Josh Oyler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Josh, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I feel integrity is the most important. Intelligence is great, and it can be furthered and improved. Energy is something that can fade day to day or even hour by hour. If you have integrity it will help guide everything you do, it will push you to get smarter, it will help you have energy when you are burned out. Being true to yourself and what you believe in will help in everything you touch.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own an old school Speed Shop. We work on pre 1972 American cars and build hand made choppers. We build things that take time, quality and skill. We work hard to make cars and motorcycles that work great, are fun to use and maybe are a little rolling art. There is less and less of us in the world each year. People choose convenience and comfort over cool and timeless. We try to make everything we build something we would have loved as kids. We are very proud that we get to be a small part of the history of these great American cars long storied life.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by some smart workers and some hard workers. From my father who rose to the top of a major home builder. My wife, who everyday goes in, puts her head down and gets the job done with quality. My mother, friends, the list of great examples goes on and on. However, the person that taught me the most about work would be my son. Whether it’s school, work or being a goalie in his free time. He has shown me that work ethic will bring you to the top of your field. He is someone who inspires me to work harder, smarter and more. Showing everyone around him what hard work really is.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You do a great job being you.
I’ve always been unforgivingly myself. Made my mind up what to do, what not to do. Very often it was right, plenty of times it was wrong. I would compliment my younger self on that. Not pretending to be someone I’m not, not faking knowledge or skills, being comfortable with my attributes and flaws. I’ve always felt true freedom is the strength to make your own decisions and deal with the good and the bad that come from them. Knowing you get the praise when it goes right, the blame when it goes wrong.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
It’s not really one person, more a group of people I admire for their character. I love the “real” hot rodders and bikers. The ones out in the world living the life. Riding cuz they love it. Using their hot rods as a daily. Building, driving, enjoying cars and bikes on their terms. Not the new thing, not the standard, but the way they want to. With all the creature comforts, ease of operation in the new cars and bikes, instead seeing someone blasting down the road in a carbureted V8, riding an old Pan. There is just something so cool about that. Choosing to live life that way is rare, it’s hard and I admire the hell out of that!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I feel I was born to run Oyler’s Speed Shop, build wicked cars and motorcycles. I have chased this dream since I was a kid. Every day getting closer to the goal. Still, we do what we are told, even living the dream. Some customers want to build things the way I wouldn’t, install parts I never would pick. That’s the trade offs, I give my advice and we build with a common goal. I’m very lucky I get to do what I feel I was born for. Share my dreams, ideas and art. Hopefully make some money along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.oylersspeedshop.com
- Instagram: Oylers speed shop
