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Tom Gattuso, SEMA’s Vice President of Events, joins Big Rich Klein for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey through automotive events, off-road culture, and the evolution of the SEMA Show.

Gattuso shares stories from growing up near Washington, D.C., touring Europe as a jazz musician, playing varsity football, and developing the improvisational skills that shaped his career. He explains how a bold cross-country move in a ’66 Impala convertible led him from automotive sales into event production.

The discussion explores his years producing auto shows and Off-Road Expo, including the importance of becoming immersed in the off-road community and embracing unconventional ideas. Gattuso also describes his transition to SEMA and the growth of signature experiences such as the SEMA Cruise, SEMA Fest, outdoor demonstrations, and expanded powersports programming.

Additional topics include:

• How SEMA is organizing truck, off-road, powersports, and related industries
• The importance of protecting trails and supporting advocacy through ORBA
• Designing events around the needs of exhibitors, buyers, and enthusiasts
• The future of product innovation and automotive customization
• SEMA Fest’s mix of music, drifting, stunt performances, and community

Gattuso offers a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, risks, teamwork, and passion required to bring the automotive industry together.

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Jeff Knoll joins Big Rich to share the winding path that took him from a childhood spent riding motorcycles and dune buggies in Southern California to becoming a major figure in off-road racing and land-use advocacy.

Jeff reflects on growing up in Menifee and Glamis, his early experiences at the Boardmanville Trading Post, working through school, starting a family young, and overcoming periods of homelessness. He explains how plumbing, Jeep clubs, rock crawling, and desert racing eventually led to the creation of the California Rock Crawling Association and the early days of King of the Hammers.

The conversation explores the vision behind King of the Hammers, its first competitors, the importance of media and storytelling, and Jeff’s decision to leave the event as it grew. Jeff also discusses the personal cost of the Save the Hammers campaign, which helped establish Johnson Valley’s first congressionally designated OHV area.

Additional topics include Rally Venture, public-land permitting, the challenges facing motorized recreation advocacy, and Jeff’s work with One Voice. He shares why the Potato Salad Hill Cleanup Challenge remains one of his proudest accomplishments and explains how small acts of stewardship can change perceptions.

Looking ahead, Jeff hopes to retire from Lincoln Electric, build a Jeep and camper setup, and return to exploring trails across the country.

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In this episode, Big Rich Klein sits down with rock-bouncing champion Tim Cameron, a Tennessee native whose passion for off-road racing began with four-wheelers, Jeeps, and hill climbs.

Tim shares how he learned fabrication from Brian Cole and built his first full-tube-chassis buggy, Fat Girl. He discusses the evolution of his rigs, including Jenny Craig, Moon Rover, Hellraiser, Showtime, and Game Changer. His innovative use of a ProFab drop box helped redefine rock-bouncer drivetrain design.

The conversation follows Tim’s transition from wild hill climbs to competitive racing. After experiencing Ultra4 suspension technology firsthand with Randy Slawson, Tim embraced bypass shocks, trailing arms, and increased wheel travel. His redesigned buggies helped him win multiple consecutive championships and influenced the direction of rock-bouncing competition.

Tim also recalls his 2015 King of the Hammers debut, where he and co-pilot Cole Shirley finished 11th despite fuel-system problems.

After racing more than 40 weekends a year, Tim recognized burnout and took time away from competition. During that break, he discovered dirt late-model racing and began mastering an entirely different discipline.

Today, Tim continues competing in rock bouncing while developing his dirt-track career. He discusses his current buggy, 100 Shots Reloaded, plans for a super late model, and the possibility of returning to Ultra4 racing.

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Glen Plake joins Big Rich Klein for a wide-ranging conversation about skiing, off-road racing, rock crawling, and the unexpected opportunities that shaped his life.

A member of the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame, Glen reflects on growing up in South Lake Tahoe, learning to ski at age two, and finding inspiration in the hot-dogging revolution and early ski films. He discusses his iconic mohawk, resisting the pressure to conform, and the importance of individuality in sports.

Glen also shares how family, mechanics, water skiing, and Baja influenced his path. He recounts his unconventional introduction to off-road racing, including a race-saving repair during the Baja 500 and a decades-long relationship with Darren Skelton.

The conversation continues with Glen’s experience on Truck Night in America, his transition into rock crawling, Trail Hero, and building and wheeling a buggy with his wife, Kimberly. Throughout, Glen emphasizes staying active, embracing uncertainty, helping others, and walking through every door that opens.

His advice to the next generation is simple: believe you can—and never let anyone tell you otherwise.

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In this episode of Conversations with Big Rich, Big Rich Klein talks with Keith Purmal, a 2025 Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee and one of off-road racing’s most trusted voices.

Keith shares stories from growing up in Las Vegas, developing an early interest in electronics and ham radio, and working in communications at Area 51 and Nevada Power Company. His lifelong passion for radio technology eventually connected him with legendary promoter Casey Folks and the Las Vegas 400.

For more than four decades, Keith has coordinated race communications across Nevada, Arizona, California, and Baja. He describes the challenges of installing repeaters on remote mountaintops, managing multiple radio networks, adapting to Starlink and satellite communications, and staying calm when races take unexpected and sometimes tragic turns.

Keith also reflects on Casey Folks’ leadership, the importance of volunteers, and the teamwork required to make an off-road event successful. He discusses his Hall of Fame induction, the emotion of being recognized by the racing community, and his plans with Cindy to continue supporting races while traveling and enjoying retirement.

This episode celebrates the behind-the-scenes professionals who help keep racers safe and events running—and the off-road family that makes the lifestyle so special.

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19-year-old rock crawler and son of off-road legend Big Charlie. Lil Charlie grew up in Carmel, New York, competing in rock crawling events since childhood. Currently pilots a Jesse Haines Moonbuggy in national competitions.

Early wheeling at Todd's property in Pennsylvania began around age 3. Started driving buggies at age 8, learning from his father. First rock crawling competition at Field and Forest in New Hampshire. 

The family owns a marina in New York passed down through generations. Charlie helps with boat maintenance, deliveries, and buggy preparation. Took welding classes in high school. Aspires to pursue fabrication and building rock crawlers.

In 2025, there was a boulder incident at WE Rock Mason, Texas—pinned under 40,000+ pound rock requiring four winches to extract. Electrical failures at recent competitions. Definitely prefer cone dodging in WE Rock events, but hopes to compete in Trailbreaker, Texas Top Gun, and Crawl Fest.

Currently learning from mentors in the off-road industry, including Jesse Haines. Open to Ultra 4 racing and desert racing. Lil Charlie is considering relocating west where weather and terrain suit year-round wheeling.

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Robert started in mud trucks around 1998 with coworkers in South Florida. Progressed through multiple vehicles: K10 Stepside on 38-inch Groundhogs, a Jimmy, and eventually a YJ and square-body GMC truck. Attended his first Ultimate Adventure in 2015 (the last pay-to-play year) and was accepted to subsequent trips. Discovered passion for genuine rock crawling rather than mud bogging.

Adventure Wheelers East
After feeling disconnected from the Florida Adventure Rigs group, Keller partnered with Jack Sloan to merge their communities into AWE – Adventure Wheelers East, combining adventure seekers from multiple off-road networks. The group runs annual week-long wheeling trips throughout the Southeast, attracting both media legends and newcomers. Keller emphasizes accessibility: "It might not be the hardest wheeling you've ever done, but it's going to be fun."

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Chad had a nomadic childhood with nine moves across the US by age 10. Played competitive soccer through college; choosing sports over academics. Family of machinists and farmers influenced hands-on career path.
 
He started as a mechanic, working through transmission and fabrication shops. Became premier Hemi Jeep installer during the modification craze, but was laid off unexpectedly, then built first personal off-road buggy after failing a rock crawl in his JK. Chad still drives that original buggy.
 
Zeus Off-Road was founded in 2016 after his wife insisted on staying in Minnesota for family support. Chad built his reputation purely through word-of-mouth and community trust, he now operates on the philosophy of customer education and consultation before major builds, emphasizing proper driver training and understanding vehicle capabilities. He advocates for gradual locker engagement and self-recovery knowledge in off-roading.

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Cole shares his 35-year journey from car enthusiast to magazine editor to automotive marketing business owner. Starting with dirt bikes in the New Mexico desert, he became editorial assistant at Hot Rod Magazine in 1990 before launching 4x4 Power—where he built an entry-level off-road publication alongside Trent McGee and Tori Tellem. After twelve years at Peterson Publishing, he transitioned to Chrysler, where he worked in PR for engineering and traveled globally with executives. Following the 2008 financial crisis, Cole started CQ Marketing and now serves clients including Flexlite and Dynatrac, while launching passion projects like Pavement Pounder Events.

Cole emphasizes the importance of staying curious and adaptable. Career paths have dissolved—no single company will define your future. Take opportunities, fail forward, and find work that excites you daily. He credits his success to surrounding himself with passionate people and collaborating with industry leaders who cared deeply about quality and customer experience.

Don't obsess over finding the perfect path. Get your degree, stay open-minded, and pursue what energizes you. Beware of working in your hobby—passion can turn to drudgery as a 9-to-5. Find the balance between funding your lifestyle and doing work that matters to you.

Cole is exploring adventure tours through Pavement Pounder Events, blending his hot-rod expertise with touring experiences. Maybe he should collaborate with Big Rich on an off-road tour concept combining both their industry backgrounds and storytelling skills?

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John grew up in Auburn, Washington with a passion for automotive work. He excelled in shop classes and purchased his first car—a 1968 Camaro—at age 14. After high school, he worked at a quick lube shop before joining an automotive repair facility. When the owner retired, John's parents bought the business, and after navigating early challenges, John eventually took over. The shop celebrates 30 years in business this year.

Auburn Auto Repair and Off-Road operates as a 50/50 split between general repairs and off-road specialization. With three technicians and 7,500 square feet, they focus on drivetrain upgrades, lifts, and wheels for Jeeps, Toyotas, and trucks. John's youngest son recently joined the team; John hopes he'll eventually lead the business.

John wheels extensively across the Pacific Northwest and beyond—Moab's iconic trails (Pritchett's, Cane Creek), Sand Hollow, and Trail Hero in Utah. He's raced Ultra4 for eight years, competing at King of the Hammers (KOH) from 2018–2025. His standout achievement: winning the EMC (4500 class) in 2022 with a flawless race. His children are all wheeling enthusiasts with their own rigs.

John wants to semi-retire, delegate business management to his youngest son, and spend more time wheeling with family, exploring Colorado and the Sierra Nevadas, and enjoying life beyond work.

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