By Xavier De La O

Growing up in Inglewood, California, I fell in love with lowriders — those classic, hydraulics-equipped vehicles that could rise and drop with just the flip of a switch. As a kid, I thumbed through lowrider magazines and watched music videos featuring them. Back then, owning one someday seemed like a far reach, but that dream never faded.

Lowriders aren’t just cars; they’re a significant part of Southern California culture. They represent creativity, identity and history. For me, they symbolize pride, craftsmanship and community. From an early age, I knew I wanted to be part of that culture; my career at Northrop Grumman has helped me achieve that dream. 

I joined the company right after high school, working my way up to master technician. Over 24 years, I’ve honed skills like precision, attention to detail and a deep understanding of materials — skills that are just as crucial to customizing lowriders. Even while earning my associate degree my passion for lowriders remained strong. After years of hard work and dedication, I finally bought my first project car: a 1964 Chevy Impala, a true classic in the lowrider world. 

Building a customized lowrider isn’t easy. It starts with finding the right vehicle — one with minimal rust and a strong frame. Hydraulics, which give lowriders their signature bounce, put a lot of stress on the car, so the frame needs reinforcement. Once the body is in perfect condition, it’s time for paint. My Impala is black, which means the bodywork must be flawless since the color makes even the smallest imperfections jump out. After painting, I worked on the engine and interior in my driveway, later taking it to a shop to add the hydraulics for the final touch.

Lowriding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion that shaped who I am. It has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and community. I remember, after one lowrider show, I broke a part of my car that was supposed to be unbreakable. Stranded, I thought I’d have to call a tow truck, but other lowrider enthusiasts came to help. They brought the tools and parts I needed to fix my car on the spot. Moments like these remind me why I love this culture so much. It’s also why I enjoy sharing my passion with my Northrop Grumman colleagues. 

Last year, I brought my Impala to an Employee Appreciation Day and displayed it alongside other classic cars. It was special because my 12-year-old daughter was with me. She’s as passionate about the car as I am, and she was thrilled when we won a trophy.

Looking back, lowriding is a symbol of hard work and success, something I dreamed of as a kid and now share with my children. My oldest daughter, who recently started studying mechanical engineering in college, grew up coming to Northrop Grumman’s family events. She saw the precision and care that our work requires, and it means the world to see her follow a similar path, where attention to detail and commitment to excellence are key. 

Lowriding has become a way to blend my passions for craftsmanship and community, both at home and at work. It’s about carrying forward a culture that values hard work and pride. As I pass this love onto my children and share it with colleagues, I’m reminded that the connections we build — both with people and our work — are what truly drive us forward.

*As told to Matt McKinney.