Craftsmen

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The craftsmen at Rust Bros Restorations each bring unique skills to the shop. Mike Hall, born 4 February 1958, began collecting cars in his teens and eventually owned over 400 vehicles parked on his property near the Trans-Canada Highway. A rock blaster by profession, Hall built a restoration workshop on his property after his story went viral in 2017, leading to the show's start in 2018. Avery Shoaf, known affectionately as 'Muscle Car Macguyver' for his mechanical skills, previously ran a heavy equipment repair company. He worked at Rust Bros as a mechanic and later as shop manager during the first two seasons before leaving to start his own business, Wildman Restorations. Connor Charman-Hall, Mike's stepson, worked at Rust Bros and often quarrels with his father over spending habits and business acumen. Cassidy Mceown, a ticketed Red Seal auto body tech, joined in season one. Sarah Ward joined in 2018 as parts manager, also helping with finishing touches. Blair Smith joined in season three as a body man specializing in high end restorations, returned for freelance work in season four, and became shop manager in season four.

In Their Own Story

The turning point for Mike Hall came in 2016 when he tried to sell both his cars and property but received no offers. When he raised the price in 2017, the story went viral, bringing phone calls from prospective buyers and offers from producers to create a documentary. This led to the construction of a restoration workshop on his property and the premiere of Rust Valley Restorers in 2018. The shop became a hub for skilled craftsmen like Avery Shoaf, who left in season two to start Wildman Restorations, and recurring figures like JF Launier, owner of JF Kustoms in Osoyoos, BC, who specializes in high end restorations and acts as a friendly rival in racing competitions. James West, owner of Dubs Kustoms in Kamloops, BC, brings custom metal fabrication expertise. 'Big' Donny Kleinfelder, known as the 'Great White Shark,' runs a scrapyard and towing company in Barrière, BC, and later starred in his own spin-off, Backroad Truckers.

Reader's Guide

For fans wanting to understand the craftsmen of Rust Valley Restorers, focus on their distinct roles and histories. Mike Hall, born 4 February 1958, is the owner and rock blaster who collected over 400 cars since his teens. Avery Shoaf, a car-interested friend, is known for his mechanical skills and previously ran a heavy equipment repair company. Connor Charman-Hall, Mike's son, worked in Avery's business and often argues with his father about spending. Cassidy Mceown is a ticketed Red Seal auto body tech who joined in season one. Sarah Ward, parts manager since 2018, also applies finishing touches. Blair Smith joined in season three as a body man for high end restorations, returned for freelance work in season four, and became shop manager in season five. Recurring craftsmen include JF Launier, owner of JF Kustoms and award-winning restorer; James West, owner of Dubs Kustoms specializing in custom cars and rat rods; and 'Big' Donny Kleinfelder, who runs a scrapyard and towing company. The series airs on History in Canada, with reruns on DTour, and is distributed internationally by Netflix as a Netflix original series.

Did You Know?

• Mike Hall began collecting cars in his teens and eventually owned over 400 vehicles parked on his property near the Trans-Canada Highway.
• Avery Shoaf is known affectionately as 'Muscle Car Macguyver' for his mechanical skills.
• Cassidy Mceown is a ticketed Red Seal auto body tech who joined Rust Bros in the first season.
• Blair Smith joined in season three as a body man specializing in high end restorations and returned as shop manager in season four.
• 'Big' Donny Kleinfelder, known as the 'Great White Shark,' later starred in his own spin-off show 'Backroad Truckers'.