Steve Gibson

Background

About Steve Gibson

Did you notice the background picture above? One of the most profound examples of engagement I ever witnessed came at an NHRA Drag Racing event. I was working a display trailer in the midway, the Funny Car team of "Fast" Jack Beckman was directly across from our trailer. When it came time to prepare their car for qualifying, each team member had specific roles - fuel, tire pressures, engine, etc. Jack always packed his parachutes himself. Fans love to gather for the engine warm up and the thunder and smell of a nitro burning engine. After the engine was run, Jack came out to the fans and picked 1 or a few children or teenagers and asked if they would like to learn how to pack a parachute. I doubt anyone ever said no - I sure wouldn't have! Jack would walk them through the procedure step by step, explaining the process and how important the parachutes were for safety. I'm sure this experience was permanently burned into the memory of each kid who ever helped Jack, and they probably watched his run to see the parachute THEY packed blossom at 300+ mph. I fell in love with what I witnessed and now use that same model in my own amateur racing. What a grassroots way to build interest, excitement, and involvement! So, about me: I am an internal combustion engine automotive enthusiast and a third generation educator. I have a unique talent of explaining automotive principles and technical topics in easy to understand and relatable ways. I enjoy helping others learn new skills or knowledge and strive for the "ah-ha" moment. I began working in the automotive industry at age 16 and have a deep connection to it. My volunteer work places me around a number of automotive technology students and I enjoy giving back and helping them follow their passion to find a fulfilling career. I am well seasoned in the automotive aftermarket industry and believe its brands must be more engaged in their own perpetuity (the gray haired people still greatly outnumber the colored hair people at least 2:1). I am a firm believer in servant leadership, the power of listening, standing up for what you believe in, integrity, and making a difference every day.