Cal Poly CIE SBDCServing San Luis Obispo County
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"“I couldn't really believe this program exists when I first heard about it. You can meet with industry experts regularly, and they'll give you advice. It's fantastic.” -Ben Harvey, CEO of Ben’s Automotive Decor
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Ben's Automotive Decor

In 2020, Ben's Automotive Decor (B.A.D.) grew from a hobby into a full-fledged business. Founder Ben Harvey, a sports car technician, began by creating unique home decor and gifts from repurposed car parts. As demand increased, B.A.D. expanded from a garage operation to an industrial setup, and now includes an automotive art gallery and coffee shop.

The seeds of B.A.D. were planted years earlier during Ben's career as a mechanic. Known for restoring vintage cars to their former glory, Ben developed an eye for the beauty hidden in every gear, piston, and crankshaft. His first piece—a coffee table crafted to display an engine—was both functional and eye-catching, sparking an idea to explore automotive decor further. Encouraged by friends and customers, Ben experimented with more intricate designs, like wall art made of timing chains, blending his technical skills with creative vision.

Today, B.A.D. stands as a testament to the beauty of reinvention—both in the materials it reclaims and the way it has redefined Ben's career.

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Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a Grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA or the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the California SBDC closest to you.