MEET THE FHA TEAM
Curious as to who works at our shop? Everyone has their own funny personality and respectable set of skills that makes this company work. Feel free to stop by our shop for a tour during business hours to meet us. To anyone who's worked with us over the last 50 years, "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 by his uncle 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 graduating, 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 never looked back!" Chris has dedicated his life and career to supporting the classic and custom car industry in any way possible.
Chris provides an establishment where employees feel like they're on a team or part of a tight knit family. I want our team to be educated 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 the automotive history."
When Chris isn't busy running the shop he enjoys spending time with his wife Julie, their daughter Lyla, and his son Lewis, hanging out with family/friends, marathon biking, working on his project car (Daryl 88), going to car shows, and driving anything with an engine 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! "With me, it's all about speed," confirmed Charlie.
PROJECT MANAGER: 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, that he has owned for 30 years. '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 loves Dog Dish hubcaps ( Both Chevelle and Cio are equipped with them.) He has an Instagram page devoted to them with Quite a large following. You can find it on IG @STEELIES.AND.DOGS
PROJECT COORDINATOR: KEVIN
Kevin has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years. Starting in the shop as a young man for his family's car dealership. In 1999 he went to work for Honda, and then to Acura shortly after, holding all positions in the Sales Dept throughout his career and even had a short run as an Advisor. In 2014 he left to pursue his own interests restoring Classic motorcycles and set up his home-based shop in which he still operates. "When I meet Chris, and Shawn for the first time and had a chance to meet the FHA crew and see the shop, I knew I found my new home and was instantly ready to utilize my skills working with the team and helping our clients throughout the process!" His favorite Classic car would be a 1960's Era Jaguar E-type, and he feels lucky enough to still own his first car a 1988 300zx turbo and also owns a C6 Corvette, and a 1994 Camaro Z28.
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.
BODYSHOP: NATHON
Nathon has been in the career field now for 5 years and provides a positive attitude in the shop, fantastic craftsmanship to each job he accomplishes, and is a wonder with paint blends and spot repair. Nathon married, and has no children, but defiantly looking ahead to that in the future. In the meantime, you'll find Nathon enjoying his rest time playing video games or spending time outside. Nathon's favorite Classic car is one of our builds, "Lucille" a custom 1964 Lincoln, and his dream car.. an Olive Green 1967 Ford Thunderbird.
MECHANICAL: ERIC
Eric grew up around his dad being a light duty Diesel Mechanic. He started working on cars around 13 years old. After High School, Eric went to UTI in Chicago to learn auto mechanics. His first car was a 1991 Ford Mustang. He now drives a Chevy Duramax Diesel. When he is not working on classics he spends time with his family, wife and 2 boys.
PAINTER: JOE
Joe has been honing his talent in this industry for over 18 years! When Joe is not here at work, painting beautiful paint jobs on our clients' cars you will typically find him enjoying time with his friends and family, watching baseball or hockey on TV, or even at the bowling alley racking up the strikes! Joe is a married fellow, with a 13-year-old daughter, and a 12-year-old Shepard mix, which Joe lovingly refers to as a second child! I think dog owners can relate to that!
When it comes to cars, I asked him what his favorite classic car was, and he told me that he didn't really have a favorite, as he has worked on so many older and new cars there is too many to choose. So, I asked if he had a dream car then, and he is just happy to work on our clients' cars to produce their dream cars!
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MECHANICAL: AARON
Aaron has been working in this industry for over 32 years, with experience in repairing and fabrication. Aaron has solidified himself in the shop and his talents allow him to excel in any task from Mechanical to Electrical and everything in between. When Aaron is not working you will probably find him hanging out at home with his wife and stepson, enjoying the company of their Dogs! Aaron favorite Classic car would be a 1970-73 Pontiac Trans-Am, and if he had his dream that same car would be in his driveway!
BODYSHOP: RENZO
Renzo has been working with Classic cars for over 20 years and has been hooked on them since the age of 5 when he had the chance to work with his uncle at his bodyshop. Renzo is a proud father of 3 stays very busy when not working. He also enjoys relaxing, spending his time at home in his garden. When asked about his favorite car, he mentioned a 1937 Delahaye Figoni Falasch was high on his list, but the famous "Speed Racer" Mach 5 Racer is his dream car, and he would love to see one in his shop someday!
FABRICATOR: BRADLEY
Brad has been working in the industry for 6 years and is responsible for the fabrication of the sheet metal projects and really enjoys those "unique" projects that call for "out of the box" thinking and execution. Which is fitting because even out of work he enjoys building metal projects as well as being a pretty good cook as well as enjoying his music. Brad's favorite Classic cars happen to be many Post-war Era sedans and coupes, and if he had a dream come true, there would be a Shelby Cobra Daytona built by no other than himself in his driveway!
MECHANICAL: ISABELLA
Isabella has been in the industry for 9 years and comes to us with strong electrical and wiring skillset. While she is not here working, you will find her enjoying the outdoors hiking, perhaps cooking or canning. She also enjoys gardening and even takes on some mechanical and electric projects around the house. She also enjoys hanging out, relaxing at home with her 2 dogs. Isabella tells us her favorite classic car would be anything that could have had a 6-volt system, which is defiantly possible in her dream cars, either a Diamond T or a 1959 Cadillac.
MECHANICAL: CARSON
Carson was introduced to cars at an early age. Attending his first car show with his father at that young age, the Classics always seemed to be his favorites. Carson has been in the car industry since 2018, and worked with SIU in 2021, until he came to join us! He is married and has no children yet but looking to what the future holds. When asked about his favorite Classic car, he mentioned the 1969 Mustang Boss 429, and his dream car is a 1966 Ford GT40.
BODYSHOP: JUSTIN
Scott started with us and joined the body shop team. He has been working in the field for over 25 years, bringing a long list of skills and talent. When Scott is not here, he likes to spend his time with activities such as bowling, boating and hiking. Scott is a huge Motorcycle fan also and rides as much as he can. He is currently not married but spends time with his girlfriend. Scott has a 27 YO son. When asked about his favorite Classic car he stated a 1966 Chevelle SS 396 4speed, and his dream car..on a different spectrum for sure..a MK4 Toyota Supra Turbo!
Justin has been in the industry for 25 years and brings strong body shaping and fabrication skills to the table each day he is on the job. On his days and weekends off, he can be found camping with his family, his wife and 3 children. Justin's favorite Classic car is a 1956 Chevrolet bel-Aire, and his dream car. A 1967 Ford Mustang GT500!
BODYSHOP: SCOTT
BODYSHOP: BEN
Ben has been working in the restoration business for about 1.5 years and started with us. Working with a variety of vehicles for several years before, with his family, he brings many skills to the job and is constantly learning and perfecting them daily. Ben is not married and has no children. In his time off work he enjoys working on his truck, of which he is restoring at this time. When asked about his favorite Classic car he stated that the 55 Chevrolet Bel Aire is his, and his dream car, a 1969 Dodge coronet, is on his mind for future ownership! Ben is also a part of our National Guard and recently served an 11 month tour in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. Thank You for your service Ben!
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
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1. Mechanic
2. Body Technician
3. Fabricator
4. Detailer
5. Upholstery
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