About the Company
“East Rides LLC is a family-owned business that takes pride in the work we do. We understand that our best customer is a happy customer that takes pride in their ride! We look forward to helping you achieve your automotive dream!”
- Randy Byrne, General Manager
Like Vintage and collector cars, our customers have interesting stories to share. Learn what sets us apart from other service providers in and around Suffolk, Virginia. Let us share with you a little about the people behind our company.
Lisa Byrne, President
My love of cars started back in 1978 when I saved all the money I made that summer to purchase a 1968 Mustang Fastback. After driving it for a couple of years, I sold it to buy my 1970 Chevelle Malibu convertible. I met my husband Randy in 1980, and our first date was going to our local drive-in movie theatre in his 1955 Chevy Bel Air, drinking root beer floats at the A&W Root Beer stand across the street.
Over the years, I’ve owned and driven quite a few different cars, but my love of vintage steel has never been lost! Thirty-one years later, I’m still driving to the movies with Randy in one of our many hot rods. Having many years of contracting experience, it’s always been my lifelong dream to open an automotive restoration company with my husband and family.
Randy Byrne, General Manager
Growing up in central New Jersey, I found drag racing on Friday nights as a way of life. I started out racing a 1970 Nova SS 396, then moved into a 1955 Chevy Bel Air big block 427 car. After marrying my wife, Lisa, in 1981 and after I joined the Navy, we moved to Virginia. Racing then became more of a luxury and restoring vintage steel became more of a way for me to earn extra money.
Lisa and I have always dreamed of running our very own automotive restoration shop, a shop that delivers when we say we will and considers restoring your car as a big commitment. We know that our clients work hard to afford it and that they dream about driving it when the restoration has been completed.
Our family has restored many cars. Our 1960 Chevrolet Biscayne has been locally recognized with awards for Best of Show, Best Restoration, and People’s Choice.
Justin Byrne, Chief Financial Officer
Justin’s love of cars came from many car shows, Friday night hangout spots, and many hours working with his father, building and restoring hot rods in their home shop. Justin’s first solo challenge was restoring his first car, a 1984 Mustang GT convertible. A graduate of both Great Bridge High School and the local vo-tech, Justin learned the art of both Tig and Mig welding—something he still uses today.
Justin graduated from Old Dominion University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree in Finance. He also has a Master’s in Finance. As CFO, he ensures budgets are built and met.
Jerry Forbes, Shop Manager/Restoration Specialist
Saying Jerry likes cars would be an understatement. He still has his very first car, a 1970 Chevrolet Nova, which has had many different looks over the last 32 years. Having a soft spot for Bowties, he has restored many different types of automobiles including 1984 Chevy Truck, 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo SS, and has a 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo.
He has restored many manufacturers’ automobiles, including European makers. Jerry specializes in all phases of restoration. Both him and Randy have worked together on several projects while collecting numerous awards for their efforts.
Ryan Lane, Restoration Specialist
Ryan's passion for customizing cars started as a young child, from modifying his Hot Wheels cars to helping his dad work on various classics in their garage. Ryan's love for cars then grew into a successful career. He graduated Wyotech in September 2010, specializing in customs and hot rods. Ryan currently owns a 1989 Chevrolet C1500 and a 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne, but has owned everything from imports to mini trucks. Ryan met East Side Rides in August 2017, and knew immediately that he wanted to be part of the family.
