When you hear the name Hosam Al-Baderi, you probably don’t think of flashy headlines or big startup exits. That’s not his style. But if you’ve ever taken a close look at a perfectly restored Ferrari or a custom-tuned classic Mustang with modern power under the hood, you’ve seen the kind of quiet craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines his work.
Hosam is the founder and CEO of Amari Motors and Amari Customs and Designs, both based in Salt Lake City, Utah. His companies focus on high-end vehicle sales, custom automotive design, and restoration of rare and exotic cars. His journey, though, didn’t start with luxury vehicles or glossy showrooms. It started in a city garage with an interest, a few tools, and the drive to make something better.
How Growing Up in Utah Shaped His Passion for Cars
Hosam was raised in Salt Lake City. As a kid, he spent his time outdoors—hiking, boating, playing soccer and basketball—but what really grabbed him was speed. “I got hooked on car racing early,” he said. “We’d work on whatever we could get our hands on and just figure it out.”
He worked at Ace Auto Sales during his younger years, learning the basics of sales, customer service, and car mechanics. That’s where his love for restoration deepened. “Every time I saw an older car on the lot, I didn’t just see rust or dents. I saw what it could be,” he said.
After graduating from East High School, Hosam attended Salt Lake Community College. But instead of taking the traditional business route, he leaned into entrepreneurship right away. “I’ve always been more of a hands-on learner. I needed to build something I cared about,” he said.
In 2018, he launched Amari Motors, starting with a few quality vehicles and a strong belief in customer trust. Two years later, he expanded with Amari Customs and Designs, a space where he could bring full restoration and customization projects to life.
“We Start with the Frame” – Inside the Restoration Process
Hosam’s process is equal parts art and engineering. “Every car is different,” he explains. “You start by taking it apart down to the frame. Then you figure out what’s salvageable and what needs to be built from scratch.”
One of his most challenging projects was a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. The car was nearly totaled when it arrived. “It was tough finding original parts, but we made it work. We even had to fabricate some pieces. It taught me a lot about respecting the original design while still adding modern reliability,” he said.
Merging Aviation Design with Car Performance
Hosam’s interests don’t stop with cars. He’s deeply fascinated by aviation, which he says influences how he thinks about automotive design. “Aircraft are built for efficiency and speed, and that logic translates to cars. We try to use lightweight materials and focus on how air moves around the car,” he said.
This crossover between industries is something he hopes to explore more as electric vehicles (EVs) become mainstream. “EVs give us a new design language to work with. You’re not stuck with traditional engine layouts. That opens up a lot of creative doors.”
Not every decision has been perfect. Hosam admits that one of his biggest missteps was expanding too fast in the early days. “I didn’t have a strong structure in place. I was excited, but I stretched us thin. It forced me to step back and rebuild the foundation.”
That experience shaped his strategy moving forward. Today, both companies run lean and focused, with clear goals and tight quality control. “We don’t take on more than we can handle. Every build is personal.”
Giving Back Without Needing the Credit
Outside the garage, Hosam is involved with charitable causes that focus on children’s welfare and environmental protection. He keeps a low profile about his giving, but says it’s an important part of his life. “You have to take care of people and places around you. I was lucky to have a supportive community. Now it’s my turn to do the same.”
Hosam often speaks with young people who are interested in the auto industry. His advice is direct and honest. “Don’t wait for the perfect setup. Start small. Get your hands dirty. Learn from your mistakes,” he says.
He also emphasizes the value of documentation and planning. “When you take a car apart, you better know how to put it back together. Business is the same. Take notes, stay organized, and be ready to improvise.”
EVs, Education, and Purposeful Growth
In the next 5–10 years, Hosam hopes to see Amari Motors expand internationally and Amari Customs push further into sustainable and tech-driven builds. But he also wants to grow his mentorship and educational efforts. “There are so many people with talent and drive who just need guidance. I want to create space for that,” he said.
He’s already started sharing more through his personal blog, where he writes about restoration techniques, entrepreneurship, and career lessons learned through trial and error.
Hosam Al-Baderi may not be chasing headlines, but he’s building something lasting—one restored vehicle at a time. “To me, it’s not about being the biggest name out there,” he said. “It’s about doing the work right and helping others do the same.”
In a world of fast growth and flash, his steady, detail-first approach is a reminder that craftsmanship still matters. And for those willing to take the long road, there’s plenty to learn from his journey.
