Building A One-Stop Shop
Taking the leap into opening your own shop can be intimidating. The pandemic pushed a lot of people in the direction of doing their own thing, but not everyone is cut out for it. Jobs dried up as businesses closed, putting folks in tough financial and emotional situations. Sometimes when your back is against the wall, the only option you have is to roll the dice and rely on your skills and talents to get you by.
In a nutshell, that’s the story of Lost Souls Customz, a one-man shop that recently moved into a new space in McKeesport. The owner and mechanic, who goes simply by Jay, has a colorful history of restoring old vehicles and wrenching on motorcycles. His goal is to build the shop into a spot that breathes creative life into the local motorcycle community.
How did Lost Souls Customz come about?
Jay: I used to restore classic cars before my interest in motorcycles became the focus. I lost my job during the pandemic and had maybe $1,200 to my name before starting up a little shop over in Munhall across from the Waterfront. I put literally every penny I had into it, and before I knew it, bikes were rolling in. I decided to keep going with it and moved into my new shop location on the first of June.
Jay: I used to restore classic cars before my interest in motorcycles became the focus. I lost my job during the pandemic and had maybe $1,200 to my name before starting up a little shop over in Munhall across from the Waterfront. I put literally every penny I had into it, and before I knew it, bikes were rolling in. I decided to keep going with it and moved into my new shop location on the first of June.
Now that you’ve moved into the new location, how would you describe the work you do?
Jay: I try to dig into the hearts and minds of the people I’m doing the work for to see their vision and make it a reality. I put my heart and soul into what I do here. I’m not exactly competitive with others and their styles, I just want to be the best version of myself and push the limits of my own abilities. I focus on the constant growth of my craft to build and create one-of-a-kind rolling works of art for myself and my customers.
Jay: I try to dig into the hearts and minds of the people I’m doing the work for to see their vision and make it a reality. I put my heart and soul into what I do here. I’m not exactly competitive with others and their styles, I just want to be the best version of myself and push the limits of my own abilities. I focus on the constant growth of my craft to build and create one-of-a-kind rolling works of art for myself and my customers.
What is your source of inspiration?
Jay: My source is my family. My son loves motorcycles, and seeing him grow up in that setting drives my work ethic and makes me push myself to the limits every day. Another huge source of inspiration is Michael Balch from GMS Racing. He is always there to lend an ear or offer advice. I derive a lot of my art from tattooing, old-school 70s choppers, metal flake paint jobs, and the SoCal look. Being from a classic car background, I’m also inspired by good old-fashioned American muscle. Big engines, burning rubber, and the open road is where I planted the seed of my American dream.
Jay: My source is my family. My son loves motorcycles, and seeing him grow up in that setting drives my work ethic and makes me push myself to the limits every day. Another huge source of inspiration is Michael Balch from GMS Racing. He is always there to lend an ear or offer advice. I derive a lot of my art from tattooing, old-school 70s choppers, metal flake paint jobs, and the SoCal look. Being from a classic car background, I’m also inspired by good old-fashioned American muscle. Big engines, burning rubber, and the open road is where I planted the seed of my American dream.
Where did you come up with all of the lifts and tools?
Jay: It’s a collection I’ve accumulated throughout the years. I’ve been building bikes since I was a kid but was more of the bastard stepchild of the guys who were doing their cars. I did some knuckleheads, panheads, and all kinds of stuff. I grew up around motorcycles, so the parts were always around.
Jay: It’s a collection I’ve accumulated throughout the years. I’ve been building bikes since I was a kid but was more of the bastard stepchild of the guys who were doing their cars. I did some knuckleheads, panheads, and all kinds of stuff. I grew up around motorcycles, so the parts were always around.
How did you get into paintwork?
Jay: I used to do tattoos for a living. Ten years ago, when I was seventeen years old, I packed everything I owned on a bike and didn’t get off of it until I ended up here in Pittsburgh. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, but spent much of my time in San Diego. That’s where I got my love for lowrider bikes and the 70s-style choppers with the SoCal look. I wanted to incorporate my travels and my life into something people could enjoy visually, so through natural progression, I chose to paint.
Jay: I used to do tattoos for a living. Ten years ago, when I was seventeen years old, I packed everything I owned on a bike and didn’t get off of it until I ended up here in Pittsburgh. I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, but spent much of my time in San Diego. That’s where I got my love for lowrider bikes and the 70s-style choppers with the SoCal look. I wanted to incorporate my travels and my life into something people could enjoy visually, so through natural progression, I chose to paint.
What was it like growing up out west?
Jay: Very hot. It’s completely different out there. You can ride year-round. I never even owned a car until I came to Pittsburgh. Out there, you beat on things a little harder and didn’t have to put them away for winter. The lifestyle is much different here because of the seasons. Your bike is more of a secondary vehicle, whereas out west it could be your primary source of transportation. Regardless, I enjoy myself here. You never know where you’ll end up with the twists and turns of life.
Jay: Very hot. It’s completely different out there. You can ride year-round. I never even owned a car until I came to Pittsburgh. Out there, you beat on things a little harder and didn’t have to put them away for winter. The lifestyle is much different here because of the seasons. Your bike is more of a secondary vehicle, whereas out west it could be your primary source of transportation. Regardless, I enjoy myself here. You never know where you’ll end up with the twists and turns of life.
Are you looking for help?
Jay: Yes. I’m booked out for months and have been trying to find someone to help with mechanic work. I’m even willing to teach and have thought about doing classes as a program to build their own bike here.
Jay: Yes. I’m booked out for months and have been trying to find someone to help with mechanic work. I’m even willing to teach and have thought about doing classes as a program to build their own bike here.
Where would you like to see the shop go?
Jay: I’d like to slowly get away from the general repair jobs and do more of the custom work. I like building choppers and baggers because it allows for more creativity. That’s more of what I’d personally like to focus on. To build a brand for myself. The name Lost Souls is based on faith, and I believe in doing right by people–honor and respect. I’m in this to do what I love and help the people that come in and support me. I can’t do it without them, and I’m thankful for my people and the opportunities.
Jay: I’d like to slowly get away from the general repair jobs and do more of the custom work. I like building choppers and baggers because it allows for more creativity. That’s more of what I’d personally like to focus on. To build a brand for myself. The name Lost Souls is based on faith, and I believe in doing right by people–honor and respect. I’m in this to do what I love and help the people that come in and support me. I can’t do it without them, and I’m thankful for my people and the opportunities.
MCKEESPORT, PA 15132
