Torque And Horsepower Podcast

#20 Torque and Horsepower Podcast, John Simmons

🎙️ Episode Description: Join the Torque and Horsepower Podcast [https://torquenhorsepower.com/]with hosts Alex Stursa and Eric Herbert, along with Drew Miles behind the scenes, as they welcome special guest John Simmons. Known for his expertise in heavy equipment machining and line boring, John shares his extraordinary journey and insights into the industry. In This Episode: John’s Early Days: Learn about John’s upbringing in Kingman, Arizona, and how his early exposure to heavy equipment through his father’s work in mining influenced his career path. Career Evolution in Heavy Equipment: John discusses his transition from operating haul trucks and working at mine sites to becoming an expert in machining and line-boring. He shares how his hands-on experience led him to a specialized career and eventually to running his own business. Mastering Line-Boring and Machining: John dives into his journey of self-teaching and developing skills in line-boring, often working with minimal guidance and equipment. He recounts the challenges of learning the trade on the job and how persistence and creativity helped him excel. Building His Own Business: John reflects on the highs and lows of running his own heavy equipment machining operation. From dealing with lightning-struck service trucks to managing a team of employees, he shares the realities of entrepreneurship in the field. Memorable Stories and Lessons Learned: Enjoy stories of John’s time working in mines and fixing complex machinery under challenging conditions. His tales highlight the unpredictable and often humorous aspects of working in heavy equipment. Advice for Aspiring Machinists: John offers practical advice for those looking to enter the heavy equipment and machining industry, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning, resilience, and maintaining a passion for the work. Listen Now: Dive into this episode for a blend of technical insights, industry experiences, and entertaining stories from the world of heavy equipment. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and Facebook. 🎧🚜 #TorqueAndHorsepowerPodcast #HeavyEquipment #Machining #LineBoring #IndustryInsights

#19 Torque and Horsepower Podcast, Greg Thiessen

🎙️ Episode Description: Join the Torque and Horsepower Podcast [https://torquenhorsepower.com/]with hosts Alex Stursa and Eric Herbert, along with Drew Miles behind the scenes, as they welcome special guest Greg Thiessen of GRP (Greg's Race Parts) [https://www.gregsraceparts.com/]. This episode delves into Greg's unique journey in the automotive world, particularly his deep dive into Lotus cars and his entrepreneurial ventures. In This Episode: * Meet Greg Thiessen: Explore Greg's background, growing up in Reno, Nevada, and how his early experiences with cars led him to become a key figure in the Lotus community. * Career Path and Entrepreneurial Journey: Greg shares his transition from working in motorcycle shops to founding his own powder coating business. Discover the challenges and successes he faced while starting his business on a shoestring budget and eventually selling it to pursue new opportunities. * The Lotus Connection: Learn how Greg’s passion for Lotus cars evolved into a successful business with Greg's Race Parts (GRP). He discusses creating and selling custom parts for Lotus vehicles and the niche market he established in this specialized automotive space. * Funny and Memorable Moments: Enjoy Greg’s stories about cross-country drives in his Lotus, the challenges of being a tall guy fitting into tight sports cars, and the unexpected adventures that come with owning and working on high-performance vehicles. * Branching Out: Greg talks about his experiences making parts for other vehicles like the GR Corolla and the challenges of breaking into new markets. He reflects on why he's decided to focus primarily on Lotus, where he's built a solid reputation. * Building a Business from Scratch: Hear about the early days of Greg’s business, from building his own oven to powder coating parts in a rented garage, and how his determination helped him succeed. https://www.gregsraceparts.com/ [https://www.gregsraceparts.com/] Gregsraceparts Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/gregsraceparts?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Listen Now: This episode is a must-listen for car enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and Facebook. 🎧🚗 #TorqueAndHorsepowerPodcast #LotusCars #Entrepreneurship #GregsRaceParts

#18 Torque and Horsepower Podcast, Reed King

Join the Torque and Horsepower Podcast [https://torquenhorsepower.com/] with hosts Alex Stursa and Eric Herbert, alongside Drew Miles, as they welcome special guest and good friend, Reed King. This episode dives into Reed's diverse career in the auto industry, peppered with hilarious and memorable anecdotes. In This Episode: * Meet Reed King: Explore Reed's journey from growing up in the Midwest to becoming a prominent figure in the auto-wrecking industry in Nevada. * Auto Wrecking and Flipping Vehicles: Reed shares his transition from working in body shops to finding his niche in the auto wrecking industry. He discusses his journey from pulling parts to becoming a yard manager and eventually advancing to vice president. * Yard Adventures: Dealing with a homeless man who made art from junkyard finds, or a mix-up involving stripper glitter and borrowed pants. Reed recounts the time a fire threatened his yard, leaving him to handle a motorhome set ablaze. * $500 Car Runs and More: Enjoy stories of reckless but fun $500 car runs, including a memorable experience involving a pristine New Yorker and a cattle guard that nearly ended in disaster. * Unique Industry Challenges: Reed talks about the unique challenges of the auto recycling business, from managing inventory to navigating the complexities of the market. Follow Reed: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/reedaking1?igsh=czZ6bnpuNHRmbDZl] Listen Now: Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, industry insights, and unforgettable moments. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and Facebook. 🎧🚗 #TorqueAndHorsepowerPodcast #AutoWrecking #VehicleFlipping #HilariousStories #GoodFriends

#17 Torque and Horsepower Podcast, Davis Miles

🎙️ Episode Description: Join the Torque and Horsepower Podcast with hosts Alex Stursa and Eric Herbert, featuring special guest Davis Miles, and Drew Miles behind the scenes. This episode is a family affair as Drew's brother Davis joins us to share his awesome journey from small-town roots to leading a major aggregate operation. In This Episode: Introducing Davis Miles: Get to know Davis, who grew up in Chilcoot, CA, and now serves as a foreman at Western Nevada Materials in Spanish Springs, NV. Family and Career Path: Discover how Davis evolved from tinkering on engines and hotrods with his brother Drew to managing a significant quarry operation. Hear about his experiences and growth in the aggregate and mining industry. Exciting Projects and Hobbies: Davis recounts his adventures building engines, racing dirt bikes, and modifying his vehicles. Listen to his exciting stories about timed rally runs and desert racing. Industry Insights 🚜: Learn about the challenges Davis faces in the aggregate industry, the importance of using the right equipment, and efficient plant operations. He also discusses the effects of the housing market on his business. Leadership and Lessons: Davis shares valuable advice for newcomers to the industry, emphasizing essential traits for success. He talks about managing a team and the importance of lifelong learning. Listen Now: Don't miss this special episode with Drew's brother, featuring engaging stories of career progression, motorsport adventures, and industry insights. Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and Facebook. 🎧🎙️ #TorqueAndHorsepowerPodcast #AggregateIndustry #MotorsportAdventures #WesternNevadaMaterials #Brothers Torque and Horsepower Podcast [https://torquenhorsepower.com/] Davis's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/milesd21?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

#16 Torque and Horsepower Podcast, Ed Senf

Join hosts Alex Stursa and Eric Herbert, with Drew Miles behind the scenes, as they welcome Ed Senf to the Torque and Horsepower Podcast. This episode covers a variety of topics from the world of motorsports and beyond. In This Episode: * Ed Senf's Journey: From turning wrenches to tuning race cars, Ed shares his path in the racing industry, highlighting his work with various engine shops and the challenges of performance tuning. * Motorsports Innovations: Dive into discussions about advancements in engine management systems, wiring challenges, and the intricacies of modern race car electronics. * College Roommate Tales: Enjoy a humorous recounting of Ed’s college days, including memorable pranks involving prosthetic legs and the challenges of living with unique roommates. * Listener Questions: The hosts answer listener questions about the evolution of racing technologies, including the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles in motorsports. * Pike’s Peak Adventures: Ed talks about the technical challenges of racing at Pike’s Peak and the extreme conditions that make it a unique motorsports event. https://www.dynotuner.net/ [https://www.dynotuner.net/] Tune in to this insightful and entertaining episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, and Facebook. 🎧🏁 #TorqueAndHorsepowerPodcast #Motorsports #RacingTech #PikesPeak #EngineTuning