Hosam Al-Baderi is a seasoned entrepreneur and the innovative mind behind Amari Motors and Amari Customs and Designs, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. With a profound passion for automotive excellence and a keen eye for design, Hosam has carved a niche in the world of custom and exotic automobiles. His journey began in the diverse landscapes of Salt Lake City, where his early love for outdoor sports transitioned into a career that combines high-performance automotive engineering with artistic craftsmanship.
Educated at East High School followed by Salt Lake Community College, Hosam’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Amari Motors, which specializes in acquiring, selling, and customizing high-end vehicles. His venture expanded into Amari Customs and Designs, where creativity meets functionality, transforming vehicles into bespoke masterpieces.
Beyond his business acumen, Hosam is an avid enthusiast of aviation and car restoration, often drawing parallels between the innovation in aerospace and automotive design. His commitment extends beyond the garage as he actively contributes to various charitable organizations, supporting causes that improve children’s welfare and environmental conservation.
Hosam Al-Baderi is not just a businessman but a visionary, continuously pushing the boundaries of automotive design and functionality while maintaining a commitment to community and sustainability.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days begin with a quick review of my schedule and prioritizing tasks. I spend a lot of time at Amari Motors and Amari Customs and Designs, overseeing projects and collaborating with my team. Staying productive involves setting clear goals, regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned, and using management software to keep track of progress on various projects.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life starts with sketching designs and discussing them with my team. We brainstorm, considering both aesthetics and engineering feasibility. Once we settle on a concept, prototyping follows, involving a lot of trial and error. This hands-on approach helps us refine our ideas into tangible, exciting products.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) excites me. It’s not just about environmental benefits; the technology allows for new design possibilities and performance enhancements in cars. It’s a trend that aligns with future automotive innovation and something we are beginning to incorporate at Amari Customs.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily planning is a habit I can’t do without. Each morning, I review my tasks and objectives for the day. This helps me stay focused and manage my time effectively, ensuring I tackle the most critical tasks first.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to worry less about the hurdles and focus more on the journey. Every mistake is a learning opportunity, and patience is crucial. I’d stress the importance of networking early and learning continuously, as both have been invaluable to my growth.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that traditional automotive design will make a major comeback, even as we move towards more futuristic designs. There’s a timeless elegance to these designs that, I believe, will always have a place in the market, despite prevailing trends towards ultra-modern aesthetics.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Constant learning. The world changes rapidly, especially in technology and design. Staying updated through courses, seminars, and books has been crucial for me and is something I recommend to everyone, no matter their field.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I go for a drive or work on a personal restoration project. It’s therapeutic and helps clear my mind, allowing me to return to work with a fresh perspective and renewed focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building a strong brand reputation through quality and customer satisfaction has been pivotal. We ensure every project exceeds expectations, which has helped in word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers, crucial for our growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
In the early days, I expanded the business too quickly without a solid plan, which led to operational inefficiencies and stretched resources. Scaling back and focusing on core competencies helped me stabilize the business. The lesson was clear: grow sustainably and always have a robust strategy.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app that connects classic car enthusiasts with restoration experts and parts suppliers worldwide could be a goldmine. It would help enthusiasts find the right resources to bring classic cars back to life.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Monday.com is indispensable for managing projects and tasks. We use it to assign tasks, track progress, and set deadlines. It’s great for ensuring everyone in the team knows what needs to be done and by when, keeping our projects on schedule.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari is a fascinating look at who we are as humans and our history, in a very digestible writing style.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched “Ford v Ferrari” — a fantastic portrayal of automotive passion and determination. It resonates with my love for car restoration and the drive to push technological and personal limits to achieve something great.
Key learnings
- Diverse Backgrounds Foster Innovation
- Passion Transitioning into Career
- Emphasis on Continuous Learning