Hammer Down: The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance HRIA Podcast

Hosted by SEMA

Business Entrepreneurship Leisure Automotive

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Hammer Down is the Official Podcast of the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance, with a mission to help all businesses in the Hot Rod Industry be more successful. Hosted by SEMA HRIA Chair-Elect Kevin Oeste of the V8 Speed and Resto Shop and V8TV Productions, Inc.

Listen to episodes

13 recent

October 8, 20261 hr 3 min

Behind The Magic: Inside the SEMA Show with Tom Gattuso

Behind The Magic: Inside the SEMA Show with Tom Gattuso In this episode of Hammer Down, the official podcast of the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Council, host Kevin Oeste is joined by SEMA Vice President of Events, Tom Gattuso. With just weeks to go before the doors swing open at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Kevin and Tom peel back the curtain on what it takes to organize the automotive aftermarket’s premier annual homecoming. From the intricate design details and featured artist signage by Larry Chen to the evolution of builder spotlights and the massive spectacle of SEMA Fest and the SEMA Cruise, this conversation celebrates the people, passion, and culture that propel the specialty equipment market forward. Whether you're an exhibitor, builder, or enthusiast, discover how SEMA creates a one-of-a-kind miniature city designed to spark innovation, build lasting relationships, and celebrate the sheer joy of customized automotive freedom. Topics Covered The Art & Architecture of SEMA: Tom Gattuso discusses the philosophy behind designing the show floor, including subtle custom wayfinding and event signage created in collaboration with featured artist Larry Chen. The Rise of the Builder as Industry Star: How the SEMA marketplace has shifted from pure B2B transaction tables to spotlighting the builders and fabricators themselves through initiatives like Battle of the Builders and Young Guns. Future Tech, Alternative Propulsion & Restomods: A look at how the aftermarket continues to push boundaries—from electric conversions and hydrogen development to 3D printing and modernizing classic muscle cars. The Numbers Behind the Show: Tom breaks down the staggering scale of the upcoming event, covering 1.15 million square feet of convention space, over 2,200 exhibitors, 160,000 projected attendees, and high-octane outdoor action at the SEMA Cruise and SEMA Fest. Automotive Trivia Questions (No Spoilers!) In terms of equivalent physical footprint, 1.15 million square feet of convention space equals the size of approximately how many classic Volkswagen Beetles parked together? Which iconic hot rod customizer, famous for his live sketching and Ridler Award–winning builds, challenged Kevin Oeste on stage during the SEMA Monday Night Reveal over whether anyone truly "needs" what the custom car industry creates? https://www.semashow.com https://www.sema.org/hria #HammerDownPodcast #HRIA #SEMAShow #SEMA #TomGattuso #BattleOfTheBuilders #HotRodIndustry #CarCulture #SEMAFest #SEMACruise #AutomotiveAftermarket

June 20, 202655 min

SEMA on the Hill: Fighting for the Right to Modify on Hammer Down!

In this episode of Hammer Down!, the Official Podcast of the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Council, host Kevin Oeste sits down with Karen Bailey-Chapman, the Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs for SEMA. Discover what happens when over 120 SEMA member companies head to Capitol Hill to interface directly with the influential congressional staff members who keep the wheels of government turning. From fighting back against sweeping EV mandates to pioneer-level policy drafting for advanced vehicle safety technology, this episode highlights how grassroots automotive advocacy is successfully protecting small manufacturing businesses and the freedom to modify vehicles across America. Topics Covered * The Mechanics of Capitol Hill Advocacy: Kevin and Karen pull back the curtain on the SEMA Washington Rally, explaining why building relationships with congressional staffers is the ultimate gatekeeping mechanism for passing favorable automotive laws. * The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act: A deep dive into SEMA's proactive "Right to Modify" legislation, which utilizes cutting-edge research from the SEMA Garage to establish clear modification standards and onboard self-testing for vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. * The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act: Karen lends her expertise as a self-proclaimed "tax policy nerd" to explain the ongoing fight to secure permanent seven-year tax depreciation schedules for local racetracks, leveling the economic playing field with other sports facilities. * State-Level Battles and Overturning Obscure Regulations: A look at SEMA's broader advocacy footprint beyond D.C., including public lands access, protecting tracks from nuisance laws, and successfully repealing an old state law that technically made lifted trucks illegal. Get Involved! Learn more about advocacy and what you can do to strengthen the voice of the Automotive Aftermarket! http://semahq.org/ Tune in and subscribe! Join the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance: https://www.sema.org/hria #HammerDownPodcast #HRIA #SEMA #RightToModify #AutomotiveAdvocacy #HotRodIndustry #SaveOurRaceTracks #ADAS #SmallBusinessAmerica #CarCulture

February 13, 202638 min

Fake Parts, Real Problems: Manufacturers Fight Fake Hot Rod Parts on Hammer Down!

Fake Parts, Real Problems: Manufacturers Fight Fake Hot Rod Parts on Hammer Down! The Official SEMA HRIA Podcast Host Kevin Oeste sits down with Jeff Grantmeyer (Borgeson Steering) & Brian Downard (Lokar Performance) to expose the rising problem of counterfeit & knockoff hot rod parts flooding online retailers. From fake steering boxes & missing springs to warranty scams & safety risks – they share real stories, how they're fighting back, and crucial tips to make sure you're getting GENUINE hot rod parts and quality. The conversation highlights challenges manufacturers face from fake products sold on platforms like eBay and Amazon, including: Customers unknowingly buying inferior knockoffs that use stolen part numbers, photos, or "equivalent to" phrasing in listings to appear in searches. Real-world examples of warranty fraud, such as missing components (e.g., return springs on e-brake cables, altered MSD boxes), swapped inferior parts for credit returns, and customers receiving help for non-genuine products. Safety concerns with critical components like steering gears, throttle cables, and drive-by-wire systems, where cheap copies lack proper R&D, testing, and liability coverage. Manufacturers share tactics they've adopted: requiring proof of purchase/photos for warranties, branding/laser-etching/date-coding parts, listing authorized dealers on websites, and reporting fraudulent listings to eBay/Amazon (though it's often a "whack-a-mole" battle). Tips for consumers and builders: Buy from authorized sources, compare photos/details to official product images, avoid deals that seem too good to be true, check for branded packaging/castings/engravings, and register warranties when possible. Positive outlook: Both companies report strong sales, ongoing innovation to stay ahead, and recent policy changes (e.g., elimination of the de minimis exemption for low-value imports) that may help reduce cheap overseas knockoffs. The episode emphasizes education, due diligence, and supporting American-made quality to protect brands, builders, and enthusiasts in the long-term health of the hot rod industry. Subscribe today for more! More about the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance: https://www.sema.com/hria #HammerDownPodcast #SEMA #HRIA #HotRod #MuscleCar #CounterfeitParts #FakeParts #Lokar #Borgeson #MadeInUSA #HotRodIndustry #CarCulture

December 17, 20251 hr 0 min

Inside Tips: Hot Rod Branding and Merch Strategies with Tim Sousamian on Hammer Down!

Inside Tips: Hot Rod Branding and Merch Strategies with Tim Sousamian on Hammer Down! On this episode of Hammer Down! The Official SEMA HRIA Podcast, Kevin Oeste dives into the world of automotive merchandise, branding strategies, hot rod industry insights, SEMA Show behind-the-scenes, apparel design tips, and more with special guest Tim Sousamian of Traders ABM. Tim shares his journey from truck accessories to running massive pop-up merch ops at SEMA and events all over the country. Key topics covered: How to start small with branded merch without overcommitting inventory Avoiding common pitfalls like over-relying on logos and matching quality to your brand's image The risk-reward of event merchandising, including on-site manufacturing in custom rigs Turning merch into a profit center or marketing tool for hot rod shops and builders Funny moment: Kevin admits to wearing more SEMA gear than his own brand's stuff – his wife cringes, but it's great promo! Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed. Subscribe today for more! More about the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance: https://www.sema.com/hria Traders ABM: https://www.tradersabm.com #HammerDownPodcast #SEMA #HRIA #HotRodIndustry #AutomotiveMerch #BrandingTips

December 4, 202559 min

PRI President Mike Good on Hammer Down! on the SEMA HRIA Podcast

Hammer Down: The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Podcast With Guest Mike Good of PRI Join Hammer Down! Host Kevin Oeste chatting with PRI President Michael Good about the buzz around the 2025 PRI Show and how it powers the hot rod and racing worlds. They discuss: Preview of the massive PRI Show in Indy, with over 1,060 exhibitors and groundbreaking innovations in the Featured Products Showcase. How PRI connects with the hot rod industry, from advocacy on noise ordinances to new products and track initiatives Sim racing's rocket-ship growth and its role in attracting next-gen talent to motorsports. Tips for exhibitors to maximize ROI, plus new show features like the PRI Paddock and Hall of Fame inductions. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform and gear up for PRI! This episode is a must-listen for any Hot Rod builder, manufacturer, or shop owner interested visiting or displaying at the PRI Show in Indianapolis, IN. Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed. So buckle up, rev your engines, and join us on this thrilling ride through the world of hot rodding. Welcome to Hammer Down! Performance Racing Industry (PRI): https://www.performanceracing.com/ SEMA HRIA (Specialty Equipment Market Association): https://www.sema.org/hria #HammerDownPodcast #SEMA #PRI #HotRodIndustry #Motorsports #Racing #SimRacing #HRIA #SEMAHRIA

September 26, 202556 min

Event Success with Gary Case of the Triple Crown of Rodding | SEMA HRIA Hammer Down! Podcast

Event Success with Gary Case of the Triple Crown of Rodding | SEMA HRIA Hammer Down! Podcast Gary Case is no stranger to organizing and participating in automotive events, building award winning hot rods and trucks, and selling parts. On the latest "Hammer Down" podcast, Case joins host Kevin Oeste to chat about his journey from building hot rods at age 15 to co-founding the highly successful Triple Crown of Rodding event with Bobby Alloway. Gary shares the secrets to his success, including the importance of giving back, providing a premium vendor experience, and staying passionate about the industry. Tune in to hear: How Gary got started building hot rods The launch of Stylin' Concepts and selling parts at events Gary's event history from the Sport Truck Nationals to the Hot Rod Power Tour to the Triple Crown of Rodding The importance of long-term relationships in business Tips to be successful as an exhibitor at automotive events Why they give back to their vendors, exhibitors, and partners Gary's take on the current health of the hot rod industry … and a LOT more! Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed. https://www.sema.org/hria https://www.triplecrownofrodding.com #SEMA #HRIA #HammerDownPodcast #TripleCrownOfRodding #HotRodIndustry #CarShow #AutomotiveEvents #EventPromoter #HotRods

September 17, 202537 min

What exactly is SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance and what do they do? SEMA 101 | Hammer Down Podcast

What exactly is SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance and what do they do? SEMA 101 | Hammer Down Podcast This episode of Hammer Down hosted by Kevin Oeste sheds answers the question "Just what exactly is SEMA and what do they do?" with special guests SEMA Board Of Directors Member and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Past Chair Tim McCarthy and current HRIA Chair Jeff Grantmeyer. Tune in as they: Define Trade Associations and what they do Share the purpose of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and how the association is structured Clarify the roles of the all-volunteer SEMA Board Of Directors and how a person is elected to the Board Chat about the SEMA Councils and Networks, what they are, and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) in specific Discuss the benefits of membership to SEMA and a Council like the HRIA Share how people in the automotive aftermarket industry can get involved with SEMA and the HRIA … and a LOT more! Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed. https://www.sema.org/hria #hria #podcast #sema #hotrod #hotrodindustry #carpodcast #semapodcast #hammerdown

August 13, 202552 min

Navigating Challenges & Building Success in the Hot Rod Industry with Rick Love | SEMA Hammer Down Podcast

Navigating Challenges & Building Success in the Hot Rod Industry with Rick Love | Hammer Down Podcast This episode of Hammer Down hosted by Kevin Oeste features insights on navigating tricky times with special guest SEMA and SEMA HRIA Hall Of Famer Rick Love of Vintage Air! Tune in as they: Chat about maintaining focus and positivity during challenging times from tariffs, political turmoil, pandemics, and other challenges. Share insights and tips for Hot Rod business owners to build lasting relationships with builders, suppliers, and services to be more successful. Discuss product development and what goes into market research and developing new ideas. Provide insights on online vs. in-person product sales and relationships. Share tips on building and keeping a top-quality team doing high quality work. Talk about the future of the Hot Rod Industry, trends in Hot Rodding, and the health of the Hot Rod scene! … And share some laughs and great stories along the way! Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed. https://www.sema.org/hria #hria #podcast #sema #hotrod #hotrodindustry #carpodcast #semapodcast #hammerdown

October 16, 202437 min

Show Vs. Go - Jonathan Goolsby and Eddie Denkenberger Share Perspectives on the SEMA HRIA Hammer Down Podcast!

Show Vs. Go - Jonathan Goolsby and Eddie Denkenberger Share Perspectives on the SEMA HRIA Hammer Down Podcast! Two top builders share insights on managing projects and customers on different levels! This episode of Hammer Down, the Official SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Podcast hosted by Kevin Oeste and HRIA Chair and HushMat & ZyCoat Owner Tim McCarthy chat with Eddie Denkenberger of Superior Autoworks and Jonathan Goolsby of Goolsby Customs on some key considerations when building custom cars going for the top awards, versus cars built primarily to drive! Join Eddie and Jonathan as they: Share insights on the different build strategies of Ridler, Slonaker, AMBR and SEMA builds vs. building cars people want to drive rather than show. Discuss ways to communicate with customers on ultra high level builds. Share experiences on why having strong manufacturer relationships are important for success. This episode is great for builders looking to aim for the top shows and awards, and also for manufacturers to learn more about what custom car builders face on these kinds of projects. Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed. So buckle up, rev your engines, and join us on this thrilling ride through the world of hot rodding. Welcome to Hammer Down! https://goolsbycustoms.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SuperiorAutoworksde/ https://www.sema.org/hria #SEMA #HRIA #HotRodIndustry

September 18, 202451 min

Hammer Down: Why Join SEMA and the HRIA? With Mike Spagnola, Kyle Fickler, and Norris Marshall

Hammer Down: Why Join SEMA and the HRIA? With Mike Spagnola, Kyle Fickler, and Norris Marshall Ever wonder why your organization should become a Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) or Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) member? This episode of Hammer Down, the Official SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Podcast hosted by Kevin Oeste and HRIA Chair and HushMat & ZyCoat Owner Tim McCarthy features SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, SEMA Board Chairman Kyle Fickler (Procharger), and SEMA Board Member Norris Marshall (BluePrint Engines) sharing insights to answer the "what's in it for me" question. Tune In To Hear: Answers to what SEMA and the HRIA are all about Insights on what the SEMA Association and the HRIA do to help and protect automotive aftermarket businesses Discuss ways that automotive aftermarket manufacturers, hot rod builders, event organizers, and other businesses can get involved to help the industry be successful. Our guests are all not only SEMA leaders, but have extensive business experience in the Automotive Aftermarket industry, racing, and are avid enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed. So buckle up, rev your engines, and join us on this thrilling ride through the world of hot rodding. Welcome to Hammer Down! https://www.sema.org https://www.sema.org/hria #SEMA #HRIA #HotRodIndustry