Gearheads n' Gasoline

The Gearheads n’ Gasoline Podcast will be bringing you engaging, lighthearted yet informative conversations with market-leading Shop Owners, Shop Employees, and Automotive Enthusiasts from the Aftermarket, Restoration, Performance, and Racing Industries.

Our hosts are Barry Alt with Motorhead Digital and Annette Bauer with Annette Bauer Creative.

We’ll be exploring the journey of our guests, uncovering their achievements, challenges, and even failures, that were the driving forces behind their success!

Whether you’re joining us as a shop owner, an aspiring shop owner, racer, professional, creative or hardcore enthusiast - this podcast will be your pit stop for insightful discussions with influential figures from the automotive industry.

Our goal is to entertain and educate listeners with real-life stories, lessons learned, and practical advice you can use.

Gearheads n’ Gasoline - “Fueling Your Success”

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Gearheads n' Gasoline

Gearheads n Gasoline with Jesse Henke from JH Restorations | EP: 9

December 16, 2024 • Barry Alt & Annette Bauer with Jesse Henke • Season 1 • Episode 9

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In this engaging conversation, Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Jesse Henke from JH Restorations to discuss his journey in the automotive restoration business. They explore Jesse's early influences, the challenges of running a business, the importance of mentorship, and the need for confidence in a niche market.

The discussion also highlights the significance of youth engagement in the industry and the evolution of projects showcased at the SEMA Show. Jesse shares valuable insights on building a team, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the subjective nature of competing for top honors for their builds.

Jesse also emphasizes the importance of embracing creativity and individuality in car builds, reflecting a shift in the automotive industry towards more diverse and unique projects. He shares insights on balancing family life with business commitments.

The discussion culminates in valuable life lessons and advice for younger individuals in the industry, underscoring the importance of authenticity and doing things right the first time.

Key Takeaways:

Confidence is key in overcoming industry challenges
Youth engagement is vital for the future of the industry
Building relationships with other shops enhances opportunities
Mentorship plays a significant role in growth
Community involvement can attract new talent
Every project is a learning experience, regardless of the outcome
The visibility from SEMA has significantly boosted business
Unique builds are becoming more accepted in the automotive industry
Mentoring youth is crucial for the future of the industry
The younger generation brings fresh perspectives to the industry
Doing things right the first time saves time and effort
Engaging with social media is vital for business growth

Guest Bio:
Jesse Henke, founder of JH Restorations, has been immersed in the automotive restoration and performance industry for a lifetime. Since launching his business in 2005, Jesse has built an impressive reputation, crafting several standout SEMA vehicles, including an Olds 442, a Mustang in collaboration with Edelbrock, a 1973 LS-swapped Toyota Celica, and a 1987 Merkur RS4Ti. A dedicated member of both ARMO and SEMA, Jesse is committed to advancing the industry and inspiring the next generation of automotive professionals.

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