I have had a passion for classic cars for my entire life. I have built, modified and restored all types of collector vehicles. My first jobs out of high school were in the automobile industry and I quickly rose to become a store manager with Firestone Tire Company. I became an independent businessman as owner of B&R Buggie on Coast Highway in Oceanside CA which I sold in 2018. For over four decades, I honed my automotive talent and experience by building and servicing street and custom fabricated off-road vehicles. I developed a new and successful line of custom street and off-road aluminum wheels that I can proudly claim were designed and manufactured in the USA.
I began my career in inspection and appraisal almost 25 years ago when a major auction company, ADESA/Manheim Auto Auctions, retained me to start an innovative and unique Post-Sale Vehicle Inspection Service. I set standards for purchased vehicles and inspected to those standards to avoid flood, frame, and prior accident issues.
In 2005, I became a certified and licensed Automobile Appraiser and member of the International Automobile Appraiser Association (IAAA) and started my own appraisal business. Today, I am the San Diego representative of Classic Auto Appraiser of San Diego, an appraisal service available to owners, collectors, insurers, enthusiasts, and financial institutions of vehicles of all types including antique, classic, off-road, hot-rods, street rods and custom vehicles and motorcycles.
My services are also available as an expert witness during court cases and I have served as an expert witness and provided positive trial results for my clients. My other memberships and certifications include the Auto Mediators Association (AMA) and the IAAA’s Uniform Standards for Automotive Appraisal Procedures (USAAP).
In 2013, I was selected to be a Concours judge at some of the most exclusive collector car events in America including the La Jolla Concours d’ Elegance, Desert Classic Concours d’ Elegance, and the Rancho Mirage Concours d’ Elegance.
As an auto appraiser, I bring a special expertise to off-road vehicles. At B&R Buggies, I also gained expertise in the off-road racing community as a successful builder, promoter, sponsor, and driver with all types of off-road vehicles. From ten years starting in 1998, my business contracted with the US Marines First Force Reconnaissance (FORCE RECON) Company and I trained the Marines on vehicle maintenance and off-road and night driving techniques for their Light Strike Vehicles (LSV), the military-variant of a commercially-produced and proven off-road racing vehicle. My business supplied them with complete engines, transmissions and all parts needed for their off-road vehicles.
In the last few years, I have been the appointed appraiser for the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) including vehicles in the museum and in the hands of independent collectors. Notable famous off-road race vehicles that I have appraised include Mickey Thompson’s “Challenger 1” off road race car and Frank “Scoop” Vessels’ Class 8 Ford F-150 race Truck.
Appraising iconic off-road race vehicles like these required me to compile a complete and accurate report including the vehicle history. I completed hours of research and verification using my extensive off-road vehicle knowledge and my many contacts to ensure an accurate and fair appraisal.
In my off time, you may find me at auto-related swap meets, auctions, car shows, or in the desert. I spend much time reading automotive periodicals, automotive internet sites forums, and always strive to improve my professional education and keep up with the ever-changing industry.
I also have dedicated much time and treasure supporting veteran causes including Warfighter Made, a local Southern California veteran-operated non-profit that provides adaptive motorsports and adrenaline therapy for America’s veterans, especially disabled veterans. It humbles me to give back to these veterans who gave so much and assist them in their vehicle builds, modifications and restorations and during their on- and off-road events.