The world of off-road vehicle customization has seen many trailblazers, but few have had the impact of Theresa Contreras. As the co-founder and lead designer at BAJA FORGED, Theresa has redefined what it means to create bespoke off-road vehicles that combine functionality with personal expression.
Customization and Personal Expression
For Theresa, vehicle customization is more than a creative process; it’s an opportunity to transform lives. “Customizing your vehicle and using it to take you on adventures will change your life,” she shares. At BAJA FORGED, Theresa designs vehicles that empower their owners, blending rugged performance with personal expression to create machines that are as capable as they are striking.
The company’s tagline, “Signature builds & off-road products built to forge your own path,” reflects this commitment to empowering individuals through adventure.
From Family Roots to Off-Road Icon
Theresa’s journey into the automotive world began in her parent’s shop, LGE-CTS Motorsports. Raised around cars, she developed a passion for vehicle customization early on. After taking a break to study graphic design, she returned to the automotive world with a fresh perspective that helped shape the identity of BAJA FORGED.
Today, the company specializes in building custom off-road vehicles, including their signature Ford Broncos, that are designed to conquer tough terrains.
Overcoming Skepticism to Shape the Future
Photo Courtesy: Theresa Contreras
Theresa’s designs were often ahead of their time, and not everyone immediately embraced her forward-thinking ideas. “Creating designs ahead of their time was challenging,” she admits, but her persistence paid off. Her vehicles have since gained recognition, winning awards at industry events like SEMA.
“If I had let the initial naysayers hold us back, we wouldn’t be here today,” she says. BAJA FORGED’s success is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her vision.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a woman in the male-dominated automotive world, Theresa has faced her share of challenges. However, she’s never let her gender define her. “I don’t think about being a female in a male-dominated industry,” she explains. Instead, she focuses on doing her best in her field, pushing limits, and helping others discover their potential.
Recognition and Awards
Theresa’s remarkable achievements and contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades because of her love and passion for what she does:
- 2024 – “Female Builder” One Moto Show
- 2024 – 2017 Vibrance Top Gun Painter – PPG Industries
- 2023 – “Hero Award” Sturgis Hall of Fame
- 2022 – SBN All Female Build Paint Lead – SEMA
- 2021 – “She is SEMA – Woman of the Year – SBN/SEMA
- 2021 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
- 2020 – PPG Ad Campaign – PPG Industries
- 2019 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
- 2018 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
- 2018 – YEN Vanguard award winner – SEMA
- 2017 – Ford Design award – SEMA Show
- 2017 – International Motorcycle Show – Winner – Modified Class
- 2012 – SBN All Female Build Paint Lead – SEMA
Her vehicles have appeared at prominent automotive shows and on magazine covers, and she has built custom vehicles for notable figures like Jay Leno, partnering with Ford Motor Company, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Tanner Foust of Top GearTM.
Continuing to Forge the Future
Theresa’s journey with BAJA FORGED is far from over.
As she continues to break new ground in the world of off-road vehicle customization, she remains committed to helping others forge their own paths. The company’s bespoke signature builds and off-road products are not just vehicles; they are symbols of individuality, adventure, and empowerment. Through her work, Theresa inspires others to forge their paths and discover their best selves.
Published By: Aize Perez
