Meet RIch McClellan

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful RIch McClellan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi RIch, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My grandfather taught me the value of a strong work ethic. I would spend summers helping him take care of and update rental properties, as well as going on deliveries with him, and seeing him interact with his clients. These hands-on life lessons were invaluable.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Elite Customs, founded in 2015 by Richard (Rich) McClellan, specializes in body modifications, performance upgrades as well as lighting and sound customizations that turn heads on the streets. Each project they undertake is infused with unique creative vision and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every vehicle that leaves the shop is a true reflection of its owner’s unique style and personality.

Elite Customs offers a wide range of services. Exterior services include vinyl wraps, wheel and tire enhancements, custom lighting, suspension adjustments, chrome delete, powder coating, body kits and brake and caliper customizing. Interior services include radar and keyless setup, custom lighting, upholstery, and audio and video enhancements.

Elite Customs is an appointment-only shop which allows the team to dive deep into unique projects and give each car the time it deserves. Rich and his team serve all types of vehicles, from luxury sedans to exotic sports cars. His crew of skilled artisans combines their technical prowess with a deep understanding of automotive artistry to create stunning transformations that exceed expectations and make automotive dreams a reality.

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?

 My top three are a love for the industry, integrity, and a passion for learning. I don’t think you can fake a love for the industry, and integrity is a hard-learned lesson, if not a core characteristic. However, the cars and the industry are constantly changing. Having a passion for learning and a student mindset will keep your job feeling fresh and exciting. And it ensures that you’re staying on point with product and installation knowledge.

My advice for someone early on in their journey would be to have integrity, do the best work, and be able to stand behind it. I can walk into any room with my head high. Aside from that, having a pure love of your craft. It’s what brings me back to the shop every day—the hunger to continue learning. 

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My wife, Sam, keeps me grounded and focused on what really matters. This industry moves fast and has a lot of outside noise. But she keeps me clear and intentional with where we’re going. 

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Image Credits

Gabrielle Culpepper

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