Every month, we like to shine a light on one of the many respected Builders that we supply parts for - and we generally think are doing a great job.
Aside from learning more about these teams of campervan professionals, we find that they have great insights to share for anyone at any level of van building fun.
For this month's Builder of the Month, we would like to introduce you to Brian from The Good Van.
Where are you from and what is special about the area?
I’m Brian, originally from La Palma, California. La Palma is a small, quiet city nestled in Orange County, but what really makes it special is its proximity to some of the best surf towns and outdoor spots in SoCal. It’s kind of like the hidden gem of the area—small-town vibe but just a short drive to places like Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and San Clemente (45min is still close to me if youre considering good waves) which has some of the best surf culture around. I grew up with a love for the outdoors, so being surrounded by such natural beauty definitely shaped my passion for surfing, camping, and motorcycles.
I spent a lot of time in Long Beach, Which is also a community that feels grounded, and that vibe really aligns with the lifestyle I try to bring into my work with these vans—an appreciation for simple, meaningful experiences in nature. That kind of local spirit definitely inspires me to create something that helps people connect in their own way.
When did you first realize that you wanted to become a camper van builder?
I first realized I wanted to become a camper van builder when my first son was born in 2019. Before that, my wife and I had a few VW buses and Vanagons, and we were always inspired by their classic camping layouts (something that just simply worked). Those vans offered such a unique sense of freedom, and every trip in them felt like a grand adventure. But what really deepened my connection to van life was hearing stories from my dad. When he immigrated from the Philippines to the U.S., he traveled around in a van to explore the country and make his way here. His stories of those early years—living out of a van and seeing the world—left a lasting impression on me. It made me realize how powerful and transformative this kind of lifestyle could be, not just for the adventure but for the memories you create along the way.
So when my son came into the picture, I knew I wanted to create something that would give my family the same freedom and experiences my dad had, while adding my sense of design and interior living in them. Prior to vans, I worked a lot in the interior spaces with companies such as Urban outfitters, unique space and a couple real estate firms that focused on design. That’s when I started focusing on building custom camper vans—something that combined my love for interior, outdoors, surf and travel, with a bit of family history.
What sets you apart from other camper van builders?
We take a highly personalized approach, designing each van based on our client’s unique needs, wants, and lifestyle. For us, it’s not just about the build itself; it’s about creating a space that reflects our clients and their lifestyle. Alot of conversion companies nowadays wouldn’t touch a custom project more or less, which I totally understand now that we’ve been doing custom builds. They’re very time consuming and isn’t the best approach if you’re a business looking to copy and paste an automated system. In retro spect as an entrepreneur that might be the best approach, but Im pretty drawn to client communication and connecting with our clients on a totally different level. We know literally all our clients from van build 1 to van build 56 and we know all of them on a personal level.
We focus on the lifestyle aspect of van life, which means we work closely with our clients to understand what kind of experiences they want to have on the road, whether it’s for weekend camping trips, long-term travel, or simply escaping the daily grind. Every detail is considered, from layout to materials, to ensure that the van is not just a place to sleep, but an extension of their personal journey.
We like to think of ourselves as a lifestyle brand as much as a van conversion company. We want to inspire people to live the life they’ve always dreamed of—one full of adventure, exploration, and connection, all while feeling at home no matter where the road takes them.
What Vanspeed products do you like best, and why?
One of my favorite products from Vanspeed is definitely the Capsules. They’re a game changer when it comes to maximizing space in a Sprinter van, especially for families. I’ve personally used the capsules in my own van, and with two small babies and my wife, there’s no way we could’ve made it work without them. (funny because im quite literally in the capsule in bed at the moment as Im typing this) The extra sleeping space they provide is crucial, and it makes all the difference when you're out on the road for longer trips or just need that extra room for everyone to sleep comfortably.
What I really love about them is how they optimize the interior layout without sacrificing comfort or style. It’s one of those small modifications that has a huge impact on the livability of the van, and I think it’s perfect for anyone who’s traveling with a family or needs to make the most of their space. It’s one of those products that really aligns with the kind of van I want to create—functional, practical, and tailored to the needs of the people using it.
As I always tell the clients if you don't have the budget for Capsule, make the budget! I would loose that extra bench for that capsule any day!
What advice would you like to share with other builders and/or people embarking on a DIY project?
My biggest piece of advice would be to just do it.
Don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes along the way. Building a van is not just about the end product—it’s a journey that teaches you so much, from problem-solving to developing discipline. One of the things I love most about van builds is how it forces you to compartmentalize tasks and break down a project into smaller, manageable steps. That skill is something I use in everything I do now.
And remember, there’s never just one way to do something. Every van build is different, and that’s what makes it so exciting. You can always find your own method, your own style, and you’ll learn as you go. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more rewarding than stepping back and looking at the van you’ve created—something that reflects your own hard work and creativity, and that can take you anywhere you want to go.
How did you come up with your company name?
The name The Good Van actually came from a very personal experience with the first van I ever built. I had just finished a custom Sprinter van with a 170” wheelbase, and it was designed to haul my newborn baby, my wife, and all our stuff as we left our loft in Los Angeles to start traveling. While we were on the road, my wife mentioned how great the van was for us—how perfectly it suited our needs, our lifestyle, and our little family. She said, “This is a good van… for us.”
That stuck with me. It wasn’t just about the van itself—it was about how it fit our lives in that moment, how it gave us the freedom to explore and experience life together. So, The Good Van seemed like the perfect name, because it wasn’t just about building a van; it was about creating something that works for the people using it, something that makes their lives better and more connected.
Please share anything else you’d like to add… a joke, a funny van name, a ritual around your shop, etc…
At The Good Van, we’re a pretty tight-knit team, and there’s never a dull moment around here. Our team consists of Johnny, my partner; Cassidy, our right-hand gal; and our two builders, Freddy and Francisco. We’ve got jokes flying around pretty much every day—from laughing at the dust cloud that forms in our office (we call it "dust suffocation"—it’s a real phenomenon!) to the scorching sounds of the compressor that Cassidy and I deal with everyday. I dont know why I thought it was a great idea to put the compressor by our office haha!
One thing’s for sure: no day is ever boring, and our shop is like our second home—it’s where the magic happens, and where we get to share our love for building these incredible vans. I’d love to tell you all about it, but honestly, you’d have to come visit to really get the full vibe of it!
