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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

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• https://www.motorheaddigital.com

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

• https://www.annettebauercreative.com

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

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

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

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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

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• https://www.motorheaddigital.com

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

• https://www.annettebauercreative.com

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

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

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Send us a text

Supported by:
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➡️ AMD
➡️ POWERtube TV

In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Annette Bauer sit down with Tony D’Antonio, owner of D’Antonio Automotive. Tony shares his path through the automotive world, from service work to classic car restoration, and the lessons learned along the way. They delve into his experiences at SEMA, clarifying misconceptions about the show and emphasizing the value of networking and community. Tony opens up about balancing family dynamics in business, finding and retaining top talent, and the importance of mentorship between generations. The conversation also explores the impact of TV exposure on business growth, the need for professional marketing to boost visibility, and how experience and adaptability shape hiring decisions. Tony reflects on jealousy, vulnerability on camera, and learning to value his time and creative skills. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire round of personal favorites and insights.

Key Takeaways:

• SEMA is an industry hub for growth and connection
• Networking and community drive opportunity
• Passion and determination build success from anywhere
• Classic restoration takes unique skill and patience
• Family and mentorship shape strong teams
• Skilled talent and experience are invaluable
• Marketing and visibility fuel credibility
• Stay adaptable, value your time, and own your story

Guest Bio:
At 19, I started D’Antonio Automotive out of my parents’ driveway, fixing and customizing friends’ cars after long days at a local shop. Before long, I was making more money at home than at my day job, so at 21, I went all in. My parents weren’t thrilled, but I knew success meant total commitment. By 24, I hired my first employee—my dad—which made for some interesting dynamics. Those early years were tough, but each challenge built the foundation for the shop’s future. Over time, we found our niche in classic car restoration and grew steadily. Ten years in, a dream opportunity came my way: starring in Last Chance Garage on MotorTrend TV. The show changed everything—our shop expanded, our team grew, and doors opened across the industry. That visibility led to new roles, including becoming the face of SEMA’s 2024 Election Campaign, advocating against restrictive EV mandates. I was later elected to SEMA’s ARMO Select Committee, helping shape the future of restoration.

Guest:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• https://www.motorheaddigital.com

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

• https://www.annettebauercreative.com

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

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

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com