That Time I Introduced ChrisFix to Chip Foose

Some time after I started making videos, I came across a YouTuber called ChrisFix who made DIY automotive repair content. He was fun to watch and shared truly helpful information, but what really drew me in was his desire to teach. You could tell he honestly wanted to help people on their automotive journey. That really resonated with me because the desire to help is what drove me to start making my own videos. I actually watched a bunch of his content just to make sure I wasn’t unintentionally copying his style. 

In May of 2024, I had the opportunity to represent RealTruck at the Team Building event for Building Homes for Heroes. They bring combat-wounded veterans together to build bonds, foster healing, and create community. (I’d love to write more about that, but it deserves its own story.) I was excited to learn that ChrisFix would be there too, and not just as a sponsor, but also organizing one of the major team building activities. 

He and a few of his friends (I have to mention Jamie Caldwell here because he is an amazing dude!) put together a racing event that got everyone involved. Kids, adults, and veterans. It was incredible to see how well it brought people together. That evening, I got to chat with him after dinner. We talked about his journey, from making fishing videos for his friends to building a YouTube channel with over 10 million subscribers and several big-name sponsors. It was impressive, sure, but what struck me most was that he was there to give; to bring a meaningful contribution. Too often, I think people are measured by what they’ve done for themselves, but a better way to measure is by what they’ve done for others. 

Meeting Chip Foose

Later that year came the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. RealTruck had the largest indoor booth at the event and was right inside the West Hall main entrance. It was brilliantly laid out and it looked absolutely stunning. Among our showcase builds was a customized F-150 that would be auctioned for charity, and it was built by none other than Chip Foose himself. 

Not only was Chip going to be at our booth, but I was given the honor of hosting the press conference where we unveiled the truck to the public. It was a career highlight. 

When I met Chip, I didn’t know what to expect. Was the persona on his show “Overhaulin” a cover for a self-centered narcissist whose only interests are profit and publicity? (Hey, I can’t help it if my mind goes there! Don’t judge!) But, I was delighted to find out he’s actually really, really cool! When I asked him about the Progeria Research Foundation, the charity the truck was going to be auctioned for, I could see the compassion in his eyes as he spoke about children he’s visited, who live with this genetic disorder that causes their bodies to age at an accelerated rate. He went on and on about how these kids have amazing personalities, that they can be incredibly funny, and so full of life. Chip lost his own sister, Amy to Progeria when she was 16, and it nearly broke me to hear him talk about it.  

But when I shifted the conversation to the F-150 build, his face lit up. He launched into an enthusiastic explanation of the design details. He reminded me of a kid talking about his favorite dinosaur …if that kid could also sketch a hyper-detailed concept that he just thought up in his head, and then actually bring it to life. His passion was infectious. I saw the real Chip. He wasn’t just an icon; he was a guy who loved what he did and cared deeply about others. 

The Introduction I'll Never Forget

After the press conference, I returned to my regular duties in the booth. I was a bit ahead of schedule, so I was surveying the vehicles for upcoming media coverage when I noticed someone just outside the booth. It was ChrisFix. 

We exchanged a quick greeting, and I offered to give him a tour. As he followed me in, I paused, glanced back at him and asked, 
“Have you ever met Chip Foose?” 
“No,” he replied. 
With a grin, I said, “Do you want to?” 
“Sure!” 

And just like that, I walked him back to the guest section of the booth and officially introduced Chrisfix to Chip Foose! 

They started to talk, and I was standing right there, but I have no idea what they were saying because all I could think about was, “How did a regular dude like me end up here?” I had just introduced a living legend, one of the most respected designers in the aftermarket world, to a content creator who’s probably the single most impactful force behind the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.  
And the best part for me? 

They’re Both. Genuinely. Good. People. 

They say you should never meet your heroes, but if your heroes are ChrisFix or Chip Foose, you should totally meet them. You won’t be disappointed. 
And if you ever get the chance, I’d love to introduce you! 

Image Gallery