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September 8, 2025 66 mins

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In this episode of Gearheads n’ Gasoline, hosts Barry Alt and Annette Bauer welcome Jason Wenig, owner of The Creative Workshop, to discuss his journey from a corporate executive to a leader in concourse-level automotive restoration. Jason shares insights into his early experiences with cars, the challenges of building a successful restoration business, and the importance of client relationships. He also delves into marketing strategies, the significance of word-of-mouth referrals, and the evolving landscape of the automotive restoration industry. In this conversation, Jason Wenig discusses the importance of building trust with clients in the automotive restoration industry, emphasizing that character and integrity are paramount. He stresses the importance of referrals and repeat business, illustrating how strong relationships contribute to long-term success.

Takeaways:

  • Bootstrapped from Scratch: He transformed a rat-infested, failing shop into a world-class restoration facility
  • Team Took Time: It took over a decade to build the right skilled team to match his high standards
  • Repeat Business is Gold – Many clients return with new projects, often reserving shop time in advance
  • Word-of-Mouth Wins: Referrals and relationships remain the most effective growth engine
  • Strategic Visibility: He uses print ads, social posts, and events to maintain presence
  • Professional Presence Matters: A clean website, proper email, and branding are must-haves
  • Hands-On Mentorship: Always has apprentices in the shop to pass on restoration skills
  • Industry Advocacy: Serves on the RPM Foundation board to support youth training and education
  • Inspire the Next Gen: He believes early exposure helps steer young talent into creative automotive careers

Guest Bio:
Jason Wenig is the owner of The Creative Workshop, a concours restoration shop. He is the co-executive director of Motorcar Cavalcade and serves on the Board of Directors of the America's Automotive Trust. A lifelong automobile aficionado, Wenig began his professional career in an executive position at a car-focused internet startup before beginning his Pebble Beach award-winning restoration business in 2002. Wenig and his shop were most recently awarded the RPM Foundation Restorer’s award in 2022.

Guest:

Hosts:
Barry Alt, Motorhead Digital

  • https://www.motorheaddigital.com

Annette Bauer, Annette Bauer Creative

  • https://www.annettebauercreative.com

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