Bob "Cooker" Cook - Owner
Bob has VW's in his blood! If anyone in this world eats, sleeps and breathes VW's, its him!
Bob began automotive restoration and fabrication as a hobby over 20 years ago. While creating
some of the most fantastic custom mansions in the elite Washington DC suburbs during the day,
he would slave away in the evenings and weekends on VW's, constantly honing his skills. Self
taught in many aspects, his work shows the natural talent he possesses and his work ethic is
second to none. In 2008, the opportunity to make his dream of a full time custom restoration
shop came to realization. So, saying goodbye to the construction business, Bob turned his VW
hobby into a full time venture and Cooker's Restoration & Fabrication, LLC was born!
Dave "Big Davey" Carter - Restoration Specialist
Big Davey has been hammering on cars his whole life. While shade tree mechanic'ing for his
older brother throughout the 80's, Dave picked up the skills that would make him an all around
car guy. Since those days, Dave has created some killer cars of his own, often seen terrorizing the local
cruises and even the drag strip a time or two! Although he is a menacing looking dude, hes the nicest
guy you ever want to meet, just watch those crushing handshakes! We are proud to have Dave as a part
of the Cooker's team. Dave also heads up a detailing business, "Attention 2 Detail" and can be reached
though Cooker's at 301-223-9292.
Gene "Mean Gene" Cook - Public Relations and Team Race Driver
Drag racing...all he thinks about. Gene is the pilot of the Cooker's built and sponsored "Mean Machine",
the quickest street legal air-cooled VW in the East! Gene is a licensed NHRA Competition driver with several
wins under his belt from 20 years of drag racing experience. He is also the Cooker's PR guy and handles the
advertising and merchandise design. His true profession is ball busting and BS'ing so pull up your
pants legs and wade on into a jam session with Mean Gene!
Ian Manuel - Assistant
With many years under his belt in the VW world, Ian is a walking encyclopedia of all things Volkswagen!
Actually, ANY car! If there is a true "renaissance man" around here, its Ian! Ian has a strong presence in the
Diamond Star Motors world as well as the air-cooled VW world. He is all about horsepower and knows the
tricks to make it! You will find Ian helping out constantly, especially with Gene's car at the races and in the shop.
Get him started about cars and you may never get him to stop. Get him JOKING around about cars, and you'll
never want him to stop!
Joe Rule - Assistant
Another "brother from another mother" here, Joe has been with us from the high school days. Always more
than willing to lend a hand, and an experienced hand it is! Joe's claim to fame in the East Coast scene was
the Cooker's built, "Plain Ugly" drag car. Out of the race circuit for years now, Joe concentrates on cruisin'
around in his Zwitter and hanging at Cooker's, helping out here and at the car shows and in the pits. Joe is one
of the true enthusiasts that drives a vintage VW on almost a daily basis, so if you ever want to hear some hard
luck street warrior VW stories, Joe has 'em!
And last but not least...our VW FAMILY!!!!