—Place of birth: Hayward, Calif.
—Age: 35
—Year, make and model of your first car/truck: 1980 International Scout II
—Occupation: Auto-technology journalist and digital media consultant
—Employer: General Motors Corporation
—What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? Professional off-road race driver
—How long have you worked in the auto industry? I was born head-first right into the auto industry. My dad was a professional off-road racer, so I literally grew up around trucks and dirt ( my favorite combo, still ) , which eventually lead to the start of my own racing career when I was 15. Professionally, I've worked in the auto industry for about two years now with General Motors.
—What do you drive now? 2007 Chevy Avalanche and 2006 Nissan 350 Z
—Are you out at work? Yes
—Was being gay ever an issue at any of your jobs? Prior to General Motors, I was heavily involved in California politics and held various communications positions for republican Govs. Pete Wilson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was young and dumb and assumed gay and Republican mixed like water and oil. It turns out gay makes Republican better!
—If you had one piece of advice to give to a gay person wanting to work in the auto industry, what would it be? Do it! Life's too short to comtemplate doing something you love.
—OK, here is the fun part; if you had $25,000 and had to buy a new car, what would it be and why? 1970 Chevy Blazer; it's an ideal project truck that'll last forever. It's topless, shiny, fast, loud, has legit off-road capes and premium sounds—all of it.
—Same question but bigger budget—$50,000: Chevrolet Corvette ZO6
—If money were no object and you had to drive it every day: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
—What is your favorite car of all time and why? Early CJ7s. They totally redefined four-wheel drive and created a segment for rugged, purpose-built vehicles. They had ollapsable windshields; vinyl tops and doors; and clamped-down hoods—true fit and finish, if you ask me.
—If your car/truck could talk, what would it say about you? 'He needs to calm down … '
—Finally, why do you want to be featured on Gaywheels.com? Gaywheels is a fantastic bridge that creates a non-traditional pair—I want to be a part of it.
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