Artistic Custom Cars is moving into the old public works building on Hwy58

By JOY KINGSBURY/for The Herald  —  You may have noticed the former City Public Works Building has taken on a new look. And, there will be many more new looks to come at that address. Ken and Jennifer Jordan purchased the building to bring their Artistic Custom Cars to Oakridge from Pleasant Hill. They expect to have a grand opening with a car show, poker run, and lots of fun for Oakridge to celebrate their new business in our town. Date yet to be determined.

The Jordan’s have always been active in their community and look forward to getting acquainted here in Oakridge. They are excited to become part of the community and getting to know, and be known, and to participate in festivals and activities here in Oakridge.

A car enthusiast at an early age

Ken Jordan was introduced to the automobile at age seven by his father, who was an enthusiastic auto buff. That is where this story begins. Ken grew up living and breathing cars in Pleasant Hill with his dad.

Ken and Jennifer met and married in the early nineties while both were employed at Car Star Collision in Eugene. Ken was a technician and Jennifer was in management. They have grown Artistic Custom Cars into a very impressive business where they are in process of expanding to Oakridge where they’ll set up shop in the former Public Works Building on the Highway.

Custom Cars is a family affair

Ken and Jennifer, married and settled in Pleasant Hill, raised three children who all grew up and graduated from Pleasant Hill High School. Jennifer has been President of the Booster Club at P. Hill for some 20 odd years and is having a difficult time giving that up. Their youngest daughter, Abby, is planning to take up residence in Oakridge as well. Abby is adept at upholstering cars and she, too, comes by it honestly after having been exposed to the car business all her life. Abby’s love of horsepower spilled over into the original form of horsepower, and Abby is an accomplished equestrian.

Ken’s passion for cars set him to dreaming about having his own shop and doing fine custom restorations for discerning clients. Finally, Ken and Jennifer took the plunge in 2006, cashed in all assets, raised as much money as they could and went for it. Jennifer obtained a degree in accounting in order to better look after the finances of the business.

The business has flourished. They are now making the move to become residents and business owners here in Oakridge. Ken and Jennifer have sparkling personalities and ready smiles. They are fun to know and their enthusiasm for their projects is contagious. They build high end cars with careful precision, and these cars are sold at prestigious auctions in Las Vegas and Scottsdale, AZ. Oakridge should benefit from the addition of their dynamic business.