Meet The Team

Bryce Green

President / CEO

Bryce’s passion for cars began at age 16 when he got his first project: a 1968 Mustang. After graduating from tech school, he honed his skills at a high-end custom shop, eventually working his way up to Body and Paint Shop Manager. During that time, he helped build multiple award-winning cars, including several featured on the hit TV show Bitchin’ Rides.

In 2020, Bryce launched Big Kid Custom Rides, turning his lifelong dream into reality. What started as a personal passion has grown into a full-scale custom shop, known for building incredible rides from the ground up—with nearly every aspect of the work done in-house.

Bryce has worked hard to assemble a top-tier crew of talented craftsmen who share his vision and dedication. Together, they bring clients’ dream rides to life for enthusiasts across the globe.

He feels truly blessed to do what he loves every day while providing for his beautiful wife and three amazing kids.

Sydney Green

Owner

 

Melanie Paxman

Office Manager Extraordinaire

While Melanie doesn’t claim to have a deep passion for cars, she does have fond memories of cruising around in her brother Bryce’s '68 Mustang—and tagging along to more car shows than she can count. So when the opportunity came to join Big Kid Custom Rides, it just made sense.

With a wildly diverse background in human resources, customer service, finance, and legal, Melanie brings a unique and valuable skill set to the team—basically, she keeps the chaos in check and makes sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

She lives with her amazing husband and an arguably excessive number of pets (no regrets), and considers it a true privilege to work alongside her family every day—even if it means listening to car talk she still doesn’t fully understand.

 

Alec Anderson

Shop Foreman

Alec Anderson grew up in the small town of DeWitt, Iowa, and has had a passion for cars for as long as he can remember. He began working at a body shop at just 14 years old and has been immersed in the industry ever since. When Bryce launched Big Kid Custom Rides, Alec jumped at the opportunity to be part of it—and he’s been an essential part of the team from the start.

As Shop Foreman, Alec brings years of hands-on experience and leadership to the build process, helping ensure each project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Outside the shop, Alec enjoys traveling, camping, and riding dirt bikes whenever he gets the chance.

 

Howard Green

Operations Manager

Howard is the reason Bryce ever set foot at a car show—and the quiet force behind what would eventually become Big Kid Custom Rides. A third-generation insurance business owner, Howard spent over 40 years in the industry. By family tradition, Bryce would have been the fourth. But when Bryce chose to blaze his own trail, Howard didn’t just support him—he rolled up his sleeves and helped him build it, from working at Big Kid Blocks to the launch of Big Kid Custom Rides.

With a wide-ranging background and a lifelong passion for machinery, Howard is one of the most well-rounded people you'll ever meet. He’s been a volunteer firefighter, an EMT, and a Scoutmaster for over 10 years. He holds a pilot’s license, has driven more types of semis than most people can name, and has a whole room dedicated to his beloved model train collection.

These days, when he’s not helping out around the shop, you’ll likely find Howard out riding his Can-Am, boating, camping, or enjoying time with his family—especially if there’s an engine (or a mountain trail) involved.

 

Colten Wright

Assembly Manager

As Assembly Manager, Colten brings precision, passion, and years of hands-on experience to every custom build. Whether it’s a ground-shaking muscle car or a high-end showpiece, he ensures every project meets the highest standards.

His love for engines and craftsmanship started young and has only grown stronger over the years. After serving a mission in Dallas, Texas, Colten developed a strong sense of discipline and teamwork—qualities he now brings to the shop every day.

Outside of work, he’s a proud husband, dad to three awesome kids, and a motorcycle enthusiast. Whether he’s in the shop or out on a ride, Colten is all about quality, commitment, and doing what he loves.

 

JJ Paxman

Body Shop Manager

JJ was part of the journey early on. He started out helping Bryce with side projects, and when the opportunity came to join the team full time, he didn’t hesitate—leaving behind a city job to pursue his passion in the custom car world.

Now, as the Body Shop Manager, JJ brings skill, leadership, and a whole lot of heart to the team. His knowledge and eye for detail are matched only by his sense of humor. Around the shop, JJ is known as the comic relief—always quick with a joke, a story, or a smile to lighten the day. A true people person, he makes everyone feel welcome, comfortable, and like part of the crew.

Outside the shop, JJ finds his peace outdoors. He loves fishing, knows his way around the water, and enjoys short walks on the beach. He’s a big teddy bear at heart—and he’ll be the first to tell you how lucky he is to have his amazing wife by his side.

With his positive attitude, deep experience, and easygoing vibe, JJ keeps the body shop running smoothly—and the team laughing along the way.

 

Lauren Watson

Parts Manager

Lauren lives and breathes cars—whether she’s wrenching, racing, or modeling with them, the automotive world is where she thrives. Her love for science and how things work led her straight into mechanics after getting her driver’s license, and she went on to graduate at the top of her class from MTECH’s automotive program.

As Parts Manager, Lauren brings both technical knowledge and a deep appreciation for every build that rolls through the shop. With several project cars of her own—including a cammed C6 Corvette and an LS-swapped New Edge Mustang—she’s as hands-on as they come. She recently stepped into the world of racing and is pushing toward her goal of going pro.

To Lauren, cars are more than machines—they’re works of art and self-expression. Helping bring each one to life and unlocking their full potential isn’t just part of the job—it’s a passion.

 

Shelly Green

Shop Mom

Every shop needs a little heart—and at Big Kid Custom Rides, that’s Shelly. Known lovingly (and officially) as our Shop Mom, Shelly keeps spirits high and stomachs full with her legendary Monday lunches. She hasn’t repeated a meal yet, and honestly, we’re all just trying to earn our spot at the table each week.

But Shelly does more than cook—she’s been part of Bryce’s journey from the very beginning. As his mom, she helped him get his start with Big Kid Blocks and continues to play a key role in both businesses today. She also gets her hands dirty in the shop, sanding down cars like a pro and proving that “mom” is just one of the many hats she wears.

Shelly fully supported Bryce when he decided to break from family tradition and follow his passion instead of taking over the family’s insurance business. Her support, hard work, and positivity helped shape what Big Kid Custom Rides is today—and we’re lucky to have her in the shop and in our lives.

 

Talia Leatham

Shop Administrator

Talia serves as the shop administrator, where she is known for her organization, reliability, and focus. She plays a key role in supporting the parts manager and ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.

In addition to her work in the automotive industry, Talia is also a skilled barber. Cutting hair is both a creative outlet and a personal passion, allowing her to connect with people and help them look and feel their best.

Whether she’s keeping things on track in the shop or behind the chair with clippers in hand, Talia brings the same energy to everything she does: professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to quality.

 

Camden White

Metal Technician

Camden brings a bright attitude and steady work ethic to the shop every single day. Known for his friendly personality and easygoing nature, he’s always ready with a smile and a good conversation—without ever missing a beat on the job.

Camden got his start in the automotive world working alongside his dad on a classic ’71 C10, where he discovered a passion for custom builds and fabrication. After his father connected with Bryce, Camden was given the opportunity to join the team—and he quickly proved he was more than just a good kid. Reliable, hardworking, and always up for a challenge, Camden has become a valuable asset in the metal department. He consistently delivers top-notch work and can be trusted to take on any project with confidence and care.

A former missionary in Texas, Camden developed a strong sense of dedication, discipline, and grit—qualities that now show up in everything he does. Whether it’s fabricating panels or lending a hand wherever needed, Camden is all in, every day.

(And yes—he’s single and ready to mingle.)

 

Skyler Doggins

Metal Technician

Skyler is a highly skilled metal fabricator with a deep-rooted passion for all things automotive. Quiet by nature but sharp with a quick wit, he brings focus, precision, and craftsmanship to every project he touches.

From building a custom Schwinn Stingray at age seven to crafting high-performance minibikes and working on cars before he could even drive, Skyler has always had a hands-on curiosity and a drive to understand how things work. His pursuit of self-reliance and perfection is reflected in his welding, metalwork, and mechanical skills—all backed by a strong work ethic and an eye for detail.

Skyler doesn’t pick favorites when it comes to cars—he appreciates the beauty in all makes and models and always has a new build idea brewing. Around the shop, he’s the quiet powerhouse: dependable, honest, and a go-to guy for quality work and the occasional comedy gold.

 

Talmage Ostler

Metal Technician

Talmage is a dedicated metal fabricator with a deep respect for custom builds and classic craftsmanship. From precision welding to custom bodywork, he takes pride in turning raw steel into rolling art. Every hot rod that passes through the shop is a new opportunity to push the boundaries of creativity, skill, and performance. Whether he's restoring a vintage classic or fabricating a one-of-a-kind part from scratch, Talmage treats every build like it's his own ride.

His interest in the car world kicked into high gear around age 19 while working as a professional detailer for local businesses. The more time he spent around custom vehicles, the more he knew—this was the world he wanted to be part of.

Soft-spoken in person, Talmage surprises everyone with a sharp sense of humor that tends to show up in random (and hilarious) texts to the team. He might not say much—but when he does, it’s either pure fabrication wisdom… or something that’ll make you laugh for the rest of the day.

#FeelTheRealSteel #MetalForLife

 

Tage Gillman

Body Technician

Tage “Hawk” found his passion for cars at just 16 years old when he got his first ride—and he's been hooked ever since. By 17, he was already enrolled in an automotive technology program, eager to deepen his understanding of the machines that had captured his attention. What started as a hobby quickly became a way of life, and it wasn’t long before he was spending every spare moment in the garage, turning wrenches and chasing performance.

Tage may be newer to the auto body world, but his drive to learn and master his craft sets him apart. He got his first true taste of what it means to build a car from the ground up when he picked up a 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4. What started as basic repairs soon turned into performance upgrades, full interior refreshes, and a mission to make the car look just as great as it performed. That experience fueled his passion for helping others feel the same pride and connection with their own vehicles.

Around the shop, Tage is known for his chill personality, positive attitude, and ability to get along with everyone. His willingness to learn and dedication to growth make him a truly valuable member of the team.

Outside of work, you’ll probably find him working on his own vehicles, riding his motorcycles, crazy cart, or dirt bikes—or possibly dominating a championship stage in competitive video gaming. He also enjoys adventuring with friends and spending quality time with his family.

Bonus Fact: Tage is single and, frankly, a catch—just ask him about his signature Uncle Rico photo pose.

 

Luis Garcia

Body Technician

When it comes to fiberglass, Luis is our go-to expert. With over 18 years of hands-on experience in fiberglass work, mold making, and thermoforming, he brings a rare level of craftsmanship and precision to everything he touches. His deep understanding of materials, combined with his meticulous attention to detail, makes him an essential part of our custom fabrication process—and a true artist in his field.

Luis has spent nearly two decades mastering the art of fiberglass, from building complex molds to creating flawless bodywork and custom panels. His skill set is unmatched, and his ability to problem-solve on the fly and deliver high-quality results has earned him the trust and respect of everyone on the team. When there’s a fiberglass challenge, Luis is the guy we call—no hesitation.

Beyond the shop, Luis is a devoted family man who enjoys spending his free time hiking and exploring the outdoors with his wife and kids. His work ethic, dedication to his craft, and calm, steady presence make him not just a skilled technician but a valued member of our team and an important part of everything we build.

 

Isaac Garcia

Metal Technician

At just 22 years old, Isaac brings a deep passion and serious talent to the world of custom automotive builds. Originally from California, his love for cars began in the garage, working alongside his dad on a ’67 Camaro and other family vehicles. That early hands-on experience sparked a lifelong drive to create some of the most unique and high-quality vehicles in the industry.

Hardworking and focused from a young age, Isaac worked throughout high school to buy his first car, which launched him into the world of drifting. That hobby quickly turned into a path of developing fabrication and welding skills—skills that now define his craft. From the moment he stepped into the shop, Bryce was blown away by his ability to create art out of metal. It was immediately clear we made the right choice taking a chance on this Californian kid.

Isaac pours his energy into building one-off, standout pieces that push far beyond the ordinary. He’s known for zoning in completely when welding and forming metal, channeling his focus and creativity into every custom project he touches. He has a deep appreciation for all cars and the craftsmanship that brings them to life.

Outside of work, Isaac enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, and cooking. He values quality time with friends and family—and he’s always down for a good meal.

Oh, and one more thing: Isaac is also single and ready to mingle—just in case his custom metalwork doesn’t steal your heart first.

 

Dalton Harmon

Assembly Technician

Hailing from Northern Utah, Dalton is an integral part of our team—bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a relentless passion for all things automotive. From the moment he joined us, we’ve been continually impressed by his deep understanding of the craft, his hands-on experience, and his drive to keep learning and pushing the limits. Whether he’s diagnosing a complex issue or fine-tuning the details of a custom build, Dalton is someone we rely on daily—and he never disappoints.

Dalton’s love for engines began early, growing up in a family obsessed with NASCAR, ATV adventures, and Monster Jam. That early fascination turned into a lifelong pursuit, one that’s taken him from wrenching on his own projects to formal training through the Weber State Automotive Program and Hennessey Performance Tuner School. With over 7 years in the auto industry, Dalton has earned his stripes through knuckle-busting hours, late nights, and a personal mission to master his craft.

But Dalton’s life isn’t just about horsepower and high performance. He’s a proud husband to his “smoking hot” wife Destiny and a devoted dad to three wild and wonderful kids. When he’s not in the shop, you’ll probably find him on the soccer field—either cheering on his beloved Real Salt Lake or playing the game himself. He’s also a passionate collector of Hot Wheels and LEGOs (don’t judge—some of those builds are serious business), and he loves traveling the world and making memories with his family.

Dalton is more than just a skilled technician—he’s a key part of what makes our team tick. We’re lucky to have him, and even luckier to see the impact he makes every single day.

 

Willoughby

Shop Dog / Director of Morale

Willoughby may be Melanie’s dog, but let’s be honest—he belongs to the whole shop. As Big Kid Custom Rides’ unofficial Director of Morale, he takes his job of emotional support very seriously (especially when treats are involved).

Despite being a senior pup with a few battle scars (aka tumors), Willoughby still greets everyone like they’re his long-lost best friend. He’s always happy to offer a firm handshake, an enthusiastic high five, or a perfectly executed sit in exchange for a snack. He patrols Melanie’s office daily to make sure no one is too stressed and that no lunch goes unmonitored.

Don’t let the tumors fool you—this old man still thinks he’s a puppy at heart, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.