Meet Our Craftsmen

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The Craftsmen and Women that Help You Keep Your British Vehicle on the Road for Generations to Enjoy!

Our staff of professional, skilled craftsmen and women not only take pride in their work, they also have a passion for the preservation of antique automobiles. All of us at Kip Motor Company are dedicated to helping you maintain and restore your vehicles to the highest levels of authenticity and originality. This is accomplished through:

• in-house education, training and apprenticeship programs
• workplace conditions that promote low or no staff turnover
• a research library, including books, manuals, sales literature and other documentation
• a collection of original vehicles for research and documentation (our "museum").

Sales and Customer Service

Bob MacLeod
A New England native, Bob migrated around North America in his career in computer service and support before joining KMC in 1998. Most likely, you've spoken to Bob if you've called in asking technical questions or parts availability since Bob is the senior customer service representative. In his spare time, Bob tinkers on a variety of cars; Austin, Corvette or Studebaker, as well as the computer network here at KMC and at home.

Dreu Bynum, Shipping
The newest employee at Kip Motor (fall 2007), Dreu was formerly a customer buying many parts for his Austin America. Currently, he is an apprentice in Customer Service and handles the daily packing and shipping of parts orders.

Service and Restoration

Iain MacLeod
As Shop Foreman, Iain oversees service and restoration projects at KMC. Prior to that, Iain spent the majority of his time on numerous restoration and service projects at KMC, as well as backing up telephones during peak season. He first joined KMC in 1999 as a customer service representative before moving into the service & restoration end of the operation. Prior to joining KMC, he worked in the retail auto parts industry. Born in Quebec, Iain is bilingual and can handle calls from French speaking customers. He still drives his first car every day to work, a 1967 Plymouth Barracuda.

Scott Jones
Scott joined KMC in 2004 in the restoration department as a body, metal work, and paint craftsman. Previously, he worked for a private collector of antique Volkswagens for three years and before  has worked for several body shops in the DFW Metroplex. He currently drives a VW Bus and has several other "air-cooled" Beetles among his daily drivers. Scott already has his dream car - a 1960 Rag Top Beetle.

Brandon Foster
Brandon has graduated from customer service to rebuilding parts - particularly electrical components. He's developed quite a knack for troubleshooting and is now referred to the 'stump meister'. Since joining KMC in 2004, he's picked up quite a bit of British car knowledge on the job and is Number 3 on the phones. An "Air Cooled" Volkswagen aficionado, Brandon's dream car is a 356 Porsche, although anything fast makes his day.

Jon Toland
Jon first joined KMC as a summer intern developing his metalworking skills while working towards his bachelor's degree in automotive restoration management from McPherson College in 2005. McPherson is known for preparing the next generation of craftsmen for the professional automotive restoration industry. Before arriving at KMC, Jon had never even heard of Rileys or Jowetts, of which he is now intimately familiar. After graduating from McPherson in May 2006, Jon joined KMC as a full-time employee. Jon specializes in metalworking on restoration projects and metal casting reproductions.

Production

Dave Spradling
A very talented artisan, Dave holds degrees in Math and Physics from East Texas State University. Joining KMC in July of 1991, his primary responsibilities of product development and manufacturing consume most of his time, although his technical and training skills are likely to be engaged during any phase of vehicle restoration and repair.

Gayle MacLeod
An avid Studebaker fan, Gayle joined KMC as an apprentice with Dave manufacturing rubber and plastic authentic reproductions. With her attention to detail (just like a woman) KMC has produced some complicated lamp assemblies and bonnet badges and she has pretty much taken over the kitchen cooking up polymers. She also helps out in the upholstery department assembling interior kits and does a fine job making wiring harnesses.

Steve Traudt
With a degree in Fine Art from the University of North Texas, Steve plys his craft by making metal stampings and cast metal parts; door handles, boot & bonnet hinges, fenderscript, grille surrounds and other metal parts. His true love is collecting Hudson's and attending Hudson Club meets throughout the US. 

John Bellair
A retired electrical contractor, John got his start at Parks College where he learned to work on aircraft and engines. Enlisting in the US Air Force, he taught DC electrics and worked on a variety of aircraft, including; B26 Marauder, B29 & B50 Superfortress and C46 Commando. With his feet now back on the ground (or sometimes in the water), John divides his time between rebuilding antique british electrical components and his sailboat.

Sandra Lankenau
The matriarch of KMC, Sandra is responsible for the production of convertible tops and interior components (carpets, panel & upholstery kits, headlinings, & etc.). Her seamstress skills originated from her love of making her own clothes in high school -- including her prom dress!  She may be found attending antique car events is her MG 1100 or Riley Two-Point-Six.

Administrative

Kip Lankenau
Founder and driving force behind KMC, Kip is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Business Administration. A member of the Antique Automobile Club of America by the age of five, antique automobiles and history are his lifelong passion.
Kip is active in Boy Scouts of America as the Cub Master for his son's scout pack #759. He's serving on the board of directors for the British Motor Trade Association and recently just finished his term as Director of National Activities, Central Division with the Antique Automobile Club of America. 

Debra Lankenau
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Debra's responsibilities include: marketing, web-site management and event coordination.
Oh by the way, her daily driver is a Humber Super Snipe Series III, although on weekends she might be spotted in her Metropolitan convertible or the family 1957 Lincoln Premier (lots of space for the kids). Debra enjoys coordinating the All British & European Car Day held annually in Dallas as well as national meets and tours for the Texas Region, AACA. She takes summers off to be with the kids - Tatyana and Vladimir. She to is active in scouting, leading Junior Girl Scout Troop 1849. Cookies anyone???

Carcheologist

Dick Hawkins, PhD
Our resident professor, Dick assists KMC with historic and technical research, consulting and general tinkering.  He owns a plethora of British cars -- Austin, Jaguar, Morris, Riley, Triumph, etc. etc., etc.. Each September you'll  find Dick (and Kip) headed to England for Beaulieu, the giant autojumble near Southhampton, to scavenge for rare British parts, books, and memorabilia.

Jack Hartline - In Memoriam
Jack lost his courageous battle fighting Lymphoma on February 12, 2004. His attention to detail, dedication to the preservation of British vehicles, camaraderie and sense of humor will greatly be missed here at Kip Motor Company.

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