DO IT FOR A LIVING

Todd Earsley & Kevin Dubois interview the big players in motorsports and pr
  • 4.8 (134)
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  • UPDATED MONTHLY

DO IT FOR A LIVING is a podcast where YOU, the performance racing industry enthusiast and shop owner can hear from the best minds in the performance racing industry talking about business and tech. We discuss new products and services and the best resources used by the big dogs. You can listen on your way to work or in the shop. With new episodes coming out every Monday, you'll find interesting topics and valuable information you can use to build your performance business. Now take this information and use it to build the next record-breaking car or innovative product.

  1. 215 - Mastering Manufacturing in Performance Automotive: Lean, Kanban, and Error-Proofing Explained!

    21H AGO

    215 - Mastering Manufacturing in Performance Automotive: Lean, Kanban, and Error-Proofing Explained!

    Unlock the hidden secrets that are transforming manufacturing efficiency worldwide.  In this deep dive, Richard and Kevin explore the powerful concepts that can revolutionize your production line—from error-proofing and Pokeyoke techniques that prevent costly mistakes, to lean manufacturing principles that maximize value while minimizing waste. Plus, learn practical examples—from how to design parts that only assemble one way to organizing complex hoses for faster, error-free installation. You'll uncover: The difference between error-proofing and Pokeyoke, and how to implement them effectively How to design parts with built-in Pokeyoke features that save time and reduce errors Step-by-step strategies to run a lean shop, from shadow boards to labor tracking The role of Kanban in managing workflows, inventory, and customer experience Practical tips to adapt lean and just-in-time principles for small, custom shops Ignoring these insights can mean wasting thousands of dollars on excess inventory, rework, and lost productivity. Conversely, mastering these methods opens the door to faster throughput, higher quality, and greater profitability—regardless of your company size. Perfect for manufacturers, shop owners, or anyone striving to eliminate inefficiency, this episode reveals proven strategies to boost your bottom line. Implement these ideas today and start working smarter, not harder. Be sure to like and subscribe to the channel! the more viewers we have, the more high quality guests we can attract!   www.Doitforaliving.net www.myshopassist.com

    39 min
  2. 214 - Rebuilding shocks with Chris Hagen of Inertia Laboratory

    JAN 26

    214 - Rebuilding shocks with Chris Hagen of Inertia Laboratory

    In this episode, Kevin and Richard sits down with Chris Hagen, owner of Inertia Laboratory. Chris specializes in high-performance damper rebuilds, revalving, dyno testing, and sells high end coilover systems. Before starting Inertia Lab, Chris worked as an engineer for a major vehicle manufacturer, and spent time at AST/Moton - so he brings both OEM engineering credibility and real-world motorsports experience to the table. We dig into what it actually takes to run a suspension service business - from the technical side of shock dyno testing, to the business operations side of managing parts inventory across dozens of damper brands. Chris breaks down rebuild intervals,  explains the difference between a $300 coilover and a $3,000 setup, and shares why he's built a reputation for fast turnaround without upselling unnecessary work. We also tie this episode back to our manufacturing systems discussion with Richard Fielder - talking about how Chris applies 5S, standard work documentation, and error-proofing to precision damper work. Plus we get into the tech stack side: what software he's using to run the business, how he tracks jobs and inventory, and what features matter most for service-heavy shops like his. Whether you're a shop owner thinking about adding suspension services, a racer trying to understand what your shocks actually need, or just curious how a one-man specialty shop operates at a high level, this one's packed with practical takeaways. Check out Inertia Lab at inertialaboratory.com Check out My Shop Assist at myshopassist.com for shop management software built for the performance and racing industry. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform, and tell us who you want to hear from!  If there is a specific topic you want us to cover, send us a message or email!

    1h 2m
  3. 213 - Manufacturing Systems for Small Shops with Richard Fielder

    JAN 7

    213 - Manufacturing Systems for Small Shops with Richard Fielder

    In this episode, Kevin and co-host Richard Fielder break down the manufacturing systems used by large-scale factories and show you how to implement them in your small shop. Richard is a controls engineer at Peterbilt where he works with the systems that manufacture semi trucks at scale, and he brings that expertise to help small fabricators, tuners, and parts manufacturers work smarter. Whether you're making one-off custom parts or producing small batches, these principles will make you faster, more consistent, and more profitable. We cover 5S for organizing your workspace, shadow boards for tool management, standard operating procedures for documenting your processes, and how to build a proper bill of materials so you actually know what things cost to make. Richard explains how each system works on the factory floor at Peterbilt, then we translate it into practical steps for shops with 1-5 people. The goal isn't to turn your shop into a factory, it's to steal the best ideas from industrial manufacturing and apply them at your scale so you stop wasting time, reduce errors, and can actually grow without chaos. We will be following this episode with additional podcasts related to manufacturing processes we didn't discuss in this episode. Additionally, we will be talking to more guests who do manufacturing to talk to them about how they do things and the processes they use at their shops. Be sure to keep listening, and to subscribe to the channel! Check out My Shop Assist at myshopassist.com for shop management software built for the performance and racing industry! www.myshopassist.com

    32 min
  4. 212 - Pablo and Alejandro Moreno Update us about Tandem Offroad

    12/22/2025

    212 - Pablo and Alejandro Moreno Update us about Tandem Offroad

    In this episode of Do It For a Living, we sit down for a followup with brothers Alejandro and Pablo Moreno, co-owners of Tandem Offroad. Their shop specializes in off-road truck builds and general maintenance, serving customers who demand both performance upgrades and reliable day-to-day service. The brothers share their journey of building a business together, the challenges of manufacturing their own products, and how they've grown their customer base in a competitive market. One of the biggest challenges they faced was manufacturing their own products without properly understanding their true costs. Like many small shops, they were pricing based on what felt right or what competitors charged, not on what it actually cost them to make parts when you factor in materials, labor, overhead, and time. We dig into how they discovered they were losing money on products they thought were profitable, the wake-up call that forced them to completely rethink their pricing strategy, and the systems they put in place to ensure every product they make actually contributes to the bottom line instead of draining it.   Find out more about Tandem Offroad at www.tandemoffroad.com Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our content at www.doitforaliving.net Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe!

    1h 10m
  5. 211 - Zach Denney of ECU Master USA returns

    12/07/2025

    211 - Zach Denney of ECU Master USA returns

    In this episode of Do It For a Living, we welcome back Zach Denney for a follow-up to his first appearance on episode 083. Back then, Zach was running Wholesale POwer (WHP), the US distributor for ECU Master, as a one-man operation out of an 1,800 square foot facility, hoping to hire his first employee. Fast forward to today, and he's now importing several brands including ECU Master, Verkline, and Delta ABS, as well as manufacturing harnesses and components to compliment those product lines. Zach shares how he scaled from solo importer to running a full team, the challenges of navigating COVID-era supply chain disruptions and tariffs, and how he's positioned his companies in an increasingly competitive aftermarket electronics market. We also dig into product development, dealer training, the shift toward standalone ECUs, and what's coming next — including advanced displays and GDI applications. We cover: Growing from a one-man show Building a team and defining employee roles Supply chain and tariff challenges Why everyone's moving to standalone ECUs Training and supporting your dealer network Order management systems and software stack The future of integrating modern tech into older platforms Check out ECU Master USA at www.ecumasterusa.com Check out Verkline at www.verkline.com Check out Delta ABS at www.deltaABS.com Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our content at www.doitforaliving.net Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe!

    1h 13m
  6. 210 - Emily and Zach from the 2025/26 UNT Formula SAE Team

    11/30/2025

    210 - Emily and Zach from the 2025/26 UNT Formula SAE Team

    In this episode of Do It For a Living, we sit down with two students from the University of North Texas Formula SAE team. This marks our first video episode and a new format where we explore the next generation of motorsports talent. Emily Gooden is the Operations Manager and Zach Warren is the EV Powertrain Lead - both are seniors studying engineering at UNT. Kevin, who has an FSAE background, discusses what it takes to run a student racing team with Emily, and put Zach's powertrain work to the test in a "Shark Tank" style technical challenge. Emily shares how she discovered FSAE, worked her way up to Operations Manager, and now leads a team of students with varying skill levels and commitment. She walks us through the design and build cycle from concept to competition, the biggest challenges facing the team including funding and recruiting, and how they handle setbacks as a group. Zach takes us deep into the EV powertrain system he's developed, explaining the problem they were solving, their design constraints around weight, cost, and manufacturing, and how they validated everything through simulation and testing. Kevin challenges Zach with tough questions about scaling the technology beyond FSAE, manufacturing at volume, identifying customers, and what's stopping commercialization. Both students discuss how the team balances proven designs against risky new innovations and what FSAE teaches that you can't learn in a classroom. Find out more about UNT Formula SAE at their website:  UNT Formula SAE.  instagram:   @meangreenracing email:  SAEUNT@gmail.com Check out My Shop Assist at MyShopAssist.com for shop management software built for the performance and racing industry,  Come see us at the PRI show on December 11-13 - booth 4905 on the edge of Machinery Row in the Yellow Hall. Be sure to subscribe!

    1h 9m

  7. 02/26/2025

    209 - Peter Agapoglou of Autosport Fabrication

    In this episode of Do It For a Living, I talk with Peter Aggapoglou, founder of Autosport Fabrication, about his deep roots in the motorsports industry. Before launching his own shop, Peter built his expertise working for several high-end European and race shops, honing his skills in fabrication, chassis setup, and race car development.  Peter also shares his challenges and solutions to running a business that caters to exclusively race cars. We dive into: His journey through prestigious race and performance shops before going solo The turning point that led him to start Autosport Fabrication out of necessity Lessons learned from working with top-tier teams and applying that knowledge to his own business If you're an aspiring fabricator, shop owner, or just love the business of racing, this episode is packed with insight. Tune in now! Check out Autosport Fabrication at : https://www.autosportfab.com/ on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoSportFab/ Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our great content for the Podcast at: www.doitforaliving.net  and on facebook at www.facebook.com/doitforaliving

    1h 41m

  8. 02/18/2025

    208 - Joseph Potak with HP Cult

    In this episode of Do It For a Living, I sit down with Joseph Potak, host of the new HP Cult podcast. We talk about his journey in the high-performance world, including his history with Texas Speed and how he became an expert in LS engine building. Joseph shares insights from the several books he has written on building LS motors and swapping them into different vehicles, and what led him to start his own podcast. Along with the podcast, he has created a website to share his wealth of knowledge, and his desire to bring back automotive web forums. Whether you're an LS enthusiast or just love performance builds, this episode is packed with great stories and technical knowledge. Tune in! Check out his podcast on Apple:  HP Cult Podcast Spotify: HP Cult on Spotify Youtube: High Performance Cult HP Cult Website: https://www.hpcult.net/ Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our great content for the Podcast at: www.doitforaliving.net  and on facebook at www.facebook.com/doitforaliving

    1h 30m
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4.8
out of 5
134 Ratings

About

DO IT FOR A LIVING is a podcast where YOU, the performance racing industry enthusiast and shop owner can hear from the best minds in the performance racing industry talking about business and tech. We discuss new products and services and the best resources used by the big dogs. You can listen on your way to work or in the shop. With new episodes coming out every Monday, you'll find interesting topics and valuable information you can use to build your performance business. Now take this information and use it to build the next record-breaking car or innovative product.

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Earsley & Kevin Dubois interview the big players in motorsports and pr
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    184
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © My Shop Assist Inc.
  • Show Website
    DO IT FOR A LIVING

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