Femcanic Garage Podcast

EP.46: JoAnn Bortles—“A Lifetime of Turning ‘Nos’ into ‘Yesses’!”

JoAnn Bortles is the owner of Crazy Horse Painting—a motorcycle, bicycle, and hot rod custom paint shop in Charlotte, NC. With over 40 years in the industry, her life experiences have led her to be a welder, a car builder, a business owner, a writer, and the first woman to do A LOT of things in the skilled trades and motorsports industries. To name a few, JoAnn was the first woman to own a custom paint shop in the late 70’s, the first woman to have a woman-owned chopper motorcycle on the cove...

EP.46—JoAnn Bortles—“A Lifetime of Turning ‘Nos’ into ‘Yesses’!”

JoAnn Bortles is the owner of Crazy Horse Painting—a motorcycle, bicycle, and hot rod custom paint shop in Charlotte, NC. With over 40 years in the industry, her life experiences have led her to be a welder, a car builder, a business owner, a writer, and the first woman to do A LOT of things in the skilled trades and motorsports industries. To name a few, JoAnn was the first woman to own a custom paint shop in the late 70’s, the first woman to have a woman-owned chopper motorcycle on the cov...

EP.46—JoAnn Bortles—“A Lifetime of Turning ‘Nos’ into ‘Yesses’!”

JoAnn Bortles is the owner of Crazy Horse Painting—a motorcycle, bicycle, and hot rod custom paint shop in Charlotte, NC. With over 40 years in the industry, her life experiences have led her to be a welder, a car builder, a business owner, a writer, and the first woman to do A LOT of things in the skilled trades and motorsports industries. To name a few, JoAnn was the first woman to own a custom paint shop in the late 70’s, the first woman to have a woman-owned chopper motorcycle on the cov...

EP.45: Laura Salas-- Collision Repair Technology Instructor

Laura Salas is in the driver seat today.  She was a co-owner of a successful collision repair company for six years before becoming a professor of collision repair technology at Contra Costa College.  Not only is she a professor at Contra Costa College, she is the Automotive Department Chair.    Audience feedback drives the show. I’d love for you to text me at (614) 953-6380.  I am excited to connect with you! What is the Femcanic Garage community all about? Go check us out! You can vis...

Ep.45 Laura Salas-- Collision Repair Technology Instructor

Laura Salas is in the driver seat today.  She was a co-owner of a successful collision repair company for six years before becoming a professor of collision repair technology at Contra Costa College.  Not only is she a professor at Contra Costa College, she is the Automotive Department Chair.    Audience feedback drives the show. I’d love for you to text me at (614) 953-6380.  I am excited to connect with you! What is the Femcanic Garage community all about? Go check us out! You can v...

EP.44: Nhu Nguyen--“Got a Classic Porsche resto project? Just Make-It-Nhu!”

Nhu Nguyen is a Certified Silver and Classic Porsche Technician based out of Ontario, Canada. Although she is an “all-around” auto tech, her love and passion lies in classic, air cooled Porsches, especially in rebuilding their engines. As if just working on high performance sports cars isn’t badass enough, Nhu was one of North America’s first Certified Porsche Classic Technicians in turn making her the world’s first FEMALE Certified Porsche Classic Technician. Nhu has also worked as a mechani...

EP. 43—Stacey Chandler—“From the Runway to the Pit Stop”

Stacey Chandler is a Porsche mechanic in the UK. She specializes in Porsche classic but also works on other models from brand new hybrids to a 356. She is such a badass at what she does that she was personally picked to join the Porsche UK classic race team as a pit stop mechanic. Stacey travelled through Europe with the race team working on their 1969 2.0L 911. While in school, Stacey explored a career in wedding planning and fashion design, but through a family car restoration project, she...

EP.43: Stacey Chandler—“From the Runway to the Pit Stop”

Stacey Chandler is a Porsche mechanic in the UK. She specializes in Porsche classic but also works on other models from brand new hybrids to a 356. She is such a badass at what she does that she was personally picked to join the Porsche UK classic race team as a pit stop mechanic. Stacey travelled through Europe with the race team working on their 1969 2.0L 911. While in school, Stacey explored a career in wedding planning and fashion design, but through a family car restoration project, she ...

EP. 43—Stacey Chandler—“From the Runway to the Pit Stop”

Stacey Chandler is a Porsche mechanic in the UK. She specializes in Porsche classic but also works on other models from brand new hybrids to a 356. She is such a badass at what she does that she was personally picked to join the Porsche UK classic race team as a pit stop mechanic. Stacey travelled through Europe with the race team working on their 1969 2.0L 911. While in school, Stacey explored a career in wedding planning and fashion design, but through a family car restoration project, she...

Ep.42-- Kathreen Larsen: Airplane Mechanic to Classic Car Upholstery

Kathreen had this to say, "After returning to my roots I decided to step out of my father and brothers shadows and try my hand with interior work. I have had experience with sewing clothes and such, my mother and I made my prom dress. I also made a few dresses and blankets on my own. So I thought upholstery is just thicker material and bigger machines, I was pretty right on that. I acquired a 1953 Pfaff industrial sewing machine and scrap boat materials, I then dove head first into the sewin...

EP.42: Kathreen Larsen: Airplane Mechanic to Classic Car Upholstery

Kathreen had this to say, "After returning to my roots I decided to step out of my father and brothers shadows and try my hand with interior work. I have had experience with sewing clothes and such, my mother and I made my prom dress. I also made a few dresses and blankets on my own. So I thought upholstery is just thicker material and bigger machines, I was pretty right on that. I acquired a 1953 Pfaff industrial sewing machine and scrap boat materials, I then dove head first into the sewing...

EP.41 PATRICE BANKS—“Unapologetically Unapologetic to Inspire and Empower Women Across the World”

Patrice Banks is the CEO of Girls Auto Clinic (GAC). GAC offers automotive buying and repair resources, products, and services to women based on trust, education, inclusion, and empowerment. Patrice got into the automotive field not by being an expert in automotive mechanics or repair, but by being an expert in the EXPERIENCE of a woman in the automotive industry. Motivated by this experience, Patrice set off to change this for women in the U.S. and all around the world. By being unapologeti...

EP.41: PATRICE BANKS—“Unapologetically Unapologetic to Inspire and Empower Women Across the World”

Patrice Banks is the CEO of Girls Auto Clinic (GAC). GAC offers automotive buying and repair resources, products, and services to women based on trust, education, inclusion, and empowerment. Patrice got into the automotive field not by being an expert in automotive mechanics or repair, but by being an expert in the EXPERIENCE of a woman in the automotive industry. Motivated by this experience, Patrice set off to change this for women in the U.S. and all around the world. By being unapologetic...

EP.40: Jeanette DesJardins: From High School Dropout to Motorsports Boss

Jeanette is the founder and CEO of Car Chix, the premier motorsports organization for women.  She dropped out of high school and was told by many that she wouldn’t amount to anything and become a statistic.  She did not become a statistic and she went on to start and grow two successful businesses.  Her company has stood the test of time and is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary in 2020.  When I asked her what her proudest career accomplishment was from a very impressive list, “Seeing the h...

Ep.40—Jeanette DesJardins: From High School Dropout to Motorsports Boss

Jeanette is the founder and CEO of Car Chix, the premier motorsports organization for women.  She dropped out of high school and was told by many that she wouldn’t amount to anything and become a statistic.  She did not become a statistic and she went on to start and grow two successful businesses.  Her company has stood the test of time and is celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary in 2020.  When I asked her what her proudest career accomplishment was from a very impressive list, “Seeing the ...

EP.39-GEVIN FAX—“When Preparation Meets Opportunity…You Create a Legend!”

This multi-faceted woman is known as a legend in the motorcycle world and beyond! She has been on two wheels since she was 10 years old from dirt bikes to mopeds to her current Harley.  She is a musician, an artist, an athlete, a stunt-woman, a community leader; but mostly important to her, she is a friend, a partner, a sister, and a daughter. Gevin has been featured on the Turner Broadcasting Documentary called, "Biker Women", where she and other women motorcyclists rode their bikes across ...

EP.39: GEVIN FAX—“When Preparation Meets Opportunity…You Create a Legend!”

This multi-faceted woman is known as a legend in the motorcycle world and beyond! She has been on two wheels since she was 10 years old from dirt bikes to mopeds to her current Harley.  She is a musician, an artist, an athlete, a stunt-woman, a community leader; but mostly important to her, she is a friend, a partner, a sister, and a daughter. Gevin has been featured on the Turner Broadcasting Documentary called, "Biker Women", where she and other women motorcyclists rode their bikes across t...

Ep.38-- Brenda Stredwick-- AKA ‘Iron Maiden’—“Necessity is the Mother of Passion”

Brenda Stredwick is the owner of Iron Maiden Welding LLC. She is a self-taught welder who has turned a living into her passion. She started welding at age 8 along her father to help him fix things around the house, she then continued welding in shop class in high school, and then doing odd jobs in her community. After a brief stint in trade school, necessity pulled her back into welding and she became the go-to welder in her hometown. As life progressed for Brenda, she also became a “junk pi...

EP.38: Brenda Stredwick-- AKA ‘Iron Maiden’—“Necessity is the Mother of Passion”

Brenda Stredwick is the owner of Iron Maiden Welding LLC. She is a self-taught welder who has turned a living into her passion. She started welding at age 8 along her father to help him fix things around the house, she then continued welding in shop class in high school, and then doing odd jobs in her community. After a brief stint in trade school, necessity pulled her back into welding and she became the go-to welder in her hometown. As life progressed for Brenda, she also became a “junk pic...

Ep.38-- Brenda Stredwick

EP.37—Jill Trotta-- We Are Stronger Together

Jill brings a wealth of experience to the Femcanic Garage community with over 25 years in the industry in various roles ranging from auto repair technician to service manager to shop owner.  Currently, Jill is the Vice President of Industry and Sales at Repair Pal—the largest auto repair consumer website. In 2017, she was awarded the “Woman of Excellence” Award by Women in Auto Care for which she also serves as a board member. Join us as Jill gives us advice on how to get equal pay if your c...

EP.37: Jill Trotta-- We Are Stronger Together

Jill brings a wealth of experience to the Femcanic Garage community with over 25 years in the industry in various roles ranging from auto repair technician to service manager to shop owner.  Currently, Jill is the Vice President of Industry and Sales at Repair Pal—the largest auto repair consumer website. In 2017, she was awarded the “Woman of Excellence” Award by Women in Auto Care for which she also serves as a board member. Join us as Jill gives us advice on how to get equal pay if your co...

EPISODE 36: Hilary Noack—“The Non-Lesbian, Non-Man Hating, Female-Empowering, Auto Body Bad Ass”

Hilary Noack is one of the most respected entrepreneurs in Canada. She is the owner of Ink N Iron Automotive in Ontario, Canada and the founder of Auto Body Gals--a Women-Only Facebook group that strives to support and encourage any and all women in the industry. She has been an auto body repair technician since age 17 when she was part of a co-op program in high school. Since then she has worked as the first woman in the largest collision shop in North America, she has taught both hobbyist ...

EP.36: Hilary Noack—“The Non-Lesbian, Non-Man Hating, Female-Empowering, Auto Body Bad Ass”

Hilary Noack is one of the most respected entrepreneurs in Canada. She is the owner of Ink N Iron Automotive in Ontario, Canada and the founder of Auto Body Gals--a Women-Only Facebook group that strives to support and encourage any and all women in the industry. She has been an auto body repair technician since age 17 when she was part of a co-op program in high school. Since then she has worked as the first woman in the largest collision shop in North America, she has taught both hobbyist a...

EP.35: Shop Talk #3--Bio Fuels with Rachel Burton

The “Biofuels Boss”, Rachel Burton, from episode 25 is back! This time with fascinating facts about biofuels from their sources, to how their produced, to where we can buy them if we convert our vehicles. She also talks about the effects of biofuels on our vehicles if we convert and the environmental and financial benefits of such on our country’s agricultural industry. If you have thought about converting to biofuels (for any reason), this episode is a good start. Don’t miss it!     Audie...

EP.35— Shop Talk #3--Bio Fuels with Rachel Burton

The “Biofuels Boss”, Rachel Burton, from episode 25 is back! This time with fascinating facts about biofuels from their sources, to how their produced, to where we can buy them if we convert our vehicles. She also talks about the effects of biofuels on our vehicles if we convert and the environmental and financial benefits of such on our country’s agricultural industry. If you have thought about converting to biofuels (for any reason), this episode is a good start. Don’t miss it!  

EP.35— Shop Talk #3--Bio Fuels with Rachel Burton

The “Biofuels Boss”, Rachel Burton, from episode 25 is back! This time with fascinating facts about biofuels from their sources, to how their produced, to where we can buy them if we convert our vehicles. She also talks about the effects of biofuels on our vehicles if we convert and the environmental and financial benefits of such on our country’s agricultural industry. If you have thought about converting to biofuels (for any reason), this episode is a good start. Don’t miss it!     Aud...

Ep.34 Brakes for Breasts—“With a business comes visibility;

Laura Frank & Leigh Anne Best are the co-founders of Brakes for Breasts—an organization that fundraises with more than 100 independent auto repair shops across the U.S. and Canada to support research for the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. As of 2018, they have raised almost $750, 000 with the goal of reaching $1 million by the end of this year! With combined experience of over 30 years in the automotive industry, Laura and Leigh Anne have created the perfect WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN sce...

EP.34: Brakes for Breasts—“With a business comes visibility;

Laura Frank & Leigh Anne Best are the co-founders of Brakes for Breasts—an organization that fundraises with more than 100 independent auto repair shops across the U.S. and Canada to support research for the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Fund. As of 2018, they have raised almost $750, 000 with the goal of reaching $1 million by the end of this year! With combined experience of over 30 years in the automotive industry, Laura and Leigh Anne have created the perfect WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN scen...

EP.33: Shelby Livetsky—Heavy-Duty Bus Mechanic

Shelby Livetsky is a heavy-duty mechanic in Manitoba, Canada and a blog collaborator/writer for “The Mechanic Doctor”—an online blog about all things wrenching. One of her most popular articles, “Should Your Daughter Be an Auto Mechanic?”, was written in collaboration with Jill Trotta from the RepairPal team. Currently, Shelby works fixing and maintaining the school buses in her local school division, but her passion for wrenching began early in childhood as she worked alongside her father. S...

EP.33—Shelby Livetsky—Heavy-Duty Bus Mechanic

Shelby Livetsky is a heavy-duty mechanic in Manitoba, Canada and a blog collaborator/writer for “The Mechanic Doctor”—an online blog about all things wrenching. One of her most popular articles, “Should Your Daughter Be an Auto Mechanic?”, was written in collaboration with Jill Trotta from the RepairPal team. Currently, Shelby works fixing and maintaining the school buses in her local school division, but her passion for wrenching began early in childhood as she worked alongside her father. ...

EP.32: Shannon Fannin— Realist Vehicle Painter

Shannon Fannin is a mother, a marathon runner, a former marketing director, and a former home-schooling teacher who became a realist vehicle painter AFTER her son went away to college! Combining realism with abstract, Shannon makes cars comes to life on her canvas—so much so, you’d swear you could see your reflection in the chrome that she paints. Join us on this episode to hear Shannon’s story where she shares her painting techniques, gallery etiquette, and just some good ol’ wisdom on pursu...

EP 32--Shannon Fannin— Realist Vehicle Painter

Shannon Fannin is a mother, a marathon runner, a former marketing director, and a former home-schooling teacher who became a realist vehicle painter AFTER her son went away to college! Combining realism with abstract, Shannon makes cars comes to life on her canvas—so much so, you’d swear you could see your reflection in the chrome that she paints. Join us on this episode to hear Shannon’s story where she shares her painting techniques, gallery etiquette, and just some good ol’ wisdom on purs...

EP.31—Olivia Cook “When Passion Drives you Forward”

Olivia Cook is a custom painter for Marine Technology Inc. aka MTI. “What is that?”, you ask, and “What does she do?”  Well, she paints high performance racing and pleasure catamaran style boats, center console vee-bottoms, and twin outboard catamarans—each paint job custom-designed to the client’s desire! What’s special about that? How is that related to automotive paint jobs? Well, just ONE of the boats she paints is like painting THREE ‘57 Cadillacs put together! The largest boat they se...

Ep.31—Olivia Cook “When Passion Drives you Forward”

Olivia Cook is a custom painter for Marine Technology Inc. aka MTI. “What is that?”, you ask, and “What does she do?”  Well, she paints high performance racing and pleasure catamaran style boats, center console vee-bottoms, and twin outboard catamarans—each paint job custom-designed to the client’s desire! What’s special about that? How is that related to automotive paint jobs? Well, just ONE of the boats she paints is like painting THREE ‘57 Cadillacs put together! The largest boat they s...

EP.30— Andrea Bullard--Are You Ready to Off Road Like a Girl?

Andrea Bullard owns Off-Road Like A Girl—a company that produces apparel and accessories for women in the off-road, motorsports, and automotive communities. Off-Road Like A Girl exists to foster confidence and empower women in these industries via simple yet powerful designs. Beyond bold apparel and accessories, Off-Road Like a Girl is committed to paying-it-forward. They donate 25% of their profits to non-profit organizations that support the health and overall well-being of women across the...

Ep.30— Andrea Bullard--Are You Ready to Off Road Like a Girl?

Andrea Bullard owns Off-Road Like A Girl—a company that produces apparel and accessories for women in the off-road, motorsports, and automotive communities. Off-Road Like A Girl exists to foster confidence and empower women in these industries via simple yet powerful designs. Beyond bold apparel and accessories, Off-Road Like a Girl is committed to paying-it-forward. They donate 25% of their profits to non-profit organizations that support the health and overall well-being of women across th...

Ep.30— Are You Ready to Off Road Like a Girl?

Andrea Bullard owns Off-Road Like A Girl—a company that produces apparel and accessories for women in the off-road, motorsports, and automotive communities. Off-Road Like A Girl exists to foster confidence and empower women in these industries via simple yet powerful designs. Beyond bold apparel and accessories, Off-Road Like a Girl is committed to paying-it-forward. They donate 25% of their profits to non-profit organizations that support the health and overall well-being of women across th...

EP.29: Amanda Casad--How She Became a Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Amanda Casad is a heavy diesel mechanic. She started wrenching when she was “just barely out of diapers” with her stepfather who taught her everything she knows about automotive mechanics and has been one of her biggest supporters throughout life. As a teenager, Amanda went to work at her uncle’s shop helping out with cars they raced on the dirt tracks. After high school, Amanda went off to pursue her passion in the automotive world, but experienced a few setbacks. Amanda shares her journey o...

Ep.29: How She Became a Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Amanda Casad is a heavy diesel mechanic. She started wrenching when she was “just barely out of diapers” with her stepfather who taught her everything she knows about automotive mechanics and has been one of her biggest supporters throughout life. As a teenager, Amanda went to work at her uncle’s shop helping out with cars they raced on the dirt tracks. After high school, Amanda went off to pursue her passion in the automotive world, but experienced a few setbacks. Amanda shares her journey ...

Ep.29: Amanda Casad--How She Became a Heavy Diesel Mechanic

Amanda Casad is a heavy diesel mechanic. She started wrenching when she was “just barely out of diapers” with her stepfather who taught her everything she knows about automotive mechanics and has been one of her biggest supporters throughout life. As a teenager, Amanda went to work at her uncle’s shop helping out with cars they raced on the dirt tracks. After high school, Amanda went off to pursue her passion in the automotive world, but experienced a few setbacks. Amanda shares her journey ...

EP.28: Vallee Mccolley--Behind the Scenes with an Auto Damage Insurance Estimator—

Vallee McColley is a 3rd generation gearhead. Her grandfather was an avid hobbyist and a Sprint race car driver who taught Vallee’s mother all about cars. Vallee’s mother passed on the legacy by teaching Vallee the basics about auto maintenance as she was raising her and Vallee’s love for cars was sparked from there! As Vallee followed her passion, she discovered the world of auto damage and appraisal.  Vallee now has 11 years as an auto damage appraiser, she is an I-Car Gold and Platinum Loc...

Ep.28: Behind the Scenes with an Auto Damage Insurance Estimator—

Vallee McColley is a 3rd generation gearhead. Her grandfather was an avid hobbyist and a Sprint race car driver who taught Vallee’s mother all about cars. Vallee’s mother passed on the legacy by teaching Vallee the basics about auto maintenance as she was raising her and Vallee’s love for cars was sparked from there! As Vallee followed her passion, she discovered the world of auto damage and appraisal.  Vallee now has 11 years as an auto damage appraiser, she is an I-Car Gold and Platinum Lo...

Ep.28: Vallee Mccolley--Behind the Scenes with an Auto Damage Insurance Estimator—

Vallee McColley is a 3rd generation gearhead. Her grandfather was an avid hobbyist and a Sprint race car driver who taught Vallee’s mother all about cars. Vallee’s mother passed on the legacy by teaching Vallee the basics about auto maintenance as she was raising her and Vallee’s love for cars was sparked from there! As Vallee followed her passion, she discovered the world of auto damage and appraisal.  Vallee now has 11 years as an auto damage appraiser, she is an I-Car Gold and Platinum Lo...

Ep.27 Shop Talk #2- DIY Basics for Prepping Your Ride for Paint

There are three powerhouse women sharing DIY best practices on how to prep your ride for paint.  Learn the do’s and don’ts of prepping and when to go search out a local shop to rent their booth.  Ginger Schmidt from California and owner of Kiss my G.A.S. Industries, Connie Manjavinos from Florida, supervisor and lead painter at Kitty’s Classics resonation shop and Hilary Noack from Toronto Canada, owner of the all-female powered Ink and Iron Restoration shop. Audience feedback drives the s...

EP.27 Shop Talk #2- DIY Basics for Prepping Your Ride for Paint

There are three powerhouse women sharing DIY best practices on how to prep your ride for paint.  Learn the do’s and don’ts of prepping and when to go search out a local shop to rent their booth.  Ginger Schmidt from California and owner of Kiss my G.A.S. Industries, Connie Manjavinos from Florida, supervisor and lead painter at Kitty’s Classics resonation shop and Hilary Noack from Toronto Canada, owner of the all-female powered Ink and Iron Restoration shop. Audience feedback drives the sho...

Ep.26--Amy Lee Hinz—Meet Amy Lee AKA “@_TinyTech"

Amy Lee recently earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Honda/Acura Professional Automotive Career Training program from Dunwoody College in Minneapolis, MN. She was one of two women to cross the stage with an automotive degree and she was the only Asian American woman to graduate in that program since the foundation of the college 105 years ago.  Amy’s love for cars and wrenching started when she was a young girl helping her dad fix cars in the garage and continued later on as...

Ep.25: Rachel Burton—“From a Farm Girl to a BioFuel Boss!”

Rachel Burton has over 15 years in the automotive industry. Her love for wrenching started with a broken transmission on an old pickup truck she bought for farming. Encouraged by a teacher and mentor, she enrolled in an auto technician program and the rest is history! Rachel became interested in fuel alternatives through her career experiences, so she started her own biofuel production business—Piedmont Biofuels. Now, Rachel does technical consulting and training for OEMs on renewable fuels....

EP.25: Rachel Burton—“From a Farm Girl to a BioFuel Boss!”

Rachel Burton has over 15 years in the automotive industry. Her love for wrenching started with a broken transmission on an old pickup truck she bought for farming. Encouraged by a teacher and mentor, she enrolled in an auto technician program and the rest is history! Rachel became interested in fuel alternatives through her career experiences, so she started her own biofuel production business—Piedmont Biofuels. Now, Rachel does technical consulting and training for OEMs on renewable fuels. ...

EP.24: Ariel Huff—“See Your Vision; Then BECOME that vision”

Ariel Huff is a high school auto shop teacher that restores classic cars as a hobby. Her restoration skills are engine rebuilding, customizing, body work, transmission rebuilds, wiring, brakes, and pinstriping—all on cars 1980 and older. Her love for “old cars” began early on and her vision to be the 50’s pinup girl AND “the car under the hood” began with car shows. Join us on this short, but sweet episode where Ariel tells us exactly how to see your vision and then become it. Audience feedb...