Sonia: All of us admire the underdog—the one who takes dangers, makes sacrifices, and pursues a dream with relentless ardour. It’s the basic hero’s journey, isn’t it? Somebody who, by way of sheer perception, takes on giants and carves their very own path. Paul Potratz, founder and inventive director of Helderburg, embodies that spirit. Since Helderburgs inception in late 2019, Helderburg has shaken up the luxurious custom-built Land Rover Defender world, very like an artist turning a clean canvas right into a masterpiece. Helderburg’s meteoric rise is a testomony to Paul’s unwavering dedication to high quality, craftsmanship, and his ardour for creating one thing that goes past mere autos.
Sonia: Paul, probably the most putting issues about Helderburg Defenders is the colourful colours. It’s what so many individuals discuss. The place does the inspiration for these colours come from? Are the shoppers choosing these daring shades?
Paul Potratz: The shoppers definitely play a task, however not in the best way you’d suppose. Shoppers usually say I’ve a telepathic reward on the subject of studying and realizing what they really need, even earlier than they do. Many instances, shoppers are available in eager to play it secure—they’ll ask for the standard inexperienced, black or gray Defender as a result of that’s what they affiliate with a Land Rover. However as we speak, I can sense what they’re actually drawn to, even when they’re hesitant to take that leap. I begin suggesting colours like vibrant oranges, deep blues, or unique greens—shades they didn’t even know they wished however one way or the other at all times imagined. It’s as if I’m bringing out the palette they’ve dreamed of, and that’s what makes every Helderburg so private and distinctive. I believe that is most likely the rationale you hardly ever see a Helderburg on the market on the secondary market.
Sonia: That’s fascinating as a result of I’ve checked out Defenders from different {custom} builders, and there’s such a noticeable distinction in a Helderburg. Regardless of all of them being Land Rover Defenders, yours have this nearly mystical look. How do you obtain that?
Paul Potratz: It’s all within the particulars. Each little factor issues, from the stitching on the tanned to order leather-based from Scotland to the thickness of aluminum we use within the custom-made elements. It’s the cumulative impact of those small choices that creates one thing better than the sum of its elements. A Helderburg feels cohesive as a result of all the pieces belongs, nothing appears misplaced, and that’s the place the magic is available in. We take the long-lasting Defender form and construct upon it in a manner that elevates its character, not adjustments it. It’s about honoring the Defender’s heritage whereas enhancing it with trendy luxurious. A Helderburg is a modernized Defender however performed in a manner it will likely be timeless.
Sonia: Do you employ a software program program or create sketches to carry your concepts to life?
Paul Potratz: No, I don’t work that manner. I see photos, not phrases. Once I speak with a shopper, it’s as if I can visualize your entire construct as we speak. Shoppers may are available in asking for one thing easy—like a gray or white Defender—however as we focus on their life-style and passions, I start to see an Orange Defender for them or one thing they may not have thought of. I’m by no means pushy—I simply love exploring artistic concepts with them. It’s about guiding them towards one thing they may not have realized they wished however that actually represents who they’re.
Sonia: That’s such an intuitive course of. Have you ever ever had shoppers simply hand over the reins and ask you to design your entire car with out sharing any particulars?
Paul Potratz: Sure, many instances. Some shoppers will inform me, “Paul, I belief you. Design it and don’t inform me something. I would like it to be an entire shock when it’s performed.” It’s an enormous duty but additionally an honor when somebody trusts you with one thing so private. And that’s what makes Helderburg particular—we’re not simply constructing autos; we’re creating one thing that displays the soul of the shopper.
Sonia: That’s unimaginable. It actually reveals how Helderburg is about extra than simply the car—it’s in regards to the expertise and the connection between the proprietor and their Defender. It appears like each Helderburg is really one-of-a-kind.
Paul Potratz: That’s the objective. Each Defender we create is a mirrored image of the one that will personal it, and that’s what makes it particular.
Sonia: What impressed you to start out Helderburg within the first place? You had been already a Defender fanatic, however one thing should have sparked the need to create your personal model.
Paul Potratz: In 2019, I wished one other Traditional Defender, however I couldn’t discover anybody who might totally seize my imaginative and prescient. These iconic autos had been dropping their soul—The business was targeted on horsepower and bolting on elements that detracted from the timeless magnificence. That’s once I thought, both I’m loopy or I’ve tapped into one thing that individuals really need—creativity, individuality, and a way of legacy in a Defender. So I took a threat, and Helderburg was born.
Sonia: What’s the which means behind the identify Helderburg? It’s such a particular identify—the place did it come from?
Paul Potratz: That’s a incredible query! The identify Helderburg is one thing I created to share my pursuits and hobbies whereas connecting with like-minded people. I didn’t wish to use my private social media profiles as a result of I felt that utilizing my identify may confuse my shoppers in what I provided on the time.’
Initially, I by no means meant to promote {custom} Land Rovers. My background was in enterprise consulting for the Danish authorities and mid to large-scale companies. However as I began sharing photos and movies of my canine, together with the bold-colored Defenders I used to be designing and constructing with my now enterprise accomplice, the response was overwhelming and extremely inspiring. What started as constructing just a few Defenders for pals has now expanded to constructing for attention-grabbing and provoking lovers across the globe.
For me, Helderburg embodies a basic, handmade, and timeless lifestyle—a mild reminder to decelerate and savor every second. It displays my dedication to a stoic life-style, encouraging us all to understand the magnificence of the current in a world that usually rushes by.
At its core, Helderburg celebrates individuality and the fantastic thing about finely crafted gadgets which are each fascinating and uncommon, all with none pretense. It’s really a mirrored image of my journey, and I hope it evokes others to seek out magnificence in each the easy and the extraordinary.
Sonia: There’s a sure magic to the craftsmanship in every Helderburg. How do you obtain that?
Paul Potratz: It’s about ardour and dedication. Our craftsmen are the most effective on the planet. It takes fifteen to twenty years of disciplined, repetitive work to succeed in that degree of talent. There’s one thing nearly meditative in regards to the course of—beating steel, sanding, portray, turning wrenches—it turns into artwork. Watching them work is like watching creation in movement.
Sonia: So it’s not nearly how a Helderburg appears—it’s about the way it feels while you drive it.
Paul Potratz: Precisely. It’s about emotion. When folks drive a Helderburg, they really feel the fervour behind it. Shoppers are at all times impressed by the craftsmanship, the paint perfection, and the trip. However what surprises them most is how we’ve modernized the Defender whereas retaining its iconic enchantment. It’s the place basic meets trendy, and we’re at all times pushing that stability.
Sonia: Helderburg has grown so rapidly, however you’ve stayed true to your imaginative and prescient, even when folks doubted it.
Paul Potratz: That’s proper. Once I first determined to supply {custom} Land Rovers, I confronted numerous skepticism. Many individuals felt that the identify Helderburg wasn’t sturdy sufficient and thought it ought to embrace “Land Rover” or “Defender.” There have been doubts about whether or not there was even a marketplace for such detailed, beautiful, handcrafted Defenders with distinctive paint colours and handmade interiors.
However I selected to belief my instincts. We leaned into our passions and targeted on authenticity, steering away from fleeting traits in our advertising and marketing. I dealt with the images myself and collaborated with others who shared our imaginative and prescient. For us, it was by no means nearly promoting a car; it was about selling a way of life that encourages folks to decelerate and really respect the wonder round them.
Sonia: Your consideration to element is clearly what makes Helderburg so particular.
Paul Potratz: It’s about realizing that each element, irrespective of how small, has my coronary heart in it. Helderburgs are unfold internationally, reminding folks that life’s magnificence is commonly discovered within the unnoticed moments. I wish to encourage others to decelerate, respect the easy issues, and benefit from the significant experiences that make life wealthy.
Sonia: You’ve created one thing really collectible—every Helderburg is a one-of-one version. Inform me about that.
Paul Potratz: To me, these autos are extra than simply vehicles—they’re heirlooms. You’re a brief proprietor, and sooner or later, when the following technology takes the keys, they’ll really feel the identical ardour and pleasure. That’s the legacy we’re constructing—one thing that endures, one thing that evokes.
It’s about slowing down, appreciating the main points that others may overlook. That’s what makes life wealthy—these small, significant moments. And that’s what Helderburg is all about. Every Defender is a reminder that magnificence lies in simplicity and craftsmanship.
Sonia: It’s inspiring to listen to you discuss sticking to your imaginative and prescient and staying true to your ideas. You’ve constructed a model that feels private, luxurious, and filled with character. I’m certain your shoppers really feel that too.
Paul Potratz: I hope they do. For me, it’s not about constructing one thing flashy or fashionable—it’s about creating one thing that may stand the check of time. One thing folks can join with on a deeper degree. And that’s what drives me every single day.
Sonia: After listening to your story and seeing some Helderburg-built Land Rover Defenders, I can say with confidence—you’ve succeeded in doing simply that. Thanks, Paul, for sharing your journey and fervour with us at present.
