The WHY of 7ast 7riends.

What's up, I’m Ali.

If you’re here, you probably want to know what I’m about, what I do, and why I do it. So, let’s get into it.

First off, I’m a father of two and a husband, with a regular 9-5 gig. Somewhere between all that, I find time for Fast Friends, Rigged For Dirt, and some ambitious builds. It's not easy, but I make it work because this isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.

I’ve been hooked on cars for as long as I can remember. My dad had a ‘64 1/2 Mustang, which became my first car in high school. Later, my parents (foolishly but generously) got me a ‘95 Honda Civic, which was my real introduction to the project car world. Back then, I was part of a small street racing crew out of La Habra called Big Brother Racing, a tight-knit group where I learned to wrench, swap engines, and push the limits on those canyon runs. This was back before D1 and Formula D hit the U.S., when we were all trying to drift FWD cars because Initial D made it look too damn cool.

From there, I dipped in and out of the industry, eventually landing roles with D1 Grand Prix Japan, Apex Integration, and later Tilly's and 5.11 Tactical. Then came a turning point: a family adventure gone wrong in 2017, where we got stuck in the mud on a back road in Wrightwood. That experience led me to build my first overland rig—a Jeep I named Kate. I got recoverd by a rad Jeep on that backroad and decided then and there I needed something tougher.

Since then, Kate’s been my ticket to SEMA, Overland Expo, and the gateway to a whole new community. I’ve been lucky to work with brands like KC HiLiTES, helping push their marketing forward and diving deeper into the off-road world. Along the way, I launched a podcast, Rigged For Dirt, with my buddy Frank Martinez. We’re five years in and still going, though life and other projects keep it hanging by a thread sometimes.

Fast forward a bit, and you’ll find me at Makita USA and now Jenson USA, where I’m driving their creative direction. Along the way, I pulled off a dual Subaru Crosstrek build with my buddy Eric Dalcin. We took those Crosstreks from stock to fully kitted overlanders with some top-tier gear, keeping them light but capable.

I’m also wrenching on a ‘71 Suburban 3-Door—a project I’m building with my family, one bolt at a time, with hopes of taking it across National Parks someday. This one’s special because it’s not about the show; it’s about the slow grind, learning patience and precision with the people I care about most.

Beyond the builds, I’m committed to giving back. I’ve donated thousands to Tread Lightly!, taken part in trail cleanups, and even sponsored the lower trails in Lytle Creek with the USDA Forest Service. Protecting the fun is as important as having it.

So, that’s me. I started Fast Friends because I wanted something real that reflects the raw, gritty side of off-road and overland—something that’s about more than just the gear. It's about the people, the trail, the shared stories, and those wild moments that turn strangers into family.

I've never been part of a group of people that connected faster than what I've witnessed in this industry. 

If you’re the kind of person who lives for the adventure, who wants gear that’s as real as the road you’re on, then you’re in the right place.

Thanks for stopping by. See you out there 7riends.