Adam Johnston is the one guy who makes us shine literally. He’s the professional polisher of the HofArc Team. If you’ve never seen a craftsman at work, then the one guy you need see at work is Adam. His meticulous slight-of-hand is the reason every Airstream that rolls out our gate has that special “WOW!” factor. There’s something very special about these aluminum clad mirrors gleaming down the highway.
We hope you enjoy this inside look at a very special person. As they say, “Still water runs deep,” and Adam’s as peaceful as a tranquil pond, but there’s a whole lot more than a rotary buffing wheel spinning inside this guy’s world — he’s loaded with quick wit, charm and skill.
Enjoy…
HofArc: So, tell us a little about Adam, HofArc’s “Amazing Polishing Guru.”
Adam: I was born and raised in Santa Barbara. The majority of my family lives right here in the surrounding area. I attended San Marcos High School. For about three years I traveled a bunch and lived in Texas, Oregon and Pennsylvania. But I haven’t found anything I like as much as Santa Barbara – except for Austin, Texas. That’s close second.
I’m thinking about buying my own Airstream and living on my family’s orchard here on the Central Coast.
HofArc: How did you find this job with HofArc?
Adam: I came back into town from Philly and answered an ad on CraigsList for a polisher – I met you guys, we talked, and I started polishing. At first I thought this was a quick job, but it became regular.
HofArc: What’s it been like working for HofArc?
Adam: Dude! HofArc only had about five Airstreams when I started. I think I’ve polished a couple dozen since then. Almost a year later I’m still polishing trailers. I don’t think everyone’s cut out for this kind of work. You have to be patient and focused. I like plugging into some music and polishing. It’s my happy place.
A good polisher knows that every aluminum skin is different and what it takes to make them shine. All of the guys are really good about sharing what we’ve learned. I’ve done various other jobs around here, such as demoing some of the Airstreams, but I keep coming back to polishing.
HofArc: What do you do for fun and recreation?
Adam: I’m a rock climber, road cyclist, and hiker. I love exploring the backcountry birds, trees and plants. Going out in nature is fun. I also enjoy live music. Bluesy rock is my favorite, but I also like folk and blue grass. A band I follow is String Cheese Incident.
HofArc: What do you like about living in Santa Barbara?
Adam: The weather is the best! The geography with the mountains and the beaches so close to each other. The city architecture is pretty cool, too. Something else I enjoy is working on some of the local organic farms in the region that provide produce to the stores and farmer’s markets.
HofArc: How did you become interested in organic farming?
Adam: I’ve read books and the Internet are very helpful. Practicing it, too. Getting dirty and seeing what works. I apprenticed under my uncle – who’s been doing it for 42 years. He’s a great resource – he’s like an encyclopedia! He grows all types vegetables. His farm’s up in the Santa Ynez Valley, between the coast and the valley. I swear, in this area you can grow anything you want! There’s no better place to grow produce than in the valley.
The relationship between nature and mankind is important. I want to be a part of providing good nutritious food to people. It’s important what we eat. Although, I don’t eat the way I would like to. If I had my own garden I’d eat better. I definitely will someday, soon. Probably when I move into the orchard.
HofArc: What’s the best part about working at HofArc?
Adam: The people and the bosses are very cooperative. When I need to take an extended trip they work with me. I support the end result they want – which is all about quality. The atmosphere makes it fun for me. Everybody seems to work together pretty well.
It’s not a stressful job, at all.
HofArc: What do you hope to do in your career?
Adam: I want to be farmer, someday. It’s crazy to think how much farmers depend on the migrant farm workers. Without them we wouldn’t have produce in the markets. It would not be possible.
