About The Fellas
Rocco
Rocco is from New York City, born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens. He was born into a family of gearheads and fit right in. He moved to Austin with his wife Marion in 2006 and is the Manager at the Speed Shop. If you would like to inquire about our services, Rocco is your man.
Bob “Bleed” Merkt
Bob is a hot rod builder, fabricator, artist, and creator. Bob wants to build you a hot rod.
Todd Gravelle
Todd picked up his first welder at age 12 to lend a hand working on his family’s race car and has been fabricating in some form or another ever since. He is one of the original Salinas Boyz and his work emphasizes the clean, pure style of high quality customs. Todd brings his unique vision and attention to detail from the West Coast to the 3rd Coast.
Craig Willits
Craig has been doing automotive upholstery for over 30 years. Originally from the Bay Area of California, he joined the Austin Speed Shop in 2009. He has a VERY impressive portfolio and has done interiors in many many magazine cars all over the country. If you need a show level interior in your hot-rod or custom car, give us a call and we’ll get Craig on the case.
Mark Ford
Mark Ford grew up in Oklahoma. He’s been in Austin since 1995 touring the world with his band, bartending, and honing his skills as a welder/ fabricator/ hot-rod builder. He grew up around motorcycles, but has been into cars for years. Mark recently built arguably the meanest hemi-powered Model A coupe in Austin. With his attention to detail and welding skills he is an excellent addition to the Austin Speed Shop family.
Luke Di Ciurcio
Luke grew up in Chicago and went to college for automotive restoration. He moved to Oxnard, California to build hot rods and hone his skills as a fabricator. After visiting Austin for the LoneStar RoundUp car show, he decided to join the crew at the Austin Speed Shop. He is currently building a custom Cadillac and is blowing the doors off the shop.
Alex “Magic” Swanson
Magic is from California. He found the Austin Speed Shop because he got off at the wrong bus stop and needed a job. Hey, some things are just meant to be. He is going to school for welding, engine building, auto-body repair and numerous other auto related things. He helps everyone in the shop with just about anything you can think of. He is a natural.
Tucker Thompson
Tucker is a local student who helps out in the afternoons. He helps the guys with anything they need and is currently working on a 54 Chevy. Tucker is awesome.
John Joyo
John was born and raised in Austin, TX. He is one of the founders, oversees the company and keeps everything on track.