Ah yes the automotive culture is as diverse as it is deep. No truer example is the "Mufflerman". Do you know the mufflerman? Most likley not. He has been in business for over 20 years and doing just fine.
The real mufflerman is Gary K. and his shop not located on even a major street, let alone a major city. Mufflerman builds from scratch custom exhaust systems for Hot Rods and Choppers. But there are thousands of muffler shops in just California. How can a guy located in an almost unknow city like Lake Elsinore, get by??
Well Mufflerman has a secret weapon that the big Advertising agencies don't. Original creative marketing. Here is guy who does not spend a nickel on print advertising. Yet he and his shop are known nation wide for more than just custom exhaust and mufflers. You see Gary's marketing is based around creating automotive "folk art" sculpture.
Yes, Gary has created his own advertising and marketing staff. They never complain about salary or need vacations. Or even call in sick. Of course to many people this all seems rather crude, but in reality Gary and his sculptures made from mufflers never fail to attract business.
These Muffler sculptures caught the eye of the UCLA Fine Art Dept. and also PBS who actually did a TV segment on these Folk Art items and also they have been the subject of several exhibitions!
Each example created by Gary, acts like a new sign and adds to the marketing punch of his drive by advertising. While we were shooting a few photos at least a half dozen new customers hooked up for custom projects. Not Bad.
Each of the sculptures are designed so that no two are the same, Gary has both male and female examples. Not to mention animals as well. Gary also has built his own memorial to the 9-11 victims. Which is a very striking Cross with the hand of Uncle Sam outstreched. Below a sign cut with a welding tourch. Carries a promise to "never forget".
Mufflerman is located on Grand Ave just about 2 miles east of the Ortega Hwy intersection with Grand Ave. Trust me you cant miss Gary and his friends. Rain or shine they are always waiting for tourists to wave back as they drive by.
When talking with Gary, it was interesting to note that the best parts for building his muffler people, come from the Honda's and Toyota's as they each have smaller and different shapes. Where as the american mufflers are almost all the same shape and very large. Gary builds a new character only when he the idea for a new personality seems to fit with the other members of his cast in the yard.
You can find Gary & Mufflerman at www.mufflerman.com also at 19065 Grand Ave. Elsinore Ca. 92530 or by phone at 951 678-3124
This is the original "Mufflerman" and so far not ready to retire!
