Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven stolp.
Hi Steven, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Steven Stolp, and I am from Carol Stream, Illinois. I grew up around car guys my entire life, and it guided me into my kinesthetic process of learning. I learn by doing. My field of knowledge broadened at the age of twelve when I got my first job on a construction site. This passion fueled various projects around my neighborhood, including three-story tree houses, BMX ramps, and even a full skate park in my backyard.
I always envisioned myself being a carpenter or construction worker until a series of layoffs pushed me in a different direction. May 16th, 2010, I shipped off to Navy boot camp. I served in The United States Navy for six honorable years, most of which in San Diego, California. I was placed into the Advanced Electronic Computer Field, which then made me eventually become a Fire Controlman (Fire like shoot missles. Not fight fires). My specification was the tactical tomahawk weapon control system. This career diversified my knowledge of electronics. I’ve dealt with fiber optic, digital and analog circuitry.
After my first tour, I realized my life was missing something. I had no creative outlet. Days after I was honorably discharged from the United States Navy, I enrolled in college to start my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. During my college career in San Diego, I started building furniture and working as a handyman on the popular app TaskRabbit as a side gig. During this time, I realized I was capable of building unique storage solutions for the typical small homes in San Diego. Stolp Solutions was born.
After graduating from community college (SDSU), I had a gap between semesters and a full summer with absolutely no obligations. I don’t enjoy having a large amount of free time. I have to create and refine any craft I take on. I also suffer from traveler anxiety. Yeah, a guy that builds vans made for traveling is scared to travel? This is what triggered the idea to convert vans. The safe feeling of home, but on wheels. I always wanted to see the world and push my limits, but I would find myself constantly making excuses.
I woke up on July 7th, 2019, anxious, with a strange problem. Bills were paid, but I had no “job” and too much free time. I grabbed my computer and hopped on craigslist. Four hours later, there was a 1997 Ambulance in front of my house. I always wanted to build a van due to my lifelong tinkering skills, but I was concerned about the monetary means involved. After four months of completely winging it, the RADBULANCE was created. The positive feedback I received from this creation blew my mind and motivated me to sell and build again. I will continue building unique vans and hopefully inspire others along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Everything was great at first. Building in my nice driveway at my house in South Park. All my neighbors were on board with me starting this company until one decided to change their mind. The complaint forced me to get a shop. My temporary shop was provided by a friend. Once I was back on my feet and getting a good rhythm, my friend made our six-month agreement a two month. I then had to move my business back to my house despite my nagging neighbor. The rough road finally got paved when I found my current shop in Chula Vista. I sold everything I didn’t need, moved into a 1970 Chevy stepvan, and continued back on track. This brings us to the present time and I have no plans on living in a permanent structure anytime soon.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The simple answer is, “I build camper vans.” However, we do things very differently around here. My “Onlyvans” campaign is a satirical ploy on van building. My company has built old vans, new vans, buses, ambulances, overlanders, weekend warriors, and everything in between. The one commonality is art. These vans are all 100% custom and cannot be replicated. I have experience in epoxy resin and each build displays that. I have also hired the most skilled cabinet maker I have ever seen, who also walks on the creative/unique side of things. Together we are going to continue to produce high-end, high-quality, rolling pieces of art.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
There is an endless supply of clientele. It has not been hard to stack my schedule. My company is just over a year old and we are booked out almost as long as we’ve been in business. I don’t want to say anything negative about San Diego. I’m grateful to be here, and it beats the heck out of Chicago.
Contact Info:
- Email: stolp.solutions@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.stolpsolutions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stolp_solutions/?hl=en
