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Tony Mendoza on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Tony Mendoza and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Tony, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Moto camping. There’s something special about combining the freedom of riding with the simplicity of camping. The open road, the scenery, the sense of adventure, and then unwinding by a campfire under the stars. It’s a way to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with yourself and nature.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tony Mendoza, and I’m the creator behind @iamcaferacer — a page dedicated to chasing freedom on two wheels. IAMCAFERACER is more than just motorcycles, it’s a lifestyle rooted in raw adventure, moto camping, and personal freedom. Every post, ride, and photo is about embracing the journey — the open road, the quiet moments by a campfire, and the bond between rider and machine.
What makes IAMCAFERACER unique is that it’s real. No filters on the experience. Just me, my bike, and a commitment to living life with purpose and passion. I represent those who ride not just to get somewhere, but to find themselves along the way.
Whether it’s sharing stories from the road, gear I believe in, or the feeling of escape, IAMCAFERACER is about the freedom to be you. Right now, I’m working on launching a Shopify store to bring this lifestyle to life through original merch.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a kid, I believed I had to follow a certain path or have everything figured out to be successful — school, titles, approval. But over time, I’ve learned that none of that defines me. I’m self-taught. Everything I know, I’ve learned from experience, trial and error, and just showing up for myself every day.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds in my life has been the quiet battle with mental health. Every day can feel like a fight, but I’ve learned that healing starts with honesty. Opening up, talking about it, and showing that men can feel deeply and still be strong has been part of that process. Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s courage. And by sharing my truth, I hope to help others do the same.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is family and making memories with the people I love.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope they say I was real unapologetically authentic, with a good heart that never stopped giving. That I lived true to who I was, and in doing so, gave others the courage to chase their own dreams. That my story lit a fire in someone else to write their own.

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