From a robust career as a finance and banking entrepreneur to being a key pioneer in the emergence of ethical banking, Ken LaRoe—Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Climate First Bancorp—has accomplished many notable achievements. However, what does Ken pursue outside of the banking world?

In this blog, we'll launch our lifestyle blog series, offering a deep dive into the lives of individuals who embody the Climate FirstBank values and culture. Continue reading to explore Ken's passion project:resto-modding a 1972 Datsun 240Z, and what it means to him.

Youth and Mechanics  

Rebuilding a car, especially a vintage Datsun, is hardly a simple task. That's why Ken's background in mechanics has been all the more integral to his automotive obsession. Growing up in the family machine shop and small family farm, Ken always found himself tackling fixer-upper projects with his father and grandfather as a means of survival.  

He states that growing up in rural Florida meant that "you're always fixing stuff," and if that tractor, in particular, had issues, his dad, who could fix or make anything, would be up for the task of getting it running again. These skill sets were instilled in Ken at a very young age.

Ken took his first real outside job at 15, working in a machine shop, then at 17 began working part-time at the local Datsun dealership as a mechanic.  He also built his first race car, a Datsun Roadster that he drag raced and autocrossed.  Ken earned the designation of a nationally certified mechanic and went on to become service manager of the dealership. Then, a workplace injury prompted him to enroll in the local community college.  He worked full-time while attending college part-time, eventually earning his AA degree and going on to FSU to earn abusiness degree.  

Automotive Art  

In today's busy work, Ken only has a couple of hours each weekend to dedicate to the Datsun build. However, that does not stop him from exploring this craft to the fullest extent. Ken explains how he views cars as art.  

"It's an expression of the person who's doing it...especially if you're doing it yourself," said Ken. His ability to navigate the Datsun with confidence has enabled him to maintain a creative flow, leading to a unique rebuild that aligns with Ken's vision for his Z. This is where the term "Resto mod", originated, which is the process of restoring a vintage automobile while updating it to current performance and safety features and of course adding a hefty dose of personalization.  Modifications have included a bored and balanced 280Z engine, an Isky cam, large racing valves, porting, polishing, and cc'ing the cylinder head, a Z-Story exhaust and headers, Moroso competition oil pan, BC racing coil over suspension, limited slip 4.44 differential, aluminum flywheel and competition clutch, and a five-speed transmission.  

Second nature  

Before Ken began rebuilding the 72 Datsun 240Z, about 25years had passed since he last worked on a Datsun engine. Despite this, his years of working at a Datsun dealership were not in vain. As he began this passion project, Ken described the journey, "I never forgot the nuances like the torque specs, cam timing, etc. It was really interesting to discover that it was all still in there!"  

Slow and steady  

Through it all, Ken is excited to enjoy the journey of engaging with this long-time passion. Although searching for hard-to-find parts and the most effective performance upgrades is time-consuming, it is very fulfilling.  To Ken, it is the most relaxing and creative activity he can embark on because "it is beautiful, and it just makes nicer art."