Chau Nguyen Recognized as EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 for Southeast

Celebrating Innovation: Chau Nguyen Wins EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southeast Award

In an inspiring recognition of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, Chau Nguyen, the founder and CEO of Vintage Modern, Inc, has been named the EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southeast Award winner. This esteemed accolade highlights Nguyen's remarkable journey and the significant impact his company has made in the luxury automotive sector.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader

Nguyen's entrepreneurial journey is one fueled by resilience and vision. After successfully building and exiting two technology ventures - Campus Special and Hirewire, both of which were acquired - Nguyen ventured into the automotive industry. In 2018, he founded Vintage Modern with a bold aim: to create a unique category of vehicles that blend classic design with modern safety and technology features.

Despite starting with limited resources, Nguyen’s vision has propelled Vintage Modern into a leading position in the luxury automotive market. The company now handcrafts over 250 vehicles each year, integrating timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge performance capabilities, thereby appealing to a diverse clientele that includes celebrities, athletes, and automotive enthusiasts from around the globe.

Crafting the Modern Classic

Vintage Modern specializes in creating what Nguyen describes as Modern Classics. Rather than simply restoring vintage cars, the company crafts entirely new vehicles inspired by the classics of yesteryear, yet built on advanced platforms that comply with the highest safety standards. Each vehicle is crash-tested and comes equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, making them both stylish and secure.

As proof of their appeal, Vintage Modern has built a loyal following of over 4 million enthusiasts. Notable fans include names like Mark Wahlberg, LeBron James, and Ryan Reynolds, showcasing the brand's wide-reaching influence and desirability.

A Testimony of Team Effort

Nguyen expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the collective effort that brought the company to its current success. "This honor recognizes a journey characterized by resilience, discipline, and an unwavering belief that there is always a better way forward," he shared. He attributes much of the accomplishment to his talented team, stating, "Without their craftsmanship and commitment, our bold idea would not have materialized into this innovative vehicle category."

Looking Ahead

As a Southeast award winner, Chau Nguyen is now in the running for the national EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 awards slated to occur in November. This prestigious event, the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, gathers premier CEOs, executives, and investors, who together shape the future landscape of business. Winning at the national level would set the stage for competing for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in May 2027, elevating his entrepreneurial vision on a global scale.

The 41st year of the Entrepreneur Of The Year program honors leaders across various sectors for their innovation, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. This acknowledgment stands as a testament to Nguyen's dedication and the transformative impact of his work in reshaping not just the automotive industry but also business entrepreneurship as a whole.

Vintage Modern, originally known as Vintage Broncos, showcases how innovation can redefine traditional sectors. With a commitment to quality and a focus on blending nostalgia with modernity, the company continues to thrive and expand its influence. As Nguyen reflects on the journey thus far, he firmly believes that the best is yet to come, promising exciting developments in the luxury automotive sector in the years ahead.