As the owner of one of the most popular garages in the United States and the star of several reality Autocar repair shows, Richard Rawlings has become a household name in the homes and hearts of many automobile enthusiasts. Many facts have surfaced over the years about Richard Rawlings, most of which wind their way into his shows. However, there remain some interesting bits about this mogul that most of the public are not familiar with.

From childhood to Gas Monkey Garage, and later on to Fast N’ Loud, here is what we’ve just learned about the American entrepreneur and media personality, Richard Rawlings.

9 He Bought His First Car At 14

Via Prnewswire

Rawlings bought his first car when he was just 14 years old. Most young people at that age are too occupied with high school, but that wasn’t the case with Richard Rawlings, whose first car was a green 1974 Mercury Comet. Although he hadn’t yet reached the legal age to drive, that didn’t stop him from modifying the car to suit his tastes.

Via Tvshowsace

By his senior year, Rawlings was already on his third car, a 1977 Bandit Trans Am. He did learn how to drive eventually in his Mercury Comet, but that car was admittedly a bold, yet rewarding move.

8 He Wasn't Always A Mechanic

Via Hagerty

It’s easy to see why anyone would think Richard Rawlings was made to be a mechanic considering his background, skills, and zeal he pours into his craft. However, before Richard Rawlings became the Media Megastar that he is today, he had worked several jobs. At 19, he was a delivery man for Miller Lite.

Via Maxim

During a delivery to a bar while on the job, a man asked him what he wanted to do with his life, which was – at the time – a police officer. Two weeks later, he registered at the police academy. Before he was 21, he was already a police officer, a firefighter, and a paramedic. In 1999, he opened a printing and advertising company called the Lincoln Press. He sold the business in 2004 to start what would be known as one of the most popular garages in America.

7 He Founded Gas Monkey In 2002

Via Businesswire

Being a real car lover at heart, Richard Rawlings launched the Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas. To fund this endeavor, he sold Lincoln Press. Founded in a small shop, Gas Monkey Garage was first established to creatively redesign and transformed automobiles to fit customers’ needs.

RELATED: 10 Times Gas Monkey Garage Exceeded Expectations (5 Times They Messed Up)

Via Tribune

He opened this garage with Aaron Kaufman, (who later became the lead mechanic for Gas Monkey Garage), a young man he discovered in a local garage in his hometown of Ford Worth, Texas. The garage is now the home of the hit TV show Fast N’ Loud.

6 Rawlings Had The Idea For The Show Ever Since 2004

Via Bestofama

When Richard Rawlings dreams, he dreams big. He wasn’t satisfied with just owning an auto shop; he wanted to create a TV show about Automobiles, an idea that wasn’t readily accepted by most people. He would travel to Los Angeles to pitch his idea but get rejected each time.

Via Hartford Courant

He almost gave up on the whole concept until 2012, when the Discovery Channel returned his call. Richard planned on rejecting the offer, but his wife convinced him to take it. The result of that acceptance speaks for itself.

RELATED: Here’s What’s Fake About Fast N’ Loud

5 He Co-Hosts Several Other TV Shows

Via Discovery Uk

Aside from being the star of the show Fast N’ Loud, Richard Rawlings has shown the public that he can be even better by co-hosting several TV shows. One such show includes Garage Rehab. which also airs on Discovery Channel. The show follows Rawlings and his other co-hosts, Russell Holmes and Chris Stephens, as they travel around America to help struggling Autocar businesses land back on their feet.

Via Discovery Uk

Since its first broadcast in 2017, they’ve produced five seasons of the show. He also co-hosts Fast N’ Loud Demolition Theater, a spin-off of the original Fast N’ Loud show.

4 He Is A Successful Businessman

Via Holycitysinner

Richard Rawlings has not only changed the game by breaking ground for Automobile remodeling TV shows, but he’s also made a name for himself outside of this scope. He has turned the name ‘Gas Monkey’ into a multimillion-dollar brand in just a few years. This brand has a presence in 200 countries around the world. Inclusive in the brand are chains of restaurants and clothing lines.

Via Businesswire

Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill opened its doors to the public in 2013 in Northwest Dallas. Plus, Rawlings owns a range of flavored energy drinks and tequila companies. His apparel line for both genders is sold online by Gas Monkey Garage. He’s also collaborated with several other companies to put out other products.

3 He Published His First Book In 2015

Via Amazon

Having starred in several hit series, owned several businesses, and created a global brand, Richard Rawlings seems to have done it all, – or so the world thought. In 2015, Richard decided to add author’ to his already impressive resume when he published his first book, “‘Fast N’ Loud: Blood, Sweat and Beers,”’ which also doubled as his autobiography.

RELATED: 11 Times Richard Rawlings Lost Money On Fast N' Loud (And His 5 Biggest Winners)

Via Dmagazine

The book reveals his life behind the scenes of Fast N’ Loud, including setbacks and accomplishments, along with stories from his hilarious and crazy life. Also included in the book is a guide for car enthusiasts who would like to venture into the car flipping business.

2 He Likes To Have Cash On Hand For Any Negotiation

Via Medium

No one will ever catch Rawlings without cash on hand for any car negotiation. He must have been a boy scout because he’s always prepared.

Via Motortrend

According to Rawlings, he learned at a young age that expensive things can be bought at a cheaper rate if the cash is available at that moment. This is a code he has lived by since high school, and it still works for him today.

1 He Employs More Than A Thousand People

Via Twitter

The Gas Monkey brand exists in over 200 countries of the world. That much coverage requires lots of hands on deck. Richard Rawlings is a hands-on kind of boss who likes to be involved in his company’s affairs.

Via Pinterest

He has over 1000 people employed under his brand who keep things running smoothly like a well-oiled machine. Richard Rawlings has sure come a long way from that little garage shop in Dallas. Whatever the future may hold for him, fans are all for it.

NEXT: Fast N' Loud: 5 Rebuilds That Are Amazing (5 That Missed The Mark)