Taking the Long Way
Today, Levi sits in parts around the Squirrel Concepts shop as the team performs the longer, slower, and much more painstakingly-detailed version of a restorative rebuild. The kind of build that, not unlike the trip that got Levi to California in the first place, takes the long way to its destination. One that treats tasks as potential adventures. And one that polishes every bolt, even the ones that no one but the mechanic will ever see.
The long way isn’t in-and-out. It isn’t cookie-cutter. And it isn’t convenient. On the long way, you take the time to do it right, to figure things out, and to learn together as you go. It’s a patient, approachable, work-in-progress mindset — one that’s rooted in the backgrounds of the three mechanically-minded friends who own the shop together.
Meet the Squirrels
Vitecha Kochaon - Co-Owner
The Squirrel Concepts story begins with Vitecha (V for short.) Vitecha had been living overseas pursuing a passion for surfing before the pandemic landed him back in LA, living with his parents and finding himself with all the time in the world to tinker, self-teach, and reevaluate his life trajectory.
During this time, he began working in his parent’s garage on camper buildouts for the backs of his friends’ trucks. With the leftover wood from these projects, he built tiny picnic tables for the squirrels that frequented the family’s backyard. When it was time to name the outfit, Squirrel Concepts was born.
V’s Current Ride: “Wilson” is a 1994 Third-Gen Toyota pickup with a four-cylinder 22RE engine. Named after a beloved family dog, V originally picked it up to further his woodworking skills and build a camper on it for his portfolio. That work ended up being just as fulfilling a project to explore, though, and it led him to the hybrid mechanic/camper business he leads today.
Adam Masters - Co-Owner
In a past life, Adam was part of the cycling industry, selling niche high-end bikes to enthusiasts and leading bike trips as a guide. Much of what Adam learned in that space influences how Squirrel Concepts does business today — they keep all the emphasis on education and mutual excitement over a hobby, rather than on run-of-the-mill sales tactics.
Pandemic-era reflection also introduced Adam to the world of cars. “After losing a relationship during the pandemic, I drank a lot of beer in the garage and taught myself how to rebuild motors at YouTube University.”
Adam’s Current Ride: Unique because of its removable hardtop roof, Adam’s Toyota 4Runner has not yet found a good name. But a convertible 4Runner is pretty fun, especially driving around sunny LA. “I get Porsches that pass me, slow down, look over, and give me a big old nod in my hundred horsepower Toyota. It’s great.”
Mark Borland - Co-Owner
Mark was a brewer before the pandemic gave him, like his co-owner comrades, a little too much time to evaluate his life’s trajectory. During lockdowns, he bought a used Toyota pickup and found himself in need of a place to work on it.
Vitacha offered his space, and the two spent their days working on cars and documenting the process together. Soon, their DMs were full of new friends with trucks that needed work, too. Their shared garage time still felt like a hobby, but it was quickly turning into a real business.
Mark’s Ride: After road-tripping a bit too much in a Toyota Corolla, Mark knew it was time for a real truck. He drove up to Sacramento to purchase “Lady,” a first-gen 4Runner that Mark gets some crazy offers for at gas stations today.