2020 Matrix Mavericks of Color showcase top talent in the industry — in refinish and custom

“The Matrix brand really has a following,” says Rob Mowson, Vice President of Marketing, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, “a following that inspired this whole idea of a Maverick of Color. That was 2016, and now we have 12 true brand ambassadors – devout users who know the product line inside and out and speak to the brand’s performance every day in their business.” “A Maverick to me is any painter that can create just as many problems as they solve,” says Ryan Evans, Lead Painter at Count’s Kustoms and a 2016 Matrix Maverick of Color. “It’s someone who doesn’t get it right out of the gate, but because of their experience, they can fix it at the drop of a hat.” Evans was one of the first Mavericks of Color in 2016, along with Cody Lumpkin from Dick Lumpkin’s Auto Body in Piqua, OH, and Automotive Services Inc.’s Shane Marchyshyn in Columbus, OH. In 2020, Ramirez, Knowles and Martin are front and center for the Matrix brand. Michael Ramirez who is better known as “Buck” – is an established custom painter and artist specializing in motorcycles and premium builds in his LA shop. Recognized by his peers for his gift with the brush, Buck is at the top by industry standards and a Maverick. In addition to sheer talent, he’s a teacher and mentor representing not only Matrix to up-and-comers, but the custom industry at events like Brushmasters each year. Chad Martin from Saluda, SC, burst on to the scene last year at SEMA with an over-the-top custom truck in the Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes booth. That truck has since racked up industry accolades across the country including a Winfield Select Six nod and a potential Hot Wheels Legend award at this year’s SEMA Show – putting Chad’s Custom Dreams, a small but mighty custom and refinish shop in the Deep South, on the map and solidifying Martin a Maverick spot in 2020. Brandon Knowles has been working on cars since he can remember. A 4th generation shop owner, custom builder and refinisher, he has built Brand-X Customs from the ground up. Situated in Everett, WA, just outside of Seattle, Brand-X is recognized for its collision repair work as well as custom creations. In 2017, “Josephine”, a Ford Mustang Fastback by Knowles and his team at Brand-X captured the attention of not only car lovers at SEMA, but the Matrix brand team, and now, Knowles becomes a Maverick. 
2017 Mavericks of Color: Joe Vincent, Justin Nichols and Gary “Boogie Man” Zborowski Vincent is a U.S. Army veteran with 15 years of service. He is a true American hero and now a celebrated painter. A well-known figure in the industry with a following that equals that of Matrix, he’s been painting cars, bikes and everything in between for nearly 20 years in his Prairieville, LA, shop and creating some of the industry’s most unique and recognized work. Model cars became real-life custom builds for Gary “Boogie Man” Zaborowski. This Maverick truly takes us back to our roots – Detroit, where Matrix was founded and introduced to refinishers more than 30 years ago. Today, in the Motor City at Boogie Man's Custom Creations, Zaborowski brings old cars back to life for close friends and now referrals since retiring from General Motors. Justin Nichols built his first hot rod at the age of seven with his dad – a Maverick in the making at an early age. It was a 1931 Ford pickup topped with what Justin describes as “grasshopper” green. It’s one of those builds that stays in the family; Justin’s son will someday be behind the wheel of that father\son build. Justin’s dad has since passed away; however, he remains a driving force and an inspiration in his son’s life and business.2018 Mavericks of Color: Lonny Speer, Jason Vander Woude and Bull “Elvis” Stull  Originally a collision repair professional used to working on 11 cars a day, Lonny Speer says he fell in love with the attention to detail and time commitment of custom work after just three visits to Count’s Kustoms. Years later at Count’s, Lonny works alongside Lead Painter Ryan Evans, mixing Matrix colors to create the astonishing customizations that have made the shop famous. Bill “Elvis” Stull has owned and operated Kuzin's Kustom Body & Paint in Custer, WI, since 1992. Kuzin's is a versatile shop performing everything from insurance work to restorations. At Kuzin’s, he helps customers put vehicles back to together after an accident or simply out of the love of a classic and he relies on Matrix from start to finish. Jason Vander Woude started in the business working out of a family shop at a young age. A budding entrepreneur, he began custom painting in his garage and quickly built enough business to do what he loves full-time at NSD Paintwerks in Lynwood, IL. He’s known for eye-catching, unique finishes and traditionally bright, brilliant colorations. The Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Booth is located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center at The SEMA Show this year in Booth No. 10839. For more information about Matrix refinish system and the Mavericks of Color program, visit: matrixsystem.com.