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Join us for an exciting episode of "Conversations with Big Rich" as we dive into the fascinating world of off-road with our guest, Justin Andrews. Known for his dynamic journey in the off-road industry, Justin shares his unique story, from his musical roots to becoming a key player at Factor 55 and Warn Industries.

Episode Highlights:

• Justin's Musical Beginnings: Discover how Justin transitioned from playing saxophone in a Scottish punk band to becoming an off-road enthusiast and industry leader.
• Off-Road Passion: Learn about Justin's first experiences with off-roading, his adventures in Moab, and how a chance encounter with King of the Hammers changed his life.
• Industry Impact: Hear about Justin's role at Factor 55, his journey through the company's acquisition by Warn Industries, and his current position as brand manager for both Factor 55 and Warn.
• Innovative Products: Get the scoop on the latest developments, including the USA-made Roper X leather gloves and the new XEON XP winch line from Warn.
• Educational Initiatives: Justin discusses the importance of education in off-road recovery techniques and the upcoming training certification program.
• Personal Insights: Enjoy personal anecdotes, including Justin's journey from Pittsburgh to Boise and the impact of the off-road community on his life.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of passion, innovation, and community in the off-road industry. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or new to the scene, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

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Join Big Rich Klein in an engaging conversation with Roger Salazar, a dynamic figure in the off-road community and a member of the California Off Highway Motor Vehicle Commission. In this episode, Roger shares his journey from a small town in California to the bustling political scene of Washington, D.C., and how his love for off-roading has intertwined with his professional life.

Background & Early Life: Roger talks about growing up in Lodi, California, in a blue-collar family with a passion for cars and off-roading. He reflects on his education and how he skipped third grade due to his early academic prowess.  

Political Career: Roger outlines his path into politics, including his time as an intern and press secretary at the White House under President Clinton and his role in Al Gore’s presidential campaign. 

Off-Road Passion: Roger delves into his deep-rooted love for off-roading, tracing back to his family's legacy with Jeeps. He shares stories from his adventures on the Rubicon Trail and his involvement with the Sierra Treasure Hunters Off Road Club. 

OHV Commission Goals: Roger discusses his ambitions for expanding off-road trails in California and his vision for a continuous trail from the Mexican to the Oregon border. He also mentions the importance of preserving access to iconic off-road areas like Oceano Dunes.

Final Thoughts: Rich and Roger explore the intersection of politics and off-roading, emphasizing the need for thoughtful advocacy and community involvement to ensure future access to public lands. Roger leaves listeners with his commitment to fostering off-road opportunities and preserving the adventurous spirit of the community.

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In this engaging episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," host Rich Klein sits down with the dynamic Shannon Welch, a prominent figure in the off-road community. Shannon's journey from her humble beginnings in Rochester, New York, to becoming a significant influencer in the off-road and land use sectors is highlighted in this riveting discussion.

Shannon shares stories from her upbringing in Rochester, her academic journey at Ithaca College, and her initial career in tech recruiting in Southern California.

Discover how a chance encounter with public lands and off-roading led Shannon to a new and exciting lifestyle, full of unexpected adventures and challenges.

Learn about Shannon’s pivotal role in supporting Kevin Secalas and the Big Ugly Racing team, which led her to a deeper involvement with King of the Hammers.

Shannon discusses her transition from a corporate career to working with Dave Cole on King of the Hammers, emphasizing the trials, triumphs, and the significant impact she made in the off-road community.

As a board member of the Blue Ribbon Coalition, Shannon is passionate about preserving public lands for recreational use. She reflects on her ongoing efforts in land use advocacy and her future aspirations.

Shannon Welch's story is one of resilience, innovation, and a profound commitment to the off-road lifestyle and land preservation. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those looking to blend passion with purpose.

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In this captivating episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," we dive into the vibrant world of motorsports with Tony Barraza, a passionate designer and long-time enthusiast of the off-road industry. Tony, the creative force behind TB DesignWorks, shares his journey from growing up in a small desert town in Blythe, California, to becoming a significant figure in motorsports illustration, printing, and marketing.

Tony discusses his upbringing in Blythe, California, where the seeds of his love for motorsports were sown. Influenced by neighbors involved in off-road racing, he found himself drawn to the vibrant desert racing scene.

Transitioning from a BMX enthusiast to a graphic designer, Tony recounts his educational journey at Platt College and his serendipitous entry into NHRA, which launched his professional career in motorsports design.

The episode explores the founding of TB DesignWorks in 1999, showcasing Tony's dedication to merging his creative talents with his passion for motorsports.

With over 30 years of experience, Tony reflects on his legacy and future aspirations, sharing his love for the sport and the community that surrounds it.

Join Big Rich and Tony Barraza for an inspiring conversation about following your passion and making a living in the off-road world. Whether you're a die-hard motorsports fan or just curious about the industry, this episode offers valuable lessons and insights.

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In this engaging episode of "Conversations with Big Rich," host Rich Klein sits down with Mike Ingalsbee, a seasoned photographer with a rich history in the off-road industry. Mike, the founder of Mike's Race Photo, shares his unique journey from growing up in Michigan to becoming a prominent figure in off-road media. 

Key Discussion Points:

• Early Life and Journey to California: Mike discusses his upbringing in Michigan, moving to Southern California, and the cultural adjustments he experienced.
• Entry into Off-Road Racing: A chance encounter at a Vegas race ignites Mike's passion for off-road racing, leading him to pick up a camera and never look back.
• Photography Career: Mike talks about his transition from being a team member to a photographer, highlighting his work with magazines and his role as co-founder of the Association of Motorsports Media Professionals.
• Memorable Experiences and Challenges: From navigating the desert terrains to the evolution from film to digital photography, Mike shares captivating anecdotes and insights from his career.
• Advice for Aspiring Off-Road Enthusiasts: Mike encourages newcomers to dive into the off-road world by taking initiative and following their passion.

Final Thoughts: The episode wraps with reflections on preserving the history and spirit of off-road racing, and Mike's aspirations for future projects and adventures.

Tune in to this episode for an inspiring journey through the lens of off-road adventures and photography!

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In this riveting episode of Conversations with Big Rich, host Rich Klein delves into the fascinating world of off-road racing and rallying with the esteemed John Elkin. John, a renowned off-road historian and writer, shares his journey from family adventures in Death Valley to becoming a pivotal figure in off-road motorsports journalism.

Episode Highlights:

• Early Off-Road Influences: John recounts his early exposure to off-road adventures with family trips to Death Valley, setting the stage for his lifelong passion for the sport.
• Racing and Writing Journey: Discover how John transitioned from being an off-road enthusiast to a respected writer and historian in the off-road community. He shares anecdotes about covering iconic races and the people he met along the way.
• Navigating Challenges: John opens up about his battle with melanoma and how it shifted his focus from racing to preserving the history of the sport through writing.
• Impact of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame: Explore John's contributions to the Hall

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Welcome to another exciting episode of "Conversations with Big Rich." This week, Big Rich Klein sits down with Jim Winn, a dynamic entrepreneur with a multifaceted career, whose journey has spanned from professional photography to corporate business, and now, to owning and operating multiple businesses within the off-road industry.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Early Life and Career: Jim shares his story of growing up in a baseball-centric family, which instilled in him a competitive spirit and a drive for excellence. His early ambitions took him from a promising photography career, where he captured significant moments like Hurricane Katrina, to becoming an entrepreneur.
• Entrepreneurial Journey: Jim discusses his transition from photography to business, including a stint as a cross-country truck driver, which helped fund his ventures. He eventually founded a small business selling home and garden products, which laid the groundwork for his current ventures.
• Behemoth Drivetrain: Jim talks about acquiring and revitalizing Behemoth Drivetrain, focusing on designing and manufacturing high-performance transfer cases and underdrives for off-road vehicles. He emphasizes the importance of quality and innovation in meeting the needs of enthusiasts and OEMs alike.
• Family and Future Plans: Jim reflects on the importance of family, his children's involvement in sports, and his commitment to building a legacy in the off-road industry. He shares his vision for continued growth and community impact in Litchfield, Kentucky.

Join Big Rich and Jim Winn for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, passion, and the off-road lifestyle. Don’t miss this episode packed with insights and stories of adventure and innovation.

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Join Big Rich as he dives into the off-road lifestyle with Zack Grimes, President of Rally in the Ozarks. This episode explores Zack's journey from Kansas City to becoming an entrepreneur and rally organizer, while celebrating vintage 4x4 vehicles. Zack shares his passion for Scouts, his career transitions, and the creation of the Rally in the Ozarks—a unique event for enthusiasts of all things vintage and 4x4.

Key Highlights:

Zack's Background: Born in Kansas City, Zack grew up in a small Kansas town, fostering a love for off-roading through family ATV trips and auto shop classes.

Career Path: After teaching industrial arts in high school and working in construction management, Zack pursued his passion by opening Grimes Garage, specializing in Scout restoration and parts.

Rally in the Ozarks: Zack founded this event to bring vintage 4x4 enthusiasts together. Held at the Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch, the rally includes trail rides, scenic road trips, and social gatherings.

Community and Sponsors: The rally supports the Shriner Hospital Dads charity, with sponsors like Kaiser Willies and General Tire. Zack emphasizes the importance of community and welcoming all vintage 4x4s pre-1990.

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Episode Summary: Join host Big Rich as he dives into the exhilarating world of off-road sports with the legendary Shannon Campbell. In this episode, Shannon shares his journey from a rural upbringing in Arizona to becoming a renowned figure in the off-road industry. From racing at Top Truck Challenge to making a mark at King of the Hammers, Shannon's stories are as thrilling as they are inspiring.

Key Moments:

• Early Life and Influences: Shannon talks about his upbringing in Gilbert, Arizona, and how his family's involvement in racing influenced his passion for off-road sports.
• Breaking into Off-Road Racing: Hear about Shannon's first major competition at Top Truck Challenge in 1996 and how it set the stage for his future success.
• Innovations and Challenges: Discover the journey of transitioning to independent front suspension and the challenges Shannon faced in desert racing.
• Memorable Moments: Laugh along with tales of close calls, wild races, and the camaraderie of the off-road community, including epic stories with his long-time friend Randy Ellis.
• Future Plans: Shannon shares his aspirations to balance big races with a return to grassroots wheeling adventures and his enthusiasm for upcoming events like Trail Hero and the Rubicon.

Guest Bio: Shannon Campbell is a celebrated figure in the off-road racing world, known for his innovative spirit and competitive drive. As a member of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, Shannon continues to inspire with his dedication to the sport and his passion for life.

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So many great stories about a great man!  Mike Czajkowski shares stories about his dad, the legendary Marlin Crawler. Don’t miss episode 270! Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

2:10 – People always know when Marlin caught them on the trail, where they met him.

18:28 – Paul goes, “hey, this my friend, Marlin.” And Christine gets up, throws the paper and storms off to her room! That was the first time they met.              

29:11 – There was a first gen Toyota mini truck in the church parking lot, my dad snuck out of church to leave a note – cool truck, call me! 

38:28 – How many revisions has the Marlin Crawler truck gone through?? Listen to find out. 

54:05 – he would experiment and learn and put seals in backwards on purpose, just do things in non-conventional ways

1:04:10 – Three boxes. We call that a triple transfer case, and no one had ever done this to go slow over the rocks.

Special thanks to Maxxis Tires for support and sponsorship of this podcast.

Be sure to listen on your favorite podcast app.

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