Meet Robert “COPE” Thompson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert “COPE” Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert “COPE”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
“Honestly, it started with a mix of caffeine, chaos, and the realization that I was building someone else’s dream instead of my own. I’ve always had this itch to create something that felt authentically me — something that blended my skills, my passion, and maybe just a little bit of rebellion against the 9-to-5 grind.
“It really started with two things: spray paint and socket wrenches. I grew up surrounded by street art and the hum of engines — two worlds that might seem opposite, but to me, they’re both about self-expression and breaking boundaries. Graffiti taught me how to tell a story without saying a word. Building custom cars and bikes taught me how to turn a vision into reality — with a lot of busted knuckles and late nights along the way. Eventually, I realized I wasn’t just fixing things — I was creating art that moved, roared, and sometimes even won awards. That’s when I knew I had to go all in and build something that reflected both sides of who I am. So I took the leap, mixed grit with creativity, and turned my passion into a business. Now I get to paint with horsepower and chrome.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
“My art lives somewhere between a back alley mural and a turbocharged dream. Whether it’s graffiti on a wall or a custom widebody on a C8 CORVETTE, I’m always chasing bold lines, big ideas, and louder-than-life expression. What sets me apart is that I don’t see a difference between street art and metalwork — to me, both are about telling stories in motion. My spray cans speak just as loud as my impact gun.”

“I’m most proud of building award-winning cars and motorcycles that aren’t just showpieces — they have soul. Every custom build is a canvas, and every mural I paint has horsepower behind it, even if it’s on a brick wall. The road to where I am today wasn’t smooth — more potholes than pavement. I’ve had parts fall off (literally and metaphorically), late nights with zero sleep, and projects that tested my patience and my bank account. But I never gave up. I leaned on my creativity, my family, and a lot of stubbornness.”

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Don’t wait for permission to build what’s in your head. Just start. Mess up. Start again. The world doesn’t need more filtered, safe art. It needs the raw, the real, and the ridiculously passionate.”

“If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand — it’s that it’s built from the ground up, with grit, fire, and fresh paint. I don’t just build cars or tag walls — I build identity. I turn imagination into motion. And if it leaves a little rubber on the road or paint on your soul, then I’ve done my job.”
If thats not enough in 2025 I became the Chair for Adams county Arts and cultural board. I plan on becoming a city council member. With the ultimate goal of becoming chief of the Oglala lakota tribe.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
“If my best friend came to visit, I’d make sure they left with paint on their shoes and the sound of engines still ringing in their ears. We’d kick things off in RiNo — grab a herbs from xclusive, then take in the murals and street art scene. I’d show them some of my own pieces and the spots that inspired me when I was first getting started. From there, we’d hit up Thompson Street Customs so they can see where the magic happens — maybe fire up a few builds, give them a little behind-the-scenes tour with the smell of paint and burnt rubber in the air.”

“At night, we’re eating at places like Pizza Alley (because pizza the size of your head are a must), grabbing tacos atTMexico city, and maybe finishing it off with a trip to Retro room for those pickle shots.

“Day trips? Absolutely. We’re heading to Red Rocks for a concert — there’s nothing like live music in a place that feels like nature carved out a soundstage. Then it’s a cruise up to Estes Park or even a spontaneous canyon run in a custom ride, windows down, music up, no GPS.”

“We’d check out the local car scene, maybe hit a car meet or two, and definitely spend a few nights just vibing with creative people — artists, builders, gearheads, and dreamers. I’d make sure they meet the folks who make this place more than just mountains and microbrews.”

“By the end of the week, they’d be covered in clear coat, carrying a bag of stickers, prints, and t-shirts and they’d already be planning their next trip back.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this to my Family and friends that helped me along my journey.and my tribe the Oglala Lakota Nation

Website: https://www.thompsonstreetcustoms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cope_da_monsta?igsh=MXJidHIwbTZuYXZkdw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16gSCdynsp/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cope303?si=NvywALvrpsI9grj_

Image Credits
Image credits
Motortrend TV
Titanium Garage TV show
Instagram
Fackbook