Gearheads n' Gasoline Podcast

Barry Alt
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Semimonthly

The Gearheads n’ Gasoline Podcast brings you engaging, lighthearted yet informative conversations with market-leading Shop Owners from automotive aftermarket Restoration, Performance, Racing, and restyling Industries.Join us as hosts Barry Alt from Motorhead Digital and our co-hosts delve into the journey of our guests, uncovering their achievements, challenges, and the driving forces behind their success and even failures. Periodic Co-Hosts: Jason Chandler - AMDEddy Cebreco - AMDKatie Abraham - IRONMAN 4X4Jesse Henke - JH RestorationsSean Sawyer - Revved Automotive ConsultingBy offering a unique - often explosive - behind-the-scenes look into the world of shop ownership, 'Gearheads n’ Gasoline' provides stimulating insights and stories that inspire and entertain. Whether you're a shop owner, aspiring shop owner, racer,  professional, or hardcore enthusiast, this podcast is your pit stop for captivating discussions with influential figures from the automotive industry.Our goal is to entertain and educate listeners with real-life stories, lessons learned, and practical advice that can be used by everyone.Gearheads n’ Gasoline - “Fueling Your Success.”

  1. 4d ago

    Inside Tucci Hot Rods: Dom Tucci on SEMA Builds, Fabrication & Timeless Car Design | S3 E15

    Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com What does it take to build cars that stand out today without looking dated ten years from now? In this episode of Gearheads n' Gasoline, Barry Alt and guest co-host Jesse Henke of JH Restorations sit down with Dom Tucci of Tucci Hot Rods to talk about design, fabrication, technology, SEMA builds, industry relationships, and the realities of running a small custom-car shop. Dom grew up in the shop his father started and later studied industrial design at Syracuse University. Today, that combination of hands-on experience and design education influences everything from the ergonomics and proportions of a build to CAD, CNC machining, 3D printing, and product development. Dom takes us behind the scenes of Tucci Hot Rods' Ford projects, the Blue Maverick, their Ford Raptor-powered Mercedes build, and the partnerships that have helped make those projects possible. -- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. -- We also get into: Designing cars to be timeless instead of following trendsHow 3D modeling, CNC machining, and metal 3D printing are changing fabricationWhat it really takes to develop relationships with aftermarket manufacturersUsing major builds and events as a marketing strategyExpanding a custom shop through products and manufacturingThe story behind a major engine failure in Dom's MercedesWhy HOT ROD Power Tour has become one of his favorite eventsHow connections led to opportunities with Top Gear and Larry ChenCareer advice for the next generation of builders and fabricatorsWhy hands-on learning still matters in the custom automotive worldDom's dream of making it to the Goodwood Festival of SpeedAnd in the Gearheads n' Gasoline speed round, Dom talks favorite cars, his most valuable shop tool, Gridlife, and one piece of advice from college that has stayed with him throughout his career. Guest Bio: Dom’s dad, Dave, started Tucci Hot Rods in 1997 when Dom was 5 years old. Since his mom handled the office side of things, Dom came to the shop every day after school. As a kid, he was always drawing and creating things. He considered going to college for car design, but ultimately attended Syracuse University for Industrial Design. When he graduated in 2015, he returned to the shop and began integrating what he had learned into the more old-school approach of a hot rod shop. He carved out a perfect combination of design and hand fabrication. In the decade since joining Tucci Hot Rods full time, Dom and the team have designed and built a number of incredible cars, including six Ford collaboration vehicles for SEMA, a sweepstakes car with a NASCAR driver, and a Mercedes 190E that has taken him places he only dreamed of. Today, Tucci Hot Rods continues to focus on delivering high-end, driver-friendly hot rods while also expanding into the design and manufacturing of its own parts. Guest: Dom Tucci, Tucci Hot Rods tuccihotrods.comdomtuccidesign.comfacebook.com/TucciHotRodsinstagram.com/tuccihotrodstiktok.com/@tucci.hot.rodsHost: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital maximizesales@motorheaddigital.commotorheaddigital.comfacebook.com/Motorhead.Digitalinstagram.com/motorhead.digitallinkedin.com/company/motorhead-digitalGuest Co-Host: Jesse Henke, JH Restorations jhrestorations.cafacebook.com/jhrestorationsinstagram.com/jh_restorationsyoutube.com/@jhrestorationsltdDon’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

    Inside Tucci Hot Rods: Dom Tucci on SEMA Builds, Fabrication & Timeless Car Design | S3 E15

  2. Sep 16

    From Family Transmission Shop to Performance Powerhouse with Mark Bowler | S3 E14

    Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: https://www.redlineoil.com/ ➡️ AMD: https://www.autometaldirect.com/ Mark Bowler was building transmissions at 13, teaching his high school automotive class how to assemble them by 17, and eventually transformed his family’s small-town transmission shop into one of the most respected names in the performance automotive industry. In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and co-host Eddy Cebreco of Auto Metal Direct sit down with Mark, CEO and Founder of Bowler Performance Transmissions, to talk about the relationships, risks, hard lessons, and relentless commitment to quality that helped shape the company. Mark shares how an early opportunity with Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy helped open doors in the hot rod world, why Bowler went all-in on performance during the 2008 downturn, and why showing up at automotive events continues to be one of the company’s most important marketing strategies. The conversation also gets into Bowler’s approach to custom-built and dyno-tested transmissions, the development of its Carbon Edition manual transmissions, and why Mark would rather find a failure on the dyno than have a customer discover it on the road or track. Beyond the business, Mark discusses the Accelerate Foundation, his effort to introduce young people to careers in automotive and the skilled trades, plus the moment his father finally acknowledged that maybe Mark’s crazy idea had worked after all. It’s an episode about transmissions, but even more about trust, relationships, craftsmanship, taking risks, and doing what you say you’re going to do. -- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. -- Key Takeaways:Mark built his first transmission at just 13 years old.Bowler evolved from a small family transmission shop into a performance-focused brand.An early relationship with Troy Trepanier helped open doors in the hot rod industry.Bowler went all-in on performance during the 2008 economic downturn.Trade shows and face-to-face relationships remain a major part of Bowler’s marketing strategy.Social media has helped show a more personal, authentic side of the company.Every Bowler transmission is built and tested with real-world performance in mind.The Carbon Edition was developed to meet the demands of high-performance and Pro-Touring builds.Mark founded the Accelerate Foundation to support skilled trades and future automotive talent.Mark’s guiding philosophy: do what you say, be honest, and treat people right.Guest Bio: Mark Bowler is CEO and Founder of Bowler Performance Transmissions in Lawrenceville, Illinois. He began building transmissions at 13 and transformed his family’s local transmission shop into a nationally recognized performance brand serving hot rods, Pro-Touring builds, race cars, and custom vehicles. Mark is active with SEMA’s HRIA and founded the Accelerate Foundation to support skilled trades and the next generation of automotive talent. Guest: Mark Bowler, CEO and Founder, Bowler Performance Transmissions https://www.bowlertransmissions.com 🔧 Learn more about Bowler Performance Transmissions: bowlertransmissions.comfacebook.com/Bowlerperformanceinstagram.com/bowlertransmissions/linkedin.com/in/mark-bowler44572913/youtube.com/@BowlerPerformanceTra nsmissionstiktok.com/@bowlerperformanceHost: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital maximizesales@motorheaddigital.commotorheaddigital.comfacebook.com/Motorhead.Digitalinstagram.com/motorhead.digitallinkedin.com/company/motorhead-digitalGuest Co-Host: Eddy Cebreco, Auto Metal Direct eddy@autometaldirect.comautometaldirect.comfacebook.com/AutoMetalDirectinstagram.com/autometaldirectlinkedin.com/company/autometaldirectyoutube.com/@UC3g-EQlf_d_lD1tpI4vaTiwDon’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

    From Family Transmission Shop to Performance Powerhouse with Mark Bowler | S3 E14

  3. Sep 1

    Rick Love: How Vintage Air Built 50 Years of Hot Rod Legacy | S3 E13

    Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com What does 50 years in the automotive aftermarket teach you about building a company, building cars, and keeping the next generation engaged? In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Jesse Henke sit down with Rick Love, president of Vintage Air, to talk about his path from a young hot rodder in upstate New York to a decades-long career with one of the most recognized names in the aftermarket. Rick shares how he first connected with Vintage Air founder Jack, the family moment that changed the direction of his career, and why simply showing up, asking questions, and building relationships can open doors in this industry. The conversation digs into the future of hot rodding and restoration, including the challenge of engaging younger enthusiasts, the growing importance of relatable platforms like JDM cars, Fox bodies, OBS trucks, Jeeps, G-bodies, and S-10s, and how Vintage Air decides which vehicles are worth developing new systems for. Rick also walks through the 60-to-90-day development process behind a new SureFit application and explains how market feedback, other manufacturers, shows, and customer demand help guide product decisions. They also talk about marketing, creators, Cars & Coffee, Vintage Air’s 50th anniversary, road tours, the value of face-to-face connection, and why the best part of owning an old car is still getting out and driving it. Rick closes with two pieces of advice that apply well beyond the garage: make better decisions, and choose your battles. -- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. -- Takeaways: Relationships create careers. Rick’s path to Vintage Air grew from showing up, helping with R&D, attending events, and building genuine connections.Family can clarify your path. A question from Rick’s young son pushed him to rethink a travel-heavy career and ultimately join Vintage Air.The aftermarket still runs on mentorship. Experienced builders and manufacturers can have a lasting impact simply by sharing knowledge and helping others learn.Youth engagement has to be relatable. Fox bodies, JDM cars, OBS trucks, S-10s, Jeeps, and other familiar platforms can help draw younger enthusiasts in.Nostalgia changes with each generation. Tomorrow’s collector cars are often the vehicles people remember from childhood or their early driving years.Product development goes far beyond installation. Vintage Air can spend 60–90 days scanning, designing, testing, documenting, and developing a new application.The market helps decide what comes next. Vintage Air watches demand, affordability, show trends, and aftermarket support before developing a new application.Marketing is now multi-channel. Print, social media, YouTube, creators, email, events, and distributors all play a role in reaching customers.In-person interaction still matters. Events give customers a chance to see products, ask questions, meet the people behind the brand, and build relationships.The cars matter, but the memories matter more. Rick’s ’39 Ford is special because of the friends, experiences, and decades of memories tied to it.Guest Bio: Rick Love is president of Vintage Air and a lifelong hot-rod enthusiast with more than four decades in the automotive aftermarket. He began working with Vintage Air through installations, shows, and R&D before joining the company full-time in 1998. A longtime SEMA and HRIA volunteer, Rick was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2021 and continues to champion mentorship, product innovation, and driving the cars we build. Guest: Rick Love, President, Vintage Air, LLC https://vintageair.com/https://www.facebook.com/vintageairinchttps://www.instagram.com/vintageair_https://www.youtube.com/user/va197653Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital maximizesales@motorheaddigital.comhttps://motorheaddigital.comhttps://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digitalhttps://instagram.com/motorhead.digitalhttps://linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digitalGuest Co-Host: Jesse Henke, JH Restorations https://jhrestorations.cahttps://www.facebook.com/jhrestorationshttps://www.instagram.com/jh_restorationshttps://www.youtube.com/@jhrestorationsltdDon’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

    Rick Love: How Vintage Air Built 50 Years of Hot Rod Legacy | S3 E13

  4. Aug 18

    From Entertainment Tonight to SEMA: Kendra Sommer's Wild Automotive Journey | S3 E12

    Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com Kendra Sommer of CWK Media and Cruising with Kendra joins Barry Alt and Sean Sawyer of Revved Automotive Consulting at Gearheads n' Gasoline to share how she left the entertainment industry, bet on herself, and built a career in automotive media. From growing up in a family of International Scout enthusiasts to quitting her job and heading to SEMA, Kendra explains how networking, consistent branding, and genuine relationships opened the door to new opportunities. She also breaks down why authentic storytelling often connects better than perfectly polished content, how LinkedIn became a powerful business-development tool, and why confident cold outreach still works. The conversation also covers international travel and perceptions of America, building trust with automotive brands, managing rejection, protecting your reputation, and the challenges women can face behind the camera. Kendra closes with advice for young professionals entering the industry and shares her goal of expanding automotive storytelling into television and film. -- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. -- Key Takeaways: Quit her local news job on the spot to chase the SEMA Show, with no backup plan.Third-generation International Scout enthusiast; her family has a home Scout museum in NC.Went from dangerous, solo local news assignments to building her own media company.Built her client network by cold-calling every business card she collected at SEMA.Used LinkedIn to warm up relationships before making the call that landed Brunswick/Mercury Racing.Has worked with NASCAR, Fox Sports, Discovery, History Channel, Scout Motors, and Walmart.Hit 175 mph on the Miami coast riding along with Brunswick's CEO.Covered the Saudi Crown Princess Car Show in Riyadh.Shares her mindset trick for handling rejection in a brutal industry.Talks about what SEMA could do to help young people break into the business.Guest Bio: Kendra Sommer is an automotive reporter, producer, and businesswoman known for her brand "Cruisin' With Kendra" and her ad creative agency, CWK Media. She is a distinguished businesswoman, automotive reporter, and producer who has contributed reports to the marine and automotive industries, delivering content ranging from technical reports to lifestyle features. Her coverage has spanned the globe, including the Saudi Crown Prince Car Show in Riyadh, and she has written for Motor Trend publications like Hot Rod, Car Craft, and Mustang Monthly. She has also appeared as a correspondent on automotive TV programs on History Channel, Discovery, MAVTV, and Fox Sports. As a third-generation International Harvester enthusiast, Kendra continues a family legacy; her grandfather worked as an engineer for the company for over 40 years. Before entering automotive media, she built her skills as a news journalist covering stories throughout the Heartland; then, in 2017, she left news reporting to attend the SEMA Show, the world's largest automotive trade show, launching her career in the industry. Guest: Kendra Sommer, Owner, CWK Media https://www.cwkmedia.net/https://www.facebook.com/kendra.sommerhttps://www.instagram.com/kendrasommerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-sommer-a40240138/https://www.youtube.com/@KendraSommer⁩ https://www.tiktok.com/ ⁨@cruisinwithkendra902⁩ Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital maximizesales@motorheaddigital.comhttps://motorheaddigital.comhttps://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digitalhttps://instagram.com/motorhead.digitalhttps://linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digitalCo-Host: Sean Sawyer, Revved Automotive Consulting https://www.revvedac.comhttps://www.facebook.com/revvedautomotivehttps://www.instagram.com/ocdcarbuilderDon’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

    From Entertainment Tonight to SEMA: Kendra Sommer's Wild Automotive Journey | S3 E12

  5. Aug 7

    Al Liebmann on Drag Racing, Hot Rods and Building a Career in the Automotive Aftermarket | S3 E11

    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

    Al Liebmann on Drag Racing, Hot Rods and Building a Career in the Automotive Aftermarket | S3 E11

  6. Jul 29

    How a Husband & Wife Built a Hot Rod Shop from a 400 Sq Ft Garage to SEMA | Amy Fitzgerald | S3 E10

    Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Jason Chandler sit down with Amy Fitzgerald, co-owner of Cool Hand Customs, to talk about the realities of running a small but mighty custom automotive shop. Amy shares how she and her husband, EJ, made the leap from home construction to the automotive customization world during the Great Recession, starting with airbrushed motorcycles in a 400-square-foot garage before growing into the shop they run today. The conversation covers what it takes to build show-quality drivers, why restoration and hot rodding often overlap, and how SEMA has played a major role in Amy’s business, relationships, and industry involvement. Amy also talks about word-of-mouth marketing, customer trust, youth engagement, women in the automotive aftermarket, and the organized chaos that comes with building vehicles for SEMA year after year. -- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. -- Key Takeaways: Building a SEMA truck in their first year confirmed they were in the right industry.They create “show-quality drivers” that look great and are built to be enjoyed.Restoration and hot rodding often overlap, since custom builds begin with a solid foundation.Word-of-mouth and car shows remain powerful marketing tools.SEMA has helped Amy build valuable industry relationships.The automotive industry offers opportunities beyond building, including marketing, media, logistics, and technology.Amy encourages women to find strong mentors and ignore outdated attitudes.Guest Bio: Amy Fitzgerald is one half of the husband and wife team behind Cool Hand Customs in Middleton, where classic cars and modern performance come together. With nearly 20 years in the automotive industry, Amy brings passion, creativity, and attention to detail to every custom build and restomod that rolls through the shop. When she’s not helping create one-of-a-kind rides, Amy stays active in the automotive community through her involvement with SEMA, volunteering, and youth engagement programs that help inspire future builders and enthusiasts. Guest: Amy Fitzgerald, Co-Owner, Cool Hand Customs https://coolhandcustoms.comhttps://www.facebook.com/cool.customshttps://www.instagram.com/customscoolhandhttps://www.youtube.com/@CHCustomsHost: 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 Email: 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

    How a Husband & Wife Built a Hot Rod Shop from a 400 Sq Ft Garage to SEMA | Amy Fitzgerald | S3 E10

  7. Jun 18

    From Architect to Automotive Innovator: Cora's Journey | S3 E9

    Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com In this episode, Barry Alt and Katie Abraham welcome Cora Jokinen, owner of Torque Master Industries, to share her unconventional journey from studying architecture to becoming a leader in the automotive aftermarket. Cora discusses her passion for off-roading, her transition into business ownership, and the role community, mentorship, and networking have played in her career. She also shares lessons from navigating the Rebelle Rally, offers her perspective on women in the automotive industry, and explains how strong customer experiences can help brands build lasting connections. The conversation also introduces Cora’s new product line, Oris Adventure Cooking, and explores how sensory experiences can make customer engagement more memorable. Along the way, the group talks about entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding balance through activities outside of work, including pickleball. Key Takeaways: Cora’s transition from architecture to automotive was fueled by her passion for off-roading.Joining a local 4x4 club was a major turning point in her journey.Her first Nissan Xterra sparked her interest in vehicle modifications.Learning to weld gave Cora the ability to create custom parts for her own builds.Her husband played a key role in supporting and shaping her automotive path.Buying Torq-Masters Industries came from real-world experience in the off-road and rock crawling community.Cora faced a steep learning curve after acquiring the company, especially in business management and operations.Mentorship, networking, and SBN involvement have been crucial to her growth in the industry.Customer relationships are built through word-of-mouth, reputation, approachability, and helpful video content.Cora’s story highlights resilience, community, innovation, and the power of staying open to unexpected opportunities. Guest Bio: I’m an original Rebelle Rally participant, finishing 5th in the first year and earning the Team Spirit Award. In 2021, my team won the crossover class in a Ford Bronco Sport. I’ve also raced King of the Hammers twice in a stock-class Jeep and have a deep love for welding, inspired by my grandfather’s advice to “have a career and a trade.” My career was architecture, and my trade is welding. I’m also a longtime SEMA Businesswomen’s Network member and have served on the SBN Select Committee for the past six years. SBN has been a major part of my life, constantly inspiring and challenging me through its leadership, education, and networking opportunities. My husband and I live in upstate New York, where we run Torq-Masters, a 100% USA-made manufacturing business we acquired in 2014. We travel across the country for shows and events, and I’m excited for the conversation ahead. Guest: Cora Jokinen, Torque Master Industries https://torqmasters.comhttps://skottle.comhttps://www.facebook.com/TorqMastershttps://www.instagram.com/torqmastershttps://www.youtube.com/@TorqMastersIndustriesHost: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital maximizesales@motorheaddigital.comhttps://motorheaddigital.comhttps://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digitalhttps://instagram.com/motorhead.digitalhttps://linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digitalCo-Host: Katie Abraham, Falcon Dynamic https://www.facebook.com/abeskatiehttps://www.instagram.com/wildkatieabeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580Don’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

    From Architect to Automotive Innovator: Cora's Journey | S3 E9

  8. Jun 5

    Racing with Purpose Natalie Waters on Speed, Sponsorships & Standing Up to Bullying | S3 E8

    Send us Fan Mail Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and co-host Katie Abraham welcome Natalie Waters from Natalie Waters Racing, a young racer with big goals, a strong social media presence, and a mission that goes far beyond the track. Natalie shares how she got started in racing, what keeps her motivated, and where she hopes to go next in motorsports. The conversation covers the support found inside the racing community, the role marketing plays in securing sponsorships, and why building real value for sponsors is so important for young racers today. She also talks about her anti-bullying foundation, her growing success on social media, and how staying authentic has helped her connect with fans, brands, and her local community. This episode is a great listen for racers, parents of young drivers, motorsports marketers, sponsors, and anyone interested in the business side of racing. Key Takeaways: Racing started early for Natalie.The racing community is built on support.Sponsorships are about more than logos.Marketing matters in motorsports.Authenticity wins online.Local sponsorships can be powerful.Social media should serve a purpose.Her anti-bullying foundation adds meaning to her platform.Balancing racing, work, and life takes discipline.Advice from experienced racers can shape a young driver’s mindset.Guest Bio: I started racing Quarter Midgets at 6 years old here in Grantsville, UT, and graduated into Focus Midgets at 13 years old. Here, I won two championships and broke two track records before moving up to Modifieds, where I was Rookie of the Year for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in Idaho. At 19 years old, I moved up into 410 Winged Sprint Cars. I race everything on asphalt. I am graduating with my\ bachelor's degree in marketing and plan to use it to help other drivers promote themselves to sponsors to chase their dreams. Outside of racing, I run my Race to End Bullying foundation, where I travel around with my race car and host school assemblies to teach kids about the importance of being kind. Guest: Natalie Waters, Natalie Waters Racing nataliewater2004@gmail.comracetoendbullying.comfacebook.com/NatalieWatersGKRacinginstagram.com/natattack_racing_1linkedin.com/in/nataliewatersHost: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital maximizesales@motorheaddigital.commotorheaddigital.comfacebook.com/Motorhead.Digitalinstagram.com/motorhead.digitallinkedin.com/company/motorhead-digitalCo-Host: Katie Abraham - Falcon Dynamic facebook.com/abeskatieinstagram.com/wildkatieabeslinkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580Don’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

    Racing with Purpose Natalie Waters on Speed, Sponsorships & Standing Up to Bullying | S3 E8
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5
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2 Ratings

About

The Gearheads n’ Gasoline Podcast brings you engaging, lighthearted yet informative conversations with market-leading Shop Owners from automotive aftermarket Restoration, Performance, Racing, and restyling Industries.Join us as hosts Barry Alt from Motorhead Digital and our co-hosts delve into the journey of our guests, uncovering their achievements, challenges, and the driving forces behind their success and even failures. Periodic Co-Hosts: Jason Chandler - AMDEddy Cebreco - AMDKatie Abraham - IRONMAN 4X4Jesse Henke - JH RestorationsSean Sawyer - Revved Automotive ConsultingBy offering a unique - often explosive - behind-the-scenes look into the world of shop ownership, 'Gearheads n’ Gasoline' provides stimulating insights and stories that inspire and entertain. Whether you're a shop owner, aspiring shop owner, racer,  professional, or hardcore enthusiast, this podcast is your pit stop for captivating discussions with influential figures from the automotive industry.Our goal is to entertain and educate listeners with real-life stories, lessons learned, and practical advice that can be used by everyone.Gearheads n’ Gasoline - “Fueling Your Success.”

Information

  • Creator
    Barry Alt
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gearheads n' Gasoline Podcast
  • Show Website
    Gearheads n' Gasoline Podcast

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