WHY WE CLOSED THE DDE HQ...

Summary

Daily Driven Exotics says a nostalgic goodbye to its Compton DDHQ, walking viewers through the former Hoonigan space — merch garage, showroom, fab room and the famed ‘block’ — while explaining why the physical store and garage are closing. The hosts reflect on memories, big builds (like the twin-turbo F12), block parties, and Hoonigan’s legacy, thank the team and fans, and reveal a shift toward a global, mobile presence with popups, events, and digital tie-ins (including a Burnout Masters feature). They also introduce Keller to help engage a younger audience and promise new chapters, cars, and adventures worldwide.

Takeaways

• 🏁 DDHQ in Compton is closing — the physical Daily Driven Exotics storefront and HQ are being shut down while the online store (DDM.com) remains open 24/7.
• 🛠️ The building has a long history (formerly Hoonigan / Tire Slayer Studios) and many original features and memories were preserved and repurposed by the DD team.
• 📦 The Compton site handled merch, shipping, and some fabrication — orders were processed there and parts/wheels/tires were stored in the distro area.
• 🚗 The HQ served as a production and garage space where iconic builds (like the twin-turbo F12) and car reveals happened, and it hosted lifts and a full fab room.
• 🎉 The team hosted multiple ‘block parties’ and community events that brought car enthusiasts together in a safe, fenced-off environment, though these were expensive and insurance-limited.
• 🌍 DD is shifting from one central HQ to a worldwide presence — the brand will be more global and pop-up/mobile focused rather than tied to a single location.
• 🚚 The mobile merch garage proved more effective for reaching fans outside LA (used at events like Monterey and Nashville) and will continue to be used.
• 👥 Team changes and farewells occurred as the HQ closed — staff transitions include shipping handled by the remaining crew and some roles moving back to Canada (Calgary/Colona).
• 🔁 Many cars and assets are now scattered globally (Sweden, Nashville, Dallas, Canada, various shops/compounds), reflecting the decentralized next chapter.
• 🧠 The founders learned the limits of running a physical store/garage while creating content — they prefer making videos and driving cars over managing a shop.
• 🧒 Keller was brought on to help the brand connect with younger audiences — DD wants to stay relevant to new generations while preserving its legacy.
• 🏆 The video emphasizes gratitude — shout-outs to former team members, OG Hoonigan crew, fans, sponsors (e.g., XCOM), and partners like DC Shoes/Ken Block tributes.
• 🎮 The Twin Turbo F12 and 'the block' live on digitally — featured in the mobile game Burnout Masters so fans can continue to experience the location virtually.
• ❤️ Overall tone is nostalgic but optimistic: fond goodbyes to Compton HQ, recognition of lessons learned, and excitement about a global, more flexible future for DD.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'Twin Turbo 12' in the script?

The 'Twin Turbo 12' refers to a car featured in the video, which the team challenges viewers to beat in drifting. It's a fun way for the team to engage with their audience and test their skills through a game, encouraging fans to tag them on Instagram with their own shots of the car.

What is the main message behind the closure of the Hoonigan warehouse?

The closing of the Hoonigan warehouse marks the end of a chapter for Daily Driven Exotics. The team reflects on how the space was used for both merchandise and car builds, and they acknowledge the emotional significance of this change, highlighting that this transition is part of their evolution toward a global presence.

How does the team describe the importance of Ken Block's influence?

Ken Block's influence is deeply appreciated throughout the video, as the team reminisces about his legacy. The team also shows off Ken Block-related memorabilia, such as limited-edition DC shoes and signed posters, emphasizing how much Block’s legacy impacted their journey and continues to inspire them.

What are some examples of memorabilia mentioned in the video?

The video showcases several significant pieces of memorabilia, including Ken Block's signed posters, special-edition shoes from DC, a co-pilot race suit from Block's rally days, and a collection of rare wheels from various cars built by the team.

Why is the team focusing on a younger audience in the next chapter of DD?

The team acknowledges that they’ve primarily appealed to a middle-aged audience, but now they want to connect more with younger viewers. They introduce Keller as a key part of this strategy, recognizing that his energy and style resonate more with the younger generation, allowing DD to remain fresh and relevant.

What is the significance of Keller's role in the future of Daily Driven Exotics?

Keller’s role is crucial to the next chapter of DD. He embodies the spirit of the brand by being a passionate fan who has worked hard to earn his own supercar and is actively engaged in creating content that resonates with a younger audience. His presence is aimed at bridging the gap between DD’s legacy and its future.

How does the team describe the evolution of Daily Driven Exotics?

Daily Driven Exotics has evolved significantly over the years, with the team reflecting on their growth both in terms of content and as individuals. The video emphasizes that DD's changes are a reflection of their personal growth and how they’ve adapted to shifts in their audience's preferences over time.

What does the team mention about the future direction of DD's content?

DD is shifting toward a more global presence, with plans to create content that appeals to a wider audience worldwide. The team hints at exciting new projects, including time spent in different countries, exploring unique car collections, and continuing to build epic cars to share with fans.

How does the video address the emotional side of closing the Hoonigan shop?

The video takes a reflective tone, with the team expressing how much the shop and their past work meant to them. There’s a sense of nostalgia and sadness as they close the chapter, but also an understanding that change is necessary for growth. The emotional weight of the moment is highlighted, showing the team’s dedication to their fans and the journey they’ve shared.

What kind of relationship does the team have with their fans based on this video?

The team shows a deep sense of gratitude toward their fans, acknowledging how much they’ve supported them over the years. They encourage interaction, like tagging them on Instagram with drifting shots, and express excitement about continuing to share their journey. There's a genuine connection with the audience, and the team values their feedback as they transition into a new phase.