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 and their daughter Lyla, 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
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.
MECHANICAL: SHANE
Shane's love of cars started at an early age as he grew up around G body and Cutlass cars. Growing up he loved playing video games like Grand Turismo and Need for Speed. During school, he took as many shop classes as he could. He attended South County Tech School for Automotive repair and also Ranken Technical for Body. Right now he has a 1990 Fox Body Mustang project he is working on. He also recently became Engaged to his fiancé Briana who he plans to marry in March 2025. He also has a few pets, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 14 chickens, fish, snake, 5 lizards, and a large roach.
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. He is married with 2 boys, 8 and 2 years old.
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
5. Upholstery
