Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Brandt.
Hi Scott, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In the early ’80s the family took a trip to Florida. We stopped into the auto toy store, where they were selling a 60’s Jaguar E type for $75,000. I asked the salesman when these cars got to be so expensive, and he said we do it all the time. I turned to my dad and said, I can do that. I went home and started doing research and found a 1961 Jag E Type up on Iowa. I purchased a one-way ticket there and drove the car home. I put a new interior in the car and did some additional cleanup. Placed the car into Hemmings Motor News and found a buyer from England who flew in to inspect the car. He paid me more than twice what I purchased the car for and paid my dad back for the loan. I then used those proceeds for the next purchase, and I was on my way in the classic car sale world, this was 1987!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
At first, I just bought and sold cars out of my garage at the time. I went from 1 car to 2 cars then to 4. It was a learning process all along the way. For about ten years, I conducted business this way and then came along this thing called the internet and Ebay. I started selling cars on Ebay when everyone else was selling Bennie babies. As I purchased more and more inventory, I had to find a facility to operate out of and hire additional people to help. I then had dealer reports to submit on a monthly basis, insurance, taxes, and had to pay rent for a facility.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While I HAVE been selling classic cars since 1987, a lot of people do not know that I have an MFA from Washington University. For the first 10 years after school, I sold classic cars and art. I had gallery representation in 5-6 states and shows all over as well. I get my degree in Print Making and ceramics. I have been a creative soul since I was about 8 when my mom enrolled me in a printmaking class at art mart, where I made my first etching. I’d say it left an indelible mark on me and I had always pursued my creative side. I took a delegation of Artists to Japan and China in the early ’90s where we had museum show in both Suwa city, Japan and Nanjing, China. I received my BFA in Interior Design from Maryville Univ and also practiced interiors while working at HOK architects here in St Louis.
After a 25+ year hiatus from making art, I have finally made my way back into the studio and started producing large-scale painting, which are abstract Rorschach ink blot style in nature
What does success mean to you?
I have been fortunate to be able to follow my own path through life and live my life as I see fit. Being able to do what you love doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps in the road, but at least it is the road you choose to travel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.motoexotica.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motoexotica/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stlclassiccars
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MotoeXotica636
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/motoexotica
- Other: https://www.ebay.com/sch/motoexotica/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&rt=nc&_dmd=2
Image Credits
Photos owned by MotoeXotica
