In August of 2006, Ernie Sigala was working for one of the largest banks in the world as a repo agent. But something wasn’t right.
As president of the California-based Stangpede Mustang club, Sigala was only able to articulate his passion for Stangs on the weekends with the club and at night in his garage. He wanted something bigger more concrete. He wanted a shop. "I said, you know what, if I don’t do this now, I will never be able to."
Sigala promptly quit his job and began setting up, taking everything Mustang-related from his home to his shop. Within two weeks, he had nearly everything he needed in place except for any significant startup money.
Sigala was starting from scratch, with no loans or any source of capital. He had been able to round up 3 grand, but the shop required over 4 grand every month. "It was the hardest thing to do in the world," said Sigala. "If you have no capital, you might not make it next month, you know?"
Leaving financial issues aside, Sigala harnessed his talent and focused purely on his specialty: the Ford Mustang. As work started coming in, he began telling people about the shop on every free media outlet he could find.
Sigala's forte was the six-hour dream build: in one work day, his team could transform an enthusiast's vehicle from a bone stock burner to a tricked-out head turner both on the street and at the show. The west coast began talking about Hardcore Mustangs in a big way and Sigala soon secured several sponsors. August 26th arrived and Hardcore Mustangs was open for business for its second month.
Hardcore Mustangs recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. A self-described nobody, Sigala is anything but. He is proud to have a flourishing brand whose success doesn't rely on family tradition passed down through decades. His success has spouted from distinctive talent and word of mouth. "You want to know my only investment [into Hardcore Mustangs]?" he asks. "Business cards. I’m talking about 200 bucks."
With 20 sponsors locked down, Hardcore Mustang's success seems limitless. They have performed three dream builds and countless custom tune-ups. The shop's most recent project is the first ever 4-door F-150 for Saleen. The truck is four months in the making with only several weeks to go. "They've given us what we need: the pass, the kit and no instructions," said Sigala. "They basically said, 'show us what you guys can do.' It's been a rollercoaster."
But Hardcore Mustangs will inevitably prevail. With an undying determination to build the perfect project Stang, Sigala is sure to cling tightly to his dreams and his business cards.
For photos of Hardcore Mustangs recent one-year anniversary party, check out the
StangPlanet Auto Show Gallery.
Stang Shop: Ernie Sigala's Hardcore Mustangs
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