The Automotive Aftermarket is shifting fast. Sales are soft, brands are pulling back, and AI is rewriting how business gets done.In this episode, Dr. Jamie Meyer and Justin Cesler dive into the latest MidwayPlus Market Index, breaking down real B2B and B2C numbers that reveal what’s actually happening across the industry. They unpack why consumer confidence is down, how product launches drive attention in a flat market, and why every brand needs to rethink its SEMA strategy... from timing embargoes to launching early and often.From there, the conversation turns to marketing budgets, content creation, and AI. The guys explain exactly how much brands should be spending on marketing, where small shops can start, and how AI tools like ChatGPT and Sora are giving businesses a true unfair advantage.This one’s packed with actionable insights for shop owners, brand leaders, and content creators who want to stay ahead of the curve in 2025.Chapters:Welcome to the Automotive AdvantageThe SEMA Crunch: When to Drop Your NewsUnderstanding Embargoes & Launch StrategyThe MidwayPlus Market Index: Real Industry DataWhat Flat Sales Mean for the AftermarketHow to Build a Modern Content & Marketing StrategyThe Rise of AI in AutomotiveThe Future of Media, Manufacturing & EventsFeaturing:Justin Cesler – Founder, Driveline StudiosDr. Jamie Meyer – President, 6757 Consulting#SEMA #AutomotiveAftermarket #Automotive
48 years. One dealership. A lifetime of stories from inside the automotive aftermarket.
This week on The Automotive Advantage, Justin Cesler and Dr. Jamie Meyer sit down with Nicky Fowler, the man many call the Godfather of Chevrolet Performance Parts. After nearly five decades with Scoggin Dickey Parts Center, Nicky opens up about building an $80M+ operation, the evolution of LS and LT engines, the truth about private equity, and how to actually survive in today’s changing automotive world.
From learning business lessons from his drag racing father to navigating GM, Ford, and the aftermarket, this episode is a masterclass in how to build longevity, integrity, and success in the industry we all love.
Highlights:
How Nicky built one of the most powerful dealerships in the country
The rise (and future) of LS and LT engines
Why integrity still matters in a cutthroat market
The real effects of private equity in the performance world
The secrets to surviving 48 years in the automotive aftermarket
If you care about performance, racing, or what makes the industry tick, you can’t miss this one.
#AutomotiveAdvantage #ScogginDickey #ChevroletPerformance #LSEngine #LTEngine #Aftermarket #PerformanceParts #CarCulture
Brian Lounsberry (ex-Motovicity CEO, now CEO of MidwayPlus) breaks down what’s really happening in the automotive aftermarket: a live market index, why some brands win while others slide, and the ops fixes (not hype) that move revenue. We dig into B2B vs B2C, channel margins, packaging, seasonality, Cyber Week strategy, and what private equity is actually doing next. Hosted by Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting).Highlights:
Chapters:00:00 Intro & market index04:30 What MidwayPlus does for manufacturers12:10 B2B vs B2C: design for utility18:45 Channel margins (real talk)25:10 Packaging & ops that actually move revenue33:00 Seasonality curve + Cyber Week plan40:00 PE, demand gen, and marketing that compounds47:00 Closing takeawaysSubscribe for weekly episodes that help you grow a modern automotive business.
It’s fourth quarter and that means pressure, opportunity,and the perfect time to rethink your 2026 automotive strategy.
In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, Dr. Jamie Meyer and Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) break down how to survive and thrive in Q4. From industry trends and smart budgeting to social strategy, daring moves, and trade show survival tips… this one’s loaded.
Here’s what we cover:
Whether you’re a shop owner, marketer, or industry exec,this is your Q4 playbook for finishing strong and building momentum into 2026.
Comment what your Q4 focus is this year.
Everyone sees the speed… but few ever see the business behind it.In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, we sit down with Ida Zetterström, NHRA Top Fuel driver, European champion, and one of the most exciting rising stars in drag racing.Ida breaks down what it really takes to race at 330+ mph:
This is the insider’s look at motorsport sponsorship that no one else is talking about - the dollars, the strategy, the opportunities - and it might just change the way you think about racing.👉 Follow Ida on Instagram: @dragsterfia👉 Subscribe for more episodes of The Automotive Advantage
Garrett Reed (@AmericanMuscleHD) has over 2.4 million followers on Instagram, making him one of the biggest automotive content creators today. But how did he actually build that kind of following and, more importantly, how does he turn it into real business?
In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting) sit down with Garrett to uncover:
The early days of AmericanMuscleHD and how the page took off
The shift from a faceless brand to a personal brand—and why it changed everything
Where the money really comes from in content creation (brand deals, events, and beyond)
Why relationships and showing up in person are more valuable than likes or DMs
The next evolution for creators: building a team, moving into YouTube, and hosting events
If you’ve ever wondered what it actually takes to grow an audience in the millions and keep it thriving in today’s fast-changing creator economy, Garrett pulls back the curtain in this one.
Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, media, and the automotive world.
We just got back from YouTube and Google’s first-ever Automotive Content Creator Summit in Detroit, Michigan and it was a game-changer. In this episode, Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting) break down everything we learned inside Google HQ, including:
Why YouTube is now bigger than Netflix and what that means for your business
How “investable trends” are shaping the future of car content
Why 80%+ of car buyers use YouTube before making a purchase and how you can reach them
The “Full YouTube Canvas” strategy that the biggest creators are using (and how small shops can apply it)
The trap of sameness in automotive content and how to break out of it
Whether you’re a shop owner, content creator, or marketer in the automotive industry, this one is packed with takeaways that could change the way you think about video.
Subscribe for more insights on where car media and the performance aftermarket are headed next.
David Freiburger has shaped how millions of car enthusiasts experience automotive media. From his years as Editor of Hot Rod Magazine, to co-creating Roadkill, to building one of the biggest automotive shows on YouTube, David’s fingerprints are everywhere.
In this episode of Automotive Advantage, hosts Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting) sit down with David to unpack:
If you care about cars, content, or the business of automotive media, this is a must-watch conversation with one of the most influential voices in the industry.
Subscribe to the Automotive Advantage for more insider conversations!
The Voice of Drag Racing joins Automotive Advantage. Brian Lohnes (NHRA lead announcer, Dorkomotive host, super nerd, @brianlohnes3079 on YouTube) walks us through the real climb… from quitting a trucking management job to building BangShift, crashing servers with a 2010 March Meet livestream, writing 20,000 stories to feed a family and a dream, to becoming the Voice of Drag Racing with the NHRA.We dig into prep, performance, and why curiosity beats “having a plan” every time. We also get honest about AI voice clones, YouTube revenue, and what NHRA looks like in the next 5–10 years, including the John Force moment and how the team responded.Hosted by Justin Cesler, Founder of Driveline Studios, and Dr. Jamie Meyer of 6757 Consulting. If you’re a builder, shop owner, or marketer in the performance world, this one hits you right where you work: consistency, storytelling, and making content your competitive edge.TOPICS:Why Brian walked away from a “safe” jobBangShift’s first big livestream winVolume beats luck: 20,000 stories laterHow to prep like a pro announcerDorkomotive, YouTube growth, and fighting AI clones“Get over yourself” and publishNHRA health check and the next evolutionLife after John Force and what changes nowAnd so much more!Subscribe for more Automotive Advantage with Justin Cesler and Dr. Jamie Meyer.
Welcome to Episode 006 of The Automotive Advantage with Justin Cesler (Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting). This one hits different. After a powerful dinner with an aftermarket veteran, we pause our usual format and dive straight into the truth: the automotive aftermarket has changed... radically. Print ads, racing credentials, and phone calls aren't enough anymore. Customers haven’t disappeared, they’ve just moved.
We break down:
• The new sales funnel for speed shops and manufacturers
• Where your customers really are (hint: it's YouTube, not the track
)• Why your website, content, and shipping speed matter more than ever
• How shops like Badass Broncos are closing $300K+ deals in the DMs
• What to do if you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or isolated
We also discuss the rise of the Clubhouse Era, AI's role in transforming your customer service, and the real cost of ignoring change.This is your roadmap to staying alive and thriving in 2025 and beyond.
Subscribe, like, and share to stay ahead of the curve.
What does it take to turn a city street into a world-class drag strip? Kurt Johnson, owner of Total Venue Concepts and the man behind some of the best racing surfaces in the world, joins us for a deep dive into track prep, drag strip operations, and the state of drag racing today.
From the evolution of traction compound and “rubber stretch” science, to the business realities of running a successful track, Kurt shares decades of hard-earned knowledge plus where he sees the sport headed next. We also cover how he’s applying motorsports expertise to other industries, why the fan experience matters more than ever, and the cultural changes drag racing needs to thrive.
If you’re a racer, track operator, or motorsports fan, this episode is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
Topics include:
Roadkill Nights and building a drag strip in the streets of Pontiac
The art and science of track prep (and why it’s not “witchcraft”)
How to run a great drag strip from the front gate to the finish line
Revenue, margins, and the hidden challenges of track ownership
The future of slicks, radials, and class trends
Lessons from consulting for Tony Stewart Racing
Using AI, new tech, and cross-industry skills in motorsports
The cultural side of racing and why personality sells
#AutomotiveAdvantage #DragRacing #TrackPrep #KurtJohnson #TonyStewartRacing #RoadkillNights #MotorsportsBusiness #NHRA #IHRA
Justin Keith went from street racing in Kansas City to building a multi-million dollar brand that spans performance shops, massive racing events, and viral YouTube content. In this episode of The Automotive Advantage, Justin Cesler and Dr. Jamie Meyer sit down with Justin to unpack how he's grown Killer Performance and now reimagines automotive events with RPM Revival.
Topics covered:
Whether you're a shop owner, racer, or just a car guy with a dream, this one's for you.
Featuring:
Justin Keith – Founder, RPM Revival / Killer Performance
Justin Cesler – Founder, Driveline Studios
Dr. Jamie Meyer – Founder, 6757 Consulting
Is print dead? Are kids really done with cars? Or are we living in the greatest era the car world has ever seen?
In Episode 005 of The Automotive Advantage, Justin Cesler (Founder, Driveline Studios) and Dr. Jamie Meyer (6757 Consulting) sit down with Mike Galimi, Network Director of Hot Rod, to talk about the state of the media, the revival of project builds, why 80s and 90s cars are surging, and how AI is changing content creation.
Mike shares what it's really like behind the scenes at Hot Rod, how they choose stories, what speed shops should pitch, and how to future-proof your business in this new automotive economy.
Plus: The truth about Fox-bodies, O3 Cobras, and why your unnamed project car might never be remembered.
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Want to grow your business and get smarter about the industry? Subscribe now for more conversations like this every week.
Featuring:
Justin Cesler, Founder, Driveline Studios
Dr. Jamie Meyer, Founder, 6757 Consulting
Mike Galimi, Network Director, Hot Rod
Sky-high car payments… EV growth hitting a wall… the aftermarket off 25 percent. In this week’s Automotive Advantage we unpack what all that really means for builders, brands, and everyday enthusiasts and then show you where the hidden opportunities lie.
Why watch?
• Action-ready marketing tips you can steal today
• Honest industry stats you won’t see in press releases
• Step-by-step AI demos that cut content time in half
• A no-fluff promise: every segment is built to help you grow your business
Resources mentioned:
• Substack
• OpenAI
• Motor City Foxfest
Like the vibe? Smash Subscribe, hit the 🔔, and share with the one friend who still thinks cup-holder size doesn’t matter…
Ready to turn your passion for cars into serious profit? In Episode 2 of The Automotive Advantage, Dr. Jamie Meyer and Justin Cesler break down ten revenue-generating opportunities you can launch right now, from AI-driven marketing services to niche events, car storage, and more!What you’ll learn in under an hour:How to spot untapped gaps like reliable video production, HubSpot CRM setup, and AI content curationWays retirees and C-suite vets can cash in through coaching, speaking, and authority booksWhy small, local “cars & coffee”-style events still mint money…and how to host one without breaking the bankThe truth about EV tax-credit changes, PPF demand, and other trends shaping 2025 profitsPractical tips for staying visible as Google and ChatGPT rewrite search resultsListen if you are:A shop owner, marketer, or side-hustler hunting new revenue streamsAn industry veteran ready to pivot experience into passive incomeAnyone curious how AI and changing tax laws reshape the automotive landscape👍 Like this episode if you grabbed at least one money-making idea…🔔 Subscribe for weekly tactics that grow your automotive business…💬 Got a question or success story? Drop it in the comments so we can feature you next week!#AutomotiveBusiness #AutoIndustry #Entrepreneurship #CarCulture #AI
Detroit-based marketers Justin and Jamie kick off The Automotive Advantage with a no-fluff, inside-the-industry download you can act on today. Fresh from the inaugural High Performance Expo, where some booths booked $10 million in on-site sales, our team breaks down what’s really moving the needle for aftermarket brands, race shops, and OEMs in 2025.In this episode you’ll learn:Marketing Playbook 2025: Why Meta ads are tanking, how Google Ads + email lists still print leads, and where to park a $100 k budget for maximum ROI.Trade-Show Gold: Concrete lessons from HPX that any small brand can use to turn a 10 × 10 booth into a cash machine.Dodge SRT Revival: What Tim Kuniskis’ return means for muscle-car culture and how Stellantis is listening to its hardcore fans again.Truck Market Boom: A seat-of-the-pants review of the 710-hp Fox Factory Super Truck... plus why “luxury pre-runners” are the next profit center for builders.AI in the Shop: Real-world ways speed shops are using ChatGPT, Photoshop Generative Fill & DaVinci Resolve to slash production time and close more deals.Q3/Q4 Forecast: Why marketing spend is rebounding, consumer events are packed (Hot Rod Power Tour, Cars & Coffee), and how to ride the wave.Enjoyed it? Smash that Subscribe button, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share with a fellow gear-head marketer.#AutomotiveMarketing #HighPerformanceExpo #SRT #Aftermarket #AI #Trucks #Detroit #AutoPodcast
