Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Slover.
Hi Jason, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 1974 two friends, Pete Chapouris and Jim “Jake” Jacobs started Pete and Jake’s Hot Rod Parts in Temple City, CA. later in that year the car Pete built was used in a tv movie on ABC called “The California Kid”. The 1934 Ford 3 window coupe used in the movie will forever be known as “The California Kid”. It not only became the trademark of our business, but more important the car become an icon and still is around the world. When that movie aired on Wednesday night and changed the hot rod industry. Opening that type of car up to people in their living rooms all over the country. My dad, Jerry Slover, saw that movie and it changed his life as well. After the movie my dad purchased a 1934 Ford which began in own hot rod journey. After purchasing the car, he needed parts. So, he called Pete and Jake’s the “Home of The California Kid “. At that point he bought parts for his new hot rod and became friends with Pete and Jake. Then in 1975 Jerry Slover, my dad, became a dealer for Pete and Jake’s here in Kansas City. At that point he owned an auto part store called Ruskin Auto Parts and a hot rod shop called Ruskin Rod Shop. In 1986 my family purchased Pete and Jake’s moving it to our home location of Grandview, MO. At that time, we also purchased “The California Kid”, which we keep on display in our showroom. We still continue our family-owned business celebrating 51 years at our location in Peculiar, MO. I started working in the family business after school and summertime. I started full time right out of high school. We now have 3 generations working in our business and looking to continue the tradition for more years to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As with small businesses, the road is never a completely smooth over the course of 51 years. The ups and downs in the economy, as well as our products being copied and sent overseas by other companies. We pride ourselves in keeping our products US Made at the highest quality possible. But you persevere and continue to improve and reinvent to match the changing market.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In our business we are able to help customers build their dream car. Joining in their vision, allows us to build the groundwork for the project they have been planning. Our 51 years of experience helps the customer with the pitfalls and mistakes that can be made with building a car from the ground up. We take great pride in the seeing our work on the road and at car shows all over the world.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Our priority is putting the customer first in all we do. We work very hard in our customer service and technical information we provide. This hard work has allowed us to continue to be one of the best in our industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peteandjakes.com
- Instagram: pete and jakes hotrod
- Facebook: pete and jakes hot rod parts
- Youtube: Pete and Jake’s Hot Rod Parts
