Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Brooks.
Hi Andrew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our Story – How CarFest Started
CarFest began with a simple belief: cars can change lives.
Years ago, we saw a growing need in our community — families without reliable transportation, students struggling to get to school or jobs, and nonprofits lacking the means to serve their clients. At the same time, we saw something powerful in the automotive industry — talented technicians, generous shops, and people who love to get under the hood and help others.
So we brought those two worlds together.
What started as a few garages volunteering their time has grown into CarFest — a full-blown, 3-day event with tens of thousands of attendees, over 300 repaired and donated vehicles, $3 million given back to the community, and a platform that now includes free classes, career training, and car giveaways.
Our journey has been built on generosity, grit, and community. Every repair, every scholarship, every honk of the horn is a reminder that we’re building something bigger than a car show — we’re building opportunity, connection, and hope.
And the engine’s just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any good road trip, the journey to where we are now hasn’t always been smooth. There have been plenty of potholes, detours, and flat tires along the way.
At first, getting garages to donate their time and talent was tough. It’s one thing to ask someone to volunteer; it’s another to ask them to rebuild an engine for free. But little by little, we found generous shops who believed in the mission — and once the impact became clear, more and more joined in.
We’ve also had to learn how to manage a massive event with limited resources. Coordinating thousands of attendees, hundreds of volunteers, dozens of nonprofits, and complex vehicle repairs — all while keeping it free for the public — takes a lot of heart and hustle.
Then came the unexpected challenges: last-minute part shortages, unpredictable weather, and even navigating through the pandemic. Each time, our team found a way to pivot, patch it up, and keep moving forward.
The road hasn’t always been easy — but it’s been worth every mile. The smiles on families’ faces when they receive a car, or the student who discovers a future career at our event, make all the struggles feel small.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a builder. Not always of things you can touch, but of communities, connections, and causes that matter.
My journey has always been rooted in purpose-driven marketing and storytelling — helping brands and organizations grow with meaning. I’ve been blessed to lead incredible teams across industries such as Beef, Movies and Entertainment, and now Automotive, but the work I’m most proud of is what I get to do now: using my skills to serve others.
At my core, I specialize in bringing big visions to life. Whether that’s launching multi-location campaigns, creating nonprofit programs from scratch, or building community events like CarFest, I thrive at the intersection of strategy, heart, and execution. I’m known for rallying people around a mission, for turning ideas into action, and for making things feel personal — because to me, they are.
What sets me apart isn’t just the marketing background or event experience. It’s the belief that everything — every post, every partnership, every repair — should lead to impact. I’m proud of the lives we’ve helped change through CarFest, and even more proud of the people behind the scenes who make it possible.
I’m a husband, a dad, a mentor, and a relentless advocate for doing good work that matters. I believe in doing the small things well, lifting others up, and always keeping purpose in the driver’s seat.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My best advice? Start with service, stay curious, and don’t wait for permission to lead.
When I was starting out, I thought success was about titles or climbing ladders — but I’ve learned that real impact comes when you lead with purpose and put people first. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career didn’t come from big campaigns or big paychecks — they came from showing up, solving problems, and helping others succeed.
I also wish I had known sooner that you don’t have to have it all figured out. Growth comes in the doing — in the risks, the pivots, the late nights, and yes, even the failures. Every challenge is a classroom, and every “no” can be fuel for your next big “yes.”
And finally, build your circle. Surround yourself with people who believe in something bigger than themselves — people who challenge you, stretch you, and cheer you on.
No matter where you start, remember this: you are capable of more than you know, and the impact you make today might just change someone else’s tomorrow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carfestsa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carfestsa/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carfestsa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@carfestsa
