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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
trucksusa.net
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070262241538
instagram.com/classictruckbedparts

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital
maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
motorheaddigital.com
facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital
instagram.com/motorhead.digital
linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital

Guest Co-Host:
Eddy Cebreco, Auto Metal Direct
eddy@autometaldirect.com
autometaldirect.com
facebook.com/AutoMetalDirect
instagram.com/autometaldirect
linkedin.com/company/autometaldirect

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➡️ AMD: https://www.autometaldirect.com/
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In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Eddy Cebreco of AMD for an engaging conversation featuring industry insights, personal stories, and humor. Eddy shares his unconventional journey into the automotive world, including how his background in radio influenced his career, along with reflections on aging, health, and the quirks that come with experience.

The conversation highlights the importance of automotive education, mentoring the next generation, and the value of networking and showing up at industry events. Eddy and the hosts also dive into the evolving role of digital marketing in the restoration and aftermarket space, discussing why platforms like Instagram and TikTok matter, why a dedicated website is still critical, and how authenticity and consistency drive real engagement.

They explore the challenges of content creation, balancing marketing with daily operations, and adapting while traveling. Eddy also shares the story behind the Eddy Bear Foundation and his passion for giving back to the community. The episode wraps with a fun speed round, nostalgia, and reflections on staying unapologetically authentic in an ever-evolving automotive industry.

Takeaways:

• Authenticity is essential in branding, content creation, and building trust with audiences.
• Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are critical for reaching younger demographics.
• A dedicated website remains vital for business credibility and customer engagement.
• Consistent, engaging content helps businesses stay relevant in a digital-first industry.
• Investing in specialized marketing and social media expertise drives long-term growth.
• Supporting automotive education and youth engagement strengthens the industry’s future.
• Networking and relationship-building create unexpected opportunities and lasting success.
• Giving back through charity and community involvement creates a powerful ripple effect.
• Preparation, flexibility, and creativity help overcome challenges on the road and online.
• The automotive industry thrives on humor, nostalgia, and a strong sense of community.

Guest Bio:
Eddy Cebreco has been in the auto industry since the 90's, moved to Atlanta 4 years ago to work for Auto Metal Direct. I have my own charity, the Eddy Bear Foundation, eddybear.org . I am a huge Star Wars fan.

Guest:
eddy@autometaldirect.com
https://www.autometaldirect.com/
https://www.facebook.com/eddy.cebreco
https://www.instagram.com/ecebreco/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/autometaldirect/
https://www.youtube.com/@autometaldirect

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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
facebook.com/lostangelscp
instagram.com/lostangelscareercenter
www.youtube.com/@LostAngelsCareerCenter

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital
maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
motorheaddigital.com

Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline!

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Supported by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: https://www.redlineoil.com/
➡️ AMD: https://www.autometaldirect.com/

What does it take to create unforgettable luxury automotive experiences for brands like Ferrari?

In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, host Barry Alt and guest co-host Sean Sawyer from Revved Automotive Consulting sit down with Julia Newman, Owner of Haus of Stella, to talk about her incredible journey from entertainment and hospitality into the world of high-end automotive events.

Julia shares how she broke into the luxury automotive scene by producing VIP hospitality experiences for Ferrari and other major brands, and how those events blend precision, creativity, and a serious attention to detail. From Pebble Beach to high-profile motorsports experiences, she explains what it takes behind the scenes to deliver world-class brand moments that clients never forget.

The conversation dives into experiential marketing, the art of building authentic client relationships, and how creating emotional connections often matters more than the product itself. Julia also discusses growing support for women in motorsports and expanding opportunities for women across the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Why client experience is everything in the luxury automotive world
• The behind-the-scenes challenges of producing high-end automotive events
• How experiential marketing creates lasting emotional connections
• The growing role and support of women in motorsports and automotive careers
• Why attention to detail separates good events from unforgettable ones

Guest Bio:
Julia Newman is an accomplished, award-winning event marketing executive with extensive experience producing large-scale live, hybrid, and experiential events. Known for her tenacity, agility, and attention to detail, she has become a trusted partner to some of the world’s most recognizable brands.

Her expertise spans experiential marketing, program management, and cross-functional team leadership. Julia has a proven track record of delivering high-impact global events while managing complex logistics, building strong stakeholder relationships, and aligning event strategy with business objectives. She is especially recognized for her ability to remain calm under pressure while executing seamless, memorable experiences.

Throughout her career, Julia has led and produced high-profile programs and brand activations. Here are a couple of the notable events she's been involved in:

• Patrón Tequila – Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix Airport Pop-Up Store
• Ferrari North America Casa Ferrari – Pebble Beach

Today, Julia continues to create exceptional brand experiences through her work with Haus of Stella, where she focuses on curating unique luxury automotive and experiential marketing programs.

Guest:
Julia Newman, Haus of Stella
https://www.linkedin.com/in/Julia-Thomson-Newman

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital
maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
https://motorheaddigital.com/

Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline!

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➡️ AMD: https://www.autometaldirect.com/

🔥 Season 3 Starts Now — And We’re Leveling Up.

Welcome to Season 3 of Gearheads n’ Gasoline — and this year, we’re doing things differently.

This episode introduces our new lineup of powerhouse guest co-hosts and a refreshed format designed to bring you deeper conversations, sharper insights, and real-world experience from across the automotive aftermarket.

We’re not just talking about cars.

We’re talking about the future of the industry.

In this kickoff episode, you’ll hear conversations around:

- Why the next generation is more engaged than we think
- Why talent isn’t the real problem — business systems are
- How shops can leverage social media without sacrificing productivity
- And why collaboration across the industry matters more than ever

This season is about learning from each other.

It’s about shop owners, manufacturers, consultants, and industry leaders sharing what’s working — and what’s not.

Because the automotive restoration and performance world isn’t slowing down.

It’s evolving.

And the goal of Season 3 is simple:
To inspire you to think bigger, work smarter, and stay connected to the community that fuels this industry forward.

🎙️ Featuring:
- Katie Abraham (Ironman 4x4)
- Eddy Cebreco (Auto Metal Direct / Eddie Bear Foundation)
- Jason Chandler (Auto Metal Direct)
- Jesse Henke (JH Restorations)
- Sean Sawyer (Revved Automotive Consulting)

If you're a shop owner, industry professional, or someone passionate about where this aftermarket world is headed, this season is for you.

🚗 Key Takeaways From This Episode
- The future of restoration is being shaped by technology and the next generation.
- Youth engagement isn’t dead — it just needs mentorship and opportunity.
- Social media is now a specialized skill, not a side task.
- Talent builds cars — systems build sustainable businesses.
- The industry grows stronger when leaders collaborate instead of competing.
- Hit subscribe. Join the conversation. Let’s build what’s next.

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital
https://motorheaddigital.com
https://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital
https://instagram.com/motorhead.digital

Guest Co-Hosts:
Katie Abraham
https://www.facebook.com/abeskatie
https://www.instagram.com/wildkatieabes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580

Eddy Cebreco, Auto Metal Direct
https://www.autometaldirect.com
https://www.facebook.com/eddy.cebreco
https://www.instagram.com/ecebreco

Jason Chandler, Suto Metal Direct
https://autometaldirect.com
https://facebook.com/AutoMetalDirect
https://instagram.com/autometaldirect
https://youtube.com/@autometaldirect

Jesse Henke, JH Restorations
https://jhrestorations.ca
https://www.facebook.com/jhrestorations
https://www.instagram.com/jh_restorations

Sean Sawyer, Revved Automotive Consulting
https://www.revvedac.com
https://www.facebook.com/revvedautomotive
https://www.instagram.com/ocdca

Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline!

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In this episode of the Gearheads n’ Gasoline podcast, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Katie Abraham, Director of Marketing for Ironman 4x4 North America. The conversation explores Katie's journey into the automotive industry, her experiences in the Rebell Rally, and the importance of networking and volunteering in building a successful career. The discussion highlights the importance of being intentional in career choices and of showing up in the industry to create opportunities. In this engaging conversation, Katie Abraham shares her experiences navigating the challenges of the Rebel Rally, her transition into a marketing leadership role, and the dynamics of agency life. She emphasizes the importance of education and instruction in the four-wheel drive community, balancing personal aspirations with family life, and the significance of kindness in business interactions. The discussion highlights her passion for off-roading, the need for setting standards in instruction, and the personal growth that comes from helping others.

Takeaways:

• Volunteering and networking are crucial for career development.
• Showing up at events can lead to unexpected opportunities
• Katie emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged in the community
• Katie's background in restaurant management helped shape her work ethic
• The Rebell Rally offers a unique experience for participants to challenge themselves
• The automotive community is supportive and encourages collaboration
• Marketing is complex and not always straightforward.
• The automotive industry fosters genuine connections among its members
• Agency life can be mentally taxing and requires strong relationships
• Experience can outweigh formal education in career advancement
• Investing in education can empower others and foster community
• Setting standards in instruction can enhance safety and effectiveness
• Kindness in business can lead to better relationships and outcomes
• Personal growth often comes from helping others succeed

Guest Bio:
With over a decade in the off-road world, Katherine Abraham is the Director of Marketing for Ironman 4x4 North America, a seasoned 4WD trainer, and a three-time Rebelle Rally competitor preparing for her fourth. Her expertise spans technical driving, adventure instruction, and brand leadership. Katherine is also a keynote speaker who blends off-road methodology with business leadership and personal growth. Known for her authenticity, precision, and grit, she’s built a reputation as a trusted voice helping people perform at their highest level—behind the wheel and beyond it.

Guest:
https://www.facebook.com/abeskatie
https://www.instagram.com/wildkatieabes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580

Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline!

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Supported by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: https://www.redlineoil.com
➡️ AMD: https://www.autometaldirect.com
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In this episode of the Gearheads and Gasoline Podcast, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Melanie Hellwig White, CEO of Hellwig Products and Chair of the SEMA Board of Directors, to share her journey in the automotive industry, the importance of balancing legacy with innovation, and the challenges of being a female leader in a male-dominated field. She discusses the role of SEMA in shaping the industry's future, the significance of influencers and social media in marketing, and the value of family connections in maintaining balance in life. Melanie emphasizes the need for the automotive community to advocate for itself and represent the industry positively.

Key Takeaways:

• Balancing legacy and innovation is crucial for Hellwig's future
• The automotive industry must adapt to changing market trends
• Being a female CEO comes with unique challenges and opportunities
• SEMA plays a vital role in advocating for the automotive industry
• Influencers can significantly impact marketing strategies
• The importance of government advocacy for the automotive sector
• Authenticity in marketing is key to connecting with consumers

Guest Bio:
Melanie White is known throughout the aftermarket as a proven leader for both her own business accomplishments and her dedication to the industry. Hailing from a founding SEMA-member company that has exhibited since the very first SEMA Show in 1967 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, she represents the fourth generation to join the family business established by her great-grandfather in 1946.

White started in Hellwig’s sales department cold calling 18 years ago, working her way up to vice president before ultimately becoming the company’s first female CEO. And earned her woman owned certification status in 2023.

In fact, White’s involvement with the association has included membership in six SEMA councils and networks. In addition to earning several service awards from her council groups, she was among SEMA News’ first roster of “35 Under 35” young and rising talents in 2012. She was named SEMA Person of the Year in 2018, and awarded SEMA’s Businesswoman of the Year award in 2017. White also served as chair of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and has been an outspoken industry advocate, participating in Washington, D.C., Rallies and joining other SEMA members on international business-development trips. She currently serves as the Chair of the SEMA Board of Directors.

Guest:
mwhite@hellwigproducts.com
https://www.hellwigproducts.com
https://www.facebook.com/hellwigproducts
https://www.instagram.com/hellwig_products
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniehellwigwhite
https://www.youtube.com/@HellwigProducts

Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline!

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In this episode of the Gearheads n’ Gasoline Podcast, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Don Abenante, owner of Retro Fabworks. The conversation explores Don's journey from a blue-collar background to becoming a successful fabricator and content creator in the automotive industry. They discuss the importance of community, the impact of sobriety on personal and professional growth, and the evolution of Don's passion for cars. The episode underscores the value of authenticity in content creation, how being true to oneself resonates with audiences, and the importance of a clear vision and purpose in one's career.

They discuss the journey of personal growth and learning in the automotive space, highlighting the significance of passion and craftsmanship. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by social media, the need for community support, and the responsibility to engage and inspire the next generation in automotive culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Building connections in the automotive community is vital
• The journey of building a car can be therapeutic
• Authenticity in content creation resonates with audiences
• Learning from failures is part of the growth process
• The influence of a father can shape one's passions
• People appreciate real stories over polished perfection
• The automotive industry allows for continuous learning and growth. Authenticity is crucial for connecting with audiences
• Embracing individuality can lead to personal growth
• The journey of learning is filled with experimentation
• Passion drives the heart of the craft in automotive work
• Engaging the next generation is vital for the future of the industry
• Balancing creativity with technical skills is essential for success
• Preparation for events like SEMA requires dedication and hard work
• Building a community around shared interests fosters growth
• It's important to enjoy the process and not just focus on the end result

Guest Bio:
Don Abanente, owner of Retro Fabworks, was featured on the Netflix TV show Resurrected Rides. Known for his innovative builds and passion for blending classic style with modern performance, Don is currently working on two exciting projects: a Coyote-powered Chevelle and an all-wheel-drive El Camino powered by a Ford Godzilla engine.

Guest:
donabenante@gmail.com

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