--- title: "Resources for Brands: What We've Learned About Automotive DIYers | ATA - We Move People" description: If your brand markets products to automotive DIYers and you want to learn more about this powerful and influential audience, you've come to the right place. Find videos of our focus group, secondary research, and 1-on-1 interviews from our original interview series — The Maker Files. image: https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/David-Kidd-1920x1080.png --- [![](https://anthonythomas.com/wp-content/themes/ata2017/img/ata_logo_tan.png)](https://anthonythomas.com) - [Why ATA?](https://anthonythomas.com/why-ata/) - [The Short Story](https://anthonythomas.com/why-ata/) - [About Us](https://anthonythomas.com/why-ata/about-us/) - [Our Space](https://anthonythomas.com/why-ata/our-space/) - [What We Do](https://anthonythomas.com/what-we-do/) - [What We Do](https://anthonythomas.com/what-we-do/) - [Inbound Marketing](https://anthonythomas.com/what-we-do/inbound-marketing/) - [Commercial Process Engineering](https://anthonythomas.com/what-we-do/commercial-process-engineering/) - [What We've Done](https://anthonythomas.com/what-weve-done/) - [Who We've Worked With](https://anthonythomas.com/brands/) - [We Know Makers](https://anthonythomas.com/we-know-makers/) - [What We Know About Makers](https://anthonythomas.com/we-know-makers/) - [The Maker Files](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/) - [Marketing Resources & Downloads](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/see-what-weve-learned-about-makers-diyers) - [We Blog](https://blog.anthonythomas.com) - [Contact ATA](https://anthonythomas.com/contact-ata/) # Everything We've Learned About Automotive DIYers While saving money has always been a major motivator for automotive DIYers, many also repair, restore, modify, and restyle their vehicles because they genuinely enjoy doing the work and love seeing (and showing off) the results. Today's automotive aftermarket has more DIYers than ever before. While the specific reasons for the growth in the number of DIYers are not easy to identify, the internet is certainly responsible for part of that growth. The ability to easily and quickly find the information, tools, parts, and demonstrations needed to work on a car has emboldened many DIYers to tackle car repairs and restorations that many would not have attempted even 10 years ago. And, the ability to connect with fellow DIYers to expand their circle of advisors and show-off their skills — initially in online forums and more recently through social media — has truly grown this community. Working with so many automotive aftermarket brands over the past 30 years has allowed us to get to know automotive DIYers perhaps more than any other maker/DIYer group. Here are some blog posts which may be useful as you research this powerful and influential audience: [DIY Automotive Aftermarket Industry Trends and Insights](https://blog.anthonythomas.com/diy-automotive-aftermarket-industry-trends-and-insights) [Why Auto DIY? The Motivations Behind DIY Automotive Work](https://blog.anthonythomas.com/why-do-auto-diyers-do-their-own-repairs) [The Automotive DIYer Buyer's Journey](https://blog.anthonythomas.com/the-auto-diy-buyers-journey) To learn a little more about automotive DIYers, scroll down to find video of our focus group, some handy downloads from primary and secondary research, and transcripts of our 1-on-1 interviews from our original interview series — [The Maker Files.](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files) ![Auto-DIYer-Kidd](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/Maker%20Assets/Automotive%20DIYers/Auto-DIYer-Kidd.jpg?width=614&name=Auto-DIYer-Kidd.jpg "Auto-DIYer-Kidd") ## The Maker Files ## 1-on-1 Interviews Get to know the people behind the automotive DIYer market segment with our original interview series — [The Maker Files](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files) — where we dig deep into what they do, how and why they do it, their purchasing habits, and what they need from the brands that support them. Full interview transcripts available. [![Brian Suter Classic G-Body Garage](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20-%20Maker%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20Image%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20Image%20Assets%20-%20Automotive%20DIYers/Brian-Suter-G-Body-Garage-with-Logo-1920x1080.png?width=640&name=Brian-Suter-G-Body-Garage-with-Logo-1920x1080.png "Brian Suter Classic G-Body Garage")](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/brian-suter-automotive-restoration/) ## [Brian Suter](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/brian-suter-automotive-restoration/) ### Classic G-Body Garage Brian has built a massive following on Facebook and YouTube through sharing DIY advice focused on the style of cars he loves most. He believes more than half the fun is in the actual DIY process, not just the end result. [![See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20-%20Maker%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20CTAs/See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png?width=200&height=33&name=See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png)](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/brian-suter-automotive-restoration/) [![Cameron VanDerHorst Cammed & Tubbed Podcast](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20-%20Maker%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20Image%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20Image%20Assets%20-%20Automotive%20DIYers/Cameron-Vanderhorst-Cammed-and-Tubbed-with-Logo-1920x1080.png?width=640&name=Cameron-Vanderhorst-Cammed-and-Tubbed-with-Logo-1920x1080.png "Cameron VanDerHorst Cammed & Tubbed Podcast")](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/cameron-vanderhorst-automotive-diyer-and-podcaster/) ## [Cameron VanDerHorst](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/cameron-vanderhorst-automotive-diyer-and-podcaster/) ### Cammed & Tubbed Podcast Cameron is a lifelong automotive DIYer who has become an influencer in the DIY community through his weekly Q&A-style automotive podcast. The aftermarket manufacturers he remains most loyal to are those that provide tutorial videos and PDFs. [![See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20-%20Maker%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20CTAs/See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png?width=200&height=33&name=See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png)](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/cameron-vanderhorst-automotive-diyer-and-podcaster/) [![Brian-Sullivan - automotive DIYer enthusiast](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/Brian-Sullivan-1920x1080.png?width=640&name=Brian-Sullivan-1920x1080.png "Brian-Sullivan - automotive DIYer enthusiast")](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/brian-sullivan-automotive-diyer/) ## [Brian Sullivan](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/brian-sullivan-automotive-diyer/) ### Automotive DIYer and Enthusiast Brian originally learned to fix his own car to save money in college, but his real passion is in the process and the social aspect of sharing his projects. He's loyal to the brands that work and avoids the ones with which he's had negative experiences. [![See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20-%20Maker%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20CTAs/See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png?width=200&height=33&name=See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png)](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/brian-sullivan-automotive-diyer/) [![David Kidd - gearhead automotive enthusiast DIYer](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/David-Kidd-1920x1080.png?width=640&name=David-Kidd-1920x1080.png "David Kidd - gearhead automotive enthusiast DIYer")](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/david-kidd-gearhead/) ## [David Kidd](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/david-kidd-gearhead/) ### Self-proclaimed "Gearhead"  David was maintaining and repairing motorcycles at the age of 12, and still races vintage bikes today. Between racing and completing car detailing projects on the side, David does almost all of his DIY shopping online. [![See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20-%20Maker%20Assets/2017%20Maker%20CTAs/See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png?width=200&height=33&name=See-Full-Interview-Button-D3CBB0.png)](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/david-kidd-gearhead/) ## Downloadable Resources to Help Your Brand Reach and Connect with Automotive DIYers [![The Auto Motives: A Brand's Guide for Marketing to Automotive DIYers](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/2018%20Ebooks/Auto_Motive_Back.jpg?width=640&name=Auto_Motive_Back.jpg "The Auto Motives: A Brand's Guide for Marketing to Automotive DIYers")](http://offers.anthonythomas.com/the-auto-motives-a-brands-guide-to-marketing-to-automotive-diyers) #### [FREE EBOOK:](http://offers.anthonythomas.com/the-auto-motives-a-brands-guide-to-marketing-to-automotive-diyers) #### [*A Brand's Guide to Marketing to Automotive DIYers*](http://offers.anthonythomas.com/the-auto-motives-a-brands-guide-to-marketing-to-automotive-diyers) Read up on all our automotive DIYer research in this 7-page Ebook packed with statistics, quotes, and over 20 other crucial insights that will help you connect with DIYers today. [![Download Today](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/Download-TODAY-button-F2EEE2.png?width=200&height=32&name=Download-TODAY-button-F2EEE2.png)](http://offers.anthonythomas.com/the-auto-motives-a-brands-guide-to-marketing-to-automotive-diyers) [![Focus Group - How Automotive DIYers Use the Web & Social Media](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/Automotive-Focus-Group-Screen-Cap-1920x1080.png?width=640&name=Automotive-Focus-Group-Screen-Cap-1920x1080.png "Focus Group - How Automotive DIYers Use the Web & Social Media")](http://offers.anthonythomas.com/focus-group-video-how-automotive-diyers-use-the-web-and-social-media) #### [FOCUS GROUP VIDEO:](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/focus-group-video-how-automotive-diyers-use-the-web-and-social-media) #### [*How Automotive DIYers Use the Web & Social Media*](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/focus-group-video-how-automotive-diyers-use-the-web-and-social-media) Sit in on this conversation between real automotive DIYers to learn how they use the internet & social media to research products and brands, hone their skills, and connect with one another. [![Download Today](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/Download-TODAY-button-F2EEE2.png?width=200&height=32&name=Download-TODAY-button-F2EEE2.png)](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/focus-group-video-how-automotive-diyers-use-the-web-and-social-media) [![10 Types of Content Makers Love](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/2018%20Ebooks/Content-Makers-Love-Cover-DiamondPlate-Background-1920x1080.png?width=640&name=Content-Makers-Love-Cover-DiamondPlate-Background-1920x1080.png "10 Types of Content Makers Love")](http://offers.anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files-ten-types-of-content-makers-love) #### [FREE EBOOK:](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files-ten-types-of-content-makers-love) #### [*10 Types of Content Makers Love*](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files-ten-types-of-content-makers-love) Discover the 10 most popular types of content makers have told us they love and tips for leveraging your own content to help your brand connect and engage with today's makers. [![Download Today](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/Download-TODAY-button-F2EEE2.png?width=200&height=32&name=Download-TODAY-button-F2EEE2.png)](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files-ten-types-of-content-makers-love) [![Maker-Files-Banner-1920x1080-min](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/Maker%20Assets/Maker-Files-Banner-1920x1080-min.jpg?width=640&name=Maker-Files-Banner-1920x1080-min.jpg "Maker-Files-Banner-1920x1080-min")](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files) #### [1 ON 1 INTERVIEWS:](https:anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/) #### [The Maker Files:](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files-ten-types-of-content-makers-love)*[ Original Interview Series featuring Today's Makers & DIYers](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files-ten-types-of-content-makers-love)* Each month we sit down with new makers & DIYers to learn more about their projects, how they acquire information, their purchase processes, and what they want/need from the brands that support them. We document each interview (video / transcript) and deliver it to you in a series we call The Maker Files. [![View The Maker Files](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/View-The-Maker-Files-Button-F2EEE2.png?width=200&height=32&name=View-The-Maker-Files-Button-F2EEE2.png)](https:anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/) ## Some of Our Favorite Projects for Leading Automotive Aftermarket Brands [![Dupli-Color Scout Restoration Project](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/ATA%20Projects%20Header%20Images/DC-Scout-1920x1080.jpg?width=640&name=DC-Scout-1920x1080.jpg "Dupli-Color Scout Restoration Project")](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/project-vehicle-content-series-to-engage-target-audience-1969-international-scout/) #### [Project Vehicle Content Series | 1969 International Scout](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/project-vehicle-content-series-to-engage-target-audience-1969-international-scout/) We rebuilt a 1969 International Scout in our Content Studio and chronicled the process over 13 video episodes to demonstrate Dupli-Color's full product offering. The entire program culminated with a live reveal of the restored vehicle at SEMA. **[Learn more.](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/project-vehicle-content-series-to-engage-target-audience-1969-international-scout/)** [![Barrett-Jackson Restoration Series](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/ATA%20Projects%20Header%20Images/Barrett-Jackson-Restoration-Series-1262x710.jpg?width=640&name=Barrett-Jackson-Restoration-Series-1262x710.jpg "Barrett-Jackson Restoration Series")](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/helping-a-brand-break-into-a-new-channel-of-distribution/) #### [Helping a Brand Break Into a New Channel of Distribution](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/helping-a-brand-break-into-a-new-channel-of-distribution/) We leveraged package design, point-of-sale merchandising, web development, video, and even a :15s commercial spot to help Sherwin-Williams launch a new product into Pep Boys. **[Learn more.](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/helping-a-brand-break-into-a-new-channel-of-distribution/)** [![Dupli-Color Bed Armor](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/ATA%20Projects%20Header%20Images/Dupli-Color-Bed-Armor-Launch-1262x710.jpg?width=640&name=Dupli-Color-Bed-Armor-Launch-1262x710.jpg "Dupli-Color Bed Armor")](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/integrated-product-launch-program-displace-competition/) #### [Integrated Product Launch Program to Displace the Competition](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/integrated-product-launch-program-displace-competition/) Our program featuring video, promotion, web development, and a :30s spot helped Dupli-Color break into a new category at all aftermarket retailers and disrupted the competitive landscape. **[Learn more.](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/integrated-product-launch-program-displace-competition/)** [![Matco Pitbull Toolbox](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/ATA%20Projects%20Header%20Images/Matco-Pitbull-1920x1080.jpg?width=640&name=Matco-Pitbull-1920x1080.jpg "Matco Pitbull Toolbox")](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/introducing-a-new-product-without-saying-a-word/) #### [Introducing a New Product Without Saying a Word](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/introducing-a-new-product-without-saying-a-word/) "Bullet points" aren't always the best way to communicate features & benefits. With a little creativity (and video) sometimes you don't have to say anything at all. **[Learn more.](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/introducing-a-new-product-without-saying-a-word/)** [![Dupli-Color VHT Truck vs Truck](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/ATA%20Projects%20Header%20Images/Dupli-Color-Truck-vs-Truck-1920x1080.jpg?width=640&name=Dupli-Color-Truck-vs-Truck-1920x1080.jpg "Dupli-Color VHT Truck vs Truck")](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/project-vehicle-content-series-to-engage-target-audience-98-chevy-s10-85-toyota-pickup/) #### [Project Vehicle Content Series | 1998 Chevy S10 & 1985 Toyota Pickup](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/project-vehicle-content-series-to-engage-target-audience-98-chevy-s10-85-toyota-pickup/) Leveraging one brand's popularity with the target audience, we created a video series to jointly promote its sister brand. **[Learn more.](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/project-vehicle-content-series-to-engage-target-audience-98-chevy-s10-85-toyota-pickup/)** [![Reese Go Anywhere Take Anything](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20ATA%20Assets/ATA%20Projects%20Header%20Images/Reese-Go-Anywhere-Take-Anything-1920x1080.jpg?width=640&name=Reese-Go-Anywhere-Take-Anything-1920x1080.jpg "Reese Go Anywhere Take Anything")](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/geo-targeted-promotion-to-drive-regional-in-store-sales/) #### [Geo-Targeted Promotion to Drive Regional In-Store Sales](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/geo-targeted-promotion-to-drive-regional-in-store-sales/) We created an engaging promotion based around a rebate program supported by a digital ad campaign that ran in key metro areas to engage the target audience and drive in-store sales. **[Learn more.](https://anthonythomas.com/featured_item/geo-targeted-promotion-to-drive-regional-in-store-sales/)** # We're ATA ATA is a creative marketing and advertising agency that has helped brands successfully market their products to makers and DIYers for over 30 years. But more than that, we've helped them create authentic connections with these powerful and influential audiences. Here's a little more about us: ### We Know Makers & DIYers ATA understands today’s makers & DIYers. We know their language, how they access information, their process. We know them, in part, because we ARE them, because we've put in the work to get to know them better, and because we’ve spent the last 30 years helping brands connect with them. [Learn more](https://anthonythomas.com/we-know-makers/) ### Project-Based, Full-Service Agency ATA is a full-service agency with the experience, tools and resources to bring your marketing programs to life quickly and effectively — on time and on budget. We can work with you on a project-to-project basis or on an ongoing engagement — whatever makes the best sense for your business. [Learn more](https://anthonythomas.com/what-we-do/) ### Our Work Moves People We’ve proven that we can deliver solutions that engage makers and DIYers and deliver results. Our work spans a number of national brands in various segments. Take a look at some of our best work to see our approach and our capabilities. [Learn more](https://anthonythomas.com/what-weve-done/) ### Our Space Sets Us Apart Our 15,000 sq. ft. building serves as both the creative space where ideas are conceived and our Maker Studio where we bring them to life. We can build sets that can remain standing to create episodic content. Our 60' x 100' Cyclorama Wall allows for “green-screen” effects and seamless backgrounds for large scale photography and video. Combined with our in-house editing capabilities, we can produce and activate content within hours. [Learn more](https://anthonythomas.com/why-ata/our-space/) ### Long-Lasting Partnerships We do our best work when we get an opportunity to partner with our clients — and we’ve fortunate to have had long-standing partnerships with many great brands. Maybe it’s because we have beer on tap… or perhaps it’s because we’ve helped them deliver results. Either way, we appreciate and take great pride in the partnerships that we’ve developed. [Learn more](https://anthonythomas.com/brands/) ### We've Been In Your Shoes Our staff has a wide range of career experience — product development, product management, and marketing management in multi-channel and multi-step distribution models — so we deliver a unique set of strategic competencies beyond the “traditional” agency experience. We know the challenges you face and the constraints that you need to work within because we’ve been in your shoes. And that means our solutions are grounded in reality — not the pie-in-the-sky, budget-busting ideas that you might get elsewhere. [Learn more](https://anthonythomas.com/why-ata/about-us/) ##### How Can We Help? Please fill out the form below and let us know how we might be of assistance. If you'd rather talk to us directly, please don't hesitate to call us at 330.253.6888. [![](https://resources.anthonythomas.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ata_logo_tan_stacked.png?width=301&height=188&name=ata_logo_tan_stacked.png "ata_logo_tan_stacked.png")](https://anthonythomas.com) 727 South Broadway Street Akron, OH 44311 330.253.6888   [![Facebook](https://anthonythomas.com/wp-content/themes/ata2017/img/icon-Facebook-F2EEE2.png "Facebook")](https://www.facebook.com/pg/ATAWeMovePeople/) [![Instagram](https://anthonythomas.com/wp-content/themes/ata2017/img/icon-Instagram-F2EEE2.png "Instagram")](https://www.instagram.com/ata_we_move_people/) [![YouTube](https://anthonythomas.com/wp-content/themes/ata2017/img/icon-YouTube-F2EEE2.png "YouTube")](https://www.youtube.com/ATAWeMovePeople) [![LinkedIn](https://anthonythomas.com/wp-content/themes/ata2017/img/icon-LinkedIn-F2EEE2.png "LinkedIn")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/anthony-thomas-advertising/) [![Twitter](https://anthonythomas.com/wp-content/themes/ata2017/img/icon-Twitter-F2EEE2.png "Twitter")](https://twitter.com/ATA_MovesPeople) ###### Useful Links - [Why ATA](https://anthonythomas.com/why-ata/) - [What We Do](https://anthonythomas.com/what-we-do/) - [What We've Done](https://anthonythomas.com/what-weve-done/) - [Who We've Worked With](https://anthonythomas.com/brands/) - [We Know Makers](https://anthonythomas.com/we-know-makers/) - [The Maker Files](https://anthonythomas.com/the-maker-files/) - [We Blog](https://blog.anthonythomas.com/) - [Contact ATA](https://anthonythomas.com/contact-ata/) - [Terms & Conditions](https://anthonythomas.com/terms-and-conditions/) ###### Get Our Newsletter Sign up to receive updates from us (no more than 1-2 per month, we promise). We'll send you cool projects we've completed, new Maker Profiles and even some free "stuff". Sign up today! ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=217949611932239&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=193225&fmt=gif) ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=193225&fmt=gif)