Customization specialist Phil Cato was once a member of Joe Martin’s team on Motor Trend’s show Iron Resurrection. He was mainly responsible for repairing the upholstery of automobiles brought into the showroom.
Almost every time, Cato and his team would sell the newly reconditioned automobiles or motorbikes at a significant price.
Despite having an impressive TV career, he said goodbye to the entertainment industry. Following that he is living a low-key life with his family in Atlanta.
Phil Cato’s Love for Cars
Coming from a household of car lovers, it’s not surprising that Phil Cato is now in the automotive field. His parents inspired him to pursue a career in the automotive field – his dad was a car builder- and– his mother was a racer who even drove a ‘69 AMC AMX.
At 14, Phil was named the second owner of a 1955 step-side big window truck, which he has to date. After obtaining his license, he drove that truck until aged 21.
Journey to and Departure from Iron Resurrection
Phil Cato was employed at Martins Bros Customs, a place of Velocity’s Iron Resurrection owned by Amanda and Joe Martin. His role with that custom business ultimately led to his television career.
On 13 April 2016, Iron Resurrection was initially released with its first episode called ‘Texas Two-Step,’ and Phil joined the team as one of their cast members.
While in the show, Cato was seen remodeling classic automobile interiors. He along with his fellow crew also converted an old 1962 Chevy truck into a customized low-rider which scraped off the road.
He served on the show for three seasons, and his involvement helped him earn an image as one of the most outstanding Custom Upholstery Specialists in the country. But, he left ‘Iron Resurrection’ in 2020, and didn’t join the crew in the 4th season of the show.
Phil Cato’s Military Career
As a youth, Phil Cato served the nation with the United States Air Force for 6 years. He was into automobile maintenance while also in his service.
He also fought in the Iraq war for two years, contributing his life to the welfare of the people there. After coming back home, he again started to discover new automotive skills.
Upon his friend Mario’s suggestion, Phil joined WyoTech, based in Laramie Wyoming. There, he learned skills related to upholstering, painting, and body hotrod fabrication.
Cato’s wife, too was in the Military
Just like Phil Cato, his wife Shana Godfred-Cato also served with the US Army. Shana is a strong-headed lady who also served in Iraq.
On the occasion of their 15th anniversary in 2020, Cato posted their beautiful wedding picture and acknowledged Shana for being on his side through the ups and downs of his life. He also talked about how the two handled their military career with their 4 little ones.
The post says, “From getting custody of my/our kiddos that are now almost 18 and 21, then our 2 lil ones now 3 and 7 living in Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, Iowa, Texas, Georgia, going to medical school then residency, my military deployments to Iraq your deployment to Iraq raising these 4 kiddos and many many trips and vacation with family I wouldn’t change a thing!! Love you, Shana.”
Phil Cato was married before
‘Iron Resurrection’ star Phil Cato married twice. He is now happily with his second spouse, Shana Godfred-Cato.
Before Shana, the auto-mobile specialist was married to the mother of his two children, whose identity is yet not revealed.
In his first marriage, Cato has two children who are now 21 and 24 years old. Based on the 2020 Facebook post of the TV star, it is learned that he owns custody of his kids.
Phil Is Married to Shana Godfred-Cato since 2005
Phil walked down the aisle with his darling wife, Shana Godfred-Cato in July 2005. The couple just celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary in 2023.
In their beautiful union, the couple is blessed with two children – the eldest child is 10 years old – and– their little one just turned 6. They are also co-parenting Phil’s other kids from his previous marriage.
On 14 May 2023, Phil posted a lovely picture of himself with his wife on Facebook and praised Shana for being a great wife and amazing mother to their children.
He penned, “Thank God for this lady!!! She’s an amazing mother and a great wife!! Happy Mother’s Day to you!!! And happy Mother’s Day to all of you as well”
Cato’s wife Shana Godfred is now a Doctor
Multi-talented lady Shana Godfred is now pursuing a career in the medical line. After her husband’s graduation, she decided to continue her doctoral degree. So, the couple relocated to Des Lowa, where Godfred joined medical school.
In 2012, Cato shared the happy news of his wife’s graduation from medical school. On social media, he posted a picture of Shana’s convocation and wrote, “Proud of you Dr Shana Godfred-Cato.”