2023 SEMA News recognized Josh Sanders of Sanders Street Rods as one of "35 Under 35 Young Innovators" in September 2023 issue of SEMA News.
This award highlights rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger.
SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process.
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Joshua Sanders, 26 years old
Owner Sanders Street Rods
A nine-year industry veteran, Joshua Sanders has compiled an impressive résumé of award-winning builds.
His customs have won awards at Goodguys and SEMA Young Guns events, and he is a former SEMA Battle of the Builders competitor.
He has been a finalist for the GM Performance Builder of the Year award, and he was inducted into the Washington State Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 2016.
While no stranger to old-school hot rodding, Sanders embraces new fabrication technologies. "We now have CNC machining, 3D printing and 3D scanning at our fingertips," he says, adding that "I believe we will be doing EV conversions" within the next few years.
Despite all the accolades, he lists his greatest accomplishment to date as "taking over Street Rods by Denny in 2021 and making it through the first two years in business. I was very excited, but I had to learn how to handle employees and customers, accounting and scheduling. I wasn't just building cars anymore."
"I've gone to classes at Lazze and Kingdom Metal Works, and metal shaping is a big part of my career-helping me push builds to the next level. Hot rods are changing, but hot rodders are rooted in modifying cars to make them their own. Nothing will change that."
Which Influencers Do You Follow? "Kyle Kuhnhausen." What's Top in Your Playlist? "Alternative/ rock playlists."
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