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➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com

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

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com