Meet Jayson Forrest | Shop Owner and Event Organizer

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

Hi Jayson, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Entrepreneurship has always been a part of me. I started selling candy out of my backpack in the 6th grade with a small loan from my mom—that was my first taste of business. As I grew older, that same hustle evolved into a deeper passion for building something of my own. When I made the decision to start a business as an adult, I knew it would take resilience. If you can’t handle failing often and still find a way to keep moving forward, business might not be for you. But for me, the setbacks were just part of the process—fuel to keep growing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At Nostalgic Garage, we specialize in servicing and restoring classic Japanese and modern European vehicles—cars that tell a story, and owners who deeply connect with them. What sets us apart is our commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and creating a space where car culture is respected and preserved. We see these machines not just as transportation, but as history on wheels, and we treat them with the care and detail they deserve.

But the roots of Nostalgic Garage trace back to Nostalgic Auto Sports, my first venture that started with a pop-up shop I took across the country, selling rare Japanese goods out of a van. I was importing classic Japanese vehicles and parts before it became trendy—chasing the spirit of Japan and bringing it stateside. That mobile hustle laid the foundation for everything. It taught me how to connect with people, understand the culture, and build a brand from the ground up.

The leap from dealership life—working in both service and sales—to full-blown entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. I had to learn how to run a business, build a reliable team, source authentic parts, and gain the trust of a community that doesn’t settle for less. Every challenge sharpened me. What kept me going was the vision: to create something real, something lasting.

One of my proudest achievements is launching the Nostalgic Car Shows and Meets, which have become a cornerstone of community for car lovers. These events aren’t just about the cars—they’re about culture, connection, and a shared love for the scene. I’m also incredibly proud of creating N-Spec, our in-house brand of aero and styling parts that fuse vintage aesthetics with modern performance. It represents everything we stand for—design with intention, built for enthusiasts by enthusiasts.

Along the way, I’ve learned that community is everything, quality speaks louder than words, and adaptability is key in an ever-changing industry. My story is one of hustle, resilience, and staying true to the passion that started it all. Through both Nostalgic Auto Sports and Nostalgic Garage, I want to keep that spirit alive—and inspire others to build something that truly matters.

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?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d make sure they got the full South Florida car culture experience—but through my lens.

First thing’s first: I’d plan a special edition of our Nostalgic Knights meet so they could see firsthand what we’ve built. It’s not just a car meet—it’s a vibe. Classic Japanese builds, clean Euro setups, music, community, and that nostalgic feeling you can’t fake. It’s the best way to introduce someone to the soul of what we do here.

During the week, I’d take them for a cruise through Wynwood to check out the street art, stop by some lowkey car shops, and grab lunch at Dukunoo—one of my go-to spots for delicious Jamaican food and laid-back atmosphere. From there, we might hit up Coyo Taco for some late-night tacos and catch a hidden DJ set in the back room.

Of course, no trip’s complete without a beach day. We’d hit up Haulover Beach with my dogs or maybe take a drive down to the Keys for a day trip—windows down, music up, just soaking it all in.

To me, South Florida’s car culture is alive and thriving, and I’d want my friend to feel that energy—whether it’s through the people they meet at a Nostalgic Knights event, the stories behind the cars, or the food and places that make this city what it is.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to the entire South Florida car community for their unwavering support and to my mentors/friends that have advised me through the difficult times. This shoutout is for you.

Website: https://nostalgicautosports.com

Instagram: @nostalgicautosports

Youtube: nostalgicautosports