09/11/2026
Years ago, when I started out building cars in my mom’s backyard, I became a huge disappointment to some people because I didn’t go to college or join the military. I chose a different path—I chose to work with my hands.
That backyard became my classroom.
I went from building cars to starting multiple businesses, creating jobs, training young people, and helping create economic opportunities in my community.
Now, years later, I’m seeing my face on jumbo screens and traveling the country speaking about the very industry that gave me my start.
And one of the most profound moments of this journey is being able to speak at a conference started 126 years ago by one of my heroes, Dr. Booker T. Washington.
More than 100 years ago, Washington was telling our people about the importance of industrial education, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, owning businesses, creating jobs, and working with our hands.
I didn’t realize it when I was building cars in my mom’s backyard, but I was walking down a road that had already been laid out for us generations before me.
From my mom’s backyard in Compton to entrepreneurship, job creation, jumbo screens, filmmaking, and national stages—this journey has come full circle.
Sometimes the path people don't understand in the beginning becomes the very path that defines your purpose.
We’ve learned History. Now it’s time to learn Our Story.
— TJ Loftin
Automotive Historian • Economic Futurist • Legendary Car Builder • Filmmaker
