Our Team

Wayne Ferguson

Founder

Son of a Navy Reservist and brother to a former Navy Fire Controller, Wayne has combined two passions under Wingnut Holdings, his love of cars and reverence for veterans of the United States Military.

Wayne and his brother, Neil, were raised working on cars, fostering a deep seeded love for and pride in the maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of their vehicles. Neil may not have been the best mechanic as he was better at breaking cars than fixing them, Wayne was there early on to help rebuild big brothers 1981 Camaro 327 with dad. Five times. Before getting his driver’s license and being able to drive it, Wayne was installing a custom sound system in his 1983 Chevrolet S-10. Neither boy could leave a vehicle stock.

Fast forward a few decades and numerous cars, trouble befell Neil and found himself in prison. Upon his release Wayne picked him up to take him to the meeting with his parole officer. Sadly, Wayne could only afford a few nights in a Motel 6 for his brother and had to return to work, leaving Neil soon to be homeless. They worked together and Neil found a mission that provided housing for two week stints. Quickly afterwards he attained housing through the VOA, along with a job. A couple years later on his drive home from work Neil was struck on his motorcycle by another vehicle turning left, she did not see him. Sadly, Neil never left the hospital and passed away nine months later due to complications from the lack of care he received.

Fast forward a few more years and we find Wayne now living in Frisco, TX and in the possession of a real Jeep, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JL. Real because he has a history of owning Geo/Chevrolet Trackers – fake Jeeps. He wants to install a lift kit but lives in an apartment complex and can’t do it in the parking lot. Well, luckily he has a garage – but let me tell you, installing a lift kit without a hydraulic lift is a nightmare. It took several weeks and sketchy lifting and supporting of the Jeep to get it installed. Wayne had searched all over and couldn’t find anywhere to rent a lift. Well, not in Texas. He found a DIY Garage in Michigan, Hoist House, that was exactly what he needed. Unable to find the same solution locally he set out to open his own DIY garage, not just for his needs, but also a way to help those who need and deserve it the most. Those that hit way too close to home – those like Neil, homeless and incarcerated veterans.

Thus Operation: Valor Reborn was created. A 501c(3) non-profit to help those who struggle every day just like Neil did, and worse. Get them housed. Help them rehabilitate. Help them return to the workforce through Lift Loft and other willing employers. Give them purpose again. Give them pride in their life, their job, and the country they served.