Today we’d like to introduce you to Briar Butts.
Hi Briar, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got into cars at 16 and never looked back. I grew up riding motocross, but after a few too many injuries, I made the move from two wheels to four. A couple years out of high school, I started working in construction with my family at Sunset Glazing. I spent 8 years there welding and doing glazing work — solid experience, but I knew it wasn’t where my heart was.
That’s when I found The Fab School in Rancho Cucamonga. I quit my job, enrolled in their 6-month day program, and graduated top of my class. After that, I had a short stint at one shop that didn’t click, then nearly 6 years at Meyer Chassis in Murrieta. I learned a ton there from building classics to full tube chassis rock buggies and will always be grateful for that time.
Now, I’ve finally taken the leap and started my own business called “Pats.” Just three weeks in, I’m renting 600 sq ft inside of my friend Constance Nunes’s new shop — building cool shit, doing what I love, working along side my friends and chasing the dream every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been a smooth road. I’ve been lucky to have an incredible support system around me — my wife is my biggest supporter in everything I do, and my family and in-laws have always had my back.
If I’m being honest, the biggest obstacle I’ve faced is myself. I deal with mental health challenges, and that’s something I don’t hide — in fact, it’s a core part of my brand. My logo, which I call SadlyHappy, is a reflection of that. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to feel it all, to struggle, and still keep showing up and building something meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
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What I Do
I’m a metal fabricator, mainly focused on the automotive side of fabrication. That said, I’ve also dabbled in more creative builds — from a custom coffin mirror to one-off salon stations. “Fabrication” is a broad term, and that’s what I love about it — it covers everything from raw function to pure creativity.
My favorite projects usually involve stainless steel exhaust systems, turbo piping, all types of welding, and sheet metal work — dashboards, center consoles, side panels for off-road vehicles, or recreating rusted/damaged body panels. Also recently have been interested in suspension setups and chassis building. So Pretty much, if it’s metal, I can make it.
But it doesn’t stop there — I also take on full vehicle restorations. There’s something special about taking an old car and giving it new life with modern powertrains and tech. So whether it’s custom fab work or a full-on restoration, I’m here to help bring your vision to life.
What I’m most proud of? Honestly — just not giving up on myself. Following this dream, even when it felt hard or uncertain. Might sound selfish, but you’ve got to believe in yourself, especially in this kind of work. I build some cool shit, yeah — but I’m proud of me.
What Sets Me Apart
I don’t build for attention. I build for purpose. While a lot of people go for flashy, I’m more about clean, simple, and functional. I take what the OEM did — and make it better. The best and most respectable builds, in my opinion, are the ones that are well thought out, subtle, built to last, and actually are useable to drive all the time!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Damn that’s a loaded question for sure! The leaps in technology in this industry in the past 5 years is wild so I can’t imagine what’s in store for the next 5-10 years!
Pricing:
- My rate is $150 an hour
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @patsmakescoolshit
Image Credits
Constance nunes, Scott Birdsall, Hunter Schuetz , DeadView
