Brian Darnall
Shop Manager
Hoonigan
Long Beach, CA USA
“I like the challenge...I like to have to work hard to get something.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationBrian Darnall
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Currently manages the Hoonigan Industries shop in Long Beach, which boasts a roster ranging from world champion drifters to Baja 1000 winners.
Growing up his father fixed cars, so they always had a project going on in their garage.
He started out in the auto body field doing mainly custom work.
Briefly left the auto industry and did work in heating and air conditioning.
His boss let him rent out half of the warehouse where he worked and fix cars there in his spare time.
During this time, he had the freedom and flexibility to pursue projects that he wanted to do because he didn’t have a boss—opened up the doors for him to enter the off-road and racing scene.
Says that fixing cars has always been a hobby for him, but he never thought it would become his career—it took a long time for him to realize that he could make a living doing what he loved.
His favorite part of his job is the challenge; says you have to keep challenging yourself if you want to get anywhere.
Keep following my journey
Career
Shop Manager
I am a designer, builder, and fabricator of anything automotive.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Action Sports
Engineering
Problem Solving
Day to Day
As a shop manager, I build out and maintain the facility, open accounts, negotiate terms, maintain relationships for shop supplies, welding equipment, and automotive parts. I also oversee the shipping and receiving of all vehicles and oversee all aspects of the car's lifecycle here. I work closely with cast and crew on Hoonigans YouTube show "Daily Transmission" overseeing prep and safety before and during on screen stunts.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Don't get cocky and shut out advice just because you think you know better. You don't know everything, so keep challenging yourself and learning.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I've never done that before, I don't know what to do. "
Interviewed By
Changing Gears
Auto and diesel technician careers
