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Photo by Bob Pennell Paul Andrade paints a car part in the spray booth at Andrade Custom Auto in Phoenix. The shop Andrade opened with friend John Brewer 16 months ago, has never advertised. Business has grown on the recommendations of friends. Custom Auto duo is driven to succeed What started as a hobby became lucrative business By VICKI GUARINO PHOENIX -- A high school hobby has turned into a full-time business for two young men with a penchant for making cars and trucks look good. Owner Paul Andrade, 21, and manager John Brewer, 19, opened Andrade Custom Auto 16 months ago in garage space in downtown Phoenix. Despite their youth, they have years of experience behind them. "I started when I was 15," says Andrade. He completely restored a 1970 Mustang. By the time he had his driver's license, Andrade had his car ready. "That's how I learned," he says. Crews in other body shops gave Andrade advice and some help now and then. Same for Brewer. Brewer knew Andrade from Phoenix High School, and the two young men started working side by side. "Paul kind of took me in and let me work on my own projects," Brewer says. Andrade's preference has been for Mustangs; Brewer likes classic pick-up trucks. His personal project at the moment is a complete rebuild and custom modification of a 1965 Chevy pick-up. "I like the lines," he says, appraising the work in progress. "It has a lot of character." What the two men found they share is an interest in restoring and remaking a vehicle's look. "I like to have something leave totally different than it came in, and something that grabs people's attention," Brewer says. "Have it look better than new, or different," Andrade adds. The business aspect of the work has evolved and grown on the recommendations of friends. The shop has never advertised. Someone would see some of Brewer or Andrade's custom paint or body work, and come to them for repairs or customizing. Andrade's Custom Auto formally opened in September 1997. "I thought maybe we were getting in over our heads, just a couple of kids," Brewer says. But the pair have managed not only to stay busy and pay bills, but to invest in new tools, including a $20,000 rack for straightening wrecked car frames. "We can do any collision repair," Andrade says. Besides re-investing in the business, Andrade and Brewer intend to use their earnings to pay for college. Brewer will continue at Andrade's and go to Rogue Community College. He's interested in becoming a physical therapist, and possibly going on to medical school. Andrade says he'll enroll in college in the fall for a business management degree. The shop, at 310 N. Main Street, is officially open every day but Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Often the work keeps Brewer and Andrade busy much later. Being in business for yourself, Brewer says, "you find yourself staying here late a lot." "I've never come in and had nothing to do," he says. Andrade says the shop's small size -- just he and Brewer do all of the work -- allows them to focus on quality and giving customers cars special attention. "We're different," Andrade says. "We're not high volume. We take more time with what we have in here." Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA