MEET THE FHA TEAM
Curious as to who works at our shop? When I asked the owner, "How would you describe the team?" All he could do was shake his head and laugh. "Everyone has their own funny personality and respectable set of skills that makes this company work. Every day is always interesting and it's definitely never boring I'll say that. To anyone who's worked with us or plans to in the future. Thank you for supporting small business."
THE OWNER: CHRIS DORIA
Chris's love for cars started at a very young age. He was only 7 years old when he put together his first model car, at 12 he rebuilt his first go kart, and by 14 he had his first project car. A beautiful, dirt brown, Toyota Corolla which ended up being his first car. It was given to him under the pretense that he would fix it and use it. During High School, he started to do side work on other people's vehicles. After graduation, he went to Ranken Technical College in St. Louis for Automotive Maintenance.
At 19, Chris was working full time at a dealership while spending his free time at FHA. "When I was young all I wanted to do was work in a dealership. I knew I could turn time and become successful but I realized one day that the atmosphere in the dealership wasn't for me. So, that day I quit and went to work for FHA full time. I turned all of my attention to classic car restoration and I couldn't have made a better decision."
When I asked Chris, "What kind of work place do you want to provide as an employer?" He replied, "I'd like to provide an establishment where my employees feel like they're on a team or part of a tight knit family. I want everyone to be independent and enjoy what they're doing. It's each member of the team's passion and enthusiasm that produces quality work. I want every one of them to grow, be successful, and enjoy their careers. I want my employees to make their mark on Frisco Hill Auto."
When Chris isn't busy running the shop he enjoys spending time with his wife Julie and their two dogs, hanging out with family/friends, working on his project car (Daryl 88), going to car shows, and driving anything with a motor way too fast.
SHOP MANAGER: CHARLIE
Charlie's first truck was a '63 Ford that fostered his intrigue in classic cars. His neighbor was into Mopar Muscle Cars and welcomed him into the world of vintage vehicles. He said with a chuckle, "Hanging around him got me into it." Charlie's fascination with old cars started at only 13 years old! When asked what his favorite car restoration was that he's been a part of, Charlie said it would have to be the '64 Ford Falcon, which he still owns. He also owns a '68 Mercury Cyclone. In his free time, he does not stray far from his line of work: he spends most of this time drag racing vehicles! "With me, it's all about speed," confirmed Charlie.
MECHANICAL: SHAWN
"I had the typical classic car upbringing. Played with hot wheels as a kid. Model cars." His first mechanical job came after he blew the engine in his first car. "I was street racing in my '73 Nova and had to rebuild it. I kept it for a few years after." Shawn attended Ranken Technical College for auto body but always had the mind for the mechanical side of things. When asked, "What do you like most about working at FHA?" He replied, "The variety of cars always keeps me on my toes. I am never bored and love the challenges that some of them bring. You never learn if you don't get out of your comfort zone." (Wise words) In his free time, he likes to hang out with his family and work on his own collection of cars. Which consists of: '65 Chevelle, '68 C-1-, '52 Willy's AeroLark, and a few others that aren't "as cool". Dream car: '55 Chevy (the words couldn't leave his mouth fast enough) Google Two Lane Black Top and you'll get the picture. Fun fact: He's also the other half/co-host of GET OUT n DRIVE podcast!
MECHANICAL/FABRICATION: DUSTIN
Dustin spent 15 years building custom race engines, roll cages, and fabricating suspension at the start of his automotive career. The next 12 years have been working on high performance and restomods. His interest in cars started out as a way to keep himself busy. His first car was a 1985 Ford Mustang GT and his dream car is a 1967 Mustang fastback. When he's not working on cars he enjoys martial arts, music, writing, and art.
FABRICATION & BODY: BRIAN
Brian's interest in classic cars started at the Nauvoo Grape Festival when he was 16 years old. "I was in marching band at the time and in the parade were classic cars. Immediately, I thought they were really cool and took interest. Once I graduated from high school I went to Quincy Technicial College to learn body work and I've been at it ever since." Brian has gained over 30 years of experience doing what he loves. When asked why he chose to work at FHA he replied, "I like restorations more than collision repair. Restorations allow you to take pride in your work and think to yourself, I did that!" When asked what he likes most about the shop, "The cleanliness is great, the team is very inviting, and it's just cool ya know." In his free time he enjoys wood working, hanging out with his wife, kids, and three dogs.
BODY: JAKE
Jake started his first shop job when he was 15 doing custom paint and body on pro-mods, hot rods, and street rods. When asked what sparked his interest in cars he said, "I grew up working on cars with my dad and brothers. As a teen I loved going to car shows. My grandpa raced stock cars, so it kind of runs in the family." Jake enjoys meeting other people, especially car people! His first truck was a 1988 Chevy S-10 and he said his dream car (truck) would be a GMC Cyclone. His 2003 GMC Sonoma is his favorite car he's ever owned, it's his baby. Jake's hobbies are anything automotive. In the winter he enjoys building model cars and sketching.
PAINT & BODY: CHRIS
Chris grew up playing with hot wheels and model cars. He worked on cars with his dad and older brother. Chis graduated from Ranken Technical College's collision repair program in 2006. He became a painter's apprentice and body tech while working on racecars, then eventually moved on to fabrication and restorations. His first vehicle was a 1991 Ford Ranger that was previously a fleet truck (no radio, no A/C). He has a VERY specific dream car: A 1971 Bobby Alloway Charger! Outside of work Chris enjoys playing guitar, hockey, listening to music, and spending time with his family.
The FHA team is always looking to expand and grow our team. If you have experience with any of fields listed below, please call or stop by the shop to discuss open positions. All positions require a min. of 5 years' experience. Pay is competitive and based off of experience. We offer many benefits to our employees, and the atmosphere is much different than a collision shop. If you'd like to set up an interview, call us today: #314-416-1380
1. Mechanic
2. Body Technician
3. Fabricator
4. Detailer
