Anwar Ali, a 38-year-old pastor at Kauai Baptist Church, transformed a single-car rental into a seven-figure business. In 2025, Ali's company, Ali'i Rental Cars, generated $2.95 million in revenue from renting out 213 vehicles on Turo. Ali now employs 10 people and no longer handles daily operations, allowing him to focus on his family and ministry.
From Humble Beginnings to Scaling Up
In 2014, Ali was a youth pastor living in low-income housing, below the poverty line in Hawaii. He and his wife wanted to afford a home and support a growing family. Seeking a scalable side hustle, Ali listed his 1998 Isuzu Rodeo on Turo (then Relay Rides) and earned $200 in his first rental. This success led him to purchase a 2004 Honda Element for $3,500, which quickly became popular among surfers on Kauai.
Identifying Demand and Expanding the Fleet
Ali researched market demand and discovered that Jeep Wranglers were the most sought-after vehicles in Hawaii. He bought them for around $36,000, financing them with $600 monthly loans, and scaled his business by adding more cars. His early entry into Turo allowed him to establish a strong presence on the island.
Balancing Business and Ministry
Ali emphasized the importance of scaling a business that didn’t require constant time investment, allowing him to maintain his pastoral duties. His strategy focused on identifying high-demand vehicles and leveraging Turo’s platform to grow his fleet while minimizing operational involvement.