Our beginning:
In 1978, the journey of Vanworks began that would shape the very essence of van building in Colorado as we know it today. It all started with the passion and vision of our founder, Keith Hess.
Keith set out to convert a Chevy van he picked up into a comfortable and versatile living space for his travels. Little did he know that this humble garage project would evolve into the iconic legacy we now call Vanworks Inc.
Keith, a skilled carpenter by trade, ventured into his garage, armed with tools, creativity, and a desire to create something exceptional. What emerged was nothing short of extraordinary – a van conversion that not only met but exceeded his own expectations. But the true testament to his craftsmanship came just one day later when he sold the van to an enthusiastic buyer. In that moment, Vanworks was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.
In the early days, Vanworks had a pool arrangement with automotive giants like GM, Ram, and Ford. From the late-70’s to the mid-90’s, Vanworks converted and sold over 2,000 units to 175 dealers in 18 states. Back then, Vanworks was one of the few van-converting companies, making them pioneers in the field.
Present-Day:
Fast forward to today, and Vanworks has undergone a remarkable transformation. We’ve shifted our operation from dealerships to being direct-to-consumer, putting you, the van enthusiast, at the heart of everything we do. Our journey has led us to specialize in van conversions, van modifications, and truck/car custom retail services, all with the aim of enhancing your adventure on the road.
Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Vanworks now converts nearly 200 vans each year on today’s most popular chassis: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram Promaster. While the landscape of van conversions has evolved over the years, one thing remains constant: our commitment to innovation.
Today, the van conversion industry is bustling with countless players, but Vanworks continues to stand out by staying at the forefront of building techniques and design. We’ve evolved with the times, embracing new technologies and materials to ensure that every van we create is designed to exceed expectations. We are also RVIA certified, which is a testament to our commitment to quality and safety in the van conversion industry.
From a single Chevy van in a garage to a thriving business with a rich history, Vanworks remains dedicated to our roots, serving adventurers like you with the same passion and craftsmanship that started it all. Join us on this incredible journey, and let’s continue to redefine the possibilities of van life together.
