SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Market South Hutch Business of the Month is Hot Rod Resurrections.
Daniel Lizalde became interested in the auto industry many years ago thanks to his dad, Alex, who owns Alex's Body Shop in South Hutch.
"I've been working with my father for the past 20 years right next door," Lizalde said. "He's a staple here in South Hutch."
Lizalde decided he wanted to open up his own shop and do so right next to his dad's business. Lizalde and a couple of buddies built a 40-foot by 60-foot shop at 123 S. Main Street. Hot Rod Resurrections opened in April of 2022.
"This idea has been like 10 years in the making," Lizalde said. "I've always dreamed of having my own business, and to be able to have it right next to my dad really means a lot to me."
Hot Rod Resurrections does everything paint and body, but does not handle mechanical, electrical or interior work. They do restorations, insurance work, hail damage and rust repair.
Now for the name "Hot Rod Resurrections" it was an easy choice.
"My vision for 'Hot Rod Resurrections' was to be able to resurrect the vehicles and bring them back to life," Lizalde said.
The business for Lizalde has not slowed down whatsoever since the grand opening last April.
"Once I put a sign up outside that said 'Hot Rod' people came out," Lizalde said. "We're working on quite a few right now and have quite a few lined up for the next six to eight months."
Lizalde spends 10-12 hours per day in his shop, working six days most weeks. Lizalde can't do it all himself, as his friend Isaac helps complete the two-man show.
"I spend a lot of hours in the shop," Lizalde said. "A lot of blood, sweat and tears have happened in this place, but I wouldn't change it for anything."
The clients don't just come from South Hutch, Hutch, or the surrounding areas.
"A majority of my clients are from the area," Lizalde said. "However a lot of them come from out of town and even out of state."
Lizalde doesn't shy away from recognizing the work that he and Isaac do, especially when he sees a car that he has restored or painted out and about, or even at car shows.
"It's the best feeling," he said. "The main reason why I do this, is because it's fulfilling other peoples dreams. I'm working on a '63 Nova that was this guy's mother's car, and she passed away back in August, so he wanted to get it restored in memory of his mother. That means the world to me that he trusts me to create this."
Although the shop is currently full with vehicles and there are quite a few on the list to come next, Lizalde looks forward to the projects that are still ahead.
"I can come out to you and give you an estimate, or you can bring in what you want and I'd be happy to look at it," Lizalde said.
Lizalde is very grateful for being named the Business of the Month by Market South Hutch.
"It's an awesome feeling," Lizalde said. "It kind of gives me some validation of what all I've accomplished in such a short time. It's truly like a pat on the back and means a lot to me. I try do shop local as much as I can and to be able to have a business here in South Hutch, right next to my dad and here on Main Street is truly special."
Hot Rod Resurrections is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can call Lizalde with questions at (620) 802-1414.