The Gearhead Project

The best laid plans.

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

Joshua was the first guest on our podcast. We talked about why and how he came to start Adventure Driven Design. In this conversation, we talk about how it’s evolved into a break-even side-hustle being reorganized around the original big idea.

The fully engaged gearhead

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

Jason Hammel reached out on a back channel, asking me what these Super Issue conversations were all about. When I found out he had his own business in the cannabis (specifically, CBD) industry, I knew I wanted to know what that was all about.

In the process, I found something even more exciting—the story of a gearhead who took a leap of faith that changed his life forever. They say, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Perhaps, but Jason is clearly a hustler.

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

Chazz Layne would be an enigma if he weren’t so cut and dry. You could say he’s a household name in the overlanding industry—not in the usual, Patreon pimping, lifestyle brand way, either. Chazz dual wields pen and sword, frequently surfacing in the quiet spaces where the players talk about who they can count on to deliver the exceptional.

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

It can be tricky finding time for a side hustle. The few hours between commuting and sleep quickly fill with responsibility. And it’s particularly challenging for parents. Children can’t really appreciate Mommy or Daddy working all the time makes their lives better. They just want to play!

Kevin balances old school responsibility and progressive practicality in ways I can’t help but admire. I wouldn’t want to embarrass him by suggesting he’s perfected the art of gearhead fatherhood, but he’s one of the quiet ones you should be watching—because he’s walking the walk.

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

Each of these Super Issue conversations is special in its own right. Dave’s story is interesting because, while we talk about electric vehicles and how any reasonably competent gearhead can build one, we also talk about the desire to change things up a bit and work towards a livelihood that isn’t so physically demanding.

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

Jeff’s wanted a drift car for 20 years. Just as he had scooped up a deal on a low-mile, 1998 240SX and began daily driving it, he found himself planning a move across the country to chase another dream. He sold the Silvia two years later for nearly twice what he paid for it.

Pressing on regardless

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

I wasn’t looking for a software startup when I started making my list of people to interview for the super issue. Partly because I’m trying to avoid people thinking TGP is another “start an online business” blog, but also because I just don’t know any gearheads starting SaaS companies.

Enter Ryan Scott

[ TGP Super Issue Special Feature! ]

Andrew Pascarella and Brad DeSantis have been friends since before they could drive. About two years ago, they started a podcast—just for fun. Every week they get together and talk about their project cars, road trips, and general gearhead shenanigans.

They’re not monetizing it. They’re not running ads. They’re just hanging out and talking about cars and life like the rest of us. And it’s something special. At least, I think so. And so they’re in the super issue for building something that stands the test of time.

Aim for the roses, as they say.

Overlanding takes all kinds.

Tim and Kelsey Hüber are my favorite kind, though. Do they have a cool truck, gear, and a thirst for adventure? Absolutely. But if we spend a couple minutes—or a couple hours, in the case of this epic episode—in the spaces between the all too common promotional aspects of our daily lives, we quickly discover all we really need is a little fuel in the tank, a tire plug kit, and a good attitude.