Episodes

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 ...

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 dra...

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...

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 topic...

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 t...

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...

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 ...

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 r...

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 cu...

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 ...

Hammer Down: Builders Making and Selling Parts with Levi Green and Dan Kahn Is your shop ready to develop, produce, and sell parts? 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 builder Levi Green from Hammer Fab and Dan Kahn of Kahn Media. They reveal some secrets to starting your own product line and how to be successful doing it! Join Levi Green and Dan Kahn as the...

Hammer Down: From Borrowed Hammer to Ridler Award Winner with Dave Kindig Gear up for an inspiring ride with automotive personality Dave Kindig! 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 takes you behind the scenes of Kindig-It-Design, the shop building the bitchin' rides that have captured imaginations for over 25 years. Join Dave Kindig as he: Shares the incredible jou...

Hammer Down: The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance Podcast This episode of Hammer Down hosted by Kevin Oeste features a great lineup of Hot Rod Industry personalities, including HRIA Chair and HushMat & ZyCoat Owner Tim McCarthy, Pete and Jake's Owner Jerry Slover, and South City Customs owner Bill Ganahl. Tune in as they: Dive deep into the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), its mission, and its impact on the hobby we love. Offer invaluable insights and tips for Hot Rod business owners, hel...