We have brought you plenty of ADV1 news in the past few years, many of which were based upon the people making things happen. You all had a chance to learn how Jordan Swerdloff and Miguel Bolanos started and executed a near flawless business model that led to the success of ADV1, but we now have a chance to go deeper into the larger organization that ADV1 is and learn more about the other individuals you may never have heard of whose behind the scenes work helps bring this amazing brand to life everyday…
Meet Matt, Terrence, and Carlos, three people who spend their days working behind the scenes to ensure ADV1 wheels continue to reach the masses. We had a chance to catch up with these three to discuss how they got involved with ADV1 and teach the rest of us a few tricks on what its like to work for such a fast paced organization.
Matt handles all online media distribution, car forum presence, Facebook, as well as retail and wholesale inquires for orders. He also directly works with Jordan on a various projects aimed at keeping ADV.1 ahead of the curve. Here is what Matt had to say about working at ADV1.
Why are you essential to the success of ADV1?
I don’t know that I’m essential but I’m certainly helpful to be a familiar “face” out there in the various online car communities that is making an effort to be involved and answer questions about our products (or anything in general) when appropriate. I designed our Facebook fanpage, online store, and am responsible for re-launching our blog that has nearly continuous updates of new ADV.1 goodness each week.
Why did you join ADV1?
I joined ADV.1 because it was a company I admired and knew they were doing things differently. I felt honored to be given the opportunity and to this day it isn’t a position I take for granted. I work for the most innovative and progressive wheel company in the business and to me if i’m going to be involved with a company I want to be involved with THE company in the industry doing the stuff everyone is talking about.
What is it like to work for Jordan?
It’s a constant ongoing process of always working on the next thing. There is no downtime. He’s very demanding, not in a bad way, but in the fact that he’s always thinking about the next step and how to get to the next level.
Whats the best part of working at ADV1?
Being part of a tight knit company that is always striving to do things a bit better than anyone else (and even ourselves)… that and the amazing in house photoshops we do of one another.
Whats the worst part of having deal with Jordan and Miguel everyday?
I find Miguel’s hair style to be very distracting but other than that there really isn’t a worst part. Everyone helps each other out and you never feel like you’re about to get thrown under the bus for a mistake. Public ridicule maybe – but that’s all part of our slightly odd in house work dynamic.
What did you do before ADV1?
I traded in the futures market as a professional daytrader for 5 years in between designing websites.
How does you past experience help you today?
I don’t think past experience really does. What I’ve found to be very important is that you need to be on point to work for this company. No un-returned phone calls or emails – constant reminders and communication to make sure things are done on time and problems are sorted out before they occur. Being very organized is a key to success that everyone needs in almost any profession if you want to impress your boss, clients, and coworkers.
Where do you see ADV1 heading?
Onwards and upwards. But apparently we need some more hyper exotica to put wheels on because we’re running out of cool new cars to modify. ADV.1 Koenigsegg anyone? Yes please!
Terrence Ng is the Production Manager (production management, manufacturing development & organization) and pretty much oversees every order and makes sure wheels get completed to spec as ordered within reasonable timeframes. He also oversee the California facility and manages quality control/production of wheels.
Why are you essential to the success of ADV1?
I’m the eyes/ears for Miami and the person to keep things in check out of the production facility. Coming from a math background in college, I deal with problem solving on a daily basis. There are always ongoing problems/bottlenecks and it’s up to me to keep production as smooth as possible and provide quality wheels our customers expect/want. This helps alleviate the unnecessary stress in Miami so they can focus on the creative/sales to keep ADV.1 running strong.
Why did you join ADV1?
I’ve been working with Jordan and Miguel for a couple years now back when I was doing marketing at my previous employer at a tire manufacturer. I was able to see the focus/dedication these two put in. The marketing/quality of these wheels speak for itself and when the opportunity came, I was pleased/grateful to be part of the team. The automotive industry is what I’m most familiar with and being part of ADV.1 definitely makes my life more exciting given the caliber of exotic/high end vehicles we cater to on a daily basis.
What is it like to work for Jordan?
Jordan definitely keeps you on your feet each day. There’s a lot that goes through his head and it’s pretty crazy to see how things get handled. He puts the customer first and we do what it takes to keep the customer happy. I learned a lot from him since I started and he puts a huge effort in keeping everyone closely together. Everyone enjoys working with each other and keep communication optimal even though we’re thousands of miles apart from each other.
What’s the best part of working at ADV1?
The personality/fun environment working here. Things get crazy busy around here so the funny photoshops/threads keep my head up a lot of times. Also, seeing customers post their pictures with our wheels on make it all worth it. We work hard to get customers what they want and seeing positive feedback daily is an awesome feeling. We’re an up and coming company and I love to see us grow each day as more people look up to what we do.
What’s the worst part of having deal with Jordan and Miguel everyday?
Lol, I need some more time to think about this one.
What do you drive? Tell us about it and why you drive it?
BMW E92 M3… it was my dream car! I never thought it would be possible to own one but Jordan made it happen! It’s my daily driver and I can’t think of a better car to get to/from work each day reliably/comfortably and, at the same time, push you back in the seat whenever you want.
What did you do before ADV1?
I worked at a tire manufacturer before joining ADV.1 as a Marketing Analyst. I took care of the import (Japanese/European markets) and helped expand our brand/sales within the sport compact/drift/luxury segment within the auto industry. I worked on advertisements, online marketing, data analysis, etc. This is where I met Jordan and Miguel when they were at 360 Forged and they helped a great deal with my previous company’s success in understanding this new high performance/luxury market that we weren’t too familiar with.
How does your past experience help you today?
I worked for a demanding company that helped keep me organized/focused. This experience helps me control/maintain everything on the production end. I’ve also been familiar with the aftermarket auto industry so this knowledge/passion definitely keeps my fuel going.
Carlos Buitrago does Sales/Wholesale Management. His primary focus is to manage their dealer network and help identify new dealers. Anyone who is in sales and effective is a very important member of the team as they ultimately directly impact the bottom line.
Why are you essential to the success of ADV1?
I have been here since the beginning of ADV1. I have created and maintained a solid dealer network over the last 2 years which has directly resulted in a high volume of sales for the company.
Why did you join ADV1?
Actually, I was thrown in the back of a truck with a bag over my head, so you can say I was chosen by ADV1. J/K! Honestly I knew I wanted to be part of this team after seeing the design concepts because I believed in the product itself. I wanted to be apart something cutting edge, something GREAT.
What is it like to work for Jordan?
Of course the correct answer is to say Jordan is the most amazing boss ever, but it’s actually like working for a self-absorbed, bi-polar 5 year old. Hahaha! I have known Jordan for quite some time now & can honestly say he has a heart of gold. I know that he cares deeply about his employees and has a forward-thinking vision for the company which motivates the team.
Whats the best part of working at ADV1?
Having post-it fights! The best part is creating a product that is innovative, and there is no better satisfaction than seeing our product on the road.
Whats the worst part of having to deal with Jordan and Miguel everyday?
Next question please. Hahaha!
What do you drive? tell us about it and why you drive it?
I drive a 2006 C6 Coupe Corvette with a ZR1 Conversion Body, or as Jordan would call it, the first ZR1 motor and brake conversion downgrade. When I was young, my dad owned a 1979 Corvette. The best part was that he would start the car with a screwdriver. I guess you can say I wanted to be like my dad.
What did you do before ADV1?
I worked as an IT Specialist at a credit union.
How does you past experience help you today?
My corporate experience coupled with my winning personality has helped me build strong relationships with my dealers because they can relate to me on a professional and personal level.
Where do you see ADV1 heading?
To success, as all of our hard work pays off everyday already. It is difficult to see anything but a brighter light at the end of a tunnel already well lit.
We would like to take a minute and thank the entire ADV1 team for taking the time to share their success with us as well as help educate others on how a successful team comes together to make a brand come to life. Join us next month as we unveil the insane marketing strategy that ADV1 used to re-invent car photography and the mastermind photographer behind it.
