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Kira Daczko, Kira’s journey from tech school graduate to a passionate advocate for technical education is truly remarkable. With over 15 years of experience in the trades, she’s on a mission to make career exploration in the automotive and powersports industry more accessible to young adults.

This episode covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Kira's passion for motorcycles and her experience customizing a Harley Fat Bob
• The importance of self-sufficiency in the automotive industry
• Overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field
• The role of SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) and UTI's Women in STEM program
• Automotive education and career opportunities at UTI
• The significance of youth engagement and industry support
• Kira's upcoming motorcycle expedition in Spain

Key Takeaways:

• Passion and determination are key to success in the automotive industry
• Networking and mentorship are invaluable for career growth
• Automotive education should equip students with a strong foundation in mechanics and technology
• Supporting women in STEM is essential for industry diversity

Guest Bio:

Being a Tech School graduate herself has provided Kyra with a unique perspective that has been the driver behind her motivation to create more accessibility to career exploration of the trades for young adults today. That perspective, combined with her self driven management and business relations experience within the trades over the last 15 years, effectively contributes to promoting technical education as a verified foundation necessary for trades careers. With the goal of enhancing economic competitiveness and support of technical careers across our country, it is Kyra’s objective to afford our future generations the essential skill sets they need to be employable in trades that can not be outsourced.

UTI's Vision statement is "to change the world one life at a time." The reason she has chosen to work at UTI is her alignment in this same mission. Knowledge is power in this world and directly empowering our youth is a goal to contribute to changing the world for the better.

Guest

• Email: kdaczko@uti.edu
• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

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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You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Audio and Video Production by: Mantis Media

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Gearheads n' Gasoline: Restoring Dreams with RJ Cars
Get ready to rev your engines! In this episode, we sit down with Russell Jacobs, the mastermind behind RJ Cars, a legendary auto body restoration shop. From humble beginnings to building a thriving business, Russell spills the beans on the challenges and triumphs of bringing classic cars back to life.

Discover the secrets to running a successful restoration shop, including hiring the right crew, managing money, and finding top-notch parts. We dive deep into marketing magic, from print to social media, and learn which strategies to avoid. Plus, Russell shares his passion for giving back, the importance of youth mentorship, and his vision for the future. Don't miss this adrenaline-fueled conversation!

Guest Bio:
Russell Jacobs is a seasoned automotive restoration expert with over 35 years of experience. As the founder and owner of RJ Cars, based in Arkport, New York, he has overseen the meticulous restoration of over 95 classic and muscle cars. Known for his particular passion for Mopars, Russell has built a reputation for excellence in the industry, with his work featured in publications like Mopar Muscle, Mopar Collector's Guide, and The SHOP Magazine. His expertise has also led to appearances on expert panels and regular showcases at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals.

Guest

• Email: rjacobs@rjcars.com
• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

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 and Video Production by: Mantis Media

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In this episode, Barry Alt and Annette Bauer interview Gil Monge and Linda Nilon, Co-owners of GCD Audio Studio, a premier full-service auto restoration shop located in Orange County New York. They share their journey from specializing in auto interiors to offering comprehensive restoration services, highlighting the importance of teamwork, communication, and customer satisfaction. They discuss industry challenges like parts availability and managing client expectations, as well as opportunities in creating high-performing, easy-to-maintain cars that offer a great driving experience.

Gil and Linda also talk about the impact of their TV show on their business, emphasizing the importance of consistency and context in content creation. They highlight the value of showcasing the people and culture behind their shop, using humor and relatability to engage their audience. The conversation covers the importance of youth engagement in the automotive industry, the integration of modern technology in traditional car builds, and the need for clear communication and organization in managing a successful business.

Guest Bio:
Gil is one of the original owners of Gillin Custom Design and opened it with Linda in 2006. Thirteen years later, the vision of opening a shop that completed high-end builds from start to finish came to fruition with GCD Auto Studio. He’s currently in charge of client acquisition, all the marketing for the company including the website, and assists in designing projects.

Gil is currently in charge of client acquisition and all marketing activities and assists in customer project designs.

Linda grew up with a love for muscle cars, the 1967 Camaro being her favorite. She has an extensive high-end retail background with a focus on management, store build out, and merchandising.

Guest

• Email: Gil@GCDAutoStudio.com
• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Also mentioned in this episode are:
POWERtube TV - Married To The Rides!

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 and Video Production by: Mantis Media