About Us
Innovating, Building, and Repairing since 1985
Hoppel Fabrication Specialties originated in 1985
Created by President & CEO Steffon Hoppel. As an avid truck and tractor pulling enthusiast he learned very quickly this type of hobby would require him to develop welding and metal fabrication skills if he planned on continuing to win competitions. Equipped with determination and drive he decided to pursue his passion in working with metal by complementing his hobby and quickly opened a small shop for welding repairs. As his passion and skills grew, so did his vision for expanding the business to provide custom fabrication along with light manufacturing that was not confined to any limits or boundaries. This opened a door to infinite possibilities, taking his company to the next level and incorporating the business in 2001. Steffon shared his skills, experience & knowledge as he focused on developing a staff of employees to assist him in handling the demands of a growing business. As a result, he was able to offer additional services including: cab & chassis mountings, heavy duty hitch assemblies, custom truck bodies, trailers, equipment & special vehicles. This ignited a passion to blaze a trail in the field of prototypes and product development. With a creative mind driven by challenge to pursue cutting edge technology, Steffon enjoys designing conceptual prototype models and always strives to inspire his customers in new product development empowering them to carve out a niche in their respective industries. Several projects are currently in the prototype development stage, the most recent publicly released design is SwitchLift the “Ultimate Trailer”. Using a remarkable gift to CONCEPTUALIZE VISUALIZE & EXECUTE this foundation is used to create and design everything he touches from a business entity to a final end product. For a more in depth explanation on the vision that inspired all of these creations visit our Special Vehicles Division page.
Hoppel Fabrication Specialties created our Special Vehicles Division in 2014 from a vision that was inspired many years ago.
President and CEO Steffon Hoppel developed a passion for vehicles at the very young age of 12. Together with his father and mentor Jack Hoppel they built his first mini rod tractor where he was quickly introduced to the local truck and tractor pulling competitions. At the age of 15 his passion for metal and vehicles grew yet he had no exposure to the fabrication industry and lacked the necessary skills to reach the next level. Equipped only with a hacksaw, half inch drill and stick welder they custom fabricated the bed of his first tow vehicle for the mini rod tractor.
He pursued his newfound passion throughout high school
Enrolling in the Industrial Metal Arts program and focused on perfecting the craft of all things “metal”. Challenged to create his own custom project, he decided to step up to the next level since he had accessibility to utilize the experience of Marlington's teaching staff, along with their welding and fabrication equipment. It was at this time he designed and built a new creation “Sweet 16” a custom Mini Rod with 2 V8 engines. This gained him more exposure in the pulling arena yet also created a whole new set of challenges. He quickly discovered the need to push his boundaries in order to think outside the box creatively. Equipped with desire and determination to increase his design skills he built a new tractor named “Quicksilver”.
The passion for the pulling circuit grows quickly raising the bar to expand his metal craftsman skills inspiring a desire to “create” at an even higher level in an effort to remain competitive.
During the years of 1984 through 1985 they custom built the “War Eagle” a 2WD pulling truck, quickly followed by a custom hauler with bed and sleeper. The War Eagle continued to win competitions while innovation was conceived resulting in modifications, improvements, and ongoing upgrades enabling it to compete for 15 years.
Committed to constant improvement and driven by passion.
Steffon used his experience, skills and equipment acquired over the years to serve as the catalyst to translate another vision into reality and formed the business Hoppel Fabrication Specialties. In 1985 the new journey of being a business owner begins to take shape. Using the network created from past exposure to the pulling circuit he begins building parts for fellow pullers, fabricating industrial parts and offers welding repairs to the public. The business grows, and again presents new challenges on a different level requiring him to retire from pulling competitions. Focusing efforts on his newest vision, he makes the decision to sell all vehicles he spent the past 24 years designing, creating and upgrading. Dedication, Innovation and Devotion opens the door to new opportunities for his business and he incorporates Hoppel Fabrication Specialties in January of 2001.
A familiar sight crossed his path in 2002
The 1972 Chevy Hoppel and Son tow vehicle. He decided to repurchase the truck with yet another vision to design it as a promotional marketing vehicle representing Hoppel Fabrication Specialties. He completed the rebuild in 2003 renaming it the “Harley Truck” in commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of Harley Davidson Motorcycles.
His passion for vehicles and metal fabrication continues
but this time on quite a different scale as Steffon pushes the boundaries moving from trucks to a fully customized chopper. Creative design begins in 2006 and in 2008 “Metal Therapy” is no longer a dream but a vision transformed into reality. Learn More about the Metal Therapy Chopper
Our Team
Hoppel Fabrication employs a team of individuals uniting together with a variety of talents, skills, and abilities ranging from from metal craftsman to hydraulic and electrical specialists. It is their loyalty, workmanship, and dedication that enable us to push the boundaries in delivering goods and services that are tailored around our customers needs. When you ask us to help you with a project you have gained an ENTIRE TEAM that is committed to deliver high quality products and outstanding service that will exceed your expectations.
Steffon Hoppel
Founder/President
Cheryl Hoppel
VP/CFO
Cole Ashbaugh
Specialty Fab
Michael Dupal
Operations
Ronnie King
Mulch Mule
Susan Smith
Administrative