In an unfiltered conversation, Tim Ham opens up about the journey that took him from a turbulent youth in College Park, Ga., to becoming a respected figure in the paint protection film (PPF) industry. Loop Magazine Editorial Director Chris Collier sat down with Ham to talk about family, freedom, and finding purpose on the other side of the hustle.
Collier: Tell me about your childhood.
Ham: I grew up in College Park, Ga. It's not exactly the easiest place to grow up. My dad immigrated from Seoul, South Korea, in the ’70s and worked in TV repair for years. He was always working while my mom stayed home to take care of me, my sister, and my brother. At one point, my dad even owned his own business. We weren’t close, because he always worked to provide for us.
Collier: What’s your relationship with your son, Jared, like?
Ham: I wasn’t really around when he was younger — the same way my dad was always working, I was too. Just trying to provide. My son brought that up one day and said I was never really there. And he wasn’t wrong. But to get somewhere in life, you’ve got to sacrifice something. That’s what I learned — and unfortunately, he learned it too.
Collier: How did he get started in PPF?
Ham: He’s 22 now, but he came to me when he was 20 and said, “Dad, I think I’m ready to follow your footsteps.” I had given him a job when he was 18, but it only lasted a few weeks. He had to go figure things out on his own first — experiment a little. When he came back, I trained him up. After about a year, I sold the business, and he went out and started his own mobile PPF company in Atlanta — just like I did. Now he’s out there hustling, and he’s getting really good.
Collier: What’s it like watching him follow the same path?
Ham: It’s cool. He’s passionate about it, just like I was. People always compare him to me, and I keep reminding him — that it took me 20 or 25 years to get where I am. He’s only a couple years in. He’s doing great work, though. He doesn’t like to ask for help much, but every now and then, he calls for advice. And I’m proud — not just because he’s doing what I did, but because now he understands what it takes. He’s seen how tired it makes you. He said, “I don’t know how you did this for so long.” That meant a lot.
Collier: What inspires you to display your Porsche at industry events?
Ham: It shows people, “Hey, you can do this, too.” I’m a guy with 10 felonies and no high school diploma — I’ve been to prison, grew up poor, and even homeless at one point. I’ve had to start over. I’ve failed in business more than once. But it only took one niche — PPF — to change everything.
Collier: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Ham: Getting messages from people saying I inspired them. That means more than anything. My consulting isn’t cheap, but sometimes it’s not about the money. I don’t want to be remembered as “the guy with the Lambos and LEGO® sets.” I want people to say, “Tim Ham helped me build my business. He gave a damn.”
Collier: What does retired Tim Ham do to stay busy?
Ham: Still figuring that out, honestly. I’m not the type to sit still. I’ll go to Harrah’s, throw 20 bucks in a machine, drink, maybe win a little. But I’m not a gambler. I’m just trying to keep moving. I’m a go-getter — always have been. Retirement doesn’t really suit that mindset.
Collier: Tell me about your car collection.
Ham: I’ve got four right now — a 2023 Lamborghini Urus, a 2024 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 55, and a 2025 BMW M3.
Collier: Out of those, which one’s your favorite?
Ham: The Mercedes-AMG GT 55, hands down. It’s insanely comfortable — it feels like a spaceship. Massage seats and a massive screen. Loaded with amenities. Mercedes really thought of everything.
Collier: Many keep their Porsches parked. You’ve racked up 5,000 miles on the GT3 RS — what drives that mindset?
Ham: Let’s just say — I’m not saving it for the next owner.
Collier: Let’s talk about your LEGO® collection — what got you into that?
Ham: A couple of years ago, I realized I could finally afford the stuff I couldn’t back when I was grinding. I’d missed my shot at retail, so I started buying multiples — like 20 of each set — as an investment. I spent about five to ten grand a week on LEGO® sets. That’s my 401(k).
Collier: And it’s grown into a serious investment, right?
Ham: My collection is worth almost $1 million. Some sets I bought for $12 are worth $140 now. I don’t even build them all. I’ll build one, and the rest stay sealed.
Collier: Do you know anyone else in the industry who collects like you?
Ham: Tony Kiger. He’s one of my favorites — we talk all the time. Since I started posting about it, a lot of people have hit me up like, “Dude, I collect because of you.” That’s pretty cool to hear.
Collier: What’s the story behind the stuffed animals?
Ham: That started when I was traveling a lot. I’d hit airport gift shops and see these little plush toys. One day, I grabbed this cute little alligator named Ridley — and now he goes everywhere with me. He’s got a wardrobe, a blanket that cost $1,500, and a whole fanbase. But yeah, they all have their own personalities — CK likes coffee and Ridley likes ice cream. People say, “You’re 44, and you play with stuffed animals?” I do. They help me mentally. They don’t talk back.
Collier: What’s a typical day like for you now that you’re retired?
Ham: It’s great ... and it’s not. I wake up late — sometimes 12:30 p.m., sometimes 1:00 p.m., depending on when I went to bed. During the day, I might do some consulting, helping folks in the industry break down their numbers or figure out how to grow. Other times, I just grab lunch with other retired guys. It’s chill.
Collier: Sounds peaceful, but is it ever tough being retired so young?
Ham: Yeah, that’s the part people don’t get. Most folks retire at 60 or 70, so their friends are retired too. I’m 44 — my circle still works. I can’t just call someone up like, “Let’s go fish today.” They’re at work. So, I’ve had to figure out ways to stay busy.
Collier: If you could stand face-to-face with the man you were in prison, what would you say — if anything?
Ham: I wouldn’t tell the younger me a thing. I’d let him sit with his thoughts, read his books, and reflect on the time he was doing — and why he was doing it. If I stepped in and gave him advice, it might’ve changed the course that brought me here.
Collier: Last question — what do you think is the meaning of life?
Ham: I don’t know. Even at 44, I’m still trying to figure that out. When I was younger, I thought it was about making money and getting the toys. But now I’ve got all that, and it doesn’t really fill you up. Mentoring people — that’s what brings me joy now. Helping others build something. That’s the real reward.
(LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this article)
