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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

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
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You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Audio Production by: Mantis Media

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Supported by:
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In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Kevin Tetz, the owner of Paintucation. The conversation encompasses a range of topics, including the importance of taking action on ideas, embracing failure as a learning tool, the impact of television on public speaking skills, the significance of authenticity in communication, and the value of networking in the automotive industry. Kevin shares his personal journey, insights on entrepreneurship, and the necessity of genuine connections in business. In this conversation, Kevin and our hosts discuss various aspects of the automotive industry, focusing on the importance of attention to detail, the nuances of sponsorships, building relationships, engaging the next generation in skilled trades, and the journey to becoming an ASE accredited trainer. They share the importance of bridging gaps for women in the automotive industry.

Takeaways

• Jump on ideas when they come; momentum is more valuable than hesitation
• Failure is a learning tool, not a stopping point—it reveals what doesn’t work
• Your network is your net worth—relationships fuel career advancement
• Sponsorship is about mutual value; it’s a brand partnership, not just free parts
• Engaging young people in skilled trades is essential for the industry’s future
• Programs like ASE accreditation and events like SEMA play a vital role in education and exposure

Guest Bio:
A career auto body repair technician, Kevin Tetz launched the award-winning PAINTUCATION Instructional Videos in 1999, teaching fundamental repair and refinish techniques to DIY enthusiasts. Kevin is a published freelance journalist writing for magazines including Nashville Arts, Southern & Northern Rodder, Mustang & Fords, Chevy High Performance, Car Craft, Hot Rod, Mustang Monthly, Car Craft, Wheel Hub, and Truck Hub. Kevin has hosted several TV series since 2002, including “CLASSIC RIDES” on DIY Network and co-producing the popular “TRUCKS! TV” series on SPIKE, NBC Sports, and other Networks. Currently, his series “Hands on Cars” airs on Amazon Prime. Kevin’s first book, “Patina, creating and preserving,” is available through Cartech Publishing, and a second title, “Truck Beds,” was released in June of 2022. Kevin & Paintucation have developed and launched online trade school training programs (Paintucation University and Paintucation PRO), recently accredited by ASE.

Guest:

• Website
• Facebook

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: https://www.redlineoil.com/
➡️ AMD: https://www.autometaldirect.com/
➡️ POWERtube TV: https://watchpowertubetv.com/

In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Jason Wenig, owner of The Creative Workshop, to discuss his journey from a corporate executive to a leader in concourse-level automotive restoration. Jason shares insights into his early experiences with cars, the challenges of building a successful restoration business, and the importance of client relationships. He also delves into marketing strategies, the significance of word-of-mouth referrals, and the evolving landscape of the automotive restoration industry. In this conversation, Jason Wenig discusses the importance of building trust with clients in the automotive restoration industry, emphasizing that character and integrity are paramount. He stresses the importance of referrals and repeat business, illustrating how strong relationships contribute to long-term success.

Takeaways:

• Bootstrapped from Scratch: He transformed a rat-infested, failing shop into a world-class restoration facility
• Team Took Time: It took over a decade to build the right skilled team to match his high standards
• Repeat Business is Gold – Many clients return with new projects, often reserving shop time in advance
• Word-of-Mouth Wins: Referrals and relationships remain the most effective growth engine
• Strategic Visibility: He uses print ads, social posts, and events to maintain presence
• Professional Presence Matters: A clean website, proper email, and branding are must-haves
• Hands-On Mentorship: Always has apprentices in the shop to pass on restoration skills
• Industry Advocacy: Serves on the RPM Foundation board to support youth training and education
• Inspire the Next Gen: He believes early exposure helps steer young talent into creative automotive careers

Guest Bio:
Jason Wenig is the owner of The Creative Workshop, a concours restoration shop. He is the co-executive director of Motorcar Cavalcade and serves on the Board of Directors of the America's Automotive Trust. A lifelong automobile aficionado, Wenig began his professional career in an executive position at a car-focused internet startup before beginning his Pebble Beach award-winning restoration business in 2002. Wenig and his shop were most recently awarded the RPM Foundation Restorer’s award in 2022.

Guest:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

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