Who's Jake?
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Jake has been an avid antique lover since he was 8 years old when he started metal detecting with his dad and unearthing old railroad jacks, signs, and bottles. Over the years, Jake has purchased and sold antiques and added to his collection along the way. He started tinkering with engines and restored his uncle's old go-cart from the 70s with his Papa's help when he was about 13 years old. He then moved into antique military vehicles and then really anything antique with an engine. Jake knew he wanted to pursue an education in restoration after high school and searched for such a program. He finally stumbled upon a small college in Kansas, McPherson College, which offers a four year bachelor's degree in Automotive Restoration (AR), the only such program in the country. McPherson only accepts 40 new freshman per year and requires an extensive portfolio of the work you have done to be considered for the interview portion of the application process. Jake was accepted to McPherson with an academic scholarship and now is a part of the college Car Club judging team that judges cars throughout Kansas.
Jake has always wanted to hold an antique and car show in Dothan to bring more awareness to the hobby. He and his family were able to assemble a team of friends to help him create Jake's Antique Show featuring the New South Cruisers Car Show. Not only does he strive to keep the younger generations interested in preserving such great relics of the past but he wants people to appreciate the history, engineering, and art behind each automobile. In setting up this show, Jake was determined to give back to the community with partial proceeds going to the local VFW Soldier Relief Fund, and this year a local volunteer fire department in need of equipment. New South Cruisers made a commitment to The Wiregrass Food Bank with collected registration fees. This event is like a family gathering in which people appreciate the old, show off their collections and automobiles, teach younger generations to appreciate the past, and give to the community in the process. |