops
  • Audio specialists
  • Upholstery businesses
  • Performance tuners
  • Engine builders

Terry has helped establish multiple “one-stop shop” ecosystems where customers can access virtually every service they need in a single location.

The approach benefits everyone involved.

Customers receive better service.

Businesses generate referrals.

Specialists focus on what they do best.

The concept reflects Terry’s broader philosophy that the industry grows faster when people work together.

From Restyler to Manufacturer

One of Terry’s biggest professional challenges came when RDM Builds expanded into manufacturing.

The transition seemed simple from the outside.

In reality, it required learning an entirely different side of business.

The company began manufacturing control arms for race vehicles before expanding into off-road and 4×4 applications.

Suddenly, Terry found himself navigating:

  • Product liability
  • Manufacturing insurance
  • Licensing requirements
  • Production processes
  • Regulatory compliance

“It wasn’t as easy as just jumping into it,” he explained.

The experience reinforced a lesson many entrepreneurs learn:

Every growth opportunity creates new challenges.

The key is being willing to keep learning.

SEMA Builds, Big Ideas, and Bigger Goals

For the upcoming SEMA Show, Terry plans to bring an impressive collection of vehicles.

His display is expected to include:

  • A 1934 Ford Coupe
  • A twin-turbo Mustang
  • Chargers and Challengers
  • Multiple off-road builds
  • Custom trucks
  • Personal projects

In total, the showcase will feature approximately fifteen vehicles.

Yet despite the excitement surrounding the builds, Terry’s long-term goals extend beyond cars.

His biggest dream isn’t another award-winning project.

It’s creating opportunities for young people.

The company currently contributes thousands of dollars annually toward helping students pursue education and career development opportunities.

Terry hopes to expand those efforts even further.

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he would give someone entering the industry today, Terry’s answer was simple.

“Be a sponge.”

Learn everything.

Ask questions.

Stay curious.

Avoid shortcuts.

According to Terry, too many young enthusiasts focus on sponsorships, instant success, or social media attention.

The real path to success looks different.

It involves:

  • Learning skills
  • Building relationships
  • Doing the work
  • Staying patient
  • Continuing to improve

His first major project took years to complete.

But the experience taught him lessons that still influence his work today.

The message is clear:

Great careers are built over time.

A Legacy Bigger Than Vehicles

Throughout the episode, one theme kept resurfacing.

Terry isn’t trying to build the most famous company.

He’s trying to build people.

Whether mentoring students, introducing businesses to one another, supporting scholarship programs, or bringing first-time attendees to SEMA, his focus remains remarkably consistent.

Help someone else move forward.

In an industry often defined by horsepower, paint, fabrication, and competition, Terry’s story serves as a reminder that relationships may be the most important build of all.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

  • Passion creates opportunities. Terry’s lifelong love of cars eventually became a successful business.
  • Adversity can create purpose. RDM Builds was born from a deeply personal project during a difficult time.
  • Volunteering expands impact. Industry involvement helped Terry grow both personally and professionally.
  • Collaboration beats isolation. Building partnerships creates opportunities for everyone involved.
  • Manufacturing requires a different mindset. Growth often means learning entirely new skills.
  • The next generation matters. Mentorship and education remain critical to the industry’s future.

Listen to the Full Episode

  • Episode Timestamps
 
  •  
  • 00:00 From Hot Wheels to SEMA
  • 00:47 Volunteering Changed Me
  • 01:46 Sponsor Advice Mindset
  • 01:55 Podcast Intro Guest Terry
  • 02:39 RDM Origin Story
  • 03:53 Truck Driver to Builder
  • 04:56 Pro Cup Gladiator Spotlight
  • 06:31 Scholarships and Students
  • 08:28 Connection Drop Interlude
  • 09:14 Why Volunteer Really
  • 10:32 Building Shop Conglomerates
  • 11:05 One Stop Shop Manufacturing
  • 12:03 Industry Future EV Debate
  • 13:33 Youth Programs and Unity
  • 14:23 Health Grit and Passion
  • 15:05 SEMA Booth and Builds
  • 16:32 Customer Involved Builds
  • 17:03 Biggest Career Challenge
  • 18:24 Marriage And Build
 

 

Find RDM Builds

If you’re a dealer, fleet manager, installer, or truck enthusiast looking for advanced restyling and truck accessory solutions, Ecoological is worth following.

Website
  • ecoological.com
Social Platforms
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

The company regularly shares:

  • Manufacturing footage
  • CNC machining videos
  • Installation tutorials
  • Product development updates

Grant also encouraged aftermarket professionals interested in AI integration to reach out directly and discuss implementation strategies for smaller companies.

About the Ride in Style Podcas

If you’re interested in custom builds, manufacturing, restyling, fabrication, or SEMA-level vehicle construction, RDM Builds is worth following.

Website

  • rdmbuilds.com

Social Platforms

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

The company regularly shares:

  • Vehicle builds
  • Fabrication projects
  • Manufacturing updates
  • SEMA preparation
  • Industry mentorship activities

About the Ride in Style Podcast

Ride in Style is hosted by Jesse Stoddard and Josh Poulson, covering the business side of automotive restyling, manufacturing, leadership, marketing, and aftermarket innovation.

Episodes feature builders, manufacturers, shop owners, marketers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the automotive aftermarket.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and visit AutoStyleMarketing.com for additional resources, recaps, and industry insights.

Have a guest suggestion or topic idea? Reach out through AutoStyleMarketing.com.

I started out in 2019. Got my of course got my background from Hot Wheels and George Barers. Worked for him for a
7 seconds
little bit. He taught me a lot. Got to do some work with Chip Foos. Got to do some work with Boyd Cottington. Learned a lot through them. But mostly
16 seconds
in 2019 I was married. My wife had come down with Leo Blastoma Multiform 4 and the only thing I could think of doing was building a car. So I built a Jeep
25 seconds
which is what she wanted. Luckily enough, somebody saw it and said, “We need that at SEMA.” That was my very first trip on my own.
33 seconds
Wow.
33 seconds
To see me. I got there and I caught the attention of the president of AF
40 seconds
and a design manager for Stellantis and I’ve been Mopar ever since. I love
48 seconds
volunteering and I’m going to tell you right now, I was one of probably the most selfish people you ever met in your life till I got into this and I didn’t
58 seconds
want anybody. Y’all said it best. You didn’t want somebody else stealing your ideas. I don’t care now because if I can
1 minute, 5 seconds
see my idea help somebody else, it works. It benefits all of us in the long run because they’re going to come
1 minute, 12 seconds
back to you and they’re going to say, “Hey, that guy helped me out.” And they’re going to call me. people stop killing each other. That’s the biggest thing. I hate seeing waking up in the
1 minute, 21 seconds
morning seeing a 13-year-old laying on the street found dead. Yeah.
1 minute, 25 seconds
If we can get them into programs and education and offer them things that gets their minds rolling besides other things. I had my neck fused from 2 to 7.
1 minute, 36 seconds
They said, “You’ll never be able to move your neck.” And I go up and down. I’m sorry. I like to look at everything under cars. I’m not
1 minute, 43 seconds
letting somebody else get under there if I can’t do it.
1 minute, 46 seconds
Biggest thing I hear all the time. How do I get sponsored?
1 minute, 52 seconds
Build something first without asking and then talk to them about it.
1 minute, 57 seconds
Welcome to the Ride and Style podcast, your turbocharged pit stop for automotive restyling. Buckle up with Jesse and Josh.
2 minutes, 9 seconds
Welcome to another episode of the Ride in Style podcast. Today our guest is Terry Payne of RDM Builds. Terry, thank you for being here today.
2 minutes, 18 seconds
Thank you’all for inviting me. I really appreciate this.
2 minutes, 22 seconds
Terry, it’s about time we got you on here. You’re I I call you a good You’re a I love it because you’re old school and new school influencer. You can do the work and show everybody what you do.
2 minutes, 34 seconds
We have a good time doing it. That’s what it’s about is teaching anywhere we can.
2 minutes, 39 seconds
Yeah. I was going to ask what So what does RDM even stand? What’s that stand for? Restoring Daily Motors.
2 minutes, 47 seconds
Restoring Daily Motors. Wow. That’s just what And when did you start the company? 2019.
2 minutes, 56 seconds
Okay.
2 minutes, 57 seconds
And I started out in 2019. Got my of course got my background from Hot Wheels and George Barers. Worked for him for a
3 minutes, 5 seconds
little bit. Uh he taught me a lot. Got to do some work with Chip Foos. Got to do some work with Boyd Cottington.
3 minutes, 11 seconds
Learned a lot through them. But mostly in 2019 I was married. My wife had come down with global multiiform 4 and the
3 minutes, 19 seconds
only thing I could think of doing was building a car. So I built the Jeep which is what she wanted. Luckily enough somebody saw it and said we need that at
3 minutes, 27 seconds
SEMA. That was my very first trip on my own. Wow.
3 minutes, 31 seconds
To see me. I got there and I caught the attention of the president of AF
3 minutes, 38 seconds
and a design manager for Stellantis and I’d been Mopar ever since. I’ve
3 minutes, 45 seconds
built one Ford in since 2019 and I’ve built a total of 42 cars that’s been to SEMA.
3 minutes, 51 seconds
Wow, that’s cool.
3 minutes, 53 seconds
But go back a little bit further. How did you first get started in aftermarket and automotive? What did you do before this company? and go a little bit more.
4 minutes, 3 seconds
I was a truck driver and I always had time, dealt with a lot of stuff and I would see things on cars that I was
4 minutes, 11 seconds
like, “Hey, you know what? That’d look better if you did that.” And I’d just talk to people and they’re like, “Hey, we’d really like that.” So, they would do it. And I had a few companies that
4 minutes, 19 seconds
actually took my ideas, never charged them for it, anything like that. And started doing it. And a buddy of mine said, “Terry,
4 minutes, 28 seconds
why don’t you come to work for me at the shop? get off the road. Let’s do some work around here, build some race cars, stuff of the sort. And I said, “Okay.”
4 minutes, 35 seconds
And I got into designing. I learned to do some 3D CAD drawings. And next thing you know, I’m doing a few things. And
4 minutes, 44 seconds
from there, it was FEMA that actually pushed me to where I’m at now. I started, like I said, 2019, the year we
4 minutes, 53 seconds
were off, we didn’t get to show anything. The very next year I come back and in 2023
5 minutes, 1 second
I was ve or 22 I was very fortunate enough to be selected for the Pro Cup challenge. I built a Jeep. I really
5 minutes, 9 seconds
didn’t understand it and I was really intimidated and I built the Jeep Gladiator and I went a little above and beyond but I kept it under the budget
5 minutes, 17 seconds
and it did not win but it did win. I built seven other of the same exact packages for a dealership and it was the
5 minutes, 26 seconds
most displayed vehicle from Pro Cup Challenge that whole year and SEMA using them in magazines, used them in
5 minutes, 34 seconds
brochures, advertisement. They use that black gladiator everywhere. Yeah.
5 minutes, 39 seconds
So, it really brought up a lot of attention and it was people like Kobe, it was people like Josh and my
5 minutes, 47 seconds
cheerleader Hannah and Chelsea. There you go. I think Terry, I think I have a picture.
5 minutes, 52 seconds
We have a picture of that. I’m gonna show real quick right here. I think this is it, isn’t it? It is. That’s it.
5 minutes, 58 seconds
Yeah. And this is on We had this on the seapcc.com website. So, beautiful. Good.
6 minutes, 3 seconds
Good job on that build. That’s pretty cool. was so funny because when you get into the SEMA era and you’re going into
6 minutes, 12 seconds
these things, you’re up against guys that are gods in the industry, but nobody has what the Pro Cup has. And I’m
6 minutes, 19 seconds
sorry, I’m all for Pro Cup due to the fact I’m also with Arma and Torah.
6 minutes, 25 seconds
They’re great organizations, but it comes back to where we’re at nowadays.
6 minutes, 31 seconds
you go out to high schools and teach kids and everybody we want to do this and this and I’m like first question why
6 minutes, 37 seconds
and because of y’all and y’all were my guys. Uh y’all told me I could volunteer and I
6 minutes, 46 seconds
volunt I’ve tried to volunteer everywhere. I got picked up by the scholarship committee. I’m one of the judges that do the vetting for the
6 minutes, 53 seconds
scholarships. I’ve done it three years in a row. I love it and it’s so real quick on that. Go a little bit further. Why do you like
7 minutes, 1 second
volunteering? Because some people there’s a lot of smart people in the industry. Jesse’s on the select committee. I’ve done my volunteering and
7 minutes, 9 seconds
and continue to do it. But what do you what is it that drives you personally? Why do you like to volunteer?
7 minutes, 16 seconds
I love it because I feel a part of something. Not only that, it’s something that I think it elevates you. me. It
7 minutes, 25 seconds
elevates me when I can go to somebody and somebody says, “Oh, the scholarship stuff.” And I get to tell them about it.
7 minutes, 32 seconds
And y’all know I’m very passionate when I talk about it. I get to talk to the kids about it. I’m on the ISCA circuit,
7 minutes, 40 seconds
which is Autoama, World of Wheels, stuff like that. I show vehicles every week or every single show, the Friday opening,
7 minutes, 49 seconds
they have kids. They bring in all the high school kids are in the automotive industry. I go and talk and the very first thing I tell them about is the
7 minutes, 57 seconds
SEMA scholarship because that’s everybody’s goal. We want to go to SEMA. We want to go to SEMA. We want to go to SEMA. And
8 minutes, 6 seconds
this gives me a way to talk about it but keep our younger generation and even older generation
8 minutes, 13 seconds
very passionate about keeping the industry going. The restylers organization is so much to it. There’s
8 minutes, 21 seconds
we’ve had Did we lose him?
8 minutes, 29 seconds
Yeah, I think we lost you, Terry. You might have to We’ll give him a minute.
8 minutes, 31 seconds
Might have to reconnect. He had a little issue earlier and we he just had to reconnect and it was fine. So hopefully we’ll get him back.
8 minutes, 44 seconds
You get back home safe. Okay, Josh. Yeah.
8 minutes, 48 seconds
Everything’s a lot of travel. 5:15 a.m. flight Seattle.
8 minutes, 54 seconds
Oh, yeah. So, no, we’re good. We’re good.
8 minutes, 57 seconds
We’re and we’ll be able to splice it and no problem. We can do that. No problem. Yeah. Okay.
9 minutes, 5 seconds
You’re right in the middle of something.
9 minutes, 6 seconds
Terry, you were telling us about you were telling us about you when you So, when you have these people, maybe we’ll just start over with that.
9 minutes, 14 seconds
So, Terry, why do you like to volunteer as a person? Now I know you speak to students and you talk about SEMA scholarship and everything like but what
9 minutes, 22 seconds
do you because then people go it’s volunteer work you’re not getting paid but what do you get out of it what kind of fulfillment do you personally see I
9 minutes, 30 seconds
see a lot of networking I see our next generation that has questions that ask us things I love volunteering and I’m
9 minutes, 38 seconds
going to tell you right now I was one of probably the most selfish people you ever met in your life till I got into
9 minutes, 44 seconds
this and I didn’t want anybody Y’all said it best. You didn’t want somebody else stealing your ideas. I
9 minutes, 52 seconds
don’t care now because if I can see my idea help somebody else, it works. It benefits all of us in the
10 minutes
long run because they’re going to come back to you and they’re going to say, “Hey, that guy helped me out.” And they’re going to call me. I’ve had that happen four times. Since then, Josh and
10 minutes, 8 seconds
Jesse, I took y’all’s leads. I’ve followed y’all. I stalk y’all. I ain’t gonna lie about it. I watch what you do.
10 minutes, 14 seconds
I watch Hannah. I’ve given Hannah ideas on the she’s in her f foam inserts and stuff that she does for her boxes and
10 minutes, 22 seconds
stuff. I got her into doing making steps for the trucks now. I’ve run her steps two years in a row now. And that was all because we had a conversation.
10 minutes, 32 seconds
So since then, because of you guys, I’ve went to several shops and built
10 minutes, 38 seconds
conglomerates. I took a off-road shop, paired them with a audio sound shop, paired them with a Texas seats, which is
10 minutes, 48 seconds
does leather interior and uses cat skin and everybody. Took them with a motor shop and a performance shop.
10 minutes, 55 seconds
I got all of the guys after presenting it to them to move to one complex onetop shop. Now I have five of those going on.
11 minutes, 5 seconds
So tell us about your business today and your role in it. What do you do specifically? What makes you guys stand out? Tell us a little bit more about your company.
11 minutes, 15 seconds
We’re very versatile. We are originally, like I said, I didn’t start manufacturing until about two years ago
11 minutes, 22 seconds
and we started making control arms for race cars. Now we make them for 4x4s and stuff like that. But not only do we do
11 minutes, 29 seconds
that, we’re a one-stop shop. We also, besides just manufacturing, we do the restyling, we do the painting,
11 minutes, 38 seconds
we do the uh seats, we do anything you need done on your car, we can do at our shops because we’re all in the same
11 minutes, 46 seconds
area. We are all linked. We don’t care who it is. I’m not out to make a million dollars, okay? I’m out to watch our
11 minutes, 54 seconds
company grow and our industry stay there. If I can do that, then I’ve succeeded in life.
12 minutes, 1 second
That’s great. So, what what’s changed in the industry? You think back from when you get started and where do you stay see things going? You’re involved with
12 minutes, 10 seconds
Armo and Pro. You’re involved with a lot. Where do you see things going in the next few years?
12 minutes, 17 seconds
I see a lot of the same stuff that’s been happening since the 60s when I was born. I was born in ‘ 62. I remember at
12 minutes, 25 seconds
seven and eight years old, everybody griping about the gas prices and about what we didn’t have emissions back then somewhat and I hear that all the time.
12 minutes, 35 seconds
Now we’re into electric vehicles.
12 minutes, 39 seconds
It’s nothing. I see a lot of fighting still going on for this because everybody’s passionate about a certain area. You’ve got our old-timers,
12 minutes, 48 seconds
nothing’s going to beat the gasoline engine.
12 minutes, 50 seconds
You’ve got our new guys, the kids. I’ve got more torque than not running you with an electric vehicle. Okay. You can for a certain amount of distance.
12 minutes, 59 seconds
Yeah. But eventually it’s run out of a charge.
13 minutes, 2 seconds
I see it growing. I see a lot of the safety industry getting more and more
13 minutes, 9 seconds
involved. But I also am very sad that a lot of our generation has lost its way.
13 minutes, 19 seconds
We have a lot of the kids that used to everybody would come together and work together. Now you have divisions in it.
13 minutes, 26 seconds
So I’m hoping that there’s going to be a shakeup somewhere and so everybody’s going to come back together like it used to be. People stop killing each other.
13 minutes, 34 seconds
That’s the biggest thing. I hate seeing waking up in the morning seeing a 13-year-old laying on the street found dead.
13 minutes, 41 seconds
Yeah. If we can get them into programs and education and offer them things that gets their minds rolling besides other
13 minutes, 49 seconds
things. No. Is it a fast dollar? No, it’s not. But are you willing to put the work forward? Then we won. Yeah. It’s good.
13 minutes, 58 seconds
It’s No, it’s so true. So true.
14 minutes, 1 second
You guys are amazing. Y’all great role models. I get to follow you guys. I get to follow Kobe. I get to follow Chelsea.
14 minutes, 9 seconds
I get to follow Hannah. It’s not just one certain person. You guys are leaders in our industry and y’all are setting the standards for us. And if I can
14 minutes, 17 seconds
follow in y’all’s steps and encourage others to do the same thing, it’s a win-win full circle.
14 minutes, 23 seconds
Yeah. If I ever need a hype guy, I Jesse, I always know that I call Terry and say, “Hey, Terry, this guy needs to
14 minutes, 30 seconds
understand the passion about our industry. Will you talk to him for 10 minutes?” That’s like a fire hose. I love it. You got the passion, bro. I
14 minutes, 38 seconds
love your passion. You are 60 years young. Uh turned 64 in about two weeks. We’re just going to round down, bro.
14 minutes, 45 seconds
Come on. 60 60 years young.
14 minutes, 48 seconds
I don’t feel it. I feel like I’m in my 20s. I love it. I had my neck fused from two to seven. They said, “You’ll never
14 minutes, 55 seconds
be able to move your neck.” And I can go up and down. I’m sorry. I like to look at everything under cars. I’m not letting somebody else get under there if I can’t do it.
15 minutes, 5 seconds
So, what are you working on right now? Do you want to SEMA cars or normal cars?
15 minutes, 11 seconds
Let’s just let’s go with something like let’s go with SEMA. This a lot of our people are on SEMA. Normal cars they’re not going to get to see except on your social media. What about SEMA? What do
15 minutes, 19 seconds
we might be able to see this coming year? I have a 10×40 booth pick next week.
15 minutes, 26 seconds
I’ve got a 1934 Ford coupe that we just finished. We’re putting a leather interior in it right now. Along
15 minutes, 35 seconds
with that, I’m bringing east versus west and old versus new. I also got a 2019 Mustang V6 twin turbo 900 horses at the
15 minutes, 44 seconds
wheel of a Shurco body kit that’s going to be in the booth. Outside, I’ve got
15 minutes, 51 seconds
three Chargers, three Challengers, four off-road vehicles. Total of 15 cars we’re bringing. Wow.
15 minutes, 59 seconds
And then personal. I got a 1984 El Camino that we’re doing right now. That’s my car. That’s Pro. Is it white?
16 minutes, 7 seconds
No, it is Diablo red with gold flake. We just did 17 coats of paint on it. Did 10 coats of sick and clear. And we just
16 minutes, 15 seconds
shot the new last year. They come out with a spray PPF, liquid PPF. Yeah, it’s got six coats of PPF on it.
16 minutes, 23 seconds
It looks like you can swim in it.
16 minutes, 25 seconds
You have a pretty high transportation bill.
16 minutes, 30 seconds
to get to the show with all these vehicles.
16 minutes, 33 seconds
Actually, we do all the work on these vehicles and we make sure that as we’re doing it, we’re a team. It’s not one person. It’s not me. When I build a
16 minutes, 42 seconds
vehicle for the customer, I don’t sit there and say, “Okay, we’re going to do this and this.” I want them involved because I can build your car all day long, but what happens in three years?
16 minutes, 52 seconds
You don’t like it. I want them involved.
16 minutes, 54 seconds
I want them knowing what they’re wanting, what they like. I make them make the choices and sometimes they hate me for it, but in the end they love it. Yeah.
17 minutes, 2 seconds
Terry, I have a question. What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career and how’d you get through it?
17 minutes, 10 seconds
The biggest challenge moving from a restyler straight shop to a manufacturer.
17 minutes, 18 seconds
And it was from having people that I could talk to and ask questions.
17 minutes, 24 seconds
My pastor at church is a country cowboy and he gives it to you plain and simple.
17 minutes, 31 seconds
And then asking people like Kobe certain questions. Josh, I asked you a couple questions. What? Back when you were
17 minutes, 38 seconds
running a mic upstairs when you did, I’ve been able to ask Kelsey and Hannah.
17 minutes, 43 seconds
It’s falling back on you guys. There’s a lot of stuff that going from a restyler to a manufacturer, you don’t understand.
17 minutes, 52 seconds
You think, “Oh, it’s just easy. you just jump into. No, you got insurance and licensing and all this other stuff. And
18 minutes, 1 second
not knowing it, coming from my background, I went to college for a year. Did I graduate? No. I graduated high school, but I also got a GED, too,
18 minutes, 10 seconds
because I didn’t think I was going to graduate high school. But going from that to where I’m at now
18 minutes, 18 seconds
is what drives me. My wife is my biggest cheerleader. She’s a godsend. 30 years.
18 minutes, 25 seconds
It took me We’ve been married five years. Took me 30 years to get her.
18 minutes, 30 seconds
If that tells you anything, it literally took me 30 years.
18 minutes, 33 seconds
Please don’t call her your ongoing project. Let’s not say that.
18 minutes, 37 seconds
I’m hering her project. If I told her, “What are you working on right now?” She’d be like, “I’ve got me, let me see
18 minutes, 44 seconds
if I can do the math here. A 1962 Terry Payne.
18 minutes, 53 seconds
That’s exactly it. And she’ll tell you, I mean, her biggest question she gets asked is, “Why do you let your husband do it?” She
19 minutes, 1 second
goes, “Because he smiles.” And she goes, “What do you mean by that?” She goes, “Have you seen the stuff he’s created?” And they’re like, “A little bit. I’ve got a my biggest accomplishment.” Okay.
19 minutes, 13 seconds
I built a brand new Bronco for her three years ago. It was when they first
19 minutes, 20 seconds
come out. I built a Badlands. I camoed it. TIS wheels, TIS tires, DV8 bumpers,
19 minutes, 28 seconds
Catkin leather, sound system from DB. It was clean. We got invited by Ford to
19 minutes, 36 seconds
come to Austin, Texas to give the presidential award to the dealership. Wow.
19 minutes, 40 seconds
So during the time they had a car show and they had never seen a Bronco built like this. So, we got it down there and
19 minutes, 48 seconds
lo and behold, there’s Seline, Bronco Busters, and all them with theirs.
19 minutes, 54 seconds
They had a big car show. We beat every one of them with it. Huh.
19 minutes, 58 seconds
Then they as he was kind of upset. They asked me to put it through their dealer auction. They said, “You don’t got to sell it.
20 minutes, 6 seconds
Just what would it bring? Would you be interested?” I said, “Yeah, we’ll do it.” 15minute auction for dealers only.
20 minutes, 14 seconds
It took 47 minutes because every time you bid it adds another minute. Took 47 minutes. A guy comes pulling up in a black Escalade.
20 minutes, 22 seconds
Goes inside, got a couple big guys with him. I don’t know who he is, but he looks like somebody. Goes walking in there, sits down. Time is done.
20 minutes, 30 seconds
$107,500. Oh my goodness.
20 minutes, 33 seconds
I had $64,000 in this Bronco is all I had in it on my part. Yeah.
20 minutes, 39 seconds
So, we made a nice change. The guy comes out and goes, “We’d like to meet the guy that built it.” And I said, “That was us.” And this guy comes walking out, Matthew McConn.
20 minutes, 49 seconds
Whoa.
20 minutes, 51 seconds
Remember, he has a Bronco to this day and drives it up to UT, Texas sometimes. So, it was pretty cool.
20 minutes, 59 seconds
That’s great. That’s a good one.
21 minutes, 3 seconds
So, what what’s the next thing? You’ve I feel you’ve conquered the rest. You’ve conquered the you’re always kind of keep
21 minutes, 10 seconds
improving and you can build from scratch motors this that manufacturing now what’s left what kind of pain is left in
21 minutes, 20 seconds
the Terry Payne closet what’s it what you have any other big things or you just going to keep
21 minutes, 28 seconds
polishing what you got now I got one one goal that I’m working here comes No one’s ever heard about it.
21 minutes, 38 seconds
It’s here it comes.
21 minutes, 39 seconds
It’s not a car. And it’s what I’ve talked a little bit about. I want to inspire our younger generation. I want to
21 minutes, 49 seconds
eventually come up with some way to make a scholarship. Yeah.
21 minutes, 55 seconds
That puts them through automotive school or puts them through something that they’re interested in, marketing, whatever. Anything that inspires them.
22 minutes, 3 seconds
We already do it with listing and scholarships and stuff, but I would like to personally be able to do something. Each year, our
22 minutes, 11 seconds
company gives away $5,000 to a student that might need it, that might not ever have a chance. We’ve had two that have done pretty amazing.
22 minutes, 22 seconds
So, that’s great.
22 minutes, 24 seconds
That’s my goal. What uh what advice would you give someone just entering entering the space starting out? Maybe a young person that might be looking to
22 minutes, 33 seconds
maybe they maybe they don’t know what they want to do with their life. They’re coming out of high school. You they’re thinking maybe the trades which is getting more popular now. What kind of advice would you give them?
22 minutes, 44 seconds
Be a sponge.
22 minutes, 46 seconds
Don’t settle on one specific area. Be a sponge. Absorb everything you can and don’t be scared to ask a question.
22 minutes, 56 seconds
if they can absorb every single thing they can from anybody that’s in the field.
23 minutes, 3 seconds
I never knew nothing about lift kits until I asked questions. I
23 minutes, 10 seconds
knew nothing about leather till I asked questions.
23 minutes, 17 seconds
You have to be a sponge. You have to be a sponge. You can’t settle for one thing. Like I said, I’ve got over 500
23 minutes, 24 seconds
die cast on my walls of cars. Paul Rossy, I love that man to death. He calls me occasionally. We talk. NHR a
23 minutes, 33 seconds
Hall of Famer man inspires me. Okay. If I can do that, if I can inspire some
23 minutes, 42 seconds
kids to do something to keep the industry going, it’s great. I’ve got a really
23 minutes, 50 seconds
good friend that has a hometown Hot Rodders. It’s a It’s a garage up here in Roy City, Texas. He works on old school.
23 minutes, 59 seconds
He’s got an 18-year-old that does the new stuff. And this kid will run circles around most master mechanics.
24 minutes, 9 seconds
Wow.
24 minutes, 9 seconds
But because he was a sponge and he wanted to learn tuning, but at 18 years old, he’s rocking. This
24 minutes, 17 seconds
dude is crazy. I stand back in awe and watch this kid work and it’s like nothing to him. He goes, “Okay, it’s done.” I’m like, “What’d you do?” He
24 minutes, 25 seconds
goes, “Oh, this Okay, never mind. Just you do it.” Yeah, that is great. So, what Go ahead.
24 minutes, 33 seconds
No, go ahead. Go ahead.
24 minutes, 35 seconds
So, when it comes to young generation, they have a lot of options.
24 minutes, 40 seconds
What are the parts of our industry that you try to tell them about that’s because listen, it’s still some of it’s business. There’s still pluses and
24 minutes, 48 seconds
minuses. What are the positives that you really try to inspire that when you’re talking to young people? Kind of like what Jesse was asking, but just dialing
24 minutes, 56 seconds
it down a little bit further. What do you tell them about that gets them excited? You think
25 minutes, 3 seconds
that anything they can think of will happen if they want it to? And they say, “What do you mean by that?
25 minutes, 10 seconds
We don’t have all this money.” You ain’t got to have all this money, but if you’re willing to get out there and work, save up your money a little
25 minutes, 17 seconds
bit and do it. And another thing is, you ain’t got to build your car in 24 hours. Yeah.
25 minutes, 24 seconds
It took me five years to build my first car. And I told him that. I said, “Did I drive a piece of junk?” It looked like the Titanic.
25 minutes, 33 seconds
It had bumps and bruises everywhere. But five years later, it turned into a trophy winner. Yeah.
25 minutes, 40 seconds
And that’s what I try to inspire him with is that don’t get in a race.
25 minutes, 45 seconds
Yeah. Everybody wants to have a cool car. Everybody wants to have this and everybody wants that. Biggest thing I hear all the time. How do I get sponsored?
25 minutes, 55 seconds
Build something first without asking and then talk to them about it and then explain to them why you use their parts without asking them for help.
26 minutes, 3 seconds
Yeah. Yeah.
26 minutes, 4 seconds
That’s the biggest thing is, oh, I got friends that get sponsored. I got friends and people Oh, I got a YouTube channel. Okay, great. Are you doing the work or is somebody else doing the work?
26 minutes, 14 seconds
Yeah. Plain and simple. No shortcuts. No shortcuts, people. No shortcuts.
26 minutes, 19 seconds
What’s your So, what’s your favorite past and present or future? I guess your
26 minutes, 27 seconds
is it your favorite build? Is it that Bronco or is it the Gladiator or is it something else? What’s your favorite?
26 minutes, 32 seconds
Oh, actually you saw it. Remember my TRX that was dedicated to the military?
26 minutes, 42 seconds
1100 horses, had all four wheels. I love that truck. I had it for two years. But
26 minutes, 49 seconds
I’ve got something. Last year I brought Chaos to SEMA, my black truck with everything on it. Yeah, she’s probably
26 minutes, 58 seconds
going to be my new favorite. We just put her on a 14inch lift and it’s got satellite system inside of it.
27 minutes, 6 seconds
A star, matter of fact, Starlink. Yeah, it’s got all that in it now. It’s got that. It’s got stereo system. It’s got the bells, the whistles, and we’ll make you goof when you drive it.
27 minutes, 18 seconds
700 horses on a 57 e torque motor and we’re fixing to put a Whipple supercharger on it.
27 minutes, 25 seconds
So, yeah. Call Steve. But what? So, is that going to be outside at SEMA or it’s not going to be in your booth? It’ll be
27 minutes, 32 seconds
outside probably West Hall or in the central in front of Central area.
27 minutes, 36 seconds
I go in front of Central with everything. Yeah. Okay.
27 minutes, 39 seconds
I don’t think the West Hall, but a lot of people complain about how far it is to walk and everything. Yeah.
27 minutes, 44 seconds
If you get right in front of North Hall, Central Hall, down through there, you’re good. You’re good. Can I ask y’all a question?
27 minutes, 52 seconds
You’re always asking us a question. What inspires you now, Josh?
27 minutes, 57 seconds
Ah, Jesse tells me to get on podcasts and talk to people and I’m like, “Listen, I’m busy.” But he goes, “Josh,
28 minutes, 6 seconds
you can’t stop giving.” Yeah.
28 minutes, 8 seconds
No, I I loved I love the I’m not a big car guy like you guys. And that’s and no and that’s no secret. Everybody knows
28 minutes, 15 seconds
that. But I love the excitement that I see when I talk to you. I love when I see people when I take them out to SEMA
28 minutes, 22 seconds
for the first time, employees or friends and people in the industry that they just they light up and they go, I I can’t believe this is amazing. Awesome.
28 minutes, 30 seconds
That’s what gets me so excited. And or when we figure something out, when we accomplish something that like you said,
28 minutes, 38 seconds
we never thought we would have and all of a sudden, boom, we did it. I like the next challenge. So, as soon as I get to the top of one mountain, I’m like, “All
28 minutes, 46 seconds
right, I start looking around. What’s the next highest one? Let’s go. So, yeah. What about you, Jesse?
28 minutes, 51 seconds
For me, I’ve always been a big fan of small business. My parents were. I’ve been a small business owner my whole
28 minutes, 58 seconds
life, entrepreneurial, and then as I’ve learned more about this specific industry, I’ve gotten really inspired by how creative it is. And the people in it
29 minutes, 8 seconds
are unique. I’ve been in a lot of different circles, but the people in this are passionate, not just about the work, but also the other people in it.
29 minutes, 16 seconds
And I love that. And then the other thing I really am I’m agreeing I agree with you too, Terry. The youth. I have a son that’s about to graduate high school
29 minutes, 25 seconds
right now. He has a lot of friends. I see a lot of them wandering around and not really having direction yet. And the
29 minutes, 32 seconds
economy is changing so fast. We don’t know if AI is going to replace like all these jobs and stuff. And there’s a there there’s a need now. When I was
29 minutes, 40 seconds
growing up, if you didn’t go to college, you were considered a loser, right? That was just pressure. and only the kids that couldn’t make it would go into the trades. It’s the opposite now. These
29 minutes, 49 seconds
kids go into the trades and there’s a demand and there’s a job and they’re making good money even in apprenticeship programs. And whereas all these kids that went to school for coding, AI has
29 minutes, 57 seconds
replaced them all. And it’s just a different world. And I also feel like that’s a good thing in the way that we can inspire them to, hey, look at all
30 minutes, 5 seconds
these opportunities there are. There’s no reason to be depressed and negative and stay at home playing video games and all day long. You should get out and do stuff. Work with your hands. It’s okay.
30 minutes, 14 seconds
In fact, it might even be better. Yeah.
30 minutes, 17 seconds
So, those are the things that kind of get me kind of going and I I’m excited about where the industry is headed, too.
30 minutes, 22 seconds
We We had a boy that his father come up to me at church Sunday and asked me, he goes, “Terry, he just graduated.
30 minutes, 29 seconds
He’s looking for a job. He’s pretty good with his hands. He wants to stay in automotive.” And I said, “Okay.” So, we took him to the shop. He’s working at
30 minutes, 36 seconds
NTX Allterrain. And his first day he was pushing a broom and he thought I was I thought I was gonna get to work on cars. So we gota
30 minutes, 44 seconds
see make sure you know how to clean up first. That’s right. And the kid never had a gripe about it. Today he’s putting brakes on a Jeep.
30 minutes, 53 seconds
Good.
30 minutes, 54 seconds
And he’s happy. It’s little things like that. Little things. Yeah.
30 minutes, 59 seconds
That’s great. Before Before Jesse asks the famous last questions, Terry, I just wanted to say thanks for always being
31 minutes, 7 seconds
available and passionate and helping out pro. And I don’t know there’s any one other person, Jesse, that drags people
31 minutes, 14 seconds
to the pro booth more than Terry is. Oh, Terry told me I need Oh, Terry. Even though he’s working his own booth, he’s
31 minutes, 23 seconds
oh, go see Pro. So, thank you very much for being a great ambassador and influencer and builder and just great person, you and your wife and your
31 minutes, 31 seconds
family and everybody like that. So, thank you.
31 minutes, 33 seconds
Oh, no. Thank y’all for inspiring me to get to where I’m at now. If it wasn’t for you guys, truthfully, I wouldn’t be a manufacturer right now. And that’s
31 minutes, 41 seconds
being that’s me being as honest as I can be. As a matter of fact, I’ve been very fortunate enough to get people to join
31 minutes, 48 seconds
SEMA this year. I’m bringing, matter of fact, I spoke about Hometown Hot Rodder, automotive shop and everything. I’m
31 minutes, 56 seconds
bringing him and his crew and I want them to see SEMA and I want them to become a member while they’re there. I want them to join Pro because
32 minutes, 4 seconds
they do restyling, but they do it a little bit different though because they do it on older cars, but it’s still restyling. Yeah.
32 minutes, 11 seconds
I want them to see all that. Last year I was very blessed to be able to bring my whole crew which was 82 employees total
32 minutes, 19 seconds
and we brought the whole crew there last year. Wow. Geez.
32 minutes, 23 seconds
And this year I’m not bringing 82. That was a headache.
32 minutes, 28 seconds
I hear you. I hear you. Thank you. Go ahead, Jesse.
32 minutes, 31 seconds
Terry, where can people follow you or learn more about what you’re doing?
32 minutes, 34 seconds
Maybe mention your website or how do people find out more? Social handles.
32 minutes, 40 seconds
Yeah, just call Josh. No. Website’s www.rdmbuilds@gmail do.com and then I’m on Instagram rdmuilds. I’m on Facebook RDM builds.
32 minutes, 52 seconds
Everything’s RDM builds. Just look it up. You’ll find me. I’m on Google. All that good junk.
32 minutes, 57 seconds
I mean, thank God for technology. But thank you guys for inspiring me. You hear a lot and you I’ve watched your videos and I hear you talk to the
33 minutes, 5 seconds
people, but it’s you guys that inspired people like me. I couldn’t do it without you guys. And I couldn’t have done it without, like I said, Hannah and Chelsea
33 minutes, 14 seconds
and Kobe. Kobe I know got tired of me calling him. I know. He was like, “Oh god, this is Terry.” Yeah, Terry. What can I do for you?
33 minutes, 25 seconds
But he is the greatest person on earth.
33 minutes, 28 seconds
Yeah. Don’t tell him. He can make a big hit or go buy another.
33 minutes, 32 seconds
No, he he just got back from vacation and he said he was diving and he was diving in the Grand Caymans and he told me, “I finally saw my first hammerhead
33 minutes, 41 seconds
shark and I’m sitting there going, we’re gonna have to find somebody to take Col before long he keeps diving.
33 minutes, 48 seconds
We we leave next week on the 15th and go on a cruise.” So, I’m happy. Good for you.
33 minutes, 54 seconds
Thank you for always being a part of it, brother. And we’ll we’ll be we’ll see you for sure at SEMA, but RDM builds. Everybody go look them up. All right.
34 minutes, 2 seconds
And we’ll be in Central Hall. Central Hall. Central Hall.
34 minutes, 6 seconds
All right. Y’all have a great one. Thank you’all again for your time. Appreciate you. You got it.
34 minutes, 13 seconds
And there you have it. Another high octane episode of the Ride and Style podcast. Revved up and ready to go. Your hosts Jesse Stoddard and Josh Pollson
34 minutes, 22 seconds
shifted your automotive game into overdrive.
34 minutes, 26 seconds
If you’re hungry for more insights, trends, and gamechanging interviews from the automotive restyling universe, don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a
34 minutes, 34 seconds
glowing review. We’d also love for you to share this podcast with your gear heads, installers, and auto lovers network. Because remember, knowledge is
34 minutes, 42 seconds
power, but shared knowledge turbocharges the whole industry. For more expert resources to supercharge your business, cruise on over to
34 minutes, 50 seconds
autostylemarketing.com, your one-stop shop for everything automotive marketing.
34 minutes, 56 seconds
Until next time, keep those wheels spinning and your passion ignited. Thank you for riding in style with us. See you on the next lap.

Watch More Episodes

🚗💨 Get in the Fast Lane to More Sales – FREE Growth Bundle!

✅ Gear Up Auto Accessory Profits
✅ Rev Up Your Restyling
✅ AutoStyle ROI Calculator + Step-by-Step Guide