Alex Parker (@parkers_speed_and_fab)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Alex from @parkers_speed_and_fab and talk a little shop.
If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!
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Name: Alex Parker
Business Name: Parkers Speed & Fabrication
Location: Bulls Gap,TN
YouTube: Parkers Speed and Fab
Specialties: Mechanic, Welding, Turbo Kits
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? I was born and raised in east Tennessee and from a young age always loved anything automotive. I started working in my Grandfather's upholstery shop at 10 years old and learned the value of hard work pays off. At 15 I bought my first car, a 1989 Camaro, and instantly fell in love with wrenching on cars. As time passed and new friends were made the love grew and so did the dreams. I started working in a automotive production plant at 18 and quickly learned that wasn’t for me so I got into their maintenance apprenticeship program, 3 years later working full time and going to school I got my degree and 10 years later I started my shop as a hobby using the experience growing up and what I learned from work and school, I built my first turbo kit in the driveway of my first house in a 2004 Silverado which turned into the 2nd , 3rd and all the way to the 5th different setup in the truck and that got me hooked on not just working on cars but building turbo kits and more and from here my story can only grow.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? What keeps me motivated is the thought of giving my family the best life I can provide all while doing something I Enjoy |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? My favorite shop tool hands down has got to be my 2 post lift. I grew up working and wrenching on the dirt and gravel. The lift is a life saver the older I get. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? It's hard to choose my favorite project since they’ve all had their pros and cons, I would probably have to choose my 2004 turbo Silverado when I was done with it. I piggybacked a holley ECU with the Stock GM ECU so it was a 700hp daily driver that still had heat and ac. |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? If I could have any job it would definitely be running my shop full time |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
My favorite BA product would so far have to be the flap discs, I use those more than even my welding consumables. (Grinder and paint makes the welder you ain’t)
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
Like the previous statement the flap discs surprised me, not just the quality, but the lifespan of them as well compared to other brands.
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
I don’t really have any tips or tricks. Yet. |
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Honestly there are so many people I’d love to collaborate with. Just to name a few, Cleetus McFarland, Puddins fab shop, Fasterproms, Bad Luck Garage, Mike Finnagan, David Freiburger and Vice Grip Garage are just some of the few that have not just motivated myself but also were a heavily influence to start doing the turbo and fabrication work I do now.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
My advice for the next generation would be to not take criticism to heart and learn from it. Never think you know more than the next person you just might be surprised. Lastly, anything you do put your whole heart into it even though people might judge you for it, the ones who hate it the most are most likely jealous of you or your accomplishments.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
Future plans for my shop would be to take it on full time.
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Thanks for sitting with us and sharing your story with the community - is there anything you'd like to add?
Only thing I have to add is. DO IT FOR DALE. (Earnhardt)
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Alex! I love your thoughts.. everything needs a turbo! LOL