Episode Details

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In this episode, Lucas Underwood and David Roman are joined by Sunny Massera, a custom car and truck builder from Oregon. Sunny Massera shares the hard lessons he learned from business ownership, including the importance of choosing the right business partner and the unexpected realities of running a shop versus working for someone else. The conversation also covers the challenges of building custom and performance vehicles—from managing customer expectations to dealing with unreliable aftermarket parts.

00:00 Moving between New Mexico and California

04:19 From flat rate to custom cars

07:30 Realizing business complexities

09:46 Deciding not to work alone

13:05 Getting hired at second Bronco shop

16:22 Discussing how to fund a startup

20:36 Partner's role in business growth

23:18 Revamping old Broncos

28:11 Understanding the engine issue

31:14 Working at custom car shops

33:21 Learning through hands-on projects

36:45 Test driving vehicles before ordering

40:00 Restoring a 59 Ranchero

41:33 Future of classic car market

46:46 Challenges finding car parts

50:09 Troubleshooting transmission issues

53:35 Fixing ongoing installation issues

56:10 Tuning engine installations

59:15 Advice for young professionals