See what happened after Iron Resurrection ended, from Joe and Amanda Martin’s latest projects to former cast members who launched their own shops or stepped away from the spotlight.
For seven seasons, Iron Resurrection gave viewers a front-row seat to the world of custom car building at Martin Bros Customs. From forgotten classics and vintage trucks to motorcycles and muscle cars, every episode showcased the craftsmanship, creativity, and personalities behind the builds.
While Joe Martin’s remarkable transformations were always the centerpiece, the series became just as well known for the talented team that helped bring each project to life. Fabricators, welders, upholsterers, mechanics, and buyers all played an important role, giving the show the chemistry that kept fans coming back season after season.
Although Iron Resurrection came to an end after Season 7, the story didn’t stop there. Some cast members have continued working alongside Joe and Amanda Martin, others have launched their own businesses, and a few have chosen to keep a much lower public profile.
Here’s where the cast is today.
Joe Martin and Amanda “Mandi” Martin: The Heart That Keeps Martin Bros Customs Going
At the heart of Iron Resurrection have always been Joe Martin and his wife, Amanda, often called Mandi. Joe’s talent for seeing potential in rusted hulks and transforming them into stunning custom builds drove many of the show’s most memorable moments. Amanda balanced the business side of Martin Bros Customs—managing clients, logistics, and day-to-day operations—while providing the steady presence that kept everything running smoothly.
After seven seasons on MotorTrend, the couple stepped away from traditional network television. In a relaxed June 2026 interview on their official YouTube channel, they reflected fondly on their Iron Resurrection years. Joe shared stories from his early Biker Build-Off days and spoke about the surreal experience of filming the series, while Amanda discussed the satisfaction of guiding projects from start to finish. They also revealed that they still keep in touch with several former cast members, highlighting the lasting friendships built during the show’s run.
Today, Joe and Amanda continue operating Martin Bros Customs with the same hands-on approach that made the series so popular. Their independent YouTube channel features longer, more detailed build videos, covering everything from Nova restorations and Foxbody Mustang projects—including the use of 3D printing to prototype parts—to custom exhaust systems and intricate metalwork. They also continue attending car shows and industry events, where fans regularly stop to tell them how Iron Resurrection inspired their own automotive projects. Through it all, their partnership remains the steady foundation of both the shop and the brand.
Jayson “Shag” Arrington: The Charismatic Deal-Maker
Shag was one of the show’s most engaging personalities. His knack for finding promising project vehicles, negotiating purchases, and injecting humor into interactions with owners and the rest of the crew quickly made him a fan favorite. He remained with the series throughout its entire run, becoming an integral part of its on-screen chemistry.
After production wrapped, Shag shifted his focus to new ventures. He founded YourBikerGang.com, offering themed e-bike tours and walking experiences in Austin, while also drawing on his marketing background for branding and event-related work. These days, he maintains a relatively low-key social media presence, occasionally sharing glimpses of family life, cars, and community events. His transition away from the show appears to have been a natural one, with no reported issues between him and the Martin family.
Mike Z (Michael Zabonik): Quiet Expertise and New Paths
Mike Z brought steady, high-quality welding and fabrication skills to Martin Bros Customs, particularly during the show’s early seasons. He handled complex chassis work, structural repairs, and custom metal fabrication with a calm, methodical approach that earned the respect of viewers who appreciated the technical side of each build. Although he stepped back from regular filming for family reasons, he made a welcome return in Season 7.
In recent years, Mike has continued to keep a low public profile. He has expanded into Mike Z Land Work Services, taking on land clearing, brush removal, drainage, and property improvement projects throughout Texas. While he occasionally shares personal updates on social media, there is little public information about his current day-to-day involvement with Martin Bros Customs. Even so, his craftsmanship remains one of the standout elements of Iron Resurrection for many longtime fans.
Justin “Pompa”: Bringing Humor and Reliability
Pompa served as one of the shop’s dependable all-around team members, jumping in wherever he was needed—whether that meant helping with tear-downs, running for parts, assisting with reassembly, or tackling whatever the day required. His easygoing personality, self-deprecating humor, and willingness to laugh at himself made him one of the show’s most relatable cast members.
When his screen time decreased during the later seasons, rumors about his departure began circulating among fans. Season 7 ultimately put those rumors to rest with two special episodes centered on building Pompa a custom Harley-Davidson Fat Boy as a heartfelt thank-you from the team for everything he had contributed over the years.
In April 2026, Pompa appeared at the Lone Star Round Up in Austin, where his lighthearted, self-deprecating introduction in a vlog reminded fans why he had become such a popular part of the series. He remains connected to the custom car community and continues to enjoy friendly relationships with the Martin Bros Customs crew. While he keeps most aspects of his personal life private, his occasional social media posts continue to focus on cars, motorcycles, and spending time with friends.
Phil Cato: Mastering Interiors from a New Base
Phil Cato joined Iron Resurrection in the early seasons and quickly became the team’s go-to upholstery expert, transforming worn interiors into show-quality cabins. His meticulous attention to detail—from seats and door panels to complete interior makeovers—provided the finishing touch that brought many Martin Bros Customs builds together.
Around 2020, Phil stepped away from the shop to support his wife, Shana, as she accepted a career opportunity with the CDC. The move took the family away from Texas, reflecting a decision to prioritize family while continuing his passion for custom upholstery.
Today, Phil operates Cato’s Custom Upholstery, with the business now based in the North Salt Lake City, Utah, area following a period in Atlanta. His father, Doug Cato, serves as the shop manager, bringing decades of experience to the family business. Together, they specialize in premium automotive interiors while also offering hands-on upholstery classes for aspiring craftsmen. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Phil has remained in touch with former colleagues, including Pompa, and continues showcasing his upholstery work online.
Joel Balboa: Building Closer to Home at Balboa Customs
Joel Balboa was a key member of the early Iron Resurrection team, contributing strong mechanical knowledge, fabrication skills, and a dependable presence across a wide variety of builds. After Season 3, he and Javier “Shorty” Ponce left the show, largely because of the lengthy commute between the Dallas area and Martin Bros Customs in Johnson City.
When fans later questioned his departure, Joel addressed the speculation directly on social media, explaining that the decision was purely practical and centered on family and logistics—not conflict or bad feelings.
Today, Joel owns and operates Balboa Customs in the Cedar Hill/Duncanville area, where he specializes in custom fabrication, engine swaps, restorations, and a wide range of hands-on automotive projects. He later reunited with Shorty for all three seasons of Shorty’s Dream Shop on MotorTrend, where his mechanical expertise played a central role in customer builds with deeply personal stories.
Joel remains active at his shop, regularly sharing project updates while staying connected to the broader Texas custom car community. He continues to speak positively about his time on Iron Resurrection and has often expressed appreciation for the friendships he built during the series.
Javier “Shorty” Ponce: Expanding His Own Shop and Vision
Javier “Shorty” Ponce was another cornerstone of the early Iron Resurrection cast. Best known for his fabrication skills, bodywork, and attention to custom details, Shorty became one of the shop’s most recognizable personalities before departing alongside Joel after Season 3 because of the same demanding commute.
Following his departure, Shorty focused on expanding his own shop in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, around Midlothian and Cedar Hill, before returning to television as the star of Shorty’s Dream Shop on MotorTrend. The series ran for three seasons, showcasing his signature blend of craftsmanship and customer-focused storytelling.
Although Shorty’s Dream Shop has since concluded, Shorty continues building custom vehicles and remains an active figure in the Texas automotive community. He also maintains positive relationships with Joe Martin and other members of the original Iron Resurrection team.
Ed Verhelst: The Low-Profile Guest Builder
Ed Verhelst made a memorable guest appearance during the two-part “Nova Overload” build in Iron Resurrection Season 4, Episodes 4 and 5. Based in Bandera, Texas, he joined Joe Martin and the Martin Bros Customs team to help transform a Chevrolet Nova, bringing years of hands-on automotive experience to the project.
Outside the show, Ed has been associated with Texas Attitude Racing and is also known locally for his light green 1968 Chevrolet Camaro, which has earned multiple awards at area car shows. He has remained an extremely private figure, with only occasional social media activity in recent years, most of it centered on community involvement, including support for veterans’ car shows. Likewise, there is little publicly available information about the current day-to-day operation of Texas Attitude Racing, reflecting his long-standing preference for staying out of the spotlight and letting his work speak for itself.
Bama Brown: Recurring Guest and Austin Radio Voice
Bama Brown brought a different kind of energy to Iron Resurrection. Best known as a Hall of Fame radio personality on 98.1 KVET in Austin, he made several guest appearances throughout the series, helping with parts hunting while adding plenty of Texas charm and humor along the way.
Away from the show, Bama has continued his long-running radio career while remaining active in the classic car community. He still occasionally crosses paths with the Martin Bros Customs team at automotive events, where his enthusiasm for Texas car culture remains as evident as it was during his appearances on Iron Resurrection.
The Current Team at Martin Bros Customs
Martin Bros Customs remains a busy, respected custom fabrication and paint shop under Joe and Amanda’s leadership. As of mid-2026, the team includes several skilled specialists:
- Kaleb Clark (“K-Dub”): Joined around Season 4, remains a key fabricator. He regularly appears in recent YouTube videos and shares in-progress work on components like Mustang hood scoops, Fox Body floor pans, and rear wings for projects such as “Foxzilla.” Kaleb’s steady presence and attention to detail have made him a reliable part of the current crew.
- Chad Glasshagel: A highly skilled metal shaper, fabricator, and panel beater who collaborates closely with Joe on complex bodywork and custom panels.
- Adam Eldridge: Welder and fabricator contributing to ongoing customer projects.
- Chris (from The Infamous Project): Brings specialized Foxbody resto-mod expertise and creative problem-solving, often referred to as the “Foxbody puppeteer.”
- Matt: Accomplished custom metal fabricator known for intricate hand-formed panels, including notable work on a Wild Ford Mashup (combining a ‘32 Ford top with ‘68 Bronco elements) and components like steering columns and firewalls.
- Jeremy Bitonti: Master welder and fabricator specializing in roll pans, widened tubs, custom exhausts, chassis work, metal shaping, and CAD-supported fabrication.
- Tyler Booth (Top Notch Hot Rod Interiors): Lead interior and upholstery specialist who turns raw metalwork into finished, show-quality cabins, including custom leather interiors on projects like a ’66 Nova.
The shop occasionally brings in additional help for wiring, final assembly, and specialized finishing. The overall culture emphasizes pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail on one-off custom vehicles.
We Are Hiring: Martin Bros Customs Looks to Grow the Team
Martin Bros Customs has posted several hiring announcements on Instagram in recent years as the shop expands. Posts seek experienced metal fabricators, TIG and MIG welders, high-end final assembly mechanics, and interior specialists.
One recent listing highlighted full-time Monday-Friday positions with pay based on skill level, minimum requirements of several years’ experience, and an above-industry benefits package. Another emphasized top-tier talent for serious, high-end builds rather than production-line work, noting confidential applications via email.
These efforts show a shop committed to quality while scaling up to meet demand for ambitious custom projects.
The Enduring Appeal of Iron Resurrection
The Iron Resurrection cast and Martin Bros Customs captured something special: the satisfaction of real craftsmanship, the bonds formed in a busy shop, and the joy of giving old vehicles new life. While some members have moved on to independent ventures, the core spirit continues at the shop through current builds and occasional hiring to bring in fresh talent.
