After seven seasons of Iron Resurrection, Joe Martin and Amanda Martin took a different path. Here’s what they’re doing now and why they left television behind.
Joe Martin has always been more than just a fabricator with a torch in his hand. He’s the kind of builder who sees possibility where others see rust and ruin—the guy who can look at a crumpled classic and already picture it roaring down the road with fresh lines, modern performance, and that unmistakable custom soul.
For years, millions of viewers watched that creative process unfold on Iron Resurrection, the MotorTrend series that followed Joe, his wife Amanda (or Mandi), and their tight-knit crew as they brought neglected vehicles back to life at Martin Bros Customs in the Texas Hill Country. But the story didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling. In many ways, it simply evolved into something even more authentic.
Today, in 2026, Joe Martin, and Amanda Martin are navigating the next chapter with the same hands-on energy that defined their television years. After seven successful seasons, they made the deliberate decision to step away from traditional network television. As they shared in a July 2025 Instagram post, they wrapped up their time with MotorTrend and went fully independent, creating content directly for their audience on YouTube and beyond. No more network restrictions, no more external deadlines dictating the pace—just the freedom to build what excites them and share the real process with fans who appreciate the craft.
From Biker Build-Off Roots to Television Stardom
Joe’s journey into the spotlight began long before Iron Resurrection. In the early 2000s, he and his brother were deeply involved in the motorcycle scene as the chopper craze took off. They caught the attention of television producers during the height of reality TV’s rise, landing a spot on Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off. What started as a competitive build against another fabricator became a career-defining moment. Almost overnight, the phones started ringing, people began showing up at the shop, and Martin Bros Customs transformed from a local operation into a nationally recognized name.
Joe has spoken candidly about how surreal that period felt. In a June 2026 YouTube interview, he recalled the chaos of those early productions: large camera crews, helicopter footage, and the pressure of building under tight deadlines in remote locations like Mexican Hat, Utah. One story that still stands out is riding motorcycles side by side on a deserted road while a camera operator hung from a helicopter just feet above them.
“It was crazy, man,” Joe laughed, describing the mix of excitement and disbelief.
Those experiences taught him both the power of visibility and the importance of staying true to the work itself.
That foundation of genuine craftsmanship carried over when Iron Resurrection premiered in 2016. The series gave viewers an inside look at the complete restoration process—from barn finds and roadside rescues to meticulous fabrication, welding, painting, and final detailing that transformed forgotten vehicles into rolling works of art. Joe’s ability to envision radical yet functional designs, combined with Amanda’s steady leadership on the business side, created a winning formula that resonated with automotive enthusiasts.
The Heart of the Operation: Joe and Amanda Martin
At its core, Martin Bros Customs has always been a family operation. Joe and Amanda’s partnership forms the backbone of everything they do. Amanda, who came from a background in banking, brought organizational strength and financial expertise that helped the shop grow, while Joe focused on the creative and technical aspects of each build. Their on-screen chemistry wasn’t manufactured—it reflected a genuine working relationship built on mutual respect and shared goals.
During their 2026 interview, the couple opened up about how they met and learned to combine their strengths. Joe reflected on the early years of balancing life in the shop with raising a growing family and navigating the challenges of running a business in an unpredictable industry. Amanda spoke about the satisfaction of seeing projects through from the initial hunt to the final handover, as well as the pride they both take in mentoring young builders.
Their story feels refreshingly grounded. There’s no Hollywood gloss—just two people who genuinely love what they do and each other enough to make it work, day after day, in a demanding trade.
Their move to independence gave them the freedom to showcase even more of that reality. On their YouTube channel, viewers now get longer-form content featuring detailed build logs, discussions about materials, real-time problem-solving, and the everyday rhythm of life inside the shop that television editing often had to condense. It’s the kind of access that feels less like watching a TV show and more like dropping by the shop on a random Tuesday—coffee in hand, music playing, and metal slowly taking shape under skilled hands.
While Joe often takes center stage, Amanda’s contributions have been just as important to the success of Martin Bros Customs. You can read more about her career, family life, and role in the business in our dedicated article on Amanda Martin.
Life After Seven Seasons: Freedom, Challenges, and New Horizons
Seven seasons of Iron Resurrection delivered unforgettable builds—restomod Camaros with modern powertrains, custom Harleys that blended old-school style with modern reliability, and trucks rescued from fields before being transformed into head-turning machines. The show captured both the excitement of a finished reveal and the inevitable setbacks that come with restoration, from hidden rust to delayed parts. When the network run came to an end, it wasn’t because of any dramatic fallout but rather a natural shift in priorities and the changing realities of television production.
Joe and Amanda have been open about the roller-coaster nature of making television. National exposure brought incredible opportunities, but it also came with tight production schedules, creative limitations, and the constant pressure of meeting network deadlines. The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity, forcing the team to adapt how they sourced parts and managed workflows. Stepping away from the network ultimately allowed them to regain control over both their timeline and the stories they wanted to tell.
Today, Martin Bros Customs continues its steady pace in Johnson City, Texas. Recent projects featured on their channels include refined Nova builds, Foxbody prototypes using 3D printing for fitment checks, and custom wheel collaborations that blend classic styling with modern performance. Joe still spends plenty of time handling fabrication himself, while the rest of the team tackles complex assembly, wiring, and finishing work. They’ve also shared that they’re actively looking for skilled craftsmen who share their commitment to high-end, one-off builds rather than production-line speed.
Attending events such as Run to the Sun keeps them closely connected to the wider automotive community. In footage from early 2026, Joe and Amanda can be seen walking the grounds, catching up with fellow builders and enthusiasts while occasionally surprising fans who recognized them from Iron Resurrection. Those interactions reinforce something that’s always been true about their approach: television fame was never the destination. The real passion has always been the builds and the people who appreciate them.
The Craft That Keeps Them Going
One of the qualities that continues to set Joe apart is his respect for both tradition and innovation. He values the original lines and proportions of classic American cars while embracing modern suspension systems, braking technology, and performance upgrades that make them more enjoyable to drive. During one recent discussion, Joe explained how the shop now prototypes certain components digitally before cutting metal—an evolution from the entirely hands-on methods that defined his early career.
Amanda frequently adds her perspective as well, discussing everything from material selection to customer communication and project management. Together, their complementary skill sets keep builds moving efficiently while maintaining the high standards that have become synonymous with Martin Bros Customs.
Working independently has also allowed the couple to tell more personal stories. Viewers now get to experience the satisfaction of seeing a body panel fit perfectly, the frustration of overcoming unexpected fabrication challenges, and the quiet pride that comes when a customer drives away in something truly one of a kind. Their current content carries a warmth that reflects the culture they’ve built inside the shop—welcoming, highly skilled, and refreshingly unpretentious.
Looking back on their Iron Resurrection years, Joe and Amanda often express gratitude for the opportunities the show created and for the crew members who became like family along the way. They’ve remained in touch with several former cast members, occasionally sharing updates, photos, and memories from their time together. Although they’ve moved on from television, those relationships remain an important part of their journey.
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What’s Next for Joe Martin and Martin Bros Customs
As 2026 continues, Joe shows no signs of slowing down. Martin Bros Customs remains a thriving hub of creativity in the Texas Hill Country, taking on challenging custom builds while producing regular online content that allows fans to follow each project from start to finish. Amanda continues overseeing the business while maintaining her active role in the shop’s public presence, proving once again that their partnership is at the heart of everything they do.
Together, they’ve shown that the idea of resurrection extends beyond restoring old vehicles. It also applies to careers, businesses, and creative journeys. By stepping away from traditional television, they’ve found new ways to connect directly with the audience that has supported them for years.
For fans who first came to know Joe through Iron Resurrection, this new chapter offers something even more rewarding: an unfiltered look at the craftsmanship, philosophy, and personalities behind every build. Whether he’s dialing in a suspension setup, discussing wheel offsets for a classic Pontiac, or reflecting on how far Martin Bros Customs has come, Joe’s philosophy remains unchanged—build with passion, stay humble, and let the work speak for itself.
The road ahead looks promising, with new builds, appearances at automotive events, and the continued evolution of Martin Bros Customs. Joe and Amanda have created something that extends well beyond television: a business built on craftsmanship, a partnership founded on mutual respect, and a loyal community of enthusiasts who value authenticity over spectacle. In an industry that constantly chases the next trend, they continue to prove that true craftsmanship never goes out of style.
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