About us

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WELCOME TO MCR

We are committed to providing the highest quality, detail-driven automobile restorations available in the industry. The quality speaks for itself, and very loudly, when you compare an MCR car to one restored by another shop. Our open workmanship policy and emphasis on keeping our customers in-the-loop will let you rest at ease knowing that your valuable property is in good hands.

 — John Balow, President of Muscle Car Restorations, Inc.

About Muscle Car Restorations

Founded in 1988 by John Balow, Muscle Car Restorations (MCR) was built on a singular mission—delivering world-class auto restorations that bring classic cars back to life. With more than 200 fully restored legends hitting the road, our reputation speaks for itself.

Over the decades, we’ve assembled a team of passionate experts who specialize in vintage and American muscle car restorations. Our meticulous, detail-driven process ensures every project receives the highest level of craftsmanship and premium-quality parts to restore each vehicle to its former glory.

MCR has earned national recognition, with features in Hot Rod Magazine, Car Craft, Mopar Muscle, and more. We’ve also built iconic project cars, including the legendary Holley Road Runner. With a strong foundation of expertise, satisfied customers, and industry accolades, we remain dedicated to preserving automotive history—one restoration at a time.

Let’s make your classic car the next legend we bring back to life.

Take a Virtual Tour of Our State-of-the-Art Facility

Explore where the magic happens! Our cutting-edge workshop is where every collector car restoration job gets finished on time. Take a virtual tour of our workshop to see how our car restoration services breathe new life into your vehicle.

1: John Balow
President

I opened MCR in 1988. My favorite cars to work on are the next up and coming future customer vehicles, we’ve worked on over 500 vehicles so each day there’s opportunity for me to find a new favorite. I was drawn to the automotive restoration industry because of the cars that were around during my high school years. I also love helping customers learn to enjoy the journey and process that is restoring vehicles. If I had to describe this role and this business I’d use the words integrity, trust, and building long-lasting relationships. The fact that we’ve existed for 35 years, and counting is a huge accomplishment for us, and we continue to grow every day. We strive to run MCR at a level that exceeds customer expectations because many customers are business owners themselves and they will only work with businesses that provide quality goods and services like us. My favorite memory is when I got to meet Dennis Cage and star in five of his tv episodes! Titles I’ve held before opening MCR include: EMT, Airforce Flight Medic, Commercial Pilot, and Landlord. Outside of work my hobbies include amateur radio, aviation, and golf!

2: Joette Holte
Executive Vice President of Finance

I have worked for MCR since January of 1995! I have a lot of favorite cars that we’ve worked on since I’ve been here, they include: a 67 GTO, 67 Mustang, and a 64 Galaxie. I love classic and muscle cars; I own a 65 Comet and a 60th anniversary Corvette. My spouse and I own and drag race a 67 Nova. The best part of my role at MCR is being an integral part of helping the company grow to where we are today. I have enjoyed working with our many talented employees over the years that helped make MCR a successful company. My past professional experience includes Head Accountant at a multi-state travel company and Staff Accountant at a large CPA firm. Outside of work I enjoy ATV and motorcycle riding, boating, skiing, travelling, hiking, gardening, cooking, baking, music, and dancing.

Angela DeRouin
Accounting Office Manager

I have worked for MCR since 2024. Being a part of a team that cares about people, and also strives for quality, is the most captivating aspect of my position. With over 20 years of experience in accounting, I look forward to offering my knowledge and dedication to help sustain the values and workmanship of MCR. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Derick Ash
Parts Department Manager

I have worked for MCR since 2013. My favorite part of restoring cars is taking old and tired automobiles and making them new again. I think the best part about working here is that no two days are the same. My expertise lies in the parts and assembly department. I feel accomplished and honored when receiving awards for our world class restorations. My favorite part of this job is being able to utilize all the new technology on our projects. In the past I have held titles that include Head Mechanist, Paint Tech, Parts Pro, and AvTc Tech. Outside of work I enjoy restoring my 67 Camaro and 72 C10.

Greg Forsyth
Assembly Department Manager

I got my start at MCR in 2017, where I was hired to work in the metal shop as a welder/fabricator. I then transitioned to the assembly department where I could excel in my attention to detail,  wiring skills and engine tuning.  I have always been into hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, atv’s or anything with horsepower, so it’s no wonder I fit in so well here at MCR. The best part of my role here is getting to be hands on with all of our customers cars, overseeing the cars take shape in the Assembly department and test driving the cars at the end of the restoration process. One of my favorite things about this job is getting to see the customers reaction to their completed builds!

Jared Riesenweber
Metal Department Manager

I have worked for MCR since 2014. I was interested in the automotive industry because custom cars are a niche opportunity for one-off and scratch fabricated creations. The best part about my role with MCR is the unique custom fabrication. My expertise lies in custom metal shaping, design, and fabrication. My favorite memory is each time a customer recognized we were able to save an “unsavable” car or fabricated something that was deemed “impossible.” My past career titles include Coach Builder, Custom Furniture/Cabinet Maker, and a Dairy Farm Operator. In my free time I enjoy blacksmithing and re-enactment.

Jason Balow
Body & Paint Department Assistant Manager

I have worked for MCR since 1997. I became interested in the automotive industry because of the painting process, and the amount of engine, transmission, and suspension upgrades available. Some of the best parts of my role at MCR include test driving, final buffing, and doing walk arounds. My expertise lies in metal finishing, body work, block sanding, paint & clear, buffing spot repairs, and color matching. Some accomplishments I’ve achieved in my time at MCR are winning numerous bests of show awards, painting the coolest Camaro in the world, the car that won pro builder. In this industry I enjoy the interiors and performance most. My favorite memory from my career so far has been driving a Pro Touring Cuda! Outside of work I enjoy playing guitar, video games, and riding dirt bikes.

Jeremy Cortner
IT Specialist

I have been with MCR since 2004. I am most excited about producing 3D renderings utilizing the 3D scanner and other equipment available. My expertise includes CAD design, graphic design, photography, videography, and computer programming. My favorite memories at MCR have been watching the many restorations from start to finish and seeing the business continue to grow with new buildings, equipment, and staff. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children, creating traditional and digital artwork, and extreme macro photography.

Kayla Brummond
Admin / Accounting Assistant

Joining MCR in 2024 has given me the chance to combine my love of classic vehicles with my accounting and administrative knowledge. Just a few of the things that make working here great are seeing beauty being restored to cars of the past, working with some of the best people in the industry, and the excitement of the customers when they come to see their finished vehicle. Growing up I spent most of my time with my dad, brothers and uncle working on cars and riding motorcycles so those are passions I passed on to my children. The classic cars that call my family home include a 1970 Chevelle, a 1968 C10 and a 1989 Firebird Formula 350. When not at work, I enjoy attending motorcycle audio competitions, spending time with my family and friends and road trips to anywhere.