DO IT FOR A LIVING

Latest Episodes:

019: Steve Nichols from Dyno Dynamics USA offers advice to help you avoid mistakes Apr 20, 2015

Show notes

Steve Nichols is a stand-up guy from Lexington, Kentucky. He’s been involved with Dyno Dynamics since the early 2000’s and he’s got a hell of a story to tell. He originally worked for Toyota but when the exchange rate was in his favor, he saw and opportunity and jumped on it. Now, nearly a decade and a half later, Steve talks about his successes and failures and what he’s learned over the years.

018: Matt Wright from Haltech Engine Management gives killer insight into the performance business Apr 17, 2015

Show notes

Matt Wright is an Aussie with 12 years in the biz. He works as the brand manager for Haltech Engine Management Systems and moonlights as an instructor for EFI University. Matt has spent his career working with Haltech, starting in an entry-level position and now he oversees certain technical aspects for the company. He’s worked his way up from the bottom to his current position and he’s got great insight and advice to offer us. He’s an intelligent guy with some killer insight into the performance business. I learned a lot and I think you will too. Enjoy.

Episode 017: Chris Delgado and Dave Donnals from D3 Performance Engineering in Houston, Texas Apr 13, 2015

Show notes

If you’re looking to open a performance shop then you need to listen to this episode! Dave Donnals and Chris Delgado speak from experience. Dave runs the business and works on CAD modeling. Chris handles tuning and product development around the engine management side of things. They’ve both been in the game for over a decade and learned from experience. Their company D3 Performance Engineering was launched with a solid plan in place and they’re here to share their experience and offer some really valuable advice!

Reid’s take away: The advice in this episode is solid, so please take it to heart! A word of caution for aspiring business-owners; Chris Delgado has a solid understanding of engine tuning and a great network of fellow tuners that he can call friends. One reason that D3 is having success is because of this. It takes more than just passion and work-ethic to succeed in the performance world. You must also have a solid understanding of your topic.

Episode 016: Todd Lewis from Mainline Dyno expands on his journey from mechanic to business-owner Apr 10, 2015

Show notes

Todd Lewis came from a family of tradesmen in Australia. After 10 years of schooling, he followed the family path and got an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic. Because of his family’s machining background and his willingness to work hard, Todd moved up the ladder quickly. He gained experience as a mechanic before applying for a job at the company that he’s now the owner of.

Episode 015: Jordan Watson from National Speed is building a scalable, systematized speed shop! Apr 06, 2015

Show notes

The performance industry is largely driven by people with little to no business experience. This is especially true at the shop level. That makes the barrier to entry very small, as most shop owners don’t have a business plan and have very few systems in place. Usually the shop owner IS the system! Jordan Watson has a different approach. Jordan spent the first part of his career gaining an understanding of the performance street car community, and now he’s working to create a systems-based approach to his performance services business. His goal is to create a company-wide system that allows for a consistent experience every time you step foot in his shop. This way the company can scale and open multiple stores in different cities and states. He uses Home Depot for an analogy by saying that every Home Depot is largely the same across the country, so you know what to expect when you go there whether you’re in Washington State or Texas. What if you could expect the same from a speed shop? Impossible? Time will tell!

Episode 014: Scott Kuhner from Emtron Australia talks about the struggle of working with outside engineers Apr 03, 2015

Show notes

Scott Kuhner has created Emtron Australia, an ECU manufacturer that focuses on creative engine control functions and close dealer relationships. Having owned multiple businesses over the years Scott discusses in detail some of the hurdles he’s faced in his businesses. Specific hurdles include dealing with outside engineering consulting firms, and as Scott calls it “the money machine” just keeps on rolling when developing new products. He explains how “scope creep” affects the process, and don’t worry we talk about engine control tech too!

Episode 013: Jason Siebels from Pro EFI talks about the business of engine management Mar 30, 2015

Show notes

Jason Siebels has been a gearhead his whole life and he started his company Pro EFI in the late ‘90’s. Then in 2000 Jason began working at AEM, developing their plug-and-play line of engine management systems. After a falling out, Jason dove head first into making a quality engine controller that functioned the way he thought it should. Now Pro EFI has plug-and-play systems for a handful of applications including the C6 Corvette, and ZL1 Camaro among others. What makes Pro EFI stand out is their fault management and their ability to drive the factory instrumentation via CAN BUS. Jason discusses the hurdles in taking his business to the next level and what it took to get him where he is today.

Episode 012: Martin Musial from AMS Performance tells the story of AMS and Alpha Performance Mar 27, 2015

Show notes

Martin Musial is the President of AMS and Alpha Performance Products. His company builds hard parts and complete platform installations for Nissan GTR and European vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche among others. But did you know that he started by designing camshafts for a Merkur x4ti? Martin tells his entrepreneurial story from disassembling his family’s thermostat as a kid, to designing camshafts the hard way. Martin shares what makes him tick and his philosophy on life and the performance business.

Episode 011: Ever built your own ECU? Andy Wyatt from Adaptronic did when he was 19. Mar 26, 2015

Show notes

Andy Wyatt is an Australian mechatronics engineer and the founder of Adaptronic. Andy was determined for this episode to be 100% technical but I managed to talk business and we brought some great topics to life. Andy talked about all the things that didn’t work for his business including magazine advertising, and hiring a business coach. He’s identified that what does work is to partner with specialty shops who have established networks, and then build a brand by supporting those shops.

Episode 010: Robert Young from Forced Performance discusses keeping customers happy and billet turbos! Mar 25, 2015

Show notes

In the 90’s Robert Young fell in love with the power potential of the Mitsubishi 4G63 and started creating Frankenstein turbos. Because of his engineering background and resources at work, Robert began tinkering with hybrid turbo designs and starting getting noticed. From a tight-knit group in Texas, Robert designs competitive turbochargers for Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche and more. He’s even worked directly with the OEM’s, which he says is his proudest moment. Robert focused on his niche and slayed it! What’s keeping YOU from doing the same?

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