Many high school students have ambitions to start their own business one day. But senior Fin Michael has already helped build a six-figure car restoration company, Dawn Patrol Vehicles.
It began when Todd Michael, whom Fin calls not only a father but also a mentor, was chatting with a colleague, Aldon Castle. The words that came out of Castle’s mouth sparked Fin’s curiosity. Castle elaborated about how he sourced and imported fully restored cars from South Africa, which he then sold in the United States. Mr. Michael explained the business deal to Fin, and he was easily hooked.
“I just kept asking Aldon for pictures, and eventually, I guess it was getting pretty annoying, so Aldon offered me a car to sell in the midwest,” Fin said.
The decision was an easy, obvious yes. But having a good idea is only the beginning of a successful business.
“I initially thought selling cars would be easy, but from both my business incubator class and Dawn Patrol vehicles, I learned that you need to take initiative to get things done in a business,” Fin said.
Fin learned early that entrepreneurship demands sacrifice and determination. But with his dad by his side, he was able to help him along the way. This business was no exception. Fin accredits this business very heavily to his father.
“He provides all the funding as I’m not there yet; he also taught me the ins and outs of insuring and registering these vehicles,” he said.
Although Mr. Michael manages most of the financing, Fin isn’t let off the hook.
“I’m usually the one trying to get the word out through car shows, articles, and more,” Fin said.
Frame-off restorations can be a grueling and a time-consuming process. But Fin greatly enjoys watching these cars be constructed. Specifically, he loves focusing on the interior.
“I really enjoyed picking the specs that I wanted the car to have. So, designing the color and leather type. It’s really satisfying to see the car that I’ve designed come from South Africa and end up in my driveway,” he said.
Oftentimes, advertising for these cars can be a difficult process. They can sell anywhere from $90,000 to $140,000, which leaves a small, select group of people in the market.
“Lake Forest is people with a little bit extra money; they want to spend on a car that they could drive in the summer and even use as a weekend car,” Fin said.
While the target audience may have been narrow, Fin and his father found ways to attract the right buyers. Their biggest success so far was a sale at Barrett-Jackson, one of the largest car auctions held in the country.
“The guy was already really into off-roading and classic cars,” Fin said. “He knew he wanted the Defender the moment he saw it. I just walked him through the specs and history of the restoration, and he was sold.”
Despite Fins’ doubts about his first car show, the experience turned out to be more rewarding than he could ever imagine. The sale of this vehicle marked more than just a financial milestone; it was a turning point that financed their very next car, which now sits in their driveway waiting for the next buyer.
“My dad and I are planning on investing some of the profits in the stock market,” he said. “He’s teaching me a lot, it’s a good learning experience, and a really good bonding experience too.”
Beyond just the numbers and logistics behind this business, Fin has developed an unmatched passion for the classic car scene as well. What started as curiosity eventually turned into a passion for vintage cars and the stories they bring along with them, something he believes modern vehicles often lack.
“They’ve got character,” he said. “They’re fun to drive, they make you feel something. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B.”
With Dawn Patrol Vehicles, he’s not only building a business, he’s building a brand, legacy, and a deep sense of knowledge that most people wouldn’t have the chance to gain until later in life.
All of it sparked by one simple thing: a picture.
