In this interview, Ian Peterman of Peterman Design Firm speaks with Mark, an auto‑enthusiast who needed to replace car restoration parts that are no longer manufactured. Mark explains that most members of his hobby community are retirees with little exposure to modern 3D modeling or printing, creating a gap he hopes to fill by using 3D‑printed replicas. He describes his first foray into 3D modeling, sparked by conference sessions and online videos, and details how he sought out a professional designer to help. Mark praises Ian’s professionalism—clear communication, organized invoicing, and overall business conduct—highlighting the value of a reliable partner in a niche restoration market. The conversation underscores the blend of community service, emerging technology, and collaborative professionalism that drives the multi‑month project.
My name is Ian Peterman with Peterman Design Firm. I'm here with Mark talking about a project that we've been working on together, oh, probably 6, 7, 8 months. And so when you came, when you found me, what were you looking for? What was it, your need?
I am an auto enthusiast and I I had some parts that I wanted for my car restoration that were no longer available. No signs in the immediate future that they would ever become available, either by the original manufacturer or, or any aftermarket companies. So basically, I wanted to replicate some of these parts. The thing that I noticed is Most of the folks in my little community are, probably a vast majority of them are at retirement age. They don't have a lot of experience with 3D modeling or 3D printing. So they're kind of just making do with what they have. And I figured it's an opportunity for me to kind of share the wealth in terms of tapping into some late-breaking technology, if you will. Not as a, you know, kind of a money-making scheme or anything, but just to kind of help the community get what I need and, you know, help them as well.
Awesome. Had you done this before at all? Had you used a designer, 3D modeling and that stuff, or is this kind of your first entry?
It's my first entry, certainly with modeling. I had gone to a couple conferences that included, you know, a 90-minute session on 3D printing. It wasn't at all related to the conference I was at. It was more of an interesting technology add-on to, you know, an IT conference that I went to. Okay. So I definitely had interest in it, and I had read up and watched videos and, you know, TED Talks about, you know, 3D printing prosthetic limbs and things like that. So I've always been interested in the technology. But it wasn't until, you know, I started this restoration process that I really started to look into it and research modelers. I've worked with small business owners and large, you know, companies, and, you know, your level of professionalism with, you know, communication, both email and over the phone, and your invoicing process, and just the way that you present yourself and your organization is been very professional. And, you know, it's all across the board, I would assume, in the industry and just with, you know, businesses in general. And I think you're doing it well.
Awesome. All right, well, thank you for your time, and we'll keep working. Great, thank you.
