Meet Brian, Denimhead & Car Enthusiast

Tell us about yourself. 

I’m 45 years old. I am second generation American Mexican. I’ve been in the cable industry for the past 21 years. Prior to that, I was a social worker for L.A. County. I've always been around cars and motorcycles since I could remember from my childhood. Minibikes, off-roading, go kart racing. My dad always involved me in those types of hobbies including sports. When I started high school. We had auto shop so, I was able to learn more about how to work on cars, etc. I was an only child most of my younger years, so they had to keep me busy with hobbies.

What made you get into cars? How many vehicles do you personally own?

I think a lot of me getting into cars has to do with my surroundings, especially living in Southern California. My dad would take me a lot to car shows as a kid. Some of my older cousins had classic cars and some of my neighbors where I grew up had classic cars too. So how could I not have been attracted to that lifestyle I tell myself now. I started driving at 15 and my first car was a 72 Chevy Monte Carlo. A real beater but was a fun car back then. I’ve had so many cars throughout my years that I lost track. But now, I currently own two cars. One of them is a 1932 Ford 3 Window Coupe and the other one is a 1932 Ford Roadster. Both are highly desired vehicles.

How did Degenerates start? What do you think sets the Degenerates apart from other car clubs?

The car club started off with 5 original members. We originally were in another car club before we started the Degenerates. We outgrew the other club and were heading in different directions. We wanted a close friends’ group for our new club and for people to be more involved in doing other fun things besides car shows all the time. We wanted people in our group that want to drive their cars and not just about car shows like I mentioned.

I think what separates us from other clubs is the bond we have and we do get around a lot as far as participating in other car-related functions that are not local only. We attend other functions in other countries such as Japan Yokohama Moon Eyes and, Romo Motor Festival in Denmark.

Why do you think traditional hotrod continue to resonate with people (YOU)?

I love the simplicity of owning a traditional “Hot Rod”. Theres not much to the car itself, mechanically speaking. But every hot rod has its own uniqueness. Can be the smallest thing that is the showstopper. I also love the origination of hot rodding how WW2 veterans came back from the war and they represent the ultimate expression of individuality, mechanical honesty, and a rebellious spirit that modern, computer-dominated vehicles cannot replicate. In an era of mass-produced, identical cars, these hand-built machines serve as a raw canvas for personal storytelling, embodying a timeless "built, not bought" ethos that honors resourcefulness and human craftsmanship. By stripping away modern electronics and sound isolation, a hot rod forces a visceral, unfiltered connection between the driver, the machine, and the asphalt.

What's your philosophy when building a car?

A truly exceptional build is not just a collection of expensive parts, but a cohesive machine where every single component from the stance and fabrication to the drivetrain works together toward a singular goal. To achieve this, I approach every build through foundational principles. True beauty comes from purpose. Whether engineering a car for the track, the street, or a historic restoration, engineering must dictate the design, so the car performs flawlessly under pressure. Every car has a heritage, a silhouette, and a soul. A build honors the vehicle's history and original character, elevating its best traits with modern ingenuity at times rather than masking them under unnecessary clutter. It’s a lot of work. (laughing)

What inspires you outside of your cars?

This is a hard question for me because my mind is always going 100 miles per hour. But can attempt to sum it up in a nutshell. I have always loved fashion as well. Even growing up. I have always had a vintage inspired fashion through my teens and as an adult. Boots, converse, leather, t-shirts and button ups.

What initially attracted you to selvedge and Raw denim?

I bought my first pair of selvedge denim in 2002. They were a pair of 201 deadstock Levis buckle backs. That’s where it all started. I gradually started building my collection of rare Levis garments and other brands that I still own these days. I prefer the selvedge over any other type of denim. I think its all about showing off the selvedge when I cuff my pants. (laughing)

As someone who has knowledge about selvedge denim, what initially drew you to KATO?

I had heard about KATO and about the 4-way stretch that only KATO makes and no one else can match that. That is what caught my eye. It’s the quality and attention to details of the product. I have a pretty big collection of KATO in the 4-way and raw denim and have enjoyed seeing some of the fades in some in my pants. Also, the biggest thing is the KATO team. How they have a strong bond, like my car club and I have grown to love them and support their brand and will continue to.