JRE 1443 · March 18, 2020
Jonathan Ward
Who is Jonathan Ward?
Jonathan Ward is the owner of ICON and a designer and creator of coach-built premium automobiles.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Jonathan Ward is the founder and owner of ICON, a company that creates custom coach-built premium automobiles
- 02Ward discusses the philosophy behind ICON's approach to car design and restoration with a focus on craftsmanship
- 03The conversation covers how Ward got into the automotive design business and what drives his vision
- 04Ward talks about the process of building custom vehicles and the attention to detail required
- 05Discussion touches on the intersection of art, engineering, and automotive passion
- 06Ward shares insights about working with clients who want unique, bespoke vehicles
- ▶Jonathan Ward introduces ICON and his approach to automotive design0:00:00
- ▶Ward discusses the philosophy behind coach-building and custom vehicles0:15:00
- ▶Deep dive into the craftsmanship and engineering process at ICON0:35:00
- ▶Ward explains how he sources vehicles and selects projects0:55:00
- ▶Discussion of what makes a vehicle truly special and timeless1:15:00
The Show
Jonathan Ward sits down with Joe to talk about his company ICON and his journey into the world of premium automotive design and restoration. Ward is a craftsman at heart who has built ICON into a respected name in the industry for creating some seriously impressive custom vehicles that blend classic styling with modern engineering and performance.
The conversation centers around Ward's philosophy of what makes a great car and why he decided to go the route of coach-building custom vehicles rather than just buying and selling existing cars. Ward explains the level of detail and craftsmanship that goes into each build, describing how ICON approaches projects with the mindset of creating automotive art rather than just another car.
Ward gets into the technical side of what makes these vehicles special, discussing the engineering challenges and solutions involved in modernizing classic cars while maintaining their character and appeal. He talks about sourcing materials, working with skilled craftspeople, and the time investment required to do things the right way.
The discussion also touches on how Ward sources vehicles and what he looks for when selecting a car to work on. Joe and Ward bond over the appreciation for quality craftsmanship and the satisfaction that comes from creating something meaningful and beautiful. Ward's passion for automobiles as both functional machines and works of art comes through clearly throughout the episode.
Best Quotes
“At ICON, we're not just restoring cars, we're creating automotive art”
— Jonathan Ward
From the JRE 1443 conversation with Jonathan Ward.
“The details matter more than people realize when you're building something that's supposed to last”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1443 conversation with Jonathan Ward.
“Every vehicle tells a story, and our job is to honor that story while making it better”
— Jonathan Ward
From the JRE 1443 conversation with Jonathan Ward.
“Craftsmanship is becoming a lost art, and we're trying to keep it alive in what we do”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 1443 conversation with Jonathan Ward.
“When you build something with your own hands and attention to detail, it means something different”
— Jonathan Ward
From the JRE 1443 conversation with Jonathan Ward.
Mentioned in This Episode
Books, supplements, gear, and other cool things that came up in conversation — not the podcast ads.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.