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In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Eddy Cebreco of AMD for an engaging conversation featuring industry insights, personal stories, and humor. Eddy shares his unconventional journey into the automotive world, including how his background in radio influenced his career, along with reflections on aging, health, and the quirks that come with experience.

The conversation highlights the importance of automotive education, mentoring the next generation, and the value of networking and showing up at industry events. Eddy and the hosts also dive into the evolving role of digital marketing in the restoration and aftermarket space, discussing why platforms like Instagram and TikTok matter, why a dedicated website is still critical, and how authenticity and consistency drive real engagement.

They explore the challenges of content creation, balancing marketing with daily operations, and adapting while traveling. Eddy also shares the story behind the Eddy Bear Foundation and his passion for giving back to the community. The episode wraps with a fun speed round, nostalgia, and reflections on staying unapologetically authentic in an ever-evolving automotive industry.

Takeaways:

• Authenticity is essential in branding, content creation, and building trust with audiences.
• Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are critical for reaching younger demographics.
• A dedicated website remains vital for business credibility and customer engagement.
• Consistent, engaging content helps businesses stay relevant in a digital-first industry.
• Investing in specialized marketing and social media expertise drives long-term growth.
• Supporting automotive education and youth engagement strengthens the industry’s future.
• Networking and relationship-building create unexpected opportunities and lasting success.
• Giving back through charity and community involvement creates a powerful ripple effect.
• Preparation, flexibility, and creativity help overcome challenges on the road and online.
• The automotive industry thrives on humor, nostalgia, and a strong sense of community.

Guest Bio:
Eddy Cebreco has been in the auto industry since the 90's, moved to Atlanta 4 years ago to work for Auto Metal Direct. I have my own charity, the Eddy Bear Foundation, eddybear.org . I am a huge Star Wars fan.

Guest:
eddy@autometaldirect.com
https://www.autometaldirect.com/
https://www.facebook.com/eddy.cebreco
https://www.instagram.com/ecebreco/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/autometaldirect/
https://www.youtube.com/@autometaldirect

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Powered by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: redlineoil.com
➡️ AMD: autometaldirect.com

In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, host Barry Alt and guest co-host Jason Chandler from AMD sit down with Aaron Valencia, the visionary behind the Lost Angels Career Center, to discuss his incredible journey from the garage to the forefront of vocational advocacy. Aaron isn’t just teaching 18 to 24 year old's how to turn wrenches; he’s building a revolutionary model for workforce development that takes high-barrier, low-income young adults and turns them into elite technicians for companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin.

How do you go from running a high-end hot rod shop to building a pipeline for the automotive and aerospace industry?

Aaron shares the pivotal moment at a local soup kitchen that changed his perspective on community service, leading him to transform his own shop into a learning hub. We dive into the "nuts and bolts" of his program, from the importance of paid training and "wraparound" support services to how he’s incorporating CAD, 3D printing, and digital tech to keep the trade relevant in a modern world.

Whether you’re a shop owner looking for talent, an industry leader wanting to give back, or a gearhead who believes in the power of the trades, Aaron’s story is a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• The Pivot: How Aaron transitioned from a successful hot rod builder to a community advocate
• Modern Trades: Why the "grease monkey" stereotype is dead and how digital tech (CAD/3D printing) is the new frontier
• The "Work Ethic" Gap: Strategies for teaching punctuality, professionalism, and the "soft skills" industry partners crave
• The Business of Giving: How to engage major sponsors and create win-win partnerships between education and industry
• Scaling Success: Aaron’s plans for replicating this micro-training model across the country
• Diversity in the Shop: Breaking barriers for women and single mothers in the automotive and aerospace sectors

Guest Bio:
Aaron Valencia is a custom hot rod builder turned changemaker and the founder of Lost Angels Career Center. What started as an informal after-school hangout in his shop grew into a vocational program helping young adults gain industry-recognized skills in automotive restoration and advanced aerospace manufacturing. Through hands-on training and mentorship, Aaron is helping the next generation build careers and brighter futures.

Guest:
Aaron Valencia, Lost Angels Career Center
lostangelscp.org
facebook.com/lostangelscp
instagram.com/lostangelscareercenter
www.youtube.com/@LostAngelsCareerCenter

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital
maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
motorheaddigital.com

Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline!

• www.facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline
• www.instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline
• www.linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline
• www.youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com

Send a text

Supported by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil: https://www.redlineoil.com/
➡️ AMD: https://www.autometaldirect.com/

What does it take to create unforgettable luxury automotive experiences for brands like Ferrari?

In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, host Barry Alt and guest co-host Sean Sawyer from Revved Automotive Consulting sit down with Julia Newman, Owner of Haus of Stella, to talk about her incredible journey from entertainment and hospitality into the world of high-end automotive events.

Julia shares how she broke into the luxury automotive scene by producing VIP hospitality experiences for Ferrari and other major brands, and how those events blend precision, creativity, and a serious attention to detail. From Pebble Beach to high-profile motorsports experiences, she explains what it takes behind the scenes to deliver world-class brand moments that clients never forget.

The conversation dives into experiential marketing, the art of building authentic client relationships, and how creating emotional connections often matters more than the product itself. Julia also discusses growing support for women in motorsports and expanding opportunities for women across the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Why client experience is everything in the luxury automotive world
• The behind-the-scenes challenges of producing high-end automotive events
• How experiential marketing creates lasting emotional connections
• The growing role and support of women in motorsports and automotive careers
• Why attention to detail separates good events from unforgettable ones

Guest Bio:
Julia Newman is an accomplished, award-winning event marketing executive with extensive experience producing large-scale live, hybrid, and experiential events. Known for her tenacity, agility, and attention to detail, she has become a trusted partner to some of the world’s most recognizable brands.

Her expertise spans experiential marketing, program management, and cross-functional team leadership. Julia has a proven track record of delivering high-impact global events while managing complex logistics, building strong stakeholder relationships, and aligning event strategy with business objectives. She is especially recognized for her ability to remain calm under pressure while executing seamless, memorable experiences.

Throughout her career, Julia has led and produced high-profile programs and brand activations. Here are a couple of the notable events she's been involved in:

• Patrón Tequila – Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix Airport Pop-Up Store
• Ferrari North America Casa Ferrari – Pebble Beach

Today, Julia continues to create exceptional brand experiences through her work with Haus of Stella, where she focuses on curating unique luxury automotive and experiential marketing programs.

Guest:
Julia Newman, Haus of Stella
https://www.linkedin.com/in/Julia-Thomson-Newman

Host:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital
maximizesales@motorheaddigital.com
https://motorheaddigital.com/

Don’t miss an episode from Gearheads n’ Gasoline!

• www.facebook.com/GearheadsNGasoline
• www.instagram.com/gearheadsngasoline
• www.linkedin.com/company/gearheadsngasoline
• www.youtube.com/@GearheadsNGasoline

You can reach us at gngoperations@motorheaddigital.com