Meet Dominic

The mastermind behind Creative Custom Cars is Indiana native, Dominic Papalia.

Dom is the youngest of five children whose parents emigrated from Italy. The family

should have been drawn to soccer given their background, however the undeniable

energy of IU basketball was too great for Dominic and his dad. Some of his best

childhood memories (besides watching Magnum, P.I,) include watching games and

for that he is grateful to all the coaches and players, and in particular, Coach Knight. As a student at IU, Dom had the pleasure of taking Coach Knight's class. As a father, Dominic applies something Coach Knight said during that class with his daughters: "Who was your hardest teacher? Now, who was your favorite teacher? I bet they are the same person."

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As a fan (one prone to big ideas and creating with his hands), Dominic wondered if there was anything he could make for the fan base, coaches and players to celebrate their pride in IU's past, present and future. He wanted his kids and their generation to see how great Indiana University's Basketball program was and will be again. Dom's love of old cars meshed with his over-the-top IU fanaticism leading to the creation of the IU Caddie in 2017. It has since made appearances at several Hoosier Hysteria nights, Wolfies -The Dan Dakich Show, IU Alumni Event at Huber's Winery, the 2021 IU Homecoming Parade and Hoosier Hysteria, 2022. 

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When his IU Caddie creation was complete it was so outrageously awesome and well received his entrepreneurial spirit got him thinking and imagining what other possibilities there might be! Thus, Collegiate Custom Cars was born and the

unconventional experience was translated for several other schools. Reach out to us if you see room in your garage or field house for a one-of-a-kind fan experience and marketing tool!

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