Houston business, entertainment heavy-hitters teach at-risk youth valuable trade in restoring vintage cars
Many complain that today’s youth don’t know the art and value of “working with their hands” as most schools no longer take advantage of the “Home Economics” and “Auto Shop” classes from decades ago. Well, several Houston business leaders turned that thought around and provided a group of young men skills that can last them a lifetime.
In celebration of their 20-year anniversary, Houston’s leading automotive customization shop, 713 Motoring, partnered with GM Motors and Houston-based film/creative company, IYO Agency, to mentor and provide opportunities within the automotive space for young inner-city males that are experiencing tough times.
Through the Automotive Customization Skills Trade Program, the young men learned the ins and out of the automotive industry and also participated in hands-on experience restoring a vintage Box Chevy, which they revealed to the public, friends and family during the 713 Motoring 20-year anniversary celebration over Memorial Day Weekend at the lavish Astorian.
713 Motoring CEO, Ashworth Barnes, who was also celebrating his 40th birthday, aimed to share his special night with the gentlemen from the program assuring their hard work and efforts received all the love and attention. Four of the six young men in the program attended in all-black classic suits. They hit the red carpet and were able to interact with notables who attended in support of the initiative such as Houston rap legend Slim Thug, actor Kendrick Sampson of HBO’s Insecure, Chef Bowie of new Houston restaurant Rare, and Marvin Pierre, co-founder of Houston non-profit Eight Million Stories.
Before the unveiling of the vehicle, Barnes was congratulated for the success of his Automotive Customization Skills Trade Program with a proclamation from Sheila Jackson Lee claiming May 27, 2022, as 713 Motoring Day!
The recognition didn’t stop there as IYO Agency CEO, Isaac Yowman, took to the stage to thank partners GM Motors and 713 Motoring and spoke briefly about the process and drive behind the trade program and the importance of mentoring youth. He then presented each young man of the program with a certificate of completion.
Marvin Pierre (8 Million Stories CEO)
IYO Agency and GM Motors had an additional surprise for Barnes before the night ended. As a big thank you and congratulations on his automotive and youth efforts, the two companies presented 713 Motoring with a $10,000 check to further philanthropic efforts and business.
Barnes spoke on how he watched the boys grow throughout the six-month program, working through frustrations and learning things not normally taught in school. He expressed how proud he was of them and directed the crowd outside to view and celebrate the team’s restoration project, a vintage all-black box Chevy.
About 713 Motoring
713 Motoring specializes in creative concepts and plus-size wheel fitments. They are known for pushing the customization limits on luxury vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. They are most proud of their ability to create consistently on a high level while maintaining a vast celebrity clientele roster in the industry. 713 is set apart from others because of their attention to automotive detail and unmatched white-glove service. The brand is based in Houston but has a footprint globally.
