Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Daigle.
Hi Nathan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
You bet! – I grew up in Canada surrounded by family members who always had a project car in the garage. It was being around old vehicles from a young age that sparked a fascination which eventually became my livelihood.
My introduction to Volkswagen vans came during university. At that time, I was studying archaeology, but if I’m being honest, I spent equal energy learning about VW engine conversions and dreaming about life on the road. I had this vision of driving my own Vanagon south on an extended adventure — maybe even all the way to Patagonia.
My then-girlfriend, now wife, Kim, and I eventually loaded up our van and headed south. We made it as far as Baja Mexico, fell in love with the people, landscapes, and culture of the entire West Coast, and then promptly ran out of money. Like many great adventures, reality eventually caught up with us.
After returning to Vancouver Island and welcoming our daughter into the world, I reached a crossroads. I realized that if I wanted to build something around my passion for these vehicles, it was “now or never.” I took the leap and launched Vancouver Island Vehicle Design, a small restoration and specialty vehicle business focused on Volkswagen vans.
Over time, that business grew beyond what I could have imagined. What began as a one-man operation evolved into a full restoration shop, and eventually led my family and me to California, where Vancouver Island Vehicle Design has transformed into Vivid Vans Santa Cruz.
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?
Sounds corny but along the way I’ve learned that success in this industry is about much more than turning wrenches — It’s about craftsmanship, communication, managing expectations, and building trust with customers.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Running a restoration business comes with constant challenges, and every project seems to teach me a new lesson. But it is also rewarding. I’m proud of the team we’ve built, the vehicles we’ve pulled from the weeds, and the customers who trust us with some of their most prized family possessions.
At the end of the day, I’m still the guy who spent university lectures daydreaming about VW vans and road trips. The difference is that I can now help other people live out those adventures too.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about VIVID VANS?
Vivid Vans is a specialty repair/restoration shop focused primarily on Volkswagen Vans.
What makes us different is that we don’t just see them as vehicles to get you from A to B — we see them as part of our customers families, life story, and adventures. Many of our clients have owned their vans for decades, traveled across continents in them, or plan to create lasting memories with their families.
Our specialty is helping owners navigate the space between preservation and modernization. Some customers want a factory-correct restoration, while others want modern engines, upgraded suspensions, improved reliability, and camping amenities that make their vans more enjoyable to use in today’s world. We enjoy both ends of that spectrum and everything in between.
These vehicles are approaching 40 years old, and the work can be unpredictable. We try hard to communicate clearly about what we find, what it will take to do the job properly, and what owners can realistically expect. Sometimes that means having difficult conversations, but I believe the transparency builds trust.
We also tackle projects that many shops won’t. Whether it’s a complex Syncro 4×4 conversion, a full restoration, or a van that has been sitting for years and needs to be brought back to life.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is our reputation and the physical community we’ve built around the shop. Many of our customers become friends. Some travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to have us work on their vans. That level of trust isn’t something you can buy—it has to be earned one project at a time.
At its core, Vivid Vans is about helping people get out and use their vehicles. These vans were built for adventure, rather than just car shows. Our goal is to keep them out adventuring for the next generation.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the classic car industry is entering a really interesting period. Over the next 5–10 years, I expect we’ll continue to see a growing divide between repair shops and specialty restoration shops. Modern vehicles are becoming increasingly complex, while classic vehicles require a very different skill set. The number of technicians who are truly comfortable working on 30- to 50-year-old vehicles is shrinking, which means expertise will become even more valuable.
For Volkswagen Vanagons specifically, I think we’ll continue to see strong demand. As previously mentioned, owners tend to have deep emotional connections to these vehicles, and younger generations are discovering them as symbols of adventure, travel, and a slower, more intentional way of experiencing the world.
Perhaps the biggest trend I see is that people are becoming more selective about how they spend their time. Experiences are increasingly valued over possessions. A Vanagon Westfalia isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a way to travel, camp, and create memories with family and friends. As long as people continue to seek those experiences, I believe there will be a strong future for both these vehicles and the businesses dedicated to preserving them.
Pricing:
- Less than your local VW dealer
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.vividvans.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vividvans/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vividvans
