RONCEVERTE W.Va. (WVDN) – After a challenging year that nearly ended his thriving custom vehicle business, Jason Hedrick and his shop, Hedrick’s Customs, have returned to Ronceverte to widespread acclaim from loyal customers.
For years, Hedrick built a reputation in Ronceverte for providing specialized vehicle services, ranging from custom modifications and radio installations to window tinting and detailing. His shop became a trusted name in the local automotive community, earning steady clientele through consistent quality and personalized attention.
However, in 2024, Hedrick faced an unexpected setback when the City of Ronceverte informed him he needed to vacate his longtime garage location. The sudden displacement left him scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Unable to secure another location in town, Hedrick reluctantly relocated his business nearly an hour away to Clifton Forge, Virginia.
The move proved difficult for both Hedrick and his customer base. The considerable distance made it inconvenient for many regular clients to continue frequenting his business, and Hedrick experienced a sharp downturn in business. “It was extremely tough,” Hedrick said. “We were worried we might have to close our doors for good.”
Despite the hardship, Hedrick persevered and kept the business operational in Clifton Forge through 2024, hoping for an opportunity to return closer to home. That chance finally arrived in early 2025 when Hedrick found an available garage back in Ronceverte. Steven Damon of Valor Construction happened to have a shop perfect for Hedrick. Seizing the opportunity, Hedrick quickly moved the business back to its original community, reopening to an immediate surge of enthusiastic customers.
“We’ve had so many customers come back, relieved that we’re back in town,” Hedrick said. “We’ve been pulling 60-70 hour work weeks just to keep up with the business. It’s been fantastic, and we’re so humbled by the wonderful response our clients have shown us, welcoming us back to the area.”
Since returning, Hedrick’s Customs has seen unprecedented demand, reaffirming Hedrick’s position in the community and demonstrating the value local customers place on his unique services. Hedrick attributes his business’s revival not just to his loyal clientele but also to the sense of community that Ronceverte embodies.
“It really showed me how important community is,” Hedrick noted. “Being away made me appreciate how much our business relies on those local connections. I feel incredibly grateful that the people here stuck with us and were waiting when we came back.”
Looking forward, Hedrick is optimistic about the future of Hedrick’s Customs. With a renewed location, heightened demand and strong community backing, he plans to continue expanding services and building on the trust he’s cultivated over the years.
“Ronceverte is our home,” Hedrick said. “And after everything we’ve been through, I couldn’t imagine running my business anywhere else.”
