Meet Jesse Lavorin | Founder, CEO & Motorsports Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Lavorin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to take control of my own future and not be held to the limitations of others. There is inherently more risk involved with taking on the challenge of starting your own business, but in the end the reward is far greater than anything that normal employment can offer. And I’m not just talking about financially. The ability to take something I’m passionate about, in this case motorsports and car culture, and turn it into a business that I can truly enjoy and doing is something most people can only dream of. The most rewarding part about starting a business out of passion is the way it touches the lives and emotions of other enthusiasts. The excitement I get from seeing someone drive a racing simulator for the first time, is oh so satisfying. I love that I can have a hand in growing peoples passion for motorsports.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Camber & Caster is a motorsports brand that has recently opened a marketing agency that also acts as a sim racing facility and motorsports club with a goal of creating not only a brand that people can be passionate about, but also a community that can have a positive impact on the people within it. The location itself is a subscription based club that offers it’s members the ability to enjoy a unique and exciting facility that caters to all their motorsports and enthusiast needs. We have high end racing simulators that afford people the opportunity to not only race the cars of their dreams, but to prepare for real world driving experiences on track as well. We also offer classes and coaching for anyone looking to race faster and perform on a competitive level. The drivers lounge houses a 4k theater for watching live races, gaming and movie nights. Weekly in house events take the guess work out of what to do on a Saturday night and proved and array of fun and social activities that are designed to bring the community together at the same. And beyond the walls of our facility we plan and execute off site events, like group drives, track days, and motorsports travel experiences.

Camber & Caster originally started as a concept, and a brand, focused on creating motorsport inspired apparel for enthusiasts of all levels. That all changed when I took on the challenge of trying to save a social club that I was part of from collapsing. The community that was grown, and the friendship made through that club made it that much more important to bring my skills and knowledge to the table in an effort to get it going in the right direction. I had been brought on as COO into what turned out to be company that was in utter chaos and financial turmoil. It was like something out of an episode of Dateline. It had everything, Greed, deception, lust and infidelity. And despite those challenges I dedicated every available moment to try and salvage what I could. In the end it didn’t work out. The ownership didn’t want someone to come in and help right the ship. They want nothing more than blind dedication to their already flawed vision, without an ounce of pushback or redirection. After that I decided that I needed to keep the momentum I had gained and pursue making my own path in that space.

The biggest challenge that I faced in getting Camber & Caster off the ground was doing it on my own, with no investors, no partners, and a drum tight budget. I had some help here and there, but the long hours and late nights where often spent by myself, alone, painting and building the racing simulators. Unpacking and building furniture and setting up the lighting that would ultimately create the mood and atmosphere I was looking to create. All while having a full time day job that I still need to hold on to while the business grows. Which has created more challenges with not having enough time in the day, and sacrificing any free time that I had prior to taking the leap into starting a business.

In the end I know that all the hard work will pay off. That the late nights and early mornings with give way to not just being able to do the things I love, but to make a career and be paid to do it at the same time. We only live once. And if life is worth living, it’s worth doing full speed and at the limit, always.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m still discovering the city of Oceanside. As a native San Diegan, something of a rarity here, I’ve had the opportunity to see all the different cities we have grow and evolve. The revitalization that has taken place in Oceanside over the years is a big part of why I chose this area to start my business.

I would always recommend a beer from Black Plague Brewing. They have an amazing variety and I’ve yet to have a beer that wasn’t on point. The same goes for Belching Beaver as well. Another staple of the Oceanside beer scene. If it’s a morning outing then Ryes and Grind is a great spot for brunch, The bloody Mary and eggs benedict I had there was top notch. I’ve also managed to get one nice dinner in at Mangia E Bevi, and nicer Italian joint just a block over from our locations. And if someone is in the mood for sweets, Parlor Donuts should definitely be mandatory, They do a croissant style donut that super unique and with some really great flavor options. It’s not quite a cronut, but rather something kind of amazing.

And everyone should go down to the coast and check out the pier. San Diego has some amazing beaches and Oceanside is definitely one of them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to the family and friends that have always supported and encouraged me. To my mom for raising us right despite all the challenges we faced. And to all the racing drivers that gave their blood, sweat, tears and lives to grow the sport I have come to know and love.

Website: https://camberxcaster.com

Instagram: @camberandcaster

Twitter: @camberandcaster

Facebook: @camberandcaster

Youtube: @camberandcaster

Other: Basically Camberandcaster on all social media, twitch and discord as well.

Image Credits
All photos taken by me Jesse Lavorin