The Gearheads n’ Gasoline Podcast brings you engaging, lighthearted yet informative conversations with market-leading Shop Owners from automotive aftermarket Restoration, Performance, Racing, and restyling Industries.
Join us as hosts Barry Alt from Motorhead Digital and our co-hosts delve into the journey of our guests, uncovering their achievements, challenges, and the driving forces behind their success and even failures.
Periodic Co-Hosts:
Jason Chandler - AMD
Eddy Cebreco - AMD
Katie Abraham - IRONMAN 4X4
Jesse Henke - JH Restorations
Sean Sawyer - Revved Automotive Consulting
By offering a unique - often explosive - behind-the-scenes look into the world of shop ownership, 'Gearheads n’ Gasoline' provides stimulating insights and stories that inspire and entertain. Whether you're a shop owner, aspiring shop owner, racer, professional, or hardcore enthusiast, this podcast is your pit stop for captivating discussions with influential figures from the automotive industry.
Our goal is to entertain and educate listeners with real-life stories, lessons learned, and practical advice that can be used by everyone.
Gearheads n’ Gasoline - “Fueling Your Success.”
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Données mises à jour le 26/09/2026
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Mark Bowler was building transmissions at 13, teaching his high school automotive class how to assemble them by 17, and eventually transformed his family’s small-town transmission shop into one of the most respected names in the performance automotive industry.
In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and co-host Eddy Cebreco of Auto Metal Direct sit down with Mark, CEO and Founder of Bowler Performance Transmissions, to talk about the relationships, risks, hard lessons, and relentless commitment to quality that helped shape the company.
Mark shares how an early opportunity with Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy helped open doors in the hot rod world, why Bowler went all-in on performance during the 2008 downturn, and why showing up at automotive events continues to be one of the company’s most important marketing strategies.
The conversation also gets into Bowler’s approach to custom-built and dyno-tested transmissions, the development of its Carbon Edition manual transmissions, and why Mark would rather find a failure on the dyno than have a customer discover it on the road or track.
Beyond the business, Mark discusses the Accelerate Foundation, his effort to introduce young people to careers in automotive and the skilled trades, plus the moment his father finally acknowledged that maybe Mark’s crazy idea had worked after all.
It’s an episode about transmissions, but even more about trust, relationships, craftsmanship, taking risks, and doing what you say you’re going to do.
-- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. --
Key Takeaways:
Mark built his first transmission at just 13 years old.
Bowler evolved from a small family transmission shop into a performance-focused brand.
An early relationship with Troy Trepanier helped open doors in the hot rod industry.
Bowler went all-in on performance during the 2008 economic downturn.
Trade shows and face-to-face relationships remain a major part of Bowler’s marketing strategy.
Social media has helped show a more personal, authentic side of the company.
Every Bowler transmission is built and tested with real-world performance in mind.
The Carbon Edition was developed to meet the demands of high-performance and Pro-Touring builds.
Mark founded the Accelerate Foundation to support skilled trades and future automotive talent.
Mark’s guiding philosophy: do what you say, be honest, and treat people right.
Guest Bio: Mark Bowler is CEO and Founder of Bowler Performance Transmissions in Lawrenceville, Illinois. He began building transmissions at 13 and transformed his family’s local transmission shop into a nationally recognized performance brand serving hot rods, Pro-Touring builds, race cars, and custom vehicles. Mark is active with SEMA’s HRIA and founded the Accelerate Foundation to support skilled trades and the next generation of automotive talent.
Guest: Mark Bowler, CEO and Founder, Bowler Performance Transmissions https://www.bowlertransmissions.com
🔧 Learn more about Bowler Performance Transmissions:
What does 50 years in the automotive aftermarket teach you about building a company, building cars, and keeping the next generation engaged?
In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Jesse Henke sit down with Rick Love, president of Vintage Air, to talk about his path from a young hot rodder in upstate New York to a decades-long career with one of the most recognized names in the aftermarket. Rick shares how he first connected with Vintage Air founder Jack, the family moment that changed the direction of his career, and why simply showing up, asking questions, and building relationships can open doors in this industry.
The conversation digs into the future of hot rodding and restoration, including the challenge of engaging younger enthusiasts, the growing importance of relatable platforms like JDM cars, Fox bodies, OBS trucks, Jeeps, G-bodies, and S-10s, and how Vintage Air decides which vehicles are worth developing new systems for. Rick also walks through the 60-to-90-day development process behind a new SureFit application and explains how market feedback, other manufacturers, shows, and customer demand help guide product decisions.
They also talk about marketing, creators, Cars & Coffee, Vintage Air’s 50th anniversary, road tours, the value of face-to-face connection, and why the best part of owning an old car is still getting out and driving it. Rick closes with two pieces of advice that apply well beyond the garage: make better decisions, and choose your battles.
-- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. --
Takeaways:
Relationships create careers. Rick’s path to Vintage Air grew from showing up, helping with R&D, attending events, and building genuine connections.
From Entertainment Tonight to SEMA: Kendra Sommer's Wild Automotive Journey | S3 E12
Kendra Sommer of CWK Media and Cruising with Kendra joins Barry Alt and Sean Sawyer of Revved Automotive Consulting at Gearheads n' Gasoline to share how she left the entertainment industry, bet on herself, and built a career in automotive media.
From growing up in a family of International Scout enthusiasts to quitting her job and heading to SEMA, Kendra explains how networking, consistent branding, and genuine relationships opened the door to new opportunities. She also breaks down why authentic storytelling often connects better than perfectly polished content, how LinkedIn became a powerful business-development tool, and why confident cold outreach still works.
The conversation also covers international travel and perceptions of America, building trust with automotive brands, managing rejection, protecting your reputation, and the challenges women can face behind the camera. Kendra closes with advice for young professionals entering the industry and shares her goal of expanding automotive storytelling into television and film.
-- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. --
Key Takeaways:
Quit her local news job on the spot to chase the SEMA Show, with no backup plan.
Third-generation International Scout enthusiast; her family has a home Scout museum in NC.
Went from dangerous, solo local news assignments to building her own media company.
Built her client network by cold-calling every business card she collected at SEMA.
Used LinkedIn to warm up relationships before making the call that landed Brunswick/Mercury Racing.
Has worked with NASCAR, Fox Sports, Discovery, History Channel, Scout Motors, and Walmart.
Al Liebmann on Drag Racing, Hot Rods and Building a Career in the Automotive Aftermarket | S3 E11
What does it take to build a successful career spanning more than 40 years in the automotive aftermarket?
In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Jason Chandler sit down with Al “Big Al” Liebmann, marketing director and partner at Turnkey Collector Car Insurance.
Big Al shares how he went from attending drag races at Englishtown in the early 1970s to working with funny car teams, automotive publications, RacingJunk, major automotive events, and collector car insurance customers throughout the country.
The conversation covers the evolution of automotive marketing, the power of face-to-face networking, the importance of listening to customers, and why businesses need to be selective about the events they attend.
Al also explains what builders, shops, and vehicle owners should understand about insuring collector cars during the build process. As parts, labor, and vehicle value increase, the original coverage may no longer be enough to protect the investment.
The group also discusses how the automotive aftermarket can reach younger generations, promote trade careers, and show students that there are opportunities far beyond dealership and collision work.
Whether you are a shop owner, builder, racer, marketer, collector, or young professional looking for a place in the industry, Big Al’s story is a reminder that showing up, building relationships, and following your passion can take you a long way.
-- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. --
Key Takeaways:
From an Englishtown drag strip to a 40+ year career in the automotive world
How a Husband & Wife Built a Hot Rod Shop from a 400 Sq Ft Garage to SEMA | Amy Fitzgerald | S3 E10
In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Jason Chandler sit down with Amy Fitzgerald, co-owner of Cool Hand Customs, to talk about the realities of running a small but mighty custom automotive shop. Amy shares how she and her husband, EJ, made the leap from home construction to the automotive customization world during the Great Recession, starting with airbrushed motorcycles in a 400-square-foot garage before growing into the shop they run today.
The conversation covers what it takes to build show-quality drivers, why restoration and hot rodding often overlap, and how SEMA has played a major role in Amy’s business, relationships, and industry involvement. Amy also talks about word-of-mouth marketing, customer trust, youth engagement, women in the automotive aftermarket, and the organized chaos that comes with building vehicles for SEMA year after year.
-- Subscribe for conversations with the best shop owners, builders, manufacturers, and aftermarket pros in the restoration, performance & racing industry. --
Key Takeaways:
Building a SEMA truck in their first year confirmed they were in the right industry.
They create “show-quality drivers” that look great and are built to be enjoyed.
Restoration and hot rodding often overlap, since custom builds begin with a solid foundation.
Word-of-mouth and car shows remain powerful marketing tools.
SEMA has helped Amy build valuable industry relationships.
The automotive industry offers opportunities beyond building, including marketing, media, logistics, and technology.
Amy encourages women to find strong mentors and ignore outdated attitudes.
Guest Bio:Amy Fitzgerald is one half of the husband and wife team behind Cool Hand Customs in Middleton, where classic cars and modern performance come together. With nearly 20 years in the automotive industry, Amy brings passion, creativity, and attention to detail to every custom build and restomod that rolls through the shop. When she’s not helping create one-of-a-kind rides, Amy stays active in the automotive community through her involvement with SEMA, volunteering, and youth engagement programs that help inspire future builders and enthusiasts.Guest:
From Architect to Automotive Innovator: Cora's Journey | S3 E9
In this episode, Barry Alt and Katie Abraham welcome Cora Jokinen, owner of Torque Master Industries, to share her unconventional journey from studying architecture to becoming a leader in the automotive aftermarket.
Cora discusses her passion for off-roading, her transition into business ownership, and the role community, mentorship, and networking have played in her career. She also shares lessons from navigating the Rebelle Rally, offers her perspective on women in the automotive industry, and explains how strong customer experiences can help brands build lasting connections.
The conversation also introduces Cora’s new product line, Oris Adventure Cooking, and explores how sensory experiences can make customer engagement more memorable. Along the way, the group talks about entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding balance through activities outside of work, including pickleball.
Key Takeaways:
Cora’s transition from architecture to automotive was fueled by her passion for off-roading.
Joining a local 4x4 club was a major turning point in her journey.
Her first Nissan Xterra sparked her interest in vehicle modifications.
Learning to weld gave Cora the ability to create custom parts for her own builds.
Her husband played a key role in supporting and shaping her automotive path.
Buying Torq-Masters Industries came from real-world experience in the off-road and rock crawling community.
Cora faced a steep learning curve after acquiring the company, especially in business management and operations.
Mentorship, networking, and SBN involvement have been crucial to her growth in the industry.
Customer relationships are built through word-of-mouth, reputation, approachability, and helpful video content.
Cora’s story highlights resilience, community, innovation, and the power of staying open to unexpected opportunities.
Racing with Purpose Natalie Waters on Speed, Sponsorships & Standing Up to Bullying | S3 E8
In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and co-host Katie Abraham welcome Natalie Waters from Natalie Waters Racing, a young racer with big goals, a strong social media presence, and a mission that goes far beyond the track.
Natalie shares how she got started in racing, what keeps her motivated, and where she hopes to go next in motorsports. The conversation covers the support found inside the racing community, the role marketing plays in securing sponsorships, and why building real value for sponsors is so important for young racers today.
She also talks about her anti-bullying foundation, her growing success on social media, and how staying authentic has helped her connect with fans, brands, and her local community.
This episode is a great listen for racers, parents of young drivers, motorsports marketers, sponsors, and anyone interested in the business side of racing.
Key Takeaways:
Racing started early for Natalie.
The racing community is built on support.
Sponsorships are about more than logos.
Marketing matters in motorsports.
Authenticity wins online.
Local sponsorships can be powerful.
Social media should serve a purpose.
Her anti-bullying foundation adds meaning to her platform.
Balancing racing, work, and life takes discipline.
Advice from experienced racers can shape a young driver’s mindset.
Guest Bio: I started racing Quarter Midgets at 6 years old here in Grantsville, UT, and graduated into Focus Midgets at 13 years old. Here, I won two championships and broke two track records before moving up to Modifieds, where I was Rookie of the Year for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in Idaho. At 19 years old, I moved up into 410 Winged Sprint Cars. I race everything on asphalt. I am graduating with my\ bachelor's degree in marketing and plan to use it to help other drivers promote themselves to sponsors to chase their dreams. Outside of racing, I run my Race to End Bullying foundation, where I travel around with my race car and host school assemblies to teach kids about the importance of being kind.Guest:
Building Cars, Content, and Community with Scott Spencer from Scott's Rides | S3 E7
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:
Building More Than Cars: Hot Rods, Trade Skills, and Shop Life With Karl Schulman | S3 E6
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
Imposter Syndrome, Car Builds & SEMA The Real Story with Christina Lardie | S3 E5
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
Family can clarify your path. A question from Rick’s young son pushed him to rethink a travel-heavy career and ultimately join Vintage Air.
The aftermarket still runs on mentorship. Experienced builders and manufacturers can have a lasting impact simply by sharing knowledge and helping others learn.
Youth engagement has to be relatable. Fox bodies, JDM cars, OBS trucks, S-10s, Jeeps, and other familiar platforms can help draw younger enthusiasts in.
Nostalgia changes with each generation. Tomorrow’s collector cars are often the vehicles people remember from childhood or their early driving years.
Product development goes far beyond installation. Vintage Air can spend 60–90 days scanning, designing, testing, documenting, and developing a new application.
The market helps decide what comes next. Vintage Air watches demand, affordability, show trends, and aftermarket support before developing a new application.
Marketing is now multi-channel. Print, social media, YouTube, creators, email, events, and distributors all play a role in reaching customers.
In-person interaction still matters. Events give customers a chance to see products, ask questions, meet the people behind the brand, and build relationships.
The cars matter, but the memories matter more. Rick’s ’39 Ford is special because of the friends, experiences, and decades of memories tied to it.
Guest Bio: Rick Love is president of Vintage Air and a lifelong hot-rod enthusiast with more than four decades in the automotive aftermarket. He began working with Vintage Air through installations, shows, and R&D before joining the company full-time in 1998. A longtime SEMA and HRIA volunteer, Rick was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2021 and continues to champion mentorship, product innovation, and driving the cars we build.
You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com
Hit 175 mph on the Miami coast riding along with Brunswick's CEO.
Covered the Saudi Crown Princess Car Show in Riyadh.
Shares her mindset trick for handling rejection in a brutal industry.
Talks about what SEMA could do to help young people break into the business.
Guest Bio: Kendra Sommer is an automotive reporter, producer, and businesswoman known for her brand "Cruisin' With Kendra" and her ad creative agency, CWK Media. She is a distinguished businesswoman, automotive reporter, and producer who has contributed reports to the marine and automotive industries, delivering content ranging from technical reports to lifestyle features. Her coverage has spanned the globe, including the Saudi Crown Prince Car Show in Riyadh, and she has written for Motor Trend publications like Hot Rod, Car Craft, and Mustang Monthly. She has also appeared as a correspondent on automotive TV programs on History Channel, Discovery, MAVTV, and Fox Sports. As a third-generation International Harvester enthusiast, Kendra continues a family legacy; her grandfather worked as an engineer for the company for over 40 years. Before entering automotive media, she built her skills as a news journalist covering stories throughout the Heartland; then, in 2017, she left news reporting to attend the SEMA Show, the world's largest automotive trade show, launching her career in the industry.
You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com
Full-time job at NEC, 18-19 races a year, how Big Al made it work
Why the best events feel like an experience, not a vendor booth
The case for skipping shows and picking your spots instead
Forget the booth, why walking the floor wins more business
What's actually changed in automotive marketing (and what hasn't)
The hidden cost creep in a collector car build — and how to stay covered
The coverage gap most shop and car owners don't know they have
Big Al's simple rule for building trust that lasts decades
The one thing every newcomer to the industry should know before day one
All the aftermarket careers you never think about — from CAD to 3D printing
Big Al's advice for a career that doesn't feel like work
Guest Bio: I've been involved in the automotive industry for more than 40 years. My background includes drag racing, event promotion, automotive marketing, sales, and collector car insurance. Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work with car enthusiasts, dealerships, manufacturers, and industry leaders across the country. Today, I serve as Marketing Director and Partner of TurnKey Collector Car Insurance, where I help collectors protect their classic, muscle, exotic, and specialty vehicles. I'm also a Senior Sales Executive with Internet Brands Automotive Group, representing RacingJunk.com and HotRodHotLine.com, where I help automotive businesses grow their reach and connect with customers. I'm passionate about the collector car hobby and enjoy building relationships within the industry. Whether I'm attending car shows, promoting events, working with clients, or supporting automotive organizations, my focus has always been helping people and contributing to the growth of the hobby I've loved my entire life.
You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com
Guest Bio: I’m an original Rebelle Rally participant, finishing 5th in the first year and earning the Team Spirit Award. In 2021, my team won the crossover class in a Ford Bronco Sport. I’ve also raced King of the Hammers twice in a stock-class Jeep and have a deep love for welding, inspired by my grandfather’s advice to “have a career and a trade.” My career was architecture, and my trade is welding.
I’m also a longtime SEMA Businesswomen’s Network member and have served on the SBN Select Committee for the past six years. SBN has been a major part of my life, constantly inspiring and challenging me through its leadership, education, and networking opportunities.
My husband and I live in upstate New York, where we run Torq-Masters, a 100% USA-made manufacturing business we acquired in 2014. We travel across the country for shows and events, and I’m excited for the conversation ahead.
You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com
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.
You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com
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