Wondering what happened to Cato from Iron Resurrection? Find out why Phil Cato left Martin Bros Customs, where he is today, and how his custom upholstery business is thriving.
Phil Cato, the talented upholstery specialist whose meticulous craftsmanship brought the interiors of countless custom builds to life on Iron Resurrection, remains one of the show’s most fondly remembered cast members. Fans who watched him transform worn seats, door panels, and complete interiors into show-ready masterpieces at Martin Bros Customs have long wondered what led to his departure and where he is today. Unlike many reality TV exits surrounded by rumors or controversy, Cato’s story is one of quiet professionalism, family priorities, and an unwavering dedication to his craft.
From his departure from Martin Bros Customs to his thriving upholstery business today, here’s an updated look at what happened to Cato from Iron Resurrection.
Phil Cato’s Role on Iron Resurrection
Phil Cato joined the Iron Resurrection team early in the series, bringing expert upholstery skills that provided the finishing touch for every restoration. Working alongside Joe Martin, Amanda Martin, Shag, Pompa, Shorty, and the rest of the crew at Martin Bros Customs in Johnson City, Texas, Cato handled everything from seat restorations and custom door panels to complete interior makeovers.
His meticulous attention to detail helped transform ambitious projects into cohesive, high-end custom vehicles that stood out both on screen and at car shows.
Viewers appreciated not only his exceptional craftsmanship but also his humble, hardworking personality. More often than not, Cato’s work represented the final stage of a build—turning an already impressive restoration into a truly finished, luxurious custom ride.
Why Did Cato Leave Iron Resurrection?
Phil Cato stepped away from Iron Resurrection around 2020 after approximately three seasons. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he explained that his decision was driven by one simple priority: Family First.
He left Texas to support his wife, Shana Godfred-Cato, after she accepted a significant career opportunity with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. With the move across the country, continuing to film at Martin Bros Customs in Johnson City, Texas, was no longer practical.
There were no public disputes, behind-the-scenes conflicts, or negative fallout surrounding his departure. Instead, Cato openly shared that the decision reflected his commitment to supporting his family while beginning a new chapter in his career.
As he explained in his 2020 post, putting family first allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for custom upholstery in a new location.
Life After Iron Resurrection: Cato’s Custom Upholstery
Today, Phil Cato owns and operates Cato’s Custom Upholstery in North Salt Lake City, Utah, following an earlier period in the Atlanta area after leaving the show. The business specializes in premium automotive interiors for classic cars, hot rods, custom trucks, and other specialty vehicles.
Services include seat restoration, custom bucket seats, door panels, complete interior builds, headliners, and bespoke upholstery fabricated with high-quality materials.
His father, Doug Cato, serves as shop manager, bringing more than 50 years of car restoration experience to the family business. Together, they have built a reputation centered on precision craftsmanship, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction.
Beyond client work, Phil also enjoys sharing his expertise with others. He and his team offer upholstery classes that guide students from basic techniques to advanced methods, helping train the next generation of automotive upholsterers.
As a U.S. Air Force veteran who served for six years, including two tours in Iraq, Phil credits his military experience in vehicle maintenance—as well as his later training at WyoTech—with shaping the disciplined, detail-oriented approach that defines his work today.
Maintaining Connections from the Show
Although Phil Cato left Iron Resurrection around 2020, he has remained in touch with several of his former Martin Bros Customs teammates.
He appears to maintain a friendly relationship with Pompa, as seen through social media interactions, including a 2024 Instagram post highlighting their continued camaraderie. For longtime fans, these moments are a welcome reminder that the friendships formed during their time at Martin Bros Customs have endured beyond the television series.
While he has stepped away from regular television appearances, Cato remains active within the custom automotive community through his website, philcato.com, and Instagram (@catoscustomupholstery), where he shares current projects, upholstery work, and updates with followers.
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Phil Cato’s Lasting Legacy on Iron Resurrection
Although Phil Cato was part of Iron Resurrection for only the first few seasons, his contributions left a lasting impression on both the builds and the show’s fans. His upholstery work provided the finishing touches that completed many of Martin Bros Customs’ most memorable restorations, helping transform project vehicles into polished, show-quality customs.
His departure wasn’t the result of conflict or controversy but a personal decision to support his family as they began a new chapter outside Texas. While viewers were disappointed to see him leave, many respected the choice and have continued to follow his career ever since.
Today, Cato remains active in the custom automotive industry through his upholstery business, where he continues applying the same craftsmanship that made him a familiar face on Iron Resurrection. Although he never returned to the series before it concluded after Season 7, his work remains an enduring part of the show’s legacy, and he is still remembered as one of Martin Bros Customs’ most talented craftsmen.
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