In life, passion often drives perfection.
Whether you’re searching for a best-in-show trophy, or simply want to stand out at the next car gathering, passion is what drives you forward.
It’s that same unquenchable competitive passion that ultimately drives Donnie Herrin, owner of MAD Customs, and his team.
When it comes to creating trophy-winning, jaw-dropping automotive creations, MAD Customs sets the bar high. Their well-deserved reputation for bringing the baddest customs puts everyone on notice the moment they arrive at a show.
We were fortunate to spend some time talking to Donnie during the recent VetteStock event hosted by the Classic Glass Corvette Club of Marietta.
We came away with a new-found appreciation of what it really takes to consistently grab the top awards at major car shows.
Perhaps more importantly, we understand why so many are lining up at his shop’s doorstep for his skills.
Starts With The Client’s Vision
Rod Worley – Editor – MAD Customs has a well-earned reputation for taking home the top trophies at major car shows. When did you open your shop, and how did you come up with the name?
In addition, your business has a strong following on Facebook. What makes that page so successful?
Donnie Herrin – MAD Customs – Well, I’ve been designing and showing custom cars my whole life. It’s a real passion of mine.
I’ve shown cars all over the U.S. and had a good run at it. God’s gifted me with knowing how to take a customer’s vision and make it into a top show car.
When you combine the client’s vision with our passion for perfection, you end up with something special. As far as our Powder Springs shop goes, we opened it in March 2020.
We built the shop specifically to handle Corvettes that sit low to the ground. Inside we’ve got everything we need for custom fabrication except a paint booth, which we hope to get soon.
You’re right; we’ve had a lot of success on Facebook.
What sets our Facebook page apart from others is that we have 12 strong administrators that monitor the page. So they stay on top of the trolling and trash-talking that hurts other pages.
As far as the company name goes, it stands for My American Dream (MAD). But my wife’s name is Melissa, so you could combine it with my name and come up with Melissa and Donnie Customs too.
One Stop Shop
Rod Worley – Editor – Donnie, could you give us an overview of the services you provide for those who aren’t as familiar with MAD Customs?
Donnie Herrin – MAD Customs – Sure, MAD Customs is your one-stop shop for all your needs. So whether it’s a daily driver or a show-stopping custom, we can handle it in-house.
Our experience with Corvettes is second to none in Atlanta.
However, we work on other brands as well. It doesn’t matter what the brand is.
We take our time to do the job right the first time. But, of course, we’re best known for our work with Corvettes, especially our trophy-winning show cars.
There is something special about watching our clients take home one of the top honors. Seeing their genuine excitement and the big smile on their face while holding that trophy means so much to me.
Two years ago, we did a project for a military veteran from Ohio. When it was ready, we took his custom Corvette to the big Corvette Expo show in Pigeon Forge, TN.
In the end, it came down to us vs. a car that had won five straight World of Wheels events. In fact, the other car came out of Iowa and hadn’t lost a competition in three years.
So when they announced our car won Best-In-Show, the owner was so excited. I’ve got to tell you, I’ve personally won a lot of trophies, but being a part of our client’s excitement that day was the best feeling ever!
Legendary Shake n’ Bake
Rod Worley – Editor – For me, I started following you through your award-winning “Shake N’ Bake” custom Corvette. Can you tell us more about this legendary Corvette, and where it got its name?
Donnie Herrin – MAD Customs – I started working at a young age and eventually saved up enough to buy a 1970 split bumper Camaro for $4,500. Early on, I was showing cars and winning shows.
It’s just always been there for me.
My first Corvette was in 2015 when I bought a 2008 Velocity Yellow coupe from a dealership in Roswell. I took it to my first show at Corvette Expo and won second place behind a $250,000 fully custom Corvette.
My competitive side kicked in right then and there, and I said to myself, I’m going to build a car and come back and beat him. So, once we had it built, the Shake n’ Bake Corvette won around 55 shows in a row.
At every World of Wheels event, we won either Best-in-Class or Best-in-Show.
Down the road, we ended up at the same show as that $250,000 Corvette, and this time we took home the first-place trophy. With that win, I felt we accomplished what we set out to do.
The last time we showed the car was at the Corvette Expo, where we won the Grand Champion trophy. We wanted it to go out on top, and it did in style.
About the car’s nickname? You know, we often get asked about that.
For me, this Corvette was about building a sweet machine that would show and go. During the engine build, we had LSXperts install a shake n’ bake cam in it.
So, Charlie Hill from LSXperts first said we should call the Corvette, “Shake n’ Bake.”
Taking Home Top Honors
Talking with Donnie Herrin gave us a deeper insight into the creative artistry, attention to detail, and countless hours of hard work needed to consistently take home the top car show honors.
We also came away with respect for his take-no-prisoners drive and focus. It makes perfect sense.
When you’re goal is the top show award, you don’t apologize for being passionately competitive. You embrace it, use it, and live it.
That’s why at MAD Customs, passion drives perfection.
Contact Information
Address: 3180 Florence Rd SW, Suite #304 Powder Springs, GA 30127-5385
Telephone: (404) 216-7799
Facebook: MAD Customs
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