Jaime Hjelm

My journey in the custom automotive scene began with a personal project—a 1962 Pontiac Bonneville, "The Chief." This custom lowrider earned numerous trophies and titles at Lowrider Magazine Shows and World of Wheels Shows from 1997 to 2002.

I also appeared as a model in several automotive magazines, featuring my own car- a groundbreaking achievement in the industry as both a car builder and model.

As a trailblazer, I have helped pave the way for women in automotive since the late 1990's, building a legacy of quality, style, and grit that continues to inspire. 

My expertise spanning from rebuilding automatic transmissions, suspensions, engines, full vehicle rewiring, mechanics, bodywork, and designing restomods.

In 2020, I competed on “Bitchin' Rides”: Bitchin' Bootcamp on MotorTrend, showcasing my skills alongside 11 other top professionals (including my brother).

This was followed by being the lead shop mechanic on Seasons 1 and 2 of TexMex Motors on Netflix. Over the two seasons, the team fully transformed and flipped 24 vehicles.  

I am a co-owner (with my sister), of Wicked Wrench Co. in South Elgin, IL, where we repair late model vehicles daily. I regularly teach Automotive Basics Classes for free, to teach individuals the basics of their vehicles. I also mentor the next generation of automotive technicians on a daily basis in my shop.

I have judged car shows and also do guest appearances for meet-and-greets and autograph sessions.

• TexMex Motors Season 1 &2 on Netflix (2023 & 2024)

• Bitchin Rides- Bitchin Boot Camp (2020)

• Featured in a Bosch Automotive Commercial at Wicked Wrench Co in 2023 shown at SEMA and AAPEX

• I’ve been a guest speaker twice at SEMA for SEMA Education in the Automotive Industry (2021 & 2023)

• Auto Zone Commercial in 2022

• Cover Feature in Local Community College Magazine 2020

• Featured on Windy City Live Chicago ABC 7 in 2018