When I set out to build The Customized Ride, I knew I wanted it to be something bigger than myself. With The Chris & Sandy Show, the brand was tied directly to our names and our story. That worked for what we were doing at the time, but I didn’t want to repeat that model in the automotive space.
The name The Customized Ride was intentional. I didn’t want to be the brand. I wanted to create a platform that could stand on its own—something that wasn’t limited to my identity, but instead could grow into a full business, community, and movement within the custom car world.
By separating the brand from my name, it opens the door for growth. This way, I can bring in other auto creators, builders, and enthusiasts under the umbrella of The Customized Ride. It’s not just about me, it’s about giving a voice and a spotlight to the entire culture of customization, from hotrods and classics to lowriders, muscle cars, and racing.
In short, The Customized Ride was built to be a brand that belongs to the community, not just one person.
🚗 Lessons from the Build
What I’ve realized is that the journey of creating a brand is a lot like the journey of rebuilding a life. Both require vision, patience, and a willingness to let go of ego so something greater can rise.
When I was in addiction, my life was about me. My needs. My pain. My silence. That selfishness was poison. It almost destroyed my marriage, my future, and everything God had planned for me. But when I finally surrendered, God started to build something bigger than me. He reminded me of this truth:
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1
The same applies to this brand. If I build it only for myself, it’s empty. But if I build it to serve others, to spotlight their creativity, and to inspire community, then it becomes something lasting, something eternal.
🛠 Customizing a Ride vs. Customizing a Life
The car world is built on the idea of customization. No two rides are the same. Each one reflects the personality, vision, and skill of the builder. And isn’t life the same way?
God didn’t create us to be carbon copies. He created us to be living, breathing testimonies of His grace. Just like a builder strips down a car, sands off the rust, and rebuilds it into something new, God does the same with us. My life is proof of that. I lived in ruins for 19 years, but when I handed my brokenness to Him, He rebuilt me piece by piece.
That’s why I believe The Customized Ride is more than a car brand—it’s a metaphor for what God can do with anyone’s story.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
🔑 The Big Takeaway
For me, The Customized Ride is a reminder that life and business are not just about building something for yourself. They’re about creating something that outlives you.
- In cars, that means building a culture where every enthusiast feels welcome.
- In faith, that means living a life where your ruins aren’t the end, but the foundation for redemption.
- In business, that means creating platforms where others can shine.
God took my ruins and turned them into a testimony. And now, He’s given me the vision to build something in the automotive space that’s bigger than just “Chris Benton.”
Because at the end of the day, it was never just about me, it’s about what God can do through me for others.
✍️ Chris Benton
Founder of The Customized Ride
Author of Rising from the RUINS
