Juan has been part of the Arkonik family for six years and has become an integral member of our North American division in Charleston, South Carolina.
Bringing a wealth of hands-on automotive experience to the workshop, Juan’s role is as varied as the vehicles themselves. From full engine conversions and upgraded drivetrains to rear air-conditioning installations and interior refinements, he helps ensure every Defender leaving Charleston is perfectly suited to its owner.
Fit for Purpose
Based at our second home in Charleston, Juan plays a key role within the Arkonik SVO team. After our Defenders arrive from the Global HQ in England in their restored factory configuration, he gets to work adding another layer of performance, comfort and individuality.
That can mean fitting one of our signature GM 6.2L V8 engine conversions, installing an automatic transmission, upgrading the drivetrain or carefully refining the cabin. It is detailed, skilled work, and Juan takes pride in making sure every enhancement feels completely at home in the vehicle.
The Road to Arkonik
Before joining Arkonik, Juan built up years of experience across the automotive industry, including custom fabrication, restoration, accident repair and general vehicle maintenance.
That broad knowledge has made him a valuable and versatile member of the team. Whether he is engineering a major mechanical upgrade or completing the smallest finishing detail, Juan approaches every Defender with precision, patience and care.
Life beyond the workshop
When he is not working in, on or underneath one of our Defenders, Juan is a proud family man who loves spending time with his two children, Coco and Luca.
And when family life allows, he is often back beneath the hood, this time maintaining, modifying and developing his own trucks and project vehicles. For Juan, working with vehicles is more than a profession; it is a genuine passion that lives in his veins.
Favourite build
Kraken LT4
“I feel a real personal connection to this build. As our first LT4 conversion, it challenged the R&D team, including me, to rethink what was possible in a classic Defender. Through perseverance, ingenuity and plenty of shared ideas, KRAKEN was reborn as a 690hp, tyre-shredding beast. I’m incredibly proud to have played my part in creating what I believe is the pinnacle of Defender performance.”
View the build here.
Feeling inspired?
Juan’s expertise reflects what truly sets Arkonik apart: our people. Their experience, craftsmanship and care ensure every Defender is worthy of the Arkonik name.
Perhaps yours could be next.
