From Hot Rod Shop to Truck Parts Brand with Jay Pruitt from Trucks USA | S3 E4

Building Cars, Content, and Community with Scott Spencer from Scott's Rides | S3 E7

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324815/fan_mail/new] Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com [https://www.redlineoil.com/] ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com [https://www.autometaldirect.com/] In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Co-Host Jason Chandler from Auto Metal Direct welcome Scott Spencer, a DIY car builder and social media content creator, for a real conversation about car building, content creation, and the community behind the automotive world. Scott shares his journey into DIY car builds, what it is like documenting projects on social media, and why authenticity matters when bringing people along for the ride. From learning through mistakes to reaching out to manufacturers, brands, and other builders, this episode digs into the real side of home-built cars and restoration projects. The guys also talk about building relationships in the industry, balancing personal projects with content creation, and why community support is such a big part of car culture. Whether you are building in your home garage, creating automotive content, running a shop, or just love hearing the stories behind the build, this episode is packed with honest insight and gearhead perspective. Key Takeaways: *  Scott Spencer’s journey into DIY car building *  Documenting builds on social media *  Building relationships with brands and manufacturers *  Learning from mistakes during restoration projects *  The role of community in automotive culture *  Balancing content creation with the actual build *  Advice for aspiring DIY builders Guest Bio: Scott Spencer is a content creator from Alabama. (@scottsrides) His day job as an airline pilot fuels his passion for building high-end hot rods in his home shop. Scott does all the work himself and documents it on social media. He also enjoys doing some aviation and lifestyle content. Scott is currently on his 5th custom build, which is a 1967 Chevelle restomod. Previous builds include a Factor Five Cobra, 1979 Porsche 911, 1967 Camaro, and 1965 Mustang. He enjoys the build process as much as the driving and still enjoys owning all his builds and using them regularly. Scott grew up in Atlanta, Ga, the son of an airline pilot who inspired him to follow in his footsteps. He then attended Auburn University and completed the Professional flight program while concurrently serving in the USAF Air National Guard to help fund his education. While in college, he met his future wife, Kimmy, and they will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this summer. Scott and Kimmy now reside in Auburn, Al. Guest: Scott Spencer, Scott's Rides * instagram.com/scottsrides [https://www.instagram.com/scottsrides/] * tiktok.com/@scottsrides [https://www.tiktok.com/@scottsrides] Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital * maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com * motorheaddigital.com [https://motorheaddigital.com/] * facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital [https://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital] * instagram.com/motorhead.digital [https://instagram.com/motorhead.digital] * linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital [https://linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital] Guest Co-Host: Jason Chandler, Auto Metal Direct * autometaldirect.com [https://autometaldirect.com] * facebook.com/AutoMetalDirect [https://facebook.com/AutoMetalDirect] * instagram.com/autometaldirect [https://instagram.com/autometaldirect] * linkedin.com/company/autometaldirect [https://linkedin.com/company/autometaldirect] * www.youtube.com/@autometaldirect [https://www.youtube.com/@autometaldirect] Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline! * facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline] * instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline] * linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline] * youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline] You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Building More Than Cars: Hot Rods, Trade Skills, and Shop Life With Karl Schulman | S3 E6

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324815/fan_mail/new] Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com [https://www.redlineoil.com/]➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com [https://www.autometaldirect.com/] In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Jesse Henke from JH Restorations sit down with Karl Schulman, General Manager of Garret’s Rod Shop, for a conversation about cars, craftsmanship, career pivots, and the way life has a funny way of circling back around. Karl shares how his love for cars and machining started early, thanks to the influence of his stepdad, Garret. What began as building homemade street rod parts on a mill and lathe eventually grew into a lifelong connection to the automotive world. From learning the trade at night school, to landing his first machining job at Creative Tool and Die, to later teaching the very class that helped launch his own career, Karl’s story is rooted in hands-on skill, persistence, and a willingness to follow the next open door. The conversation also dives into Karl’s 18-year career teaching high school students machine trades, helping young people find real career paths in skilled labor, engineering, and the automotive industry. After stepping away from formal education in 2022, Karl joined Garret’s Rod Shop full-time, where he has worked to earn his place, support major build projects, and help guide the shop into its next chapter. This episode is a thoughtful look at the intersection of family, trade education, hot rod culture, and the future of custom automotive craftsmanship. It’s a reminder that the skills, people, and experiences we pick up along the way often come back around when we need them most. Key Takeaways: * Every experience can come full circle * Garret played a major role in Karl’s automotive foundation * Machining became more than a skill * Getting a start in the trades takes persistence * Good relationships matter in business * Teaching became an unexpected but meaningful chapter * Trade education remains critical * Joining the family business came with responsibility * Garret’s Rod Shop is entering a new chapter * The future of custom automotive work depends on skill transfer Guest Bio: Karl Schluman is the General Manager and face of Garret’s Rod Shop, where his lifelong passion for cars, machining, and craftsmanship comes full circle. Introduced to the trade by his stepdad, Garret, Karl built a career spanning machining, auto parts, and 18 years teaching high school machine trades before joining the family shop in 2022. Today, he helps guide Garret’s Rod Shop into its next chapter. Guest: Karl Schulman, Garret's Rod Shop  * garretsrodshop.com [https://garretsrodshop.com/] * facebook.com/garretsrodshop [https://www.facebook.com/garretsrodshop/] * instagram.com/garretsrodshop [https://www.instagram.com/garretsrodshop/] Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital * maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com * motorheaddigital.com [https://motorheaddigital.com/] * facebook.com/ [https://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital] Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline! * facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline] * instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline] * linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline] * youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline] You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Imposter Syndrome, Car Builds & SEMA The Real Story with Christina Lardie | S3 E5

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324815/fan_mail/new] Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com [https://www.redlineoil.com/] ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com [https://www.autometaldirect.com/] In this episode of the Gearheads n' Gasoline podcast, join Barry and Katie Abraham, guest co-host from Ironman 4X4, as Christina Lardie, from Christina’s Garage: Gearhead in Training, and learn about Christina's automotive journey and influencer Insights. Christina Lardie, a self-proclaimed gearhead in training, shares her inspiring story of learning to work on cars from scratch, building her personal brand, and navigating the automotive industry as a newcomer. This episode dives deep into how passion, perseverance, and authentic relationship-building drive success in this competitive space. Listen to the podcast to hear Christina give advice to women and beginners entering the automotive aftermarket industry, emphasizing confidence, authenticity, and relationship-building. Takeaways: * Christina’s background and how her family’s love for cars influenced her journey * The inception of her YouTube channel, Christina’s Garage, and her fresh perspective as a newbie * How she connected with industry events like SEMA and PRI without prior industry experience * Overcoming imposter syndrome and managing mental health while learning new skills * The importance of authenticity, patience, and showing up consistently Guest Bio: As a lifestyle and automotive content creator, Christina Lardie is learning how to embrace life head-on. Instead of wishing there were more real people to relate to online, Christina chose to embody the change she wanted to see. Whether it’s learning how to build a 1969 Camaro, lifting weights, discussing mental health, or becoming an active member of the community, everything is grounded in authenticity, vulnerability, and integrity. Guest: Christina Lardie, Christina’s Garage: Gearhead in Training * facebook.com/61558031831375 [https://www.facebook.com/61558031831375/] * instagram.com/christinalardie [https://www.instagram.com/christinalardie] * youtube.com/@christinasgarage [https://www.youtube.com/@christinasgarage]  * x.com/christinalardie [https://x.com/christinalardie] Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital * maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com * motorheaddigital.com [https://motorheaddigital.com/] * facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital [https://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital] * instagram.com/motorhead.digital [https://instagram.com/motorhead.digital] * linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital [https://linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital] Guest Co-Host: Katie Abraham, Ironman 4X4 * facebook.com/abeskatie [https://www.facebook.com/abeskatie] * instagram.com/wildkatieabes [https://www.instagram.com/wildkatieabes] * linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580] Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline! * facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline] * instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline] * linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline] * youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline] You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

From Hot Rod Shop to Truck Parts Brand with Jay Pruitt from Trucks USA | S3 E4

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324815/fan_mail/new] Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com [https://www.redlineoil.com/] ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com [https://www.autometaldirect.com/] In this episode of the Gearheads n’ Gasoline Podcast, Barry and Eddy Cebrco from AMD sit down with Jay Pruitt of Trucks USA to talk about his journey from growing up in a hot rod family to building a thriving truck bed manufacturing business. Jay shares how he transitioned from wrenching in a small shop to scaling a business that now focuses on manufacturing, dealer networks, and direct-to-consumer sales. Along the way, the conversation dives into the realities of hiring in today’s market, adapting to social media, and why showing up at events matters more than ever. They also get into the shift happening in the automotive aftermarket, from wholesale dominance to brand-building, content creation, and customer connection, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock serious growth. If you're a shop owner, manufacturer, or anyone in the automotive aftermarket trying to grow, this episode is packed with real-world insight, a few laughs, and some hard-earned lessons. Takeaways: * Jay's family has always been involved in automotive culture. * You can’t scale working only with your hands * Growth comes from products, not just labor * Direct-to-consumer is reshaping the aftermarket industry * Events build relationships, not just immediate sales * Social media is learned, not a natural talent * Authentic content outperforms polished, perfect production * Don’t build around one loud customer request * Shops must invest in training younger talent * Customers want complete solutions, not scattered parts * Being yourself is your strongest business advantage Guest Bio: Jay is 51 and married, a Gearhead for life, a jack of all trades and master of a few. GM truck guy. Guest: Jay Pruitt, Truck USA * trucksusa.net [https://trucksusa.net/] * facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070262241538 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070262241538] * instagram.com/classictruckbedparts [https://www.instagram.com/classictruckbedparts/] Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital * maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com * motorheaddigital.com [https://motorheaddigital.com/] * facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital [https://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital] * instagram.com/motorhead.digital [https://instagram.com/motorhead.digital] * linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital [https://linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital] Guest Co-Host: Eddy Cebreco, Auto Metal Direct * eddy@autometaldirect.com * autometaldirect.com [https://autometaldirect.com] * facebook.com/AutoMetalDirect [https://facebook.com/AutoMetalDirect] * instagram.com/autometaldirect [https://instagram.com/autometaldirect] * linkedin.com/company/autometaldire [https://linkedin.com/company/autometaldirect] Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline! * facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline] * instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline] * linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline] * youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline] You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

From Hot Rods to High-Stakes Careers: Transforming Lives with Aaron Valencia | S3 E3

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2324815/fan_mail/new] Powered by: ➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com [https://www.redlineoil.com] ➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com [https://www.autometaldirect.com/] In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, host Barry Alt and guest co-host Jason Chandler from AMD sit down with Aaron Valencia, the visionary behind the Lost Angels Career Center, to discuss his incredible journey from the garage to the forefront of vocational advocacy. Aaron isn’t just teaching 18 to  24 year old's how to turn wrenches; he’s building a revolutionary model for workforce development that takes high-barrier, low-income young adults and turns them into elite technicians for companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. How do you go from running a high-end hot rod shop to building a pipeline for the automotive and aerospace industry? Aaron shares the pivotal moment at a local soup kitchen that changed his perspective on community service, leading him to transform his own shop into a learning hub. We dive into the "nuts and bolts" of his program, from the importance of paid training and "wraparound" support services to how he’s incorporating CAD, 3D printing, and digital tech to keep the trade relevant in a modern world. Whether you’re a shop owner looking for talent, an industry leader wanting to give back, or a gearhead who believes in the power of the trades, Aaron’s story is a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and purpose. Key Takeaways: * The Pivot: How Aaron transitioned from a successful hot rod builder to a community advocate * Modern Trades: Why the "grease monkey" stereotype is dead and how digital tech (CAD/3D printing) is the new frontier * The "Work Ethic" Gap: Strategies for teaching punctuality, professionalism, and the "soft skills" industry partners crave * The Business of Giving: How to engage major sponsors and create win-win partnerships between education and industry * Scaling Success: Aaron’s plans for replicating this micro-training model across the country * Diversity in the Shop: Breaking barriers for women and single mothers in the automotive and aerospace sectors Guest Bio: Aaron Valencia is a custom hot rod builder turned changemaker and the founder of Lost Angels Career Center. What started as an informal after-school hangout in his shop grew into a vocational program helping young adults gain industry-recognized skills in automotive restoration and advanced aerospace manufacturing. Through hands-on training and mentorship, Aaron is helping the next generation build careers and brighter futures. Guest: Aaron Valencia, Lost Angels Career Center * lostangelscp.org [https://www.lostangelscp.org/] * facebook.com/lostangelscp [https://www.facebook.com/lostangelscp/] * instagram.com/lostangelscareercenter [https://www.instagram.com/lostangelscareercenter] * www.youtube.com/@LostAngelsCareerCenter [https://www.youtube.com/@LostAngelsCareerCenter] Host: Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital * maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com * motorheaddigital.com [https://motorheaddigital.com/] Guest Co-Host: Jason Chandler, Auto Metal Direct * autometaldirect.com [https://autometaldirect.com] Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline! * facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline] * instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline] * linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline [https://www.linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline] * youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline [https://www.youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline] You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com