We had the good fortune of connecting with Phillip Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phillip, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I have always had a passion for vintage motorcycles. I love to restore them to their original form and glory. Living in South Florida, I saw a need for a good, reputable vintage motorcycle restoration business. I used to do my restorations in my home and during the pandemic I decided to expand the business. I wanted to incorporate services which in the past I had to outsource. One of these services is vapor blasting which restores old original parts and engines to a better than original finish. I could not find anyone else in South Florida that provided vapor blasting services and the cost of shipping the heavy motorcycle parts to get them vapor blasted was astronomical. Now I found this niche and ran with it, providing vapor blasting services to the automotive, boating and motorcycle industries.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My passion is restoring vintage motorcycles to their original form from the ground up, although, we never turn away a customer with a newer motorcycle who comes in for service or repairs. We always strive to please the customer, treating every project as if it were our own. What sets us apart from others is my attention to detail, experience and expertise in frame-off nuts and bolts restorations and finding those rare parts that are no longer in production. Providing vapor blasting and ultrasonic cleaning, also critical when rebuilding carburetors. I document my restorations by taking before and after pictures to showcase and share the experience. I am most proud of the way people speak about my work, my reputation is known worldwide.

To finally build this business from the ground up has been my life long dream. Although I have over 30 years of experience restoring motorcycles, it hasn’t been easy to get here. A lot of hard work, long hours, and the support of my friends and family is what got me here. I have learned good things don’t come easy, life is short so take the risk. This leap of faith has been amazing for me. A good reputation is more valuable than money. Don’t allow the voice of your fears to be louder than the other voices in your head. I want the world to know that I am here and looking forward to restoring one motorcycle at a time!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d take them on a vintage motorcycle to Mimi’s in Hollywood for lunch, or early morning rides down to Homestead for a nice Mexican breakfast at La Cruzada, or coffee in Wynwood.

If you have time for a day trip, take a ride to Solomon’s Castle in Ona, FL great ride through the center of the state have lunch there relax and ride back.

For a weekend trip I would plan on taking them through the Keys and hangout at Hogs Breath Saloon listening to live music in Key West.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe my success to many people. My passion for mechanics came from my uncle who is like a father to me. My mother, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her, her life lessons, and her continued love. I want to shout out to my son Jonathon and his wife for taking time from their lives to support my dream. Jaime Rueda and Miguel Brito who assist me with every day wrenching. Lastly, my wife and our children, all of you have and continue to sacrifice to make our dream come true. I am grateful for our life, and the amazing blended family we have built together. Behind every successful man there is a strong woman.

Website: https://speedwayvintagecycles.com/

Instagram: @Speedwayvintagecycles

Facebook: https://speedwayvintagecycles.com/ @vaporblastaluminum

Yelp: Speedway Vintage Cycles

Youtube: Speedway Vintage Cycles

Image Credits
my wife Carolina Gonzalez

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