Rod Deschner
Owner/President
Rod has been buying and selling cool cars for over 30 years. Rod’s knowledge when it comes to classic cars knows no bounds; he’s like a walking car encyclopedia. Like all “car guys” Rod likes any and every cool car, but some of his favourites include the ’49 Mercury Lead Slead, a ’72 Chevelle, or anything “Pro- Street” or with a blower poking out of the hood. After owning and running several other businesses in the province, he’s been able to turn a lifelong passion and hobby into his dream business with Rod’s Hotrods.
Dallas Deschner
Co-owner
Dallas has been married to Rod since 2009 and since then, through osmosis, has learned more about cars than she cares to know. She’s also fallen in love with Camaros (any generation) and has owned quite a few of them herself! Dallas support’s Rod’s Hotrods by taking care of all the loose ends around the shop and showroom and keeps Rod and the rest of us in line! Dallas also plays a big role by managing Rod’s swag and merchandise. Always in heels, you can hear her coming from a mile away!
Bob Deschner
Business Partner and Rod’s Dad
Bob (Rod’s father or also know as younger brother) has been a huge supporter of our dealership since it’s opening. He’s partnered with Rod in several other business and has tried to retire, but Rod keeps him on his toes. You’ll find Bob helping out in almost every aspect of the business – he’s a good guy to have around! Bob is also a true-blue car guy, with a ’63 Ford Galaxy 500 XL convertible (that he’s owned since 1975), a 2001 Corvette convertible (bought new) and a 2023 Corvette Stingray convertible all in his own garage.
Jay Thomas
Marketing Coordinator/Content Creator
Jay has been obsessed with cars since the age of 3 - hot wheels and models were his favourite toys. In school it always came back to cars. Art class meant drawing cars. Book reports meant essays about car books and just about the happiest day in his life was getting his license on the first day of grade 11 when he turned 16. You’ll find Jay hosting Hot Rod Hangout videos with Rod, as well as looking after marketing and social media for the business. When Jay’s not at work, he’ll be at a car show with his ’69 Buick Electra 225 or ’83 Olds Delta 88.
Kendra Panko
Golf Cart Sales/Accounting
Kendra plays two key roles at Rod's Hotrods, taking care of accounting duties, bookwork and payroll, as well as managing Rod's Custom Carts! Looking after inventory and sales, Kendra shows off some of the coolest golf carts in the province! Her big smile, infectious laugh and witty sense of humor brightens every room. When Kendra's got some time to herself, she trains and competes in Strongman Competitions. She also plays a big role in the car community and the Coachmen Car Club, often attending car shows with her '73 Mercury Cougar convertible!
Murray Jacek
Customer Service/Detailing
Murray is the kind of guy with a lot of hidden talents and he’s able to do just about anything around the shop that we throw at him - well. He’s often the friendly face that greets you when you come through the door to help you find your next ride, but also helps keep the place looking spotless and the cars immaculate! Murray’s also been bitten by the car bug and is now the proud owner of a 2001 Candy Red Corvette – one he fell in love with when it rolled into our showroom summer of 2024!
Kevin Hurlburt
Customer Service/Detailing
You remember all those “sayings” your grandpa had? Well Kevin wrote the book on them. Dirty or clean, he’s always got a good joke or tall tale for you. Kevin’s big smile and bold personality are infectious, and he seems to brighten every room he enters. Kevin’s also a force to be reckoned with when he’s got a polisher in his hand and his detailing skills are next level. Kevin always has something nice in the garage, but we’ve yet to get him into a classic car.
Ken Longpre
Restoration Specialist
With over 40 years of experience, Ken is an absolute master when it comes to restoring classic cars. He probably knows more than most of us will forget. Out in the Alley Shop, Ken does a lot of the cosmetic work with interiors, vinyl tops, convertibles, headliners, glass and trim, but as a car guy, he’s got mad skills under the hood too! Ken is also an expert at diagnostics and can identify a problem by listening to a simple noise! With a ’69 Chevy Impala convertible, a ’67 Mercury Parklane 2-door Fastback and a all original ’39 Plymouth Business coupe in his own garage, Ken is the guy you want working on your classic car!
Josh White
Journeyman Technician
Josh comes with a lot of titles – Red Seal Journeyman and GM certified Technician – meaning he’s lightning fast and accurate with his tools and has the skills to back it up! With more than 15 years in the industry Josh can tackle any job that comes into the shop with ease and his fabrication skills are on point. Josh is a pro at customization work, whether it’s lifting or lowering, or tuning and engine mods. Josh spends his free time in his ’74 Dodge Dart Swinger and on his Kawasaki motorcycle.
Nick Longpre
Technician
Nick is one handy guy to have around! He tackles any job in the shop with ease and is currently learning all the tricks of the trade from his Dad, Ken! Nick assists in all aspects of restoration and mechanical work and is quick with his tools. He’s great at problem solving and plays a major role in inspecting new cars that arrive to our dealership! Nick always has something old and cool to drive around – usually it’s a truck. We think he’s made it his motto to not own something new enough to have air bags.
Shar Waldner
Jack of All Trades
Shar joined our team more recently and has made a huge impact taking care of so many different things around the shop. She drives the Parts Van, details cars and golf carts, helps maintain inventory, and generally just works her tail off! Her bubbly personality brightens everyone’s day and she’s always a positive ray of sunshine with a work ethic second to none. She’s got a heart of gold. You can find Shar rocking out in her little Pontiac G5 GT 5-speed manual!
Lloyd Derksen
Transportation/Driver
Lloyd’s total miles on the road over the years would rival any trucker around and we’re proud he plays a big role in shipping our precious cargo around Western Canada. He’s a guy who’s always positive, pleasant and has a smile on his face! We appreciate the car and attention he takes, and his patience and pleasant demeanor with all of our customers. Lloyd also has a little yellow C5 Corvette Convertible of his own. You might just catch him racing around Warman SK.
Mitch Stewart
Driver/Technician
Mitch Stewart has worked with Rod for many many years, but finally is part of the team full time! Mitch is our primary driver, delivering and picking up countless classic cars around western Canada. He's easy going and has a sharp eye for detail. Something that both us and our customers appreciate when transporting priceless antiques. When Mitch isn't on the road, he's got a wrench in his hand helping with service work in the alley shop and inspecting newly arrived cars to the dealership. Outside of work Mitch builds and races an A-mod Car in the Dirt Modified division and is Dad to two wonderful girls alongside Chelsea.
Chelsea Stewart
Alley Shop Manager/ Transportation Coordinator.
Chelsea recently joined the team to take on two big roles! She now manages the alley shop, scheduling service work and organizing the parts department, as well as coordinating our drivers and transportation of cars coming and going from Rod's hotrods. In quick order Chelsea has already shown her ability to organize, coordinate and lead! Chelsea along with Mitch are busy with their kids activities when not at work! Their girls keep them busy at the racetrack and gymnastics events.
Courtney McDonald
Customer Service
Courtney helps us on Saturdays keep the doors open and the Coffee hot! Growing up in the classic automotive industry with a family business, her automotive knowledge is phenomenal! She’s always got a quick quip and a sharp eye for detail! She’s also got quite the collection of her own including a El’Camino and a first generation Mustang Coupe!
Candace Lewchuk
Accounting
Candace has played a key role for many years with Rod's Hotrods, taking care of business! On a part time basis, along with Kendra, she looks after all kinds of accounting work including invoicing, budgeting and bookkeeping. We appreciate her expertise in the field! After leaving a short while, we convinced her to join the team once again. Candace and her Husband Scott travel in the cold months and enjoy acreage life when the sun shines!
We are located at 2623A Faithfull Ave, SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, S7K 5W2