Abenante's Wild Ride with Don Abenante from Retro Fabworks | S2 E13 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

Abenante's Wild Ride with Don Abenante from Retro Fabworks | S2 E13

December 17, 2025 • Barry Alt & Annette Bauer with Don Abenante • Season 2 • Episode 13

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In this episode of the Gearheads n’ Gasoline Podcast, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Don Abenante, owner of Retro Fabworks. The conversation explores Don's journey from a blue-collar background to becoming a successful fabricator and content creator in the automotive industry. They discuss the importance of community, the impact of sobriety on personal and professional growth, and the evolution of Don's passion for cars. The episode underscores the value of authenticity in content creation, how being true to oneself resonates with audiences, and the importance of a clear vision and purpose in one's career.

They discuss the journey of personal growth and learning in the automotive space, highlighting the significance of passion and craftsmanship. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by social media, the need for community support, and the responsibility to engage and inspire the next generation in automotive culture.

Key Takeaways:

Building connections in the automotive community is vital
The journey of building a car can be therapeutic
Authenticity in content creation resonates with audiences
Learning from failures is part of the growth process
The influence of a father can shape one's passions
People appreciate real stories over polished perfection
The automotive industry allows for continuous learning and growth. Authenticity is crucial for connecting with audiences
Embracing individuality can lead to personal growth
The journey of learning is filled with experimentation
Passion drives the heart of the craft in automotive work
Engaging the next generation is vital for the future of the industry
Balancing creativity with technical skills is essential for success
Preparation for events like SEMA requires dedication and hard work
Building a community around shared interests fosters growth
It's important to enjoy the process and not just focus on the end result

Guest Bio:
Don Abanente, owner of Retro Fabworks, was featured on the Netflix TV show Resurrected Rides. Known for his innovative builds and passion for blending classic style with modern performance, Don is currently working on two exciting projects: a Coyote-powered Chevelle and an all-wheel-drive El Camino powered by a Ford Godzilla engine.

Guest:
donabenante@gmail.com

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital