This guy just about does it all — which is key when creating top shelf Airstream renovations. It takes a well-coordinated team of professionals to execute the job right.

One of the coolest things about running a vintage Airstream restoration company in Santa Barbara is everything is so convenient – literally within five blocks. There are excellent subcontractors and suppliers at the tip of our fingers ready to provide everything from to Apple computers to zinc plated screws. We’ve got specialty tools, recycled wood, exotic flooring, and more.

Just about every day we need a master plumber, HVAC and electric wizard, audio expert, or solar systems specialist. Fortunately, we make just one call: 1-800-Seth. And if he can’t do it, he knows someone who can, because he’s a true local who’s lived here since homes were going for less than $100,000.

We’d like to introduce you to Seth Reid, a pretty neat guy, who was born and raised in the Santa Barbara foothills where he “explored the great outdoors as a kid and hasn’t stopped discovering cool stuff about the Central Coast.”

HofArc: How are you involved in HofArc’s Airstream restorations?

Seth: My role is to produce the systems, such as electrical – I work with 12v, 110v, and 240v – as well as installing inverters, converters and solar. I handle the rough-in and installation of appliances for bathrooms, kitchens, lighting, solar, audio and video. I also work with systems for fresh and wastewater, gas and hydraulics.

HofArc: How did you get started in with systems?

Seth: I’ve been taking things apart and putting them back together for as long as I can remember. My father was a graphic designer so I did a lot of drawing and painting. In high school I started experimenting with different mediums. Then, like most 16 year olds, I got into cars and motorcycles. I enjoyed the complexity of moving parts and how they worked together to make a complete package.

Later, I became more mechanically inclined with my grandparents building small train sets and remote control planes, cars and boats.

HofArc: So taking apart and building stuff was a hobby?

Seth: I’ve always enjoyed tinkering with mechanical things. By age 20 I discovered I could make decent money repairing cars. Eventually, I segued into adapting cars that were built one way and making them better, more powerful, and more efficient. This interest led to a career in accident safety research.

HofArc: So you sort of a CSI guy? Can you tell us more about this?

Seth: For several years I worked with attorneys to help analyze auto crash scenes to determine what could have been done to avoid accidents. My work contributed to three National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports. I also worked on structural analysis of vehicles for a local company that did real-world rollover studies, and recommended SUV stability control modifications to improve occupant safety. It was gratifying to see that our recommendations were passed.

HofArc: You sound like an inventor – are you?

Seth: I don’t know about that, but I’m always up for discovering something new. My favorite famous people tend to be inventors, and I like movie mysteries and action scenes with car chases and explosions.

HofArc: Working on vintage Airstreams seems like a good fit for you – is it?

Seth: It is a great fit. I like newer techy stuff, but prefer to work with older mechanical and structural systems. In the past few years, manufacturers have made a lot of shortcuts trying to make things lighter and cheaper. I prefer the way things were done in the past, I guess.

HofArc: What’s the most interesting Airstream project you’ve worked on?

Seth: I enjoyed working on the 31-foot hotel suite-type conversion, called Phoenix (click here for a recent blog). It was challenging to remove all the old-style electrical, gas and plumbing systems then figure out how to update it with a modern function. A lot of complicated, home-style systems are hidden underneath. I know I’ve done my job right when it’s easy for the end user and it works, seamlessly.

HofArc: We’ve also heard you have some exciting news in your life. Want to share it?

Seth: Of course… I’m a new dad. She’s a gorgeous girl named Aubreanna Marie Reid. Being a father has changed my outlook on where I’m going and what I’m doing. Before baby, things were more about what I was doing, what I wanted. Now it’s more about what’s good for her. Fatherhood changes your perspective on life from the short term to the bigger picture.

HofArc: What’s it like working for HofArc?

Seth: I’ve worked for several companies, but the dynamics at HofArc are pretty unique. There’s an excellent group of specialists that connect and overlap very well together. Every component I install affects another tradesman’s work, and their work affects mine, so it’s critical that each of us communicates well, and does our job right. There’s lots of support, trust and synergy. HofArc’s work yard is also a fun place to be. It’s serious work, but the culture is relaxed.