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In this episode of the Gearheads n’ Gasoline podcast, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Katie Abraham, Director of Marketing for Ironman 4x4 North America. The conversation explores Katie's journey into the automotive industry, her experiences in the Rebell Rally, and the importance of networking and volunteering in building a successful career. The discussion highlights the importance of being intentional in career choices and of showing up in the industry to create opportunities. In this engaging conversation, Katie Abraham shares her experiences navigating the challenges of the Rebel Rally, her transition into a marketing leadership role, and the dynamics of agency life. She emphasizes the importance of education and instruction in the four-wheel drive community, balancing personal aspirations with family life, and the significance of kindness in business interactions. The discussion highlights her passion for off-roading, the need for setting standards in instruction, and the personal growth that comes from helping others.

Takeaways:

• Volunteering and networking are crucial for career development.
• Showing up at events can lead to unexpected opportunities
• Katie emphasizes the importance of being present and engaged in the community
• Katie's background in restaurant management helped shape her work ethic
• The Rebell Rally offers a unique experience for participants to challenge themselves
• The automotive community is supportive and encourages collaboration
• Marketing is complex and not always straightforward.
• The automotive industry fosters genuine connections among its members
• Agency life can be mentally taxing and requires strong relationships
• Experience can outweigh formal education in career advancement
• Investing in education can empower others and foster community
• Setting standards in instruction can enhance safety and effectiveness
• Kindness in business can lead to better relationships and outcomes
• Personal growth often comes from helping others succeed

Guest Bio:
With over a decade in the off-road world, Katherine Abraham is the Director of Marketing for Ironman 4x4 North America, a seasoned 4WD trainer, and a three-time Rebelle Rally competitor preparing for her fourth. Her expertise spans technical driving, adventure instruction, and brand leadership. Katherine is also a keynote speaker who blends off-road methodology with business leadership and personal growth. Known for her authenticity, precision, and grit, she’s built a reputation as a trusted voice helping people perform at their highest level—behind the wheel and beyond it.

Guest:
https://www.facebook.com/abeskatie
https://www.instagram.com/wildkatieabes
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-abraham-b4506580

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

• https://www.motorheaddigital.com

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

• https://www.annettebauercreative.com

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You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

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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