In this SEMA special edition episode of GSD with Jeni, 20-year-old entrepreneur Riley Schlick-Trask —founder of Riley’s Rebuilds—shares how a $300 garage hobby turned into a viral carburetor rebuilding business that’s shaking up the automotive industry. Riley opens up about the grit behind her journey, from learning independence in her dad’s shop to hiring friends as her business exploded overnight. 

She talks candidly about navigating college while running a company, the power of networking at events like SEMA, and the role of community support in helping young women break barriers. With insights on overcoming challenges, embracing individuality, and finding balance through self-care, Riley’s story is a must-listen for anyone driven by passion and ready to get sh!t done.

In this special SEMA edition of the Get Shit Done podcast, Jeni sits down with two powerhouse women who are transforming how brands show up in the automotive and motorsports world.

You’ll hear from Lee Riser, VP of Marketing at RealTruck, who’s led a major rebrand and built a lifestyle-first approach that inspires people to get outdoors, upgrade their rigs, and actually use their trucks. Joining her is Amanda Van Den Elzen, founder of Racer On Demand, who helps grassroots racers build intentional personal brands, connect with fans, and create real sponsorship value (no more “spray and pray” decks).

Together, they dig into what it really takes to build an intentional brand—whether you’re a manufacturer, a marketer, or a racer trying to land your next sponsor. From leaning into what makes you “weird,” to avoiding inauthentic partnerships, to saying yes before you feel ready, this episode is packed with practical and tactical branding and career advice.

If you’re trying to stand out in a crowded market, attract the right partners, or build a brand that actually means something, this one’s your playbook.

In this SEMA special edition episode, Jeni sits down with Dana Wilke to explore what it truly means to build community with purpose. Drawing from the powerful legacy of Jessi Combs, Dana shares how the Jessi Combs Foundation is redefining what’s possible for women in trades—providing over $250,000 in scholarships, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, and fostering a network of unwavering support.

Together, Jeni and Dana unpack the core elements of purposeful community building:

• showing up consistently,
• nurturing authentic connections,
• leading with courage even when fear is present, and
• creating environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Dana sheds light on the foundation’s journey—from its early challenges to its bold vision for the future—while reminding us that fearlessness isn’t the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward anyway. 

In this special SEMA Show edition of the GSD with Jeni podcast, host Jeni Bukolt sits down with Megan Meyer, two-time NHRA World Champion and powerhouse entrepreneur. Megan opens up about her evolution from life on the drag strip to life as a business owner, sharing how she built a thriving career by mastering sponsorships and leveraging social media long before it became the norm in motorsports.

Together, Jeni and Megan explore the emotional highs of winning championships, the identity shift that comes with stepping back from racing, and the raw, real challenges of navigating motherhood while staying connected to your passion. Megan also gives a sneak peek into her family’s bold new venture into off-road racing—and what’s next as she continues redefining what it means to be a woman in motorsports.

This inspiring conversation shines a light on resilience, reinvention, and the courage it takes to chase your next chapter—on and off the track.

In this episode, Joanna Agosta Shere opens up about leading through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons that shaped her role as CEO. She shares how calm communication, adaptability, and change management became critical tools for guiding her company through crisis. Joanna reflects on the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader, the importance of rebuilding trust after setbacks, and the role of empathy in driving collaboration and innovation. At the heart of her journey is a commitment to building a supportive company culture that balances high performance with genuine care while overcoming self-doubt and staying focused on the future.

From becoming Ford’s youngest engineer at just 16 to leading as CTO at Battle Motors, Kelleigh Schenkel has built her career on innovation, resilience, and heart-centered leadership. In this episode, Kelleigh shares her journey through the automotive industry, from pioneering projects like the Mustang platform to her current role driving innovation in electric and connected vehicle technology. She opens up about the challenges of proving herself in a male-dominated field, the impact of emotional intelligence training on her leadership style, and her mantra of “taking the heat but spreading warmth.” Along the way, she reveals how building strong, trusted teams and setting clear goals has fueled her success. Whether you’re passionate about engineering, leadership, or career development, Kelleigh’s story is packed with lessons on breaking barriers and driving innovation forward.

In this inspiring episode, Theresa Contreras—automotive designer, painter, and co-founder of Real Deal Revolution—shares her journey as a creative force in the male-dominated automotive industry. From her roots in the garage with her family to building a career that spans custom design, off-road, and SEMA highlights, Theresa opens up about the grit, resilience, and community support that fueled her success. 

She reflects on memorable projects, including a Bronco build for Jay Leno, and the pivotal role of mentorship in building confidence and breaking barriers. Through Real Deal Revolution, Theresa aims to empower women in trades with hands-on workshops and a thriving community. Whether you’re passionate about design, mentorship, or simply getting shit done, Theresa’s story will leave you energized and inspired.

In this episode of GSD with Jeni, we sit down with Baily Soto, a leader in electric vehicle (EV) education and high voltage safety training, to talk about breaking down barriers in a rapidly evolving industry. From launching CTE programs worldwide to designing safety certifications changing how the industry trains its workforce, Baily shares how she's driving real change.

We get into the challenges of convincing traditional automotive professionals (including her own brother) to embrace EVs, the importance of equity in education, and what it takes to shift culture in a male-dominated field. Whether you're an educator, engineer, or just EV-curious, this episode is a deep dive into how innovation, grit, and hands-on learning reshape the automotive world.

Key Takeaways — What You’ll Learn:

• How to lead change in a traditional industry 
• Tools for breaking through self-doubt and imposter syndrome when you're doing something new
• The importance of access, equity, and bringing others with you as you rise
• How to challenge outdated mindsets and get buy-in from even the most resistant people (yes, even family)
• What it looks like to blend heart, hustle, and high standards to make a real impact

Cora Jokinen’s path to entrepreneurship didn’t start with an off-road rig — it started in architecture. Now the owner of Torque Masters Industries, Cora shares how she made the leap from the design world to the dirt, turning her passion for off-roading into a thriving business.

In this episode, Cora opens up about navigating the challenges of acquiring a company, marketing in a fast-changing digital world, and building credibility in a male-dominated industry. From product development to personal growth, she’s honest about the highs and lows of running a business — and why passion and persistence matter most.

If you're an entrepreneur, off-road enthusiast, or woman forging your own path in business, this conversation offers valuable takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• How Cora transitioned from architect to off-road business owner
• What it’s like being a woman in the off-road and automotive space
• Branding, consulting, and strategies for business growth
• The power of passion and knowledge in earning industry respect
• Balancing life and leadership with a four-day workweek
• How to overcome imposter syndrome through education and support

Melanie Henry has done more than bring people together through her car shows — she’s sparked a movement rooted in community, purpose, and giving back. As a marketing strategist and lifelong car enthusiast, Melanie shares how her passion for automotive culture has helped raise over $300,000 for local nonprofits.

In this episode, she talks about the power of showing up, staying curious, and leading authentically — especially in an industry where women still carve out space. From overcoming imposter syndrome to building resilience through challenges, Melanie offers real-world wisdom for anyone trying to grow personally and professionally.

Whether you work in the automotive world or are simply passionate about building community, this conversation is full of honest insights and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

• Why authenticity > faking confidence
• The power of car culture in community building
• How to overcome imposter syndrome and embrace curiosity
• Tips for women entering the automotive world
• Fundraising through passion projects