Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com What does it take to build a successful career spanning more than 40 years in the automotive aftermarket? In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Jason Chandler sit down with Al “Big Al” Liebmann, marketing director and partner at Turnkey Collector Car Insurance. Big Al shares how he went from attending drag races at Englishtown in the early 1970s to working with funny car teams, automotive publications, RacingJunk, major automotive events, and collector car insurance customers throughout the country. The conversation covers the evolution of automotive marketing, the power of face-to-face networking, the importance of listening to customers, and why businesses need to be selective about the events they attend. Al also explains what builders, shops, and vehicle owners should understand about insuring collector cars during the build process. As parts, labor, and vehicle value increase, the original coverage may no longer be enough to protect the investment. The group also discusses how the automotive aftermarket can reach younger generations, promote trade careers, and show students that there are opportunities far beyond dealership and collision work. Whether you are a shop owner, builder, racer, marketer, collector, or young professional looking for a place in the industry, Big Al’s story is a reminder that showing up, building relationships, and following your passion can take you a long way. -- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. -- Key Takeaways: From an Englishtown drag strip to a 40+ year career in the automotive worldFull-time job at NEC, 18-19 races a year, how Big Al made it workWhy the best events feel like an experience, not a vendor boothThe case for skipping shows and picking your spots insteadForget the booth, why walking the floor wins more businessWhat's actually changed in automotive marketing (and what hasn't)The hidden cost creep in a collector car build — and how to stay coveredThe coverage gap most shop and car owners don't know they haveBig Al's simple rule for building trust that lasts decadesThe one thing every newcomer to the industry should know before day oneAll the aftermarket careers you never think about — from CAD to 3D printingBig Al's advice for a career that doesn't feel like workGuest Bio: I've been involved in the automotive industry for more than 40 years. My background includes drag racing, event promotion, automotive marketing, sales, and collector car insurance. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work with car enthusiasts, dealerships, manufacturers, and industry leaders across the country. Today, I serve as Marketing Director and Partner of TurnKey Collector Car Insurance, where I help collectors protect their classic, muscle, exotic, and specialty vehicles. I'm also a Senior Sales Executive with Internet Brands Automotive Group, representing RacingJunk.com and HotRodHotLine.com, where I help automotive businesses grow their reach and connect with customers. I'm passionate about the collector car hobby and enjoy building relationships within the industry. Whether I'm attending car shows, promoting events, working with clients, or supporting automotive organizations, my focus has always been helping people and contributing to the growth of the hobby I've loved my entire life. Guest: Al Liebmann, Turnkey Collector Car Insurance https://www.tki.llc/ https://www.instagram.com/turnkey_insurance https://www.facebook.com/TKI.LLC Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital maximizesales@motorheaddigital.comhttps://motorheaddigital.comhttps://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digitalhttps://instagram.com/motorhead.digitalhttps://linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digitalGuest Co-Host: Jason Chandler, Auto Metal Direct jason@autometaldirect.comhttps://autometaldirect.comhttps://facebook.com/AutoMetalDirecthttps://instagram.com/autometaldirecthttps://linkedin.com/company/autometaldirecthttps://www.youtube.com/@autometaldirectDon’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline! facebook.com/GearheadsNGasolineinstagram.com/gearheadsngasolinelinkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasolineyoutube.com/@GearheadsNGasolineYou can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com
