Ep. 48 - Jonathan Ward (Icon 4x4)

Jonathan Ward is best known as the man behind ICON 4x4. If you’re listening to this show, I’m sure you’ve seen his creations clad in matte paint on Instagram, or perhaps at SEMA over the years. At the end of the day, Jonathan considers himself to be a serial craftsman, but I’ll take it a step further and label him an artist. His creativity has led him down several paths alongside his automotive business including wood working, leather goods, and quite literally down paths all over the world while gaining inspiration and furthering his expertise. I’ve met Jonathan several times over the years and I’ve been a huge fan of his work even before meeting him, and I’ll happily add this chat shares information I’ve never heard him talk about on other podcasts or interviews. In an attempt to dodge the child actor conversation, we do chat a bit about his childhood and what growing up was like. He shares a short story that involves falling from 4 stories high, and we talk about the importance of realizing you can’t do it all alone, something I’ve been struggling with a lot lately with STANDARD H. We discuss music, creative flow, of course how TLC & ICON started and why designing within confines is important. Ever wonder why his logo is a lizard? That’s in here. And if you’re wondering what Jonathan’s thoughts are on the new 2021 Bronco, that’s also in here, not to mention the inspiring work he’s doing with his charity, GO Campaign...the list really does goes on. Jonathan and I share so many of the same views on business with respect to design and manufacturing, specifically, so I really hope you all enjoy this conversation as much as I did. As 2020 comes to a close, as I sat down, editing the episode, it truly felt like the mental road trip of an escape I needed, and I’m confident many of you will agree.