There’s something about walking into Rico Customs that feels right straight away.

It’s not overly polished or staged. It’s not trying too hard. You’ve got cars mid-build, parts laid out, tools where they’ve been used last. It feels like a working space where things actually happen, not somewhere built for show.

For the latest Porklife podcast with Design911 and Porsche in the Park, we headed out to the Netherlands to sit down with Rick, the man behind Rico Customs, alongside Mo from SickAlps. What started as a conversation about cars quickly opened up into something bigger. It became about how this all started, how it’s grown, and the people behind it.

How It All Began

Like most good stories in this world, it didn’t start with a business idea. It started young.

Rick puts it simply:

“It all started with a hobby… just a passion for the cars. I fell in love with old cars when I was about 12.”

That early exposure stuck. Being around older cars, going to the track, seeing things up close. It builds something in you.

By 18, he had his first car and started figuring things out himself.

“You make a lot of mistakes… but that was the fun.”

That way of learning is still part of what Rico Customs is today. Trying things, improving, building experience over time.

A Space That Still Means Something

Even now, with the business growing and more cars coming through, the feeling hasn’t gone.

“Every Sunday morning… I come in here, grab a coffee and just sit and look at everything. I just love this place. For me, this is the dream garage.”

That tells you a lot.

It’s easy for something like this to become just work. Here, it still feels personal. That quiet moment in the workshop, just taking it all in, is still there.

The Way They Build Cars

There’s a clear approach at Rico Customs.

It’s not about building something flashy for the sake of it. It’s about making a car that feels right to drive.

“We make it as light as possible. We only use what we need to have fun… only the essentials and no bullshit.”

That sums it up.

Most builds start with classic Porsche platforms, often the 3.2 Carrera, and get reworked into something lighter, sharper and more focused. Around 950 to 1050 kilos, with strong power and proper suspension.

But everything starts with one simple question.

“What’s your goal with the car?”

That shapes everything. A relaxed Sunday car is completely different to something you want to drive hard through mountain roads.

From there, the details follow. Materials, weight reduction, engine setup, all based on how the car is actually going to be used.

The Design911 Link

These builds rely on getting the right parts.

Through Design911, Rico Customs has access to a strong range of components that suit the level these cars are built to. Suspension, engine parts, all the things that matter when you’re putting something together properly.

It’s not about adding parts for the sake of it. It’s about choosing what works and making sure it all comes together as it should.

The People Around It

One of the biggest parts of this story is the people involved.

That’s where Mo and SickAlps come in.

What started as a simple idea turned into something much bigger. Driving trips that bring together people who don’t know each other, all linked by a shared interest.

“We just wanted to bring people together… people who have never met before.”

There’s something quite bold about that. No arriving with your usual group. Everyone starts fresh.

“Throw them in the basket and see what happens.”

And it works.

From small groups to convoys running through the Alps, it’s grown because people want to be part of it.

“People from all over the world are asking, can I come with you?”

Not About Showing Off

A big point that came up was what this scene is not about.

“It’s not rich people driving nice cars because they can afford it… it’s people who have the same passion.”

It’s a simple point but an important one.

Yes, the cars are special. But the focus isn’t on status. It’s on the driving, the experience, and the shared interest in what these cars represent.

You can feel that when you’re around it.

Making the Move

Before Rico Customs became what it is now, Rick was working in fashion.

Over time, things started to change.

“I felt my interest start shifting… I always liked this stuff more.”

At first, it was something on the side. Small projects, no pressure, just figuring it out.

Then came the moment where he had to decide whether to take it further.

“If these projects go through… I’m going to quit.”

And he did.

That step is never easy. Leaving something stable to back yourself takes a lot. But it’s what pushed everything forward.

Built Through Relationships

Another thing that stands out is how much this has been shaped by the people around him.

Mo has played a big part in that.

“He’s been super supportive… if I have ideas or problems, I call him.”

That kind of support makes a difference.

It goes beyond that as well. Customers become long-term connections. People help source cars in different countries. Others help with logistics or advice.

It’s not just a workshop. It’s a network of people who all play a part in it.

Where It’s Heading

Now, cars are coming from all over. Switzerland, the UK, the US.

Each country has its own challenges, but the goal stays the same. Build something properly and make sure it works wherever it ends up.

The workshop itself is growing too. More space, more cars, more demand.

But the core idea hasn’t changed.

Keep things simple. Build them properly. Enjoy the process.

Final Thoughts

Spending time at Rico Customs makes it clear this isn’t about trying to impress anyone.

It’s about doing something you care about and doing it properly.

That’s why it works.

That’s why people connect with it.

And that’s why it keeps growing.

Or as Rick puts it:

“Only the essentials… and no bullshit.”