About Rest in Paint
John Martin is the embodiment of the American dream in the auto body industry. With humble beginnings in a Philadelphia collision shop in 1995, he started from the ground up, quite literally, sweeping floors. Despite lacking formal training or experience in the field, John's determination and work ethic propelled him forward.
Within two years, he transitioned from sweeping floors to painting cars, showcasing a remarkable ability to learn and adapt quickly. Eager to further his skills and advance in his career, John moved on to another collision shop, where he eventually assumed the role of shop manager after a decade of dedicated service.
In 2007, John took a bold leap of faith and ventured into entrepreneurship, opening his own small shop. Through perseverance and dedication, his business gradually expanded, eventually attracting the attention of a local dealership in need of overflow work. This partnership proved to be a pivotal moment for John as he crossed paths with his current partner Jay Lankford, whose family business specialized in selling hearses and limousines.
What started as a professional collaboration blossomed into a mutually beneficial relationship, with John providing repair services for their vehicles. This partnership flourished, leading to the establishment of HC Martin Body Co., where "HC" pays homage to its roots in Heritage Coach.
Today, HC Martin Body Co. stands as a testament to John's journey from sweeping floors to building a thriving enterprise. With a brand new state-of-the-art facility, the company has expanded its services to include a diverse range of body and paint repairs, specializing in the odd and uncommon. As John often quips, "You never know what you'll see getting painted in our shop," reflecting the boundless creativity and expertise that define his establishment.