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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:
Natalie Waters, Natalie Waters Racing

• nataliewater2004@gmail.com
• racetoendbullying.com
• facebook.com/NatalieWatersGKRacing
• instagram.com/natattack_racing_1
• linkedin.com/in/nataliewaters

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
• motorheaddigital.com
• facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital
• instagram.com/motorhead.digital
• linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital

Co-Host:
Katie Abraham - Falcon Dynamic

• facebook.com/abeskatie
• instagram.com/wildkatieabes
• linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580

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

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• linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline
• youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline

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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
• facebook.com/garretsrodshop
• instagram.com/garretsrodshop

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
• motorheaddigital.com
• facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital
• instagram.com/motorhead.digital
• linkedin.com/company/motorhead-digital

Co-Host:
Jesse Henke, JH Restorations

• jhrestojesse@gmail.com
• Website: jhrestorations.ca
• Facebook: facebook.com/jhrestorations
• Instagram: instagram.com/jh_restorations

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

• facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline
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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
• instagram.com/christinalardie
• youtube.com/@christinasgarage
• x.com/christinalardie

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:
Katie Abraham, Ironman 4X4

• facebook.com/abeskatie
• instagram.com/wildkatieabes
• linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580

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

• facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline
• instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline
• linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline
• youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

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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, Truck USA

• 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
• youtube.com/@UC3g-EQlf_d_lD1tpI4vaTiw

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

• facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline
• instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline
• linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline
• youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline

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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

Guest Co-Host:
Jason Chandler, Auto Metal Direct

• autometaldirect.com

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

• facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline
• instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline
• linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline
• youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline

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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/
https://facebook.com/Motorhead.Digital
https://instagram.com/motorhead.digital

Guest Co-Host:
Sean Sawyer, Revved Automotive Consulting
https://www.revvedac.com/
https://www.facebook.com/revvedautomotive
https://www.instagram.com/ocdcarbuilder

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

• facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline
• instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline
• linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline
• youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com