We recently connected with April Manley and have shared our conversation below.
April, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My name is April Manley, my husband and I own Pot -O- Gold Kustoms. When asked to do this interview, there were many questions asked that I could discuss but in order to answer one I feel like I needed to answer more. Pot -O – Gold Kustoms is a 34,000 sq ft custom car shop with over 35 customer vehicles. I am the lead metal fabricator in the shop, managing 5 amazing gents on my team. Without our crew we would not be as successful as we have become. Although being a female in the industry still shows signs of sexism and doubt, my team relies and trusts me to teach them the skills to build awesome cars.
I have found my resilience by many things. First, was my mother. While raising five children and being a single mother she put herself through college to become an EMT/Paramedic. As a child I didn’t appreciate her efforts, no child does. Now, as an adult I know the sacrifices that she made . Living with her through these years taught me resilience and perseverance. My work ethic also began here.
Resilience is a wonderful attribute to have while working in the car industry. I have been shunned. Heard horrible comments. Things that could break your spirit. I love what I do, and I know I’m a good metal fabricator. I refuse to give into ignorance. This ignorance assists my desire to keep going, keep learning, and become better than I was yesterday. . Does being a female in the industry make me special? No, but more respect for my ability would be welcome. I am completely confident in my work and watching those I teach grow and do better everyday. This is what drives me. The fantastic show cars and trucks we build at Pot-O-Gold Kustoms, really show our pride and determination to put our best foot forward.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My husband and I own Pot-O-Gold Kustoms and have started Manleys Vintage Auto Parts, which sells car parts. We have also started another business called Blackhand Entertainment which is putting on car shows and swap meets in our area.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I would advise people getting into the car industry, especially women, Not to quit, don’t let others doubt or your own stop you from making awesome cars!
Learn all you can at all times. Go to classes, have discussions with others in the industry. Your confidence will skyrocket and you will find that everyone is going through the same process.
Be proud of yourself and your growth but be humble and remember you didn’t know everything when you started either.
Pay it forward, in the car industry it’s not a competition, we all work hard to help each other be better. Help the next generation learn these “ropes” .
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My husband Shannon Manley has been my largest asset. He has supported me from day one. He hired me when I literally knew nothing about metal fabrication. Sends me to classes to learn and sharpen my skills. Without him I would not be in this profession I love.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: Pot _O_ Gold Kustoms
- Facebook: Pot O Gold Kustoms
- Youtube: Pot O Gold Kustoms
Image Credits
Jeremy Shaffer
