For many, van life is a dream fueled by wanderlust and minimalism. For Patrick, it’s a lifestyle shaped by necessity, community, and a drive toward freedom that conventional paths couldn’t offer.

Patrick’s journey began when he dropped out of college after suffering a rugby injury and stumbled upon a YouTube video about van life. “The worst thing that could happen is you end up homeless,” he says, “so I thought, if I get a van, at least I’ll have a home.” That sparked a seven-year journey that has taken him across nearly every U.S. state, down to Baja, Mexico, and through dozens of van builds for himself and others.

But it hasn’t been all open roads and sunsets. Patrick speaks candidly about the loneliness that can creep in during quiet nights in the woods and the importance of embracing solitude. “My best days and my worst days have come from this lifestyle,” he says.

Now, with a custom van and a second vehicle for the East Coast, Patrick is settling into a rhythm that gives him both mobility and a sense of place. He isn’t just surviving—he’s thriving with intention. His advice? Don’t wait for perfection. “There’s no right way to do it. There’s no inspector coming. Just get started.”