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In this episode, Kevin and Richard sits down with Chris Hagen, owner of Inertia Laboratory. Chris specializes in high-performance damper rebuilds, revalving, dyno testing, and sells high end coilover systems. Before starting Inertia Lab, Chris worked as an engineer for a major vehicle manufacturer, and spent time at AST/Moton - so he brings both OEM engineering credibility and real-world motorsports experience to the table. We dig into what it actually takes to run a suspension service business - from the technical side of shock dyno testing, to the business operations side of managing parts inventory across dozens of damper brands. Chris breaks down rebuild intervals,  explains the difference between a $300 coilover and a $3,000 setup, and shares why he's built a reputation for fast turnaround without upselling unnecessary work. We also tie this episode back to our manufacturing systems discussion with Richard Fielder - talking about how Chris applies 5S, standard work documentation, and error-proofing to precision damper work. Plus we get into the tech stack side: what software he's using to run the business, how he tracks jobs and inventory, and what features matter most for service-heavy shops like his. Whether you're a shop owner thinking about adding suspension services, a racer trying to understand what your shocks actually need, or just curious how a one-man specialty shop operates at a high level, this one's packed with practical takeaways. Check out Inertia Lab at inertialaboratory.com Check out My Shop Assist at myshopassist.com for shop management software built for the performance and racing industry. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform, and tell us who you want to hear from!  If there is a specific topic you want us to cover, send us a message or email!

In this episode, Kevin and co-host Richard Fielder break down the manufacturing systems used by large-scale factories and show you how to implement them in your small shop. Richard is a controls engineer at Peterbilt where he works with the systems that manufacture semi trucks at scale, and he brings that expertise to help small fabricators, tuners, and parts manufacturers work smarter. Whether you're making one-off custom parts or producing small batches, these principles will make you faster, more consistent, and more profitable. We cover 5S for organizing your workspace, shadow boards for tool management, standard operating procedures for documenting your processes, and how to build a proper bill of materials so you actually know what things cost to make. Richard explains how each system works on the factory floor at Peterbilt, then we translate it into practical steps for shops with 1-5 people. The goal isn't to turn your shop into a factory, it's to steal the best ideas from industrial manufacturing and apply them at your scale so you stop wasting time, reduce errors, and can actually grow without chaos. We will be following this episode with additional podcasts related to manufacturing processes we didn't discuss in this episode. Additionally, we will be talking to more guests who do manufacturing to talk to them about how they do things and the processes they use at their shops. Be sure to keep listening, and to subscribe to the channel! Check out My Shop Assist at myshopassist.com for shop management software built for the performance and racing industry! www.myshopassist.com

In this episode of Do It For a Living, we sit down for a followup with brothers Alejandro and Pablo Moreno, co-owners of Tandem Offroad. Their shop specializes in off-road truck builds and general maintenance, serving customers who demand both performance upgrades and reliable day-to-day service. The brothers share their journey of building a business together, the challenges of manufacturing their own products, and how they've grown their customer base in a competitive market. One of the biggest challenges they faced was manufacturing their own products without properly understanding their true costs. Like many small shops, they were pricing based on what felt right or what competitors charged, not on what it actually cost them to make parts when you factor in materials, labor, overhead, and time. We dig into how they discovered they were losing money on products they thought were profitable, the wake-up call that forced them to completely rethink their pricing strategy, and the systems they put in place to ensure every product they make actually contributes to the bottom line instead of draining it.   Find out more about Tandem Offroad at www.tandemoffroad.com Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our content at www.doitforaliving.net Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe!

In this episode of Do It For a Living, we welcome back Zach Denney for a follow-up to his first appearance on episode 083. Back then, Zach was running Wholesale POwer (WHP), the US distributor for ECU Master, as a one-man operation out of an 1,800 square foot facility, hoping to hire his first employee. Fast forward to today, and he's now importing several brands including ECU Master, Verkline, and Delta ABS, as well as manufacturing harnesses and components to compliment those product lines. Zach shares how he scaled from solo importer to running a full team, the challenges of navigating COVID-era supply chain disruptions and tariffs, and how he's positioned his companies in an increasingly competitive aftermarket electronics market. We also dig into product development, dealer training, the shift toward standalone ECUs, and what's coming next — including advanced displays and GDI applications. We cover: Growing from a one-man show Building a team and defining employee roles Supply chain and tariff challenges Why everyone's moving to standalone ECUs Training and supporting your dealer network Order management systems and software stack The future of integrating modern tech into older platforms Check out ECU Master USA at www.ecumasterusa.com Check out Verkline at www.verkline.com Check out Delta ABS at www.deltaABS.com Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our content at www.doitforaliving.net Thank you for listening and be sure to subscribe!

In this episode of Do It For a Living, we sit down with two students from the University of North Texas Formula SAE team. This marks our first video episode and a new format where we explore the next generation of motorsports talent. Emily Gooden is the Operations Manager and Zach Warren is the EV Powertrain Lead - both are seniors studying engineering at UNT. Kevin, who has an FSAE background, discusses what it takes to run a student racing team with Emily, and put Zach's powertrain work to the test in a "Shark Tank" style technical challenge. Emily shares how she discovered FSAE, worked her way up to Operations Manager, and now leads a team of students with varying skill levels and commitment. She walks us through the design and build cycle from concept to competition, the biggest challenges facing the team including funding and recruiting, and how they handle setbacks as a group. Zach takes us deep into the EV powertrain system he's developed, explaining the problem they were solving, their design constraints around weight, cost, and manufacturing, and how they validated everything through simulation and testing. Kevin challenges Zach with tough questions about scaling the technology beyond FSAE, manufacturing at volume, identifying customers, and what's stopping commercialization. Both students discuss how the team balances proven designs against risky new innovations and what FSAE teaches that you can't learn in a classroom. Find out more about UNT Formula SAE at their website:  UNT Formula SAE.  instagram:   @meangreenracing email:  [email protected] Check out My Shop Assist at MyShopAssist.com for shop management software built for the performance and racing industry,  Come see us at the PRI show on December 11-13 - booth 4905 on the edge of Machinery Row in the Yellow Hall. Be sure to subscribe!

In this episode of Do It For a Living, I talk with Peter Aggapoglou, founder of Autosport Fabrication, about his deep roots in the motorsports industry. Before launching his own shop, Peter built his expertise working for several high-end European and race shops, honing his skills in fabrication, chassis setup, and race car development.  Peter also shares his challenges and solutions to running a business that caters to exclusively race cars. We dive into: His journey through prestigious race and performance shops before going solo The turning point that led him to start Autosport Fabrication out of necessity Lessons learned from working with top-tier teams and applying that knowledge to his own business If you're an aspiring fabricator, shop owner, or just love the business of racing, this episode is packed with insight. Tune in now! Check out Autosport Fabrication at : https://www.autosportfab.com/ on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoSportFab/ Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our great content for the Podcast at: www.doitforaliving.net  and on facebook at www.facebook.com/doitforaliving

In this episode of Do It For a Living, I sit down with Joseph Potak, host of the new HP Cult podcast. We talk about his journey in the high-performance world, including his history with Texas Speed and how he became an expert in LS engine building. Joseph shares insights from the several books he has written on building LS motors and swapping them into different vehicles, and what led him to start his own podcast. Along with the podcast, he has created a website to share his wealth of knowledge, and his desire to bring back automotive web forums. Whether you're an LS enthusiast or just love performance builds, this episode is packed with great stories and technical knowledge. Tune in! Check out his podcast on Apple:  HP Cult Podcast Spotify: HP Cult on Spotify Youtube: High Performance Cult HP Cult Website: https://www.hpcult.net/ Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our great content for the Podcast at: www.doitforaliving.net  and on facebook at www.facebook.com/doitforaliving

In this episode of Do It For a Living, I sit down with Adam Hammer of Hammer and Dolly Restorations to explore his journey into the world of classic car restorations. Adam shares how he got started, the challenges of building his own business, and the processes he uses to manage complex, long-term projects. We dive into his approach to business management, car building, and project management—covering everything from billing and customer interactions to record-keeping for both him and his clients. If you're involved in car restorations or any type of project that takes months or even years to complete, this episode is packed with valuable insights you can apply to your own work. Don't miss it! For more information on Hammer and Dolly: https://www.hammeranddolly.com/ Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our great content for the Podcast at: www.doitforaliving.net  and on facebook at www.facebook.com/doitforaliving

In this episode of Do It For a Living, we sit down with Brandon Piper from BSP Motorsports to hear his journey from supporting a Dodge Viper race team to building a thriving business. Brandon shares how creating and executing a solid plan enabled him to triple his business growth in just three years. But it hasn't all been smooth sailing—Brandon opens up about the unexpected challenges of relocating his business and the hurdles he faced while developing a new facility. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on growth, resilience, and navigating the complexities of running a successful shop. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation! Check Out BSP Motorsports at BSP Motorsports Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our great content for the Podcast at: www.doitforaliving.net  and on facebook at www.facebook.com/doitforaliving

In this episode of Do It For a Living, we sit down with Sasha Anis, founder of Mountain Pass Performance, to discuss his journey in building a cutting-edge performance business. Sasha shares insights into starting and scaling Mountain Pass Performance, managing production and sales, and pushing the boundaries of innovation in motorsports. We dive into his experience building hybrid race cars and adapting Teslas for road racing, exploring the challenges and opportunities of electric and hybrid technology in competitive applications. Whether you're an EV enthusiast or a performance shop owner, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation! Check out the first interview with sasha here Check out mountain pass performance products on his website: www.mountainpassperformance.com Find out more about My Shop Assist at www.myshopassist.com Check out all our great content for the Podcast at: www.doitforaliving.net  and on facebook at www.facebook.com/doitforaliving

In this episode of the Do It For a Living Podcast, I'm excited to introduce a new voice to the podcast: my business partner at Evolution Dynamics, Richard Fielder. Richard will be joining us as a cohost for future episodes, where we'll dive into the ins and outs of running a business. We start by getting to know Richard better as he shares his personal journey into the industry and the experiences that have shaped his perspective. After that, we'll dig into a topic that's critical for any performance shop owner: scaling. We'll discuss scaling operations, staff, and customer experience, breaking down strategies to grow your shop effectively. Check us out at www.doitforalivingpodcast.com or on facebook www.facebook.com/doitforaliving Be sure to check out My Shop Assist or watch our video to see how to works in a shop

In this episode of Do It For a Living, I sit down with Adam McCreery, founder of AFR Autoworks, to explore how he built his business using data-driven decisions. Adam shares how tracking shop hours, billing accurately, and managing overhead have been the keys to his success. We dive into the systems and strategies he's developed to maximize efficiency and profitability while maintaining high standards for his work. If you're looking for practical advice on running a more efficient and sustainable shop, this is an episode you won't want to miss! AFR Autoworks contact:  [email protected] Adam Directly: [email protected]  www.AFRautoworksstore.com https://www.facebook.com/afrautoworks/ Check us out at www.doitforalivingpodcast.com or on facebook www.facebook.com/doitforaliving Be sure to check out My Shop Assist or watch our video to see how to works in a shop

In this episode of Do It For a Living, we sit down with Kevin Emr, the visionary behind e-Muscle Cars. Kevin shares the story of his journey to combine cutting-edge electric vehicle power and technology with the classic aesthetics of muscle cars. We dive into the challenges of building an innovative business in a rapidly evolving market, how Kevin approaches modernizing iconic vehicles without losing their soul, and his vision for the future of electrified performance. If you're curious about the electrification of classic cars or looking for inspiration from an industry disruptor, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Follow Kevin at www.e-musclecars.com Check us out at www.doitforalivingpodcast.com or on facebook www.facebook.com/doitforaliving Be sure to check out My Shop Assist or watch our video to see how to works in a shop

After a four-year break, we're back with a brand-new season of the Do It For A Living Podcast, and we're kicking things off strong with a follow up from a special guest: Matt Beenen. Matt is an experienced entrepreneur and the driving force behind several successful businesses, Builtright and Mountech. In this episode, he shares insights from his journey, the challenges he's faced, and the strategies that helped him scale and strengthen his companies. We dive into topics like building a sustainable business model, adapting to industry changes, and the importance of a solid team. Matt opens up about the lessons he's learned along the way, including the mindset shifts that have been crucial to his growth as a leader and business owner. Whether you're a shop owner, entrepreneur, or just passionate about business, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you on your own journey. Tune in as we relaunch the Do It For A Living Podcast with Matt Beenen's story, and join us as we embark on a new season of learning and growth together. Follow Matt at https://builtrightind.com/ https://www.facebook.com/builtrightind https://mountechusa.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mountechusa Check us out at www.doitforalivingpodcast.com or on facebook www.facebook.com/doitforaliving Be sure to check out My Shop Assist or watch our video to see how to works in a shop

Stewart grew up in a Seattle suburb and was an active kid. When he turned 16, he got a beater $500 car and was tasked with keeping it running. He used this car to learn maintenance and slowly acquired mechanical skills. He went to college and continued to modify cars. He was living gin the dorm and didn't have a place to do the work so he called several shops, but nobody would allow him to do the work at their shop. It was at this point that he shifted from wanting to be a surgeon to owning a DIY garage. He spent all winter break creating a business plan and researched other self-service garages to see if the idea was even feasible. After dealing with a shady real estate broker, difficulties with city zoning, fire marshal fixes, and having to relocate with a 3-day notice, he was finally able to open his self-service garage. He has now been in business for 5 years and has signed another 5-year lease. The goal for this year is to expand and grow the business. He currently has 7 bays with lifts, provides tools and some specialty machines, and employees 4 employees to help around the shop. They keep things simple by charging a flat rate for time and not doing a la cart charges to use tools or ask questions.