Biography
Joe Martin, a reality TV star and whiz at customizing rides, hails from Chicago but grew up in Texas. He's been fascinated by cars and bikes since he was a kid and turned that passion into a cool career. Joe's a big name now, thanks to "Iron Resurrection," a hit show on Velocity Channel where he and his team transform old vehicles into jaw-droppers. But TV isn't new to him; he first popped up on the small screen in 2004 on "Biker Build-Off."
In the family biz, Martin Bros Customs, Joe's got his brother, Jason, and his wife, Amanda, by his side. They're all about turning rusty old bikes into show-stoppers in their Texas shop. Joe's journey in mechanics began when he was just a teen, working at an automotive accessory store. His natural talent for design didn't go unnoticed, and before long, he was running his own gig, Martin Bros.
But Joe's life isn't all about engines and gears. He's a big-time dog lover and does a lot to help animal shelters. Plus, he loves the outdoors, fishing, and exploring whenever he can. Music's another big love of his, especially tunes that are perfect for road trips, like Lynyrd Skynyrd's hits.
Despite a tough time during the Great Recession, when his bike shop had to shut down, Joe bounced back stronger. He values his privacy, steering clear of the usual reality TV drama. Being on TV has been a boon for his business, putting his work in the spotlight and keeping him busy with exciting projects.
Joe's always up for learning something new, a trait that's helped him succeed big time. Working with family is a plus for him, making the business a blend of professional and personal joys. Despite the fame, Joe keeps it real, focusing on what he loves most - breathing new life into old rides.
Before his fame, Joe admired the work of Boyd Coddington and Wayne Carini but lacked the means to afford their creations. This inspired him to start crafting his own stuff, learning skills from neighbors and through self-teaching. His reality TV journey began with "Biker Build-Off" in 2004, where he first gained recognition, eventually leading to his own show. Joe initially focused on repairing vehicles, but after winning on the Discovery show, he expanded to include bikes due to public demand.
The idea for "Iron Resurrection" came about after Joe's victory at the Biker Build-Off caught the attention of TV producers. A successful teaser reel by the Martin Bros led to a five-year contract for the show. Joe, alongside his best friend Jason "Shag" Arrington and his brother Jason Martin, works on the cars, with Jason handling production. Joe's wife, Amanda, a financial wizard with a banking background, helps source affordable cars for the show.
