Meet the Team

President · Founder

Stefano Loria

Stefano Loria is a true pioneer in the world of automotive customization, with a career spanning over 30 years. He began by launching his own audio shop, AutoDesign NYC, where his precision, creativity, and obsession with quality quickly set him apart.

What started as a specialty audio business soon evolved into a full-service custom shop as Stefano expanded his expertise into fabrication, interior work, lighting, and more. His shop earned a reputation that spread far beyond New York — even landing him a spot in an Apple commercial, a rare nod to his craftsmanship and influence.

As demand grew, Stefano rebranded and moved into a larger space, creating what is now known as AutoCraft. Today, AutoCraft stands as the only high-end customization shop in Manhattan, serving clients who demand nothing less than the best.

Shop Manager

George Colón

With over a decade in the automotive industry, George Colón keeps AutoCraft running like a well-tuned engine. Before joining our team, he was a manager at Cybert Tire, where he learned what it takes to keep a busy Manhattan shop moving.

As Shop Manager, George is always on top of things — coordinating the team, keeping every job on schedule and making sure each car goes home done right. He’s the glue that holds the shop together, and the person keeping your project on track from drop-off to pickup.

Master Fabricator · Electronics

Steve Pello

Steve Pello is a true legend in the automotive customization world, with a career spanning over 35 years. He made his mark at Classic Coach Ferrari, one of the most respected names in Ferrari restoration, honing his skills on some of the world’s rarest and most valuable vintage Ferraris.

He’s also the man behind numerous legendary SEMA builds. Since 2020, Steve has brought that same passion to AutoCraft, where his work is defined by master-level fabrication, a deep knowledge of automotive engineering, and an unmatched eye for detail.

Steve is also a wizard with vehicle electronics — creating custom audio systems, seamlessly integrating radar detectors, and tailoring each system to blend perfectly with the car’s design and the client’s lifestyle.

Lead Fabricator

Peter M. “Piston Pete”

Pete originally hails from Detroit, Michigan and is a true by-product of the “Motor City”! He is our Lead Fabricator and his talent has brought a wealth of experience to AutoCraft.

Pete is a master with fiberglass & composites, metal welding and machining parts, which all come natural to him. His love for the automotive industry and anything else that has moving parts is what got him his nickname “Piston Pete”.

When he is not working you can find Pete creating some sort of new gadget, building his own bikes from raw metal or hitting the slopes at a nearby ski resort.

Detailing Specialist

Edgar Espinoza

With over 30 years of car detailing experience, Edgar Espinoza has mastered the art of vehicle restoration, excelling in techniques from meticulous compounding to advanced ceramic coating applications. His unwavering dedication and strong work ethic ensure that every vehicle he touches is presented at its absolute best.

Since joining AutoCraft in 2018, Edgar has consistently received outstanding feedback, solidifying his reputation as a trusted professional in the automotive detailing industry.

Upholstery Specialist

Farkhad Yuldashev

Farkhad brings decades of expertise in high-end upholstery to the AutoCraft team. Originally from Russia, his background is rich with precision craftsmanship in stitching, embroidery, and custom interior work — an invaluable asset when it comes to restoring or customizing interiors with originality and flair.

Since joining AutoCraft in 2024, Farkhad has elevated the team’s upholstery game, blending old-world craftsmanship with modern design expectations. Whether it’s re-trimming classic seats or hand-embroidering bespoke details, his work speaks for itself — refined, durable, and made to perfection.

Operations Coordinator

Tyler Eerkes

Tyler joined AutoCraft in 2022 and runs the operations side of the shop — parts sourcing, vendor and dealer accounts, and delivery logistics — while still lending a hand on the shop floor.

He built the shop’s tech from the ground up: the full IT and network infrastructure, phones and payment terminals, and AutoCraft’s own invoicing and shop-management platform with online booking, payments and customer email and text updates. Tyler also designed this website, manages our online business profiles, created the AutoCraft merch line and helped launch our sister shop, AC Automotive Repair.