You’ve probably heard of it - Gas Monkey Garage is the auto shop featured in Fast N' Loud, a successful TV show on Discovery Channel, chronicling the trials and tribulations of Richard Rawlings automotive shop. If you are a reality TV fan, chances are you’ve been scrolling through the channels and this program caught your eye - and for good reason.
The Gas Monkey crew is an entertaining bunch, each with their own retrospective backstory. Rawlings, for example, has had a knack for cars from a young age, waking up at 3 a.m. to make some extra money for his family in order to help his dad at the shop. He had specific methods throughout his life that has helped to build his empire. The crew is a talented group of mechanics who bring their own flair to the show. The crew members have distinctive, and strong, personalities that mesh well together - and sometimes clash.
The squabbling among themselves, the fights that happen against other rival shows, and unexplained staff changes are all a part of this entertaining show. Fast N’ Loud gives the viewers what they want - drama - and cars, of course.
Even though we think we’re seeing everything, since it IS a reality show, we might not notice the little details that go unnoticed. What is the hidden truth behind the success at the garage - and why?
Here we have unlocked the hidden secret behind Gas Monkey’s success - in the car world and the TV realm.
Gas Monkey Garage - Not Just Another Auto Shop
When you look at Rawlings, you might not immediately think of a successful entrepreneur. The “bad boy” biker look is apparent, with the number of tattoos and the relaxed style doesn’t necessarily scream businessman. However, you’re about to put your foot in your mouth, since he has worked his way up from nothing to the highly-reputable owner he is today.
A Hands-On Approach To The Business
While he is in charge of his crew at the Gas Monkey Garage, he prefers to be very hands-on. He puts his input into everything that the crew does, and he doesn’t let other people use his name for other products - as other people in his position might take advantage of. In all of his future business endeavors, he vows to own it, so that he has a reason to care in his new business.
RELATED: 20 Behind The Scenes Photos From Gas Monkey Garage (And Their 5 Coolest Cars)
But A Hands-Off Approach To His Workers
His leadership style on the show is noticeable as well. Despite being hands-on in terms of the business, he has faith in his crew, and is relatively hands-off while they’re working and perfecting their craft. He has focused so much time and energy into finding the right crew that he is confident in their abilities to produce a high-quality product for his business. This is just one of the many secrets that Gas Monkey has tried to obscure from the public eye...
What Was Part Of Rawlings’ Initial Plan?
Rawlings was working as a firefighter to make ends meet, and had opened up his own business selling towels for auto body shops. He eventually quit his firefighting job, and found his inspiration for Gas Monkey in no place other than - you guessed it - television. He saw some reality TV shows about owners of automotive garages and motorcycle shops that were fulfilling their dream, and he knew that he could do it too.
Fast forward a few years later, Gas Monkey is open and running. Not only was the garage thriving, but he decided to accept the idea of opening his doors to the cameras, and letting the world into his life. His inspiration was bringing in the families and kids to show them what they do in the shop, and the fun they can have. He wants to serve as an inspiration to people that he can look the way he does, and run a successful business.
Gas Monkey Garage - The Work Of An Intelligent Owner
There you have it - Gas Monkey Garage’s success might be none other than the relentless and driven Richard Rawlings. His crew is a talented and educated bunch that have fiery personalities - and a talent for cars. Rawlings being able to handle the crew, the business, and the cameras in a professional and business-like manner has ensured the success of his creation - Gas Monkey.