Origin Story

In the summer of 2020, I bought my first antique car—a 1951 Pontiac Eight. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it, just knew I’d always dreamed of owning a classic. During a covered bridge cruise, the clutch gave out. That breakdown turned into a turning point.

I found Steve’s Antique Auto Repair, one of the few places willing to work on a car that old. Steve fixed the clutch and inspected the brakes for road-worthiness, but also admired the car’s timeless charm. At the completion of the project, he asked if I’d consider being the getaway driver for his family friend’s wedding.

I agreed to chauffeur Steve and Lisa on their big day. The newlyweds' getaway ride around Grand Rapids—from the church to their small, family-owned bakery—was pure magic. People cheered, honked, and celebrated the couple as we rolled through town. The bride beamed. I was hooked.

As a thank-you, Marge—the groom’s mother—handed me a to-go box of baked goods from the family bakery. That quaint, thoughtful gesture sealed it for me. A photo of those desserts resting on the vintage seat reminds me where this all started: with kindness, connection, and a beautiful old car.