Life Changing Driveway Dreams with Tony D'Antonio from D'Antonio Automotive | S2 E12 Artwork

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.

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Gearheads n' Gasoline

Life Changing Driveway Dreams with Tony D'Antonio from D'Antonio Automotive | S2 E12

October 31, 2025 • Barry Alt & Annette Bauer with Tony D'Antonio • Season 2 • Episode 12

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Supported by:
➡️ Red Line Synthetic Oil
➡️ AMD
➡️ POWERtube TV

In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, Barry Alt and Annette Bauer sit down with Tony D’Antonio, owner of D’Antonio Automotive. Tony shares his path through the automotive world, from service work to classic car restoration, and the lessons learned along the way. They delve into his experiences at SEMA, clarifying misconceptions about the show and emphasizing the value of networking and community. Tony opens up about balancing family dynamics in business, finding and retaining top talent, and the importance of mentorship between generations. The conversation also explores the impact of TV exposure on business growth, the need for professional marketing to boost visibility, and how experience and adaptability shape hiring decisions. Tony reflects on jealousy, vulnerability on camera, and learning to value his time and creative skills. The episode wraps with a rapid-fire round of personal favorites and insights.

Key Takeaways:

SEMA is an industry hub for growth and connection
Networking and community drive opportunity
Passion and determination build success from anywhere
Classic restoration takes unique skill and patience
Family and mentorship shape strong teams
Skilled talent and experience are invaluable
Marketing and visibility fuel credibility
Stay adaptable, value your time, and own your story

Guest Bio:
At 19, I started D’Antonio Automotive out of my parents’ driveway, fixing and customizing friends’ cars after long days at a local shop. Before long, I was making more money at home than at my day job, so at 21, I went all in. My parents weren’t thrilled, but I knew success meant total commitment. By 24, I hired my first employee—my dad—which made for some interesting dynamics. Those early years were tough, but each challenge built the foundation for the shop’s future. Over time, we found our niche in classic car restoration and grew steadily. Ten years in, a dream opportunity came my way: starring in Last Chance Garage on MotorTrend TV. The show changed everything—our shop expanded, our team grew, and doors opened across the industry. That visibility led to new roles, including becoming the face of SEMA’s 2024 Election Campaign, advocating against restrictive EV mandates. I was later elected to SEMA’s ARMO Select Committee, helping shape the future of restoration.

Guest:

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital