Remembering Gary Meadors

Good Guys Founder and Friend
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Classic car enthusiasts everywhere are a little poorer today, because on Sunday, December 27, we lost a giant in the hobby, Gary Meadors.

Most of us know Gary as the founder of the Good-Guys organization who did more than host some incomparable car oriented events across the country; he practically invented the concept.

The Goodguys shows are a big deal here at Specialty Sales Classics, for two reasons. First, they are a great way for us to interact with our customers on a regular basis. But secondly, as a Vendor, we're uniquely proud to have been associated with the Goodguys events, almost from the beginning. In fact, hanging around the Specialty Sales Classics booth at one of the two Pleasanton shows annually, has become a rite of passage for our new sales reps.

But in spite of his Goodguys success, we were all fortunate enough to know the real Gary. Because underneath it all, he was just like us, an enthusiast. A hot rodder.

The Goodguys events have now grown to include upwards of twenty-four gatherings across the country, every year. And when you show up at a Goodguys event, be prepared to see more than just a few hundred hot rods and customs, be prepared to see the very best in the genre.

We'll give you an example. Past recipients of the Goodguys Trendsetter award? Chip Foose, Troy Trepanier, The Ringbrothers, Troy Ladd and Dave Kindig. Not a bad resume! Back in 2007 Gary had a heart attack and turned over much of the Goodguys logistics to his son Marc. Since then he's been cruising in one of his incredible hot rods with his wife Marilyn and their dog Whitewall. Remember that Chrysler Town and Country convertible with the Viper V-10? Wow!

In 1995 Gary was appropriately given the Street Rodder Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 1998 he was enshrined into the Street Rod Marketing Alliance Hall of Fame.

2004 brought him the Hot Rod Industry Alliance Lifetime Achievement award at the SEMA show.

But the greatest award he ever won was one he earned from us very early on; he was a genuinely good guy. And we at Specialty Sales Classics, will miss him.