We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaan Avci. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaan below.

Kaan, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

While I wouldn’t call this a business in the traditional sense, Garden & Gasoline is definitely my side passion. I’ve been immersed in the automotive industry, both personally and professionally, since I was 15. For many, car meets are simply about enjoying cars, but for me, it’s always been more than that. I see the automotive enthusiast community as a tightly-knit, supportive group with a shared love for not only cars but also for connection.

I started hosting small car gatherings in 2017. By the end of 2019, as we all know, the pandemic hit, and life as we knew it was disrupted. Local businesses faced challenges, and one of those businesses, Los Arcos Kitchen and Cantina, was struggling. In a bid to help, we held a car show in their lot, giving their business much-needed visibility. Once things started returning to normal, and their business picked up, we stepped back, but the sense of community we fostered stayed strong.

Fast forward to a few years later: the community was once again eager for gatherings. That’s when I was approached by the owners of The Garden Skatepark and Coffee Shop, a family-owned, newly opened spot. They wanted to host a car event, and I saw this as an opportunity not only to bring our automotive community together again but to also support another local business.

This led to the creation of Garden & Gasoline, where from spring through fall, we host a monthly Cars & Coffee event at their location. The gatherings offer car enthusiasts a chance to connect, all while promoting the indoor skatepark and their amazing organic coffee shop. It’s been a great way to combine passion, community, and local business support into something really special.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello everyone, my name is Kaan Avci. I’m 25 years old, originally from Turkiye, and I’ve lived in Rochester, MN since 2012 when my family and I immigrated to the USA. From an early age, I’ve been deeply passionate about community building and storytelling, especially through art, photography, and videography. Thanks to my dad and older brother, I was encouraged to explore these interests, and they’ve shaped my journey.

Growing up, I was captivated by racing games like Need for Speed, Gran Turismo, and F1, along with watching World Rally Championship and Formula 1. These experiences fostered my love for the automotive world, and over time, I transitioned from being a fan to working directly in the industry. I’ve been fortunate to work in the automotive aftermarket parts sector and, since 2017, I’ve honed my skills in automotive photography and videography.

What I’ve learned along the way is that, to enthusiasts, cars are more than just machines that take you from point A to B. They are an extension of one’s identity—a form of self-expression. This realization helped shape the work I do today, particularly through Garden & Gasoline, a community I’ve been privileged to lead. Our gatherings bring people together to celebrate not just the cars but the people behind them. I’m always curious to hear everyone’s story—why they’re a part of this community, what their journey has been, and how we can support one another.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve uncovered is how deeply connected and resilient the automotive community is. When one of us is facing a hardship, we come together to help. When a local business is struggling, we make sure to support them. I’m incredibly proud that through Garden & Gasoline, we’ve hosted multiple fundraisers—one major one and three more for families facing loss or hardship. We’ve supported our local Boys and Girls Club, Mayo Clinic’s Child Life Program, and helped over 50 single moms with holiday presents.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for our annual fundraiser coming up on October 13th. This year, we’re focusing on our furry family members—those who can’t speak, but who deserve our voice. We’ll be raising money and goods for Paws and Claws, and Companion Homestead, two local organizations that are dedicated to the well-being of animals in need.

Beyond these events, I’ve launched the “Local Nights Out” initiative, where we host casual gatherings on Friday and Saturday evenings, partnering with local businesses to showcase their offerings. As someone who believes local businesses are the backbone of our community, this initiative means a lot to me. In a world where many small, family-owned shops are disappearing, I want to help preserve their presence and ensure they thrive.

I do this because I love our community, I do this because I respect and appreciate the hard work of local businesses, and I do this because, for us, cars are far more than just four wheels on metal—they’re a way to connect, support, and uplift one another.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

For me, fostering natural growth and providing genuine value to our audience is paramount. At Garden & Gasoline, we focus on creating a welcoming and engaging environment for both B2B and B2C interactions. We partner with local businesses that benefit from increased foot traffic, like the one that generously provides us with parking space for our cars-and-coffee-style events.

Our gatherings attract a vibrant community of automotive enthusiasts eager to connect with friends and family. We enhance these events by involving other local businesses, giving them the chance to showcase their products and engage with a new audience. To top it off, we offer free donuts alongside organic coffee and provide complimentary photography coverage, so attendees receive high-quality images of their vehicles. This blend of community engagement and value-added perks has been instrumental in growing our clientele organically.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me is capturing and showcasing the creations of others. When someone builds a car, it’s a reflection of their personality and passion. The satisfaction I derive from meeting these individuals and documenting their builds through photography and videography is immense. It allows me to share their unique stories and enthusiasm with the broader automotive community, celebrating their craftsmanship and personal expression.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaanproductions/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaanavci/

Image Credits

My headshot was taken by Adele McLees all pictures were taken by me.