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ABOUT CHRIS MILLS

  • At 14, I fell in love with mini trucks and hot rods, and that spark led me straight into the world of custom paint. While my family built careers in electrical work and construction, I chose a different path — automotive, marine, and motorcycle custom work.

  • I spent two years at Lansing Area Career Center during high school, then attended Ferris State University from 1999 to 2003. While still in college, I started my own shop in Lansing, focusing on custom painting for hot rods, mini trucks, street bikes, and full collision repair. My partner Ian Klagus handled the service side while I ran collision and custom.

  • After a few years, Ian became a teacher at our old career center, and I made the decision to follow my true passion — high-end custom painting. An opportunity with Douglas Marine and several high-profile clients brought me to Holland, Michigan in 2007. The marine performance world was exactly where I had always wanted to be.

  • Through hard work and dedication, we built a strong reputation for quality custom work on Skater, Cigarette, MTI, and Outerlimits boats. In 2019, I shifted the business to focus exclusively on direct-to-manufacturer custom paint and finishing.

  • Today, we continue to grow, delivering show-quality custom paint for Sunsation, Buell, MTI, and a small group of loyal clients. I’m proud of where this journey has taken me — and I’m just as excited about what’s ahead.

OUR MISSION

We are building more than a paint shop — we’re creating a positive, fun, and energetic culture of excellence and continuous learning. Our goal is to provide every team member with the training, tools, and opportunity to grow their skills and advance their careers in an atmosphere where people actually enjoy coming to work. By fostering this teaching-based, high-energy environment, we deliver show-quality custom paint and finishes for our manufacturing partners and loyal clients while building a team that takes pride in their craft and their future.

ABOUT OUR SHOP

  • 12000 Square Foot Facility
  • 27 X 70 Cross Draft Paint Booth
  • Over Head Gantry’s for lifting
  • Full Rig Shop, All Required Fabrication Equipment
  • Conference Area, Comfortable Lobby and Several Offices
  • Custom Dolly’s Custom Rotisserie, Jig Organization   Storage
  • AkzoNobel Sikkens Paint Line
  • High-tech CAD System, Solid Works, Corel Software
  • Rolland Stencil Plotters
  • Devilibss & Iwata Spray Equipment
  • Infusion and Wet Laminate Vacuum Bagging

CUSTOMER PROCESS

At Boat Customs, we take the stress off our clients by supply the best the industry has to offer. We communicate any foreseen issues that may not be obvious to most. Our high level of expertise and knowledge permits us to alleviate possible issues prior to many others in the industry. Communication is key to avoiding possible glitches along the way.



Once contact has been made to our facility, one can expect the following:



​Design Selection
In this process, the basic information is obtained - Make, Model, Year and general budget. Our team discusses the client's requirements and obtains detailed information to assist us in creating several customer specific renderings. A deposit will be required to obtain renderings.



​Booking / Color Selection
In this process, deposits are given to reserve shop/booth time. Start and finish dates are established by our team. Color schemes are decided on and panels are created for our clients to view prior to job commencement.



​Weekly Updates / Final Delivery
Once your vessel has been delivered to Boat Customs, we promptly look over, take pictures and start the process. Our clients can expect e-mail updates containing progress pictures of the vessel. Prior to completion, our clients inspect the base coat design and colors. The vessel is then clear coated, a final check list is reviewed and our clients take delivery. Outstanding balance is collected.



~ Ingenious & Precise, that's Boat Customs.

 

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