Meet Paolo Pietri | CEO and Rallye Grand Master at Fratelli Pietri

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paolo Pietri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paolo, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In a way, though the decision to start the business was a quick one, the road to the idea for the business was a long and winding path that took over 20 years to drive across. My family and I have been driving Porsches in Europe for over 20 years. We traveled there so often we ended up keeping a car there, a 996 GT2, for when we would go. Before social media, we just took pictures for ourselves and shared them with each other. But during and just after the pandemic, we posted more and more of our images and videos online. That almost immediately led to a large amount of inquiries from friends and strangers from all over. How can I do that? Where can I rent a Porsche in Europe? What roads do I drive? Who do I talk to over there? So in 2022, after a two-week roadtrip we did to the Swiss Alps, was when the idea for the business was born. We, meaning my twin brother and I, wanted to help as many people as possible discover the passion for rally driving we’d found so long ago. It is a great way to come together with people from all over the world. When you travel with us, you arrive as strangers, but you leave as family.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most people would not classify what I do as art, but I beg to differ. Crafting the perfect route that meets the needs of the most discerning driver, one that neither overwhelms or underwhelms, but challenges a person to become better, to push their craft and passion to the limit, all while taking them to places they may have never been–that is the art of the drive. My background in architecture has been invaluable. Designing luxury experiences is very much like designing a luxury residence in terms of the attention to detail required to create the memoir-worthy moments our clients have come to expect.

We work with cartographerss, graphic designers, drone operators, cinematographers and photographers on every project. Truth is, the driving is only the beginning. We use narrative storytelling to generate an immersive, visceral experience for those who may not yet have the opportunity to go with us. I love that line from Point Break, where Bodi (Patrick Swayze’s character) tells Johnny (Keanu Reeves’ character), “it’s that place where you lose yourself and you find yourself.” That’s what we’re after.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would take them on a drive along the Angeles Crest Highway, with some turns and detours to go a bit off the beaten path. The Morning Shift events at Porsche Experience Center LA on Sundays are always great. We’d spend a day driving up and down the Malibu canyons with a traditional American West lunch at The Old Place or brunch at the Saddle Peak Lodge. For drinks I’d take them to the Old Man Bar in Culver City or the lobby bar at the Kelly Wearstler designed Proper Hotel in Santa Monica. We’d do a picnic and a hike at the Will Rogers State Park (now closed due to the Palisades fire), and/or hike the Westridge trail (also currently closed) in Mandeville Canyon. A double feature at the Aero on Montana or QT’s New Beverly cinema is also a must. If it’s summer, we’d hang out at Staircase Beach, because it’s one of the only beaches that’ll allow my dog, which is a topic for another conversation. Finally, right before they leave, a long scenic drive up the PCH is a must for any visitor to Southern California, ending with a sunset dinner at Nobu.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Easy. My father. Without him, this journey over tens of thousands of kilometers across Europe and the United States would have never started. He took us on our first Porsche Rallye over 21 years ago, which was actually a Ruf Rallye for all of you car connoisseurs out there. Of course, he may not have ever gone on that himself if it wasn’t for Alois Ruf and his wife Estonia, who have mentored my family and I in the art of the drive for over two decades. If you don’t know what a Ruf is, google it immediately. It is an otherworldly piece of engineering that blends automotive technology with timeless artistry. Lastly, I run this business with my twin brother, Alessandro, an accomplished photographer and creative director. Without him this (ad)venture would simply not be possible.

Website: https://www.fratellipietri.com

Instagram: @wearefratellipietri

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fratelli-pietri

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fratellipietri

Image Credits
Photos by: Alessandro Pietri and Simon Gosselin