We had the honor of partnering with brothers Al-Michael Franco and Walter Franco of Namsayin to screen our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary at Griot’s Garage in Tacoma, Washington. We were introduced to them by Tad Matsuno of MOONEYES Hawaii. Thanks to the brothers and Scott Valen and Guy DeVivo of Griot’s Garage, a respected car care products brand, we were able to share our film with the Pacific Northwest.
During the planning of our cinema event, we had the pleasure of getting to know the brothers. We couldn’t help but be inspired by their unique community-based automotive lifestyle brand. They organize dynamic automotive events, create coveted apparel and merchandise, and engage in innovative automotive design projects. Best of all, they build strong community through them.
After our successful event, we relaxed and talked with Al-Michael about what inspired them to create their popular brand, what the car scene is like in the Pacific Northwest, and how they help serve the community. It’s no wonder why Tad introduced us to them—they’re just like family.
*The answers have been edited with their permission for clarity.
How did you get into cars?
Our dad, Albert Franco. Growing up, we would see him fix and modify cars. Some personal cars and family members cars.
What is the car scene like in the Pacific Northwest?
I would say it’s always evolving. We have a good mixture of old and new (people and cars). There is something for everyone, whether it be a small niche of vehicle to the more iconic cult car following, it’s here.
What inspired you to create Namsayin?
Let’s see, it was about early 2005. I just graduated college, received my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. Soon after, I was offered a job with Boeing. My brother was at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena pursuing his Transportation Design degree. For him, leaving Seattle far away from his family, I know was a tough one. If there was any chance he could end up coming back here to Seattle or if I started something where he can take to California, I started Namsayin in hopes that it would do just that. So here we are.
What does Namsayin mean?
Short slang for “Do you know what I am saying?” It’s like an emphasis word you can use to show more love/interest in.
There are a lot of new and established brands in the automotive space. How is your brand different?
We are community based, and our brand reflects that. We like to try to highlight all the small businesses in our area or the areas we go into. We like to teach and share resources. We like to empower others to do the same in their own communities.
Your tagline is “Community over Cars.” How did you come up with it?
I’ll credit this one to Walt. He came up with this tagline and each time I hear or read it, I’m always like, “Wow, Walt really hit it out of the park with that one.”
How can car culture help build community?
I think with culture in general, being a part of something positive, it will always build community. Having someone who doesn’t know anything about car culture and being able to go into a space where they can feel like they are part of something regardless of how long they have been into cars is a great start. Meaning we are all students in life, and we can always learn something from one another.
How does being brothers factor into your work on Namsayin?
I think we can both rely on each other to get things done. We have a nice balance of ideas/vision.
You have automotive design and engineering backgrounds. How do they assist you in your work on Namsayin?
Just as mentioned before, the combination is a good balance especially in the car world. You have the engineers and the designers. We have our methodologies that work well and speak volumes when implemented.
What types of car projects have you worked on in the past?
Lots of personal projects for myself. From removing and replacing components, to painting and doing body work, to full engine swaps and rebuilds.
What types of car events have you organized in the past?
We have done collaborations with local brands/restaurants in the Seattle and Greater Seattle area and sprinkled with some car culture. We also went outside of the area and even internationally to highlight other communities in like California, New York, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Hawaii, Vancouver BC, Philippines, and Japan.
We have done two styles of gatherings which are still current to this day: Community Connections where we highlight a small business, and our South Side Car Cruise where we gather at a start point and then cruise to a small business or area.
How is apparel design an expression of your brand?
Apparel design is best conveyed by our designer, Walter Franco. He has the eye to convey a message with little to few words. That’s the genius to his designs/artwork.
You recently hosted a “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary screening at Griot’s Garage. How was it working with this iconic brand?
First and foremost, it is the highest honor to have worked with and to be trusted in using the MOONEYES iconic logo in collaboration to commemorate the event. When everyone has the same energy, the interaction becomes organic. Taking a page from Shige-san and Chico-san—friends first. Now we are family.
What do you envision for the future of Namsayin?
Overall: To continue automotive culture so it can be passed down to the next generation and being able to be good role models for other communities to embody.
To learn more about Namsayin:
namsayin.com / @namsayin
To attend the CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening, presented by Makina Drivers Club, on Saturday, 11/8/2025 at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California:
https://craftofspeed.eventive.org
