Meet the Team

Date Started: Birth
Role: CEO/Founder
Personal Car: 1972 Chevy Suburban (The one I'll never sell!)

With a deep passion for automotive craftsmanship and a commitment to excellence, Phillip built Griot’s Motors to stand apart as a company defined by integrity, expertise, and an unwavering respect for the enthusiast community. His deep knowledge of classic cars married with market savvy, and his approachable leadership style are the driving force behind the company’s success. Griot’s Motors is the product of Phillip’s lifelong passion turned into a purpose-driven enterprise.

Date Started: 8/1/08
Role: Shop Foreman
Personal Vehicle: 1972 Volkswagen Beetle

Forrest Davis has been a key part of Griot’s organization since 2008, advancing from retail sales at Griot’s Garage to restoration and management. Forrest has deep knowledge of every facet of the restoration process and loves to get involved creatively with ongoing projects. Now shop foreman at Griot’s Motors, he manages the restoration department and assists in business strategy.

Date Started: 11/15/21
Role: Sales Manager
Personal Vehicle: 1990 BMW M3

John’s passion for cars began at an early age, inspired by his father, Jan. In 2008, he joined Audi, where he made a lasting impact before leaving his role as Internet Sales Manager. In 2014, he transitioned into the world of exotic and specialty cars, leading the sales division of a privately owned dealership specializing in Lamborghinis and American muscle cars. In 2021, John brought his expertise to Griot’s Motors, where he continues to play a pivotal role in growing the Sales Department.

Date Started: 8/24/2020
Role: Restoration Technician
Personal Vehicle: 2006 Mercedes E55 AMG

Jason joined Griot’s Motors in the early stages of business development as a highly qualified technician well versed in a variety of vehicles. He has a passion for all things that roll on rubber, and a reputation for having the fastest personal cars in our employee parking lot. Jason brings a positive attitude to everything he does, is a great person to collaborate and work with, and is very skilled in all mechanical aspects of the restoration process.

Date Started: 1/3/2022
Role: Restoration Technician
Personal Vehicle: 1988 Solution 496 cu. in. Jet boat

Brad came to us as a seasoned technician working for multiple large dealerships. He quickly adjusted to the differences between traditional mechanical work and restoration work and has become an integral part of our team. Brad is well organized, has exceptional diagnostic skills with old and new cars alike, and is great at finding areas to improve and perfect our internal processes.

Date Started: 8/22/2022
Role: Restoration Technician
Personal Vehicle: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Ute

Sam arrived at Griot’s Motors looking for a change from traditional technician/mechanic work. It didn’t take long for him to thrive in the restoration environment, and he tuned his skills to our process quickly. He has a diverse range of skillsets and a willingness to tackle any task or project. Sam never complains and is always willing to help get the job done!

Date Started: 2/6/2023
Role: Fabricator
Personal Vehicle: 1948 Dodge Coronet

Andy has the creative eye required of every talented fabricator. He arrived at Griot’s Motors hoping to expand his skillset and has since taken the reigns of the fabrication department. His responsibilities are diverse with sheet metal repair, custom bodywork, and tooling to assist the entire restoration department being a few. Andy has exceptional problem-solving ability and can make anything out of metal, but also has great general knowledge of all parts of a car that serve him to be a better fabricator.

Date Started: 11/12/19
Role: Paint Department Lead
Personal Vehicle: 1978 Datsun 280z

Taylor started with Griot’s Motors fresh from Clover Park Technical school after attending the Collision and Hot Rod/Restoration refinishing course. He started as a diligent working shop assistant and quickly proved himself a great asset and took over all painting responsibilities. He has an unshakable work ethic and keen eye for detail. He was involved in the beginning of Griot’s Motors as a new business in 2020 and now oversees the entire paint department.

Date Started: 1/3/2024
Role: Painter
Personal Vehicle: 1955 Chevrolet Suburban

Jon joined Griot's Motors with decades worth of paint knowledge specifically applicable to restorations, hot rods, and racecars. He has an unmatched reputation in our automotive community for producing some of the best paintwork in the Northwest. A multiple year Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance Best of Show winner, along with many other awards in the Hot Rod and Custom space, Jon’s portfolio of work in addition to his sunny personality make him a joy to work with.

Date Started: 4/10/2023
Role: Paint Prep Technician
Personal Vehicle: 1966 Plymouth Fury III

Matt started with Griot’s Motors with a lifelong passion for cars, and experience in the body/paint atmosphere. He has become essential to our paint process and has many responsibilities that help the paint department operate efficiently. He continues to grow his skill set with great guidance from experienced coworkers and an eye for no compromise perfection.

Date Started: 2/24/25
Role: Marketing Director
Personal Vehicle: 2017 VW Passat SE

Casey brings 20 years of marketing experience to the Griot's Motors team. Her finesse with lifestyle brands, meticulous eye for detail, and penchant for adventure equates to some serious marketing horsepower. For Casey, the best part of the job is connecting people with the things they love. The classic car enthusiast community inspires her greatly. She has yet to decide on a dream car, but it will be green.

Date Started: 1/20/25
Role: Photographer/Videographer
Personal Vehicle: 1991 Mazda Miata

Griots Motors is proud to have a talented Photographer/Videographer like Neri on our team. Sought out for his expertise in automotive media, he is the driving force behind all visual content representing the company. From studio photography to in-depth sales inventory imagery, Neri ensures every vehicle is captured with precision and artistry. His ability to blend creativity with technical excellence makes him an invaluable asset to our team. 

Date Started: 11/27/2023
Role: Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
Personal Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model 3

Soplan started with Griot's Motors as a temporary contract who has since been hired permanently in 2024 as our Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper. Soplan is a great person to work with, a team player, and has become essential in helping the accounting team meet important monthly deadlines.

Date Started: 11/15/21
Role: Chief Morale Officer

Blu has come a long way from a ruff puppyhood in the streets. An early graduate of the Griot’s Motors Employee Training Program, she quickly rose through the ranks with firm handshakes and intense eye contact. She excels at lunchroom floor cleanup and holds the track record for front office to paint booth (0:13.896). The shop operates under her watchful eye, unless she is asleep.