In Gear with THE SHOP is a podcast series covering an array of topics in the automotive aftermarket. It features shop owners and other industry personalities who share their experiences, ideas and tips to help successfully navigate our ever-evolving industry. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Email our multimedia content manager, Drew Cooper, at [email protected].
-
In Gear with THE SHOP Ep. 30 – A Build for Every Budget: Restorations with J5 Speedshop
Jay Buchanan, owner and self-described “frontman” of J5 Speedshop, located in Richmond, Illinois, discusses the shop’s family feel, his “build for every budget” philosophy, and the benefits of keeping things in-house.
This episode is sponsored by Vintage Air.
-
Ep. 29 – Designer Chris Brown Details the Ingredients of Award-Winning Builds
Chris Brown, owner of Brown Auto Design, Irvine, California, details this year’s Battle of the Builders winner at SEMA, and his philosophy on the design and production of stellar projects. This episode is sponsored by CTEK
-
Ep. 28 – Shop vs. Shop: Navigating Supply Chain Issues
Josh Poulson, principal of Auto Additions, Columbus, Ohio, and Jared Cohen, CEO of Auto Action Group in New York and New Jersey, provide solutions and workarounds to the current supply chain issues in the automotive aftermarket. Hosted by Regan Dickinson. Produced by Drew Cooper and Erin Gaddie.
-
Ep. 27 – Countdown to the SEMA Show with SEMA’S CEO
Chris Kersting, president, and CEO of SEMA joins us for a wide-ranging discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the automotive aftermarket now and in the coming years, and the latest about the return of the SEMA Show, live and in-person, in Las Vegas, Nov. 2-5. Hosted by Regan Dickinson. Produced by Drew Cooper.
-
Ep. 26 – Something New Every Day
Duane Garretson of Come Get Ya Some Offroad in Fort Smith, Arkansas talks about four-wheel drive trends, truck accessories, engine swaps, side-by-sides, drivetrain upgrades, and overlanding’s growing appeal – all while operating an Ultra4 team. Hosted by Regan Dickinson. Produced by Erin Gaddie.
-
Ep. 25 – An Electric Future at Resurrection Muscle Cars?
Resurrection Muscle Cars owner Vinnie DeVito reveals what’s in the shop now, the keys to its success, what they’ve done in the past, and what the future holds, particularly as it relates to the transition to electric power sources.
This episode was sponsored by Alliant Insurance Services RevPro.
Hosted by Regan Dickinson. Produced by Erin Gaddie.
-
Ep. 24 – Overland Expansion Tales
Scott Vold, founder of Cracks & Racks and White River Overland in Aspen, Colorado, details the shop’s expansion into the overlanding and van upfitting markets and the important lessons learned along the way. Hosted by Regan Dickinson. Produced by Erin Gaddie.
-
Ep. 23 – Gearing up for SEMA Builds
Cris Payne, owner of Truck Guru, has placed hundreds of eye-opening, mammoth, mild and wild builds at SEMA since 2010. Cris discusses the methods behind the Truck Guru madness, as well as industry trends and challenges, what works and what doesn’t. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 22 – Picture-Perfect Classic Trucks
Randall Robertson, owner and operator of Rtech Fabrications in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, talks about the processes the shop employs to restore and build high-end classic trucks that are not only beautiful showpieces, but are engineered to hit the road for a lifetime. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 21 – Lone Star Off-Road Powerhouse
Dawson Druesedow, president of 4 Wheel Performance in Wichita Falls, Texas, discusses the elements that have contributed to its success as a top off-road restyling shop in north Texas. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 20 – Maximum Diesel
Lavon Miller, CEO of Firepunk Diesel, breaks down how he and his crew have maximized diesel power in their record-breaking diesel drag truck, and how they provide customers with trucks that haul, tow, and do the dirty work while meeting or exceeding EPA standards. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 19 – Vehicle Wrap Pioneers
Miller Decals has been laying down vinyl on vehicles since 1979, becoming one of the premier vehicle graphics installers in the world. Owners Jim and Starla Miller discuss their methods for continuous improvement, how they’ve managed growth and expanded their business to handle huge projects like the Super Bowl, and the incorporation of new products like PPF and tint. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 18 – Top-Notch Resto-Mods from the Heartland
Sponsored by Covercraft. Find out how founder, CEO, and head builder Jeff Page produces high-performance works of art, and ensures an amazing customer experience bumper-to-bumper, at Heartland Customs in Purcell, Oklahoma. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 17 – High-End Vehicle Details
Sponsored by CTEK. K2 Motorcars stores high-end vehicles at its facility in Jupiter, Fla., and is expanding its aftermarket and detailing services at a second location in West Palm Beach. Founding member and general manager Will McGreevy offers insight into the expansion, its approach to service and engaging customers, and how it keeps often priceless vehicles in top-notch condition. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 16 – The Heart of Off-Roading
Nestled in one of the hottest off-road spots in the world with locations in Moab and St. George, Utah, Dixie 4 Wheel Drive is consumed with the customer experience, both off-trail and on. General manager Tara Thompson gives us the details. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 15 – An Inside Look at the Petersen Automotive Museum
Terry L. Karges, executive director at the Petersen Automotive Museum, offers insight into the museum’s huge success, its role in the industry, and a preview of coming attractions. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 14 – Shop vs. Shop: Hiring and Retaining Employees
“We added a frozen ice cream machine, and we go through ice cream like you wouldn’t believe,” says Jared Cohen, CEO of Auto Action Group in New York and New Jersey. What does ice cream have to do with hiring and retaining employees? Find out as Jared and Josh Poulson of Auto Additions, Columbus, Ohio, discuss and debate. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 13 – Facebook’s Trace Przybylowicz on Maximizing Your Online Presence
Trace Przybylowicz, Head of Business Development Automotive Aftermarket at Facebook, offers insight and tips into maximizing your presence and finding customers through Facebook’s platform. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 12 – Production and Workflow Tips from Classic Car Studio
Noah Alexander, owner and founder of Classic Car Studio in St. Louis, provides valuable insight into running a tight ship for a satisfied customer and a healthy bottom line. Find out how this high-end builder of classic resto-mods leverages technology to elevate its business. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 11 – Josh Freeman’s Journey from Reality TV to Small Business Reality
Josh Freeman recently opened Freeman Fabrication in Denton, Texas, and talks about establishing his business following stints as a reality TV star on Gas Monkey Garage, Fast N’ Loud, Shifting Gears, and Monster Garage. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 10 – Top Coverage Talks Inventory Issues, Opening a New Shop
Garrett Pahlke of Top Coverage, a leading restyling shop in the Chicago area, explains his shop’s response to the pandemic and the resulting dealership inventory issues—all while opening a new location in neighboring Wisconsin. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 9 – Making Old Broncos New and Better at Gateway Bronco
Gateway Bronco specializes in restoring and building high-end resto-mod Ford Broncos. Founder Seth Burgett discusses how his engineering background in the aerospace, medical, and consumer electronic industries translates to Gateway Bronco’s assembly processes, as well as its hiring and retention practices that help ensure a flawless product for its customers. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 8 – Replicating History’s Finest Sportscars at Superformance
Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance, offers insight into the re-creation of one of the most famous muscle cars of the 1960s, the Shelby Cobra, made even more popular by the film Ford v Ferrari. Stander discusses Superformance’s role in the film, and how the builder stays true to the original while incorporating modern technology. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 7 – Profiting from Packages with Dino Perfetti
Dino Perfetti, national sales manager of Automotive Concepts in Minneapolis, and Chair of SEMA’s PRO Council, talks profitable automotive accessory packages, attracting attention and driving sales at car shows, the PRO Cup Challenge, and more in this illuminating episode. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 6 – Special Guest Ringbrothers Talk Builds
Jim and Mike Ring discuss the build they planned for SEMA, setting customer expectations, plus other challenging and unusual projects the brothers have tackled. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 5 – How to Grow Your Aftermarket Business with Digital Marketing
Pete Peterson, CEO of Dealers United, breaks down the steps toward effective digital marketing, from your website to Google and social media, all with the goal of building business and expanding your reach. For a free evaluation, visit the link for the audit, click “File”, and then scroll down to “Download.” A sample filled-out form can be seen here. Send completed forms to [email protected] Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
Digital Marketing Audit Example -
Ep. 4 – Restoring Vehicles and Managing Customer Expectations
Marc Sharp, owner of Sharpy’s Rod & Custom, joins us in studio to discuss the nuances of rebuilding and restoring vehicles. He also delves into managing customer expectations when it comes to the timing on completing jobs and warranties. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 3 – Shop vs. Shop: Debating Business Growth Strategies
Josh Poulson, principal of Auto Additions, Columbus, Ohio, and Jared Cohen, CEO of Auto Action Group in New York and New Jersey, debate business growth strategies. One’s a little bit country; the other is a little bit rock n’ roll. Listen to find out which is which, and which strategies fit your business best. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 2 – Trends Affecting the Automotive Aftermarket with Jhan Dolphin
Jhan Dolphin discusses some of the cutting-edge work being done at Prefix, a company that builds concept vehicles among other high-end services. We also discuss ways you can work on your business to help ensure future growth. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.
-
Ep. 1 – Talking Style Guides with Theresa Contreras and Sara Morosan
The premiere episode of In Gear with THE SHOP features Theresa Contreras and Sara Morosan, sisters who run LGE-CTS Motorsports, a full-service truck and off-road shop in San Dimas, California. Find out about the processes they’ve put together to elevate their brand, streamline production, and make their super-busy schedules manageable. They also discuss how their involvement in and advocacy for the industry is an integral part of their success. Hosted by Regan Dickinson.