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Supported by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil
➡️ Auto Metal Direct
➡️ POWERtube TV

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Hinshaw, the hands-on gearhead turned shop owner behind North Speed and Restoration. Ron takes us on a ride through his 30-year journey in the automotive industry—from BMX bikes and off-road trail rigs to managing a hot rod shop and eventually buying it outright. He opens up about what it takes to go from tech to owner, why relationship-building matters more than instant returns, and the lessons he’s learned while keeping a 40-year shop legacy alive.

Ron shares real-world advice on purchasing a shop, building trust with customers and employees, marketing through car shows and social media, and why your website does matter. Plus, he gives us a glimpse into his days of motocross, ice racing, and mud trucks, and how his love for off-roading and monster truck builds still shows up in his work today.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Ron transitioned from side work and general repair to full-time hot rod building
• Key considerations when buying an existing shop (equipment, name value, customer relationships, and more)
• Why showing up at events like SEMA and Goodguys is critical for long-term success
• The power of professional photography, solid branding, and clear client communication
• Why Ron believes success is when his team thrives, like buying their first homes or new trucks

Guest Bio:
Ron Hinshaw has spent the last 30 years immersed in the automotive world, starting from the bottom at a oil change / detail shop and working his way up through the ranks as a technician, manager, and now shop owner. By his late teens, he was already getting handed the vintage and custom jobs, and that passion never let up. From big-name shops to small local garages. In the larger shops, Ron always found himself in a leadership role. When he wasn’t working, he was off-road racing, building trail rigs, and wrenching on hot rods to fund his hobbies.

In 2016, Ron landed at a true hot rod shop, learned everything he could, and helped level up the business using the skills he’d honed over the years. By 2018 he was managing the shop, and in 2022 he bought it outright, continuing a 40-year legacy now known as North Speed and Restoration. Today, Ron’s building wild customs, tackling vintage restorations, and showing that with the right mix of grit, gearhead passion, and hands-on hustle, you really can turn your side hustle into a full-time dream.

Guest:

• Email: ron@northspeedrestoration.com
• Website

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• Email: maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
• Website

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

• Email: annette@annettebauercreative.com
• Website

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

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• LinkedIn
• YouTube

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Audio Production by: Mantis Media

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Supported by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil
➡️ Auto Metal Direct
➡️ POWERtube TV

In this episode, Barry Alt and Annette Bauer engage with Nush Ahmed, the owner of the Next Gen MFG Podcast, discussing the importance of community building among women in the trades, leveraging social media for networking, and bridging generational gaps in the automotive industry. Nush shares her experiences in finding community through platforms like Discord and emphasizes the significance of authenticity in social media engagement. The conversation also touches on the value of trade shows, mentorship, and the aspirations for creating scholarships for young women in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media can be a powerful tool for building a community.
• Engaging with others on social media is crucial for networking.
• Discord has become a valuable platform for women in trades.
• Older business owners often overlook younger generations.
• Authenticity in social media is more important than perfection.
• Trade shows offer immense opportunities for networking and learning.
• Mentorship is vital for young women entering the trades.
• Scholarships can change lives and encourage more women to pursue careers in trades.
• Building a supportive community can help everyone succeed.
• It's important to bridge the generational gap in the industry.

Guest Bio:

My name is Nushrat and I work in manufacturing. I started out in automotive tech school with a passion for motorsport. I attended NASCAR Tech while working in manufacturing and fell in love with CNC machining. I combined my love for cars and machining by working as a valve manufacturer and swiss machine set up tech. Now I work overseeing safety and quality for a wood manufacturer - which gives me time to focus on designing 3D printed parts and to record my podcast Next Gen MFG where I interview people in the trades to inspire the next generation.

Guest:

• Email: nush.nextgenmfg@gmail.com
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Instagram Podcast
• YouTube

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• Email: maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
• Website

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

• Email: annette@annettebauercreative.com
• Website

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Audio Production by: Mantis Media

Send us a text

Supported by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil
➡️ Auto Metal Direct
➡️ POWERtube TV

In this episode of Gearheads ‘n Gasoline, Barry Alt and Annette Bauer sit down with Chloe Yonker, owner of CC Customs, to discuss her journey from a management intern at a Peterbilt dealership to a successful entrepreneur in the automotive industry. Chloe shares insights on the importance of education, continuous learning, and leveraging social media to build her brand. She highlights innovative techniques in automotive customization, her experiences at SEMA, and the empowerment of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. The conversation also explores business expansion, quality control, networking, mentorship, and the delicate balance between personal life and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:
🚗 Follow Your Passion: Chloe’s journey proves it’s never too late to enter the automotive industry.
🛠️ Hands-on Learning: Practical experience and continuous education are essential for success.
📱 Social Media Power: A vital tool for branding, audience engagement, and business growth.
📋 Stay Organized: Effective strategic planning is crucial for managing multiple builds efficiently.
🤝 Networking & Mentorship: Building relationships opens doors to new opportunities.
🚀 Women Breaking Barriers: Female builders are inspiring the next generation in the industry.
🖥️ Tech Innovation: Techniques such as cardboard mock-ups and 3D printing are revolutionizing customization.
⚖️ Work-Life Balance: Managing personal and business responsibilities requires careful navigation.
💪 Support System: A strong network plays a key role in overcoming industry challenges.
🏆 Persistence Pays Off: Success comes from quality control, dedication, and staying true to your vision.

Guest Bio:
One woman-owned shop specializing in automotive customization and restyling is based in Lubbock, TX.

Guest:

• Email: thecccustoms@gmail.com
• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• YouTube

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• Email: maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
• Website

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

• Email: annette@annettebauercreative.com
• Website

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

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Audio Production by: Mantis Media