Mr. Wood bought his first automobile, a 1953 Chevrolet, at the age of thirteen. By the time he was old enough to drive, he had owned that car and a 1932 Ford 5-window coupe. Since then, he has owned several hundred collector cars from restored to muscle to street rod to Corvettes.

At one time, Mr. Wood bought and sold 1932-33-34 Ford cars and parts. Specializing in those years only, selling out of motor magazines and at car meets in the midwest. His career started at 16 years old in a Chevrolet parts department. by the time he was 21 years old he was a parts manager at a Buick-Pontiac dealer. That career ended at 35 years old when he purchased his current dealership in 1981. The dealership sells current year and late model cars and trucks, specializing in General Motors vehicles.

His business of appraising cars began several years ago when individuals, banks, insurance companies, and attorneys started seeking his expertise in the autmobile field. He began by joining The International Society of Appraisers as an Associate Member. After reading newsletters and information on appraising, he learned he needed to be educated in the legal and ethical areas of appraising. He already through his hobby of old cars is a charter member of the National Street Rod Association, charter member of the National Woodie Club, Life Member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, member of Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, past associate member of the L.A. Roadsters (1967-1984) past member of the Coachmen Auto Club (1964-1970). These last are two of the oldest car clubs in the country. He is also a member of the national Independent Auto Dealers Association 1981-present, member of the National Auto Dealers Association 1981-present, Appraisers Association of America, and the International Automotive Appraisers Association. In February of 1997 Mr. Wood took and passed The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice test given by New York University, Gayle M. Skluzacek, A.A.A., instructor. Mr. Wood has been doing appraisals professionally since 1986. His community involvemement includes past president of Mishawaka Rotary Club 1990-91 of which he is a Paul Harris Fellow, eight years board member and four year vice-president of The Res, Inc., a nature and youth camp, eight grade teacher of Project Business for Junior Achievement, advisory board for Penn High School Auto Shop, Career Day Instructor for Mishawaka and Penn High Schools, member of Lodge 130 Free & Accepted Masons, Mishawaka, Indiana, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, St. Joe Valley, South Bend, Indiana.

His other interests include collecting all types of Automobile Memorabilia such as parking meters, gas pumps and globes, etc. He owns a 1948 Chevrolet Woodie station wagon and a 1936 Ford Woodie station wagon built by Boyd Coddington.

Mr. Wood has a complete library of automotive books covering all facets of domestic and foreign cars and trucks. He subscribes to over a dozen monthly publications dealing with all types of vehicles and their values. He attends most of the major midwest car shows from Corvette Nationals, Goodguys meets, local and area car shows and auctions. He attends Spring and Fall Carlisle car shows, the Hershey Fall Meet, Auburn Labor Day Auction and NSRA meets. He also attends weekly auctions through his business to keep up on the car market.