What gas do you take?

"Taylor Martin" (tjmartin) 07/14/2020 at 13:34 • Filed to: None

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Maybe I should clarify: What fuels your passion for cars, and how do you support yourself so that you can actually afford to do so?

Got this photo from an article on the downsides of cheap gas written 4 years ago. The cheaper gas is, the more people buy it, and the more people drive.

I don’t have funds, I just like my car (and station wagons in general), which fuels me everytime I go on a d rive or what not to learn more about cars every day, write a thing or two every now and then (though I haven’t been recently, school’s been busy).

Essentially, what do you do? Does it involve cars/your passion for them? Or is it something that just gets cash in your pocket so you can spend it ( ir) responsibly on cars?

Hope you liked my clever analogy.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 13:41

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Claims Advocate for a large Insurance Broker/Agent. Basically, I advocate for the maximum coverage and recovery for our clients from their insurance policies.

My dad told me when I graduated high school 10 years ago “You can do what you love, OR you can do something that pays for what you love” (I wanted to be a history teacher).

That being said, I generally like what I do. I get involved in exciting/interesting files and help people every day. Sometimes it is car/mechanical stuff too!

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/todays-claim-cng-filling-station-1838292285

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 13:52

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1) Practicality combined with power

2) V8 noises

Nothing I do involves cars and it doesn’t really put enough in my pocket to fund anything extravagant either.

jminer > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 13:57

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I’m a security systems engineer, essentially I design and implement physical security systems at an enterprise scale. Things like security cameras and door access but if you have 10,000 cameras, 5,000 doors, 50k employees and 4 0 locations . It’s an interesting and growing field but has nothing to do with cars other than paying for my vehicles and projects.

For me Motorcycles are the escape, riding one for 100+ miles of curvy roads with pretty scenery is a great relaxant for me and haven’t been able to find the same thing in a car. Cars are more about getting me to places to do things, I’ve had a few interesting cars and enjoyed quite a few but none have ever stirred the same passion in me that I get from motorcycles.

I’ve had great adventures in cars though and sometimes they’re near perfect for where I am and what I’m doing. For example my TDI Sportwagen is a perfect road trip vehicle and pretty solid at traversing forestry roads. I can even sleep in the back of it.

MonkeePuzzle > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:00

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IT support, and now secretary... for a big oil company.

and to p ay for cars, mostly I just like cheap cars, so...

UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:00

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I’m a chemical engineer in pharma. I like engineering but I like that it affords me car stuff the most. 

Future next gen S2000 owner > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:03

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Adrenaline rush related to speed. The enhanced clarity and singular focus that comes from trying to get comfy with the limits of my abilities and the vehicle I’m piloting.

I’m a multi-fuel vehicle powered by an engineering degree and a gov’t job.

Being a test driver for an OEM didn’t quite work out as that would have fulfilled all requirements.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:05

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Leasing consultant for major multi-family real estate developers in the Twin Cites area. Not car related at all.

I used to be a salesman at a dealership but the pay was pretty shit (compared to what I did before, and what I do now) and it kinda destroys your soul to see people making godawful financial decisions every day.

As for what fuels my passion, honestly, it’s coming to sites like this and interacting with the members. That and driving . An d wrenching on friends’ cars when I can.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:10

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sheetmetal worker...or at least...thats what they hired me for

got my certs as a panelbeater doing bodywork... somehow ended up building fancy pants coffee machines....lol

(its a fun job tho...just needs better pay)

Taylor Martin > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/14/2020 at 14:18

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That ’s some sound advice, though I could never see myself working in insurance so for that I have massive respect for you! Neat post on the fill ing claim (according to autocorrect, “filling” isn’t a word). Lots of stuff that goes into fueling any industry. Glad you’re out there helping folks and enjoying it too!

History teachers are going to be one sought after occupation though, especially when 2020 starts getting thrown in the history books.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:19

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Owner and Production Manager of a machine shop. Working on paying off school debt so I can make financially bad car purchases that will bring me joy!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:21

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To be honest, I am unsure if I’d want to teach history these days. 

Taylor Martin > jminer 07/14/2020 at 14:24

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Nothing wrong with out two wheeled friends, though I’m a bit off put by them simply cause I was never exactly good at riding a bike. The shell of a car just feels a bit safer, even if I’m not feeling the thrill of the wind rushing past. I get that same rush from roller coasters (which I’m not exactly a fan of either... maybe I’m just a coward ).

As for your occupation, that’s really awesome, ! Security is no joke, especially nowadays, but i f I ever staged a break in you’d be on the team haha.

That’s an awesome picture of the TDI. Where’d you take it, cause that it one magnificent stretch of road on one magnificent day? If it’s close enough I’d drive there just to get my tires dirty in my “absolutely not built to go off road” vehicle.

camaroboy68ss > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:25

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Well I do drafting and 3d modeling for exteriors of tall buildings as my day job to cover the bills and pretty much all my extra money goes to cars. I am single with no kids and I rarely take a vacation that’ s not car involved. So its pretty easy to fuel the passion of my interests in car s . I have always been in and around it since birth so it has become just part of life. 

Taylor Martin > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI 07/14/2020 at 14:26

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There’s just something about driving that really gets me in a good zone, I’m sure the same goes for you, and everyone in this awesome community.

That’s interesting. For a while I wanted to try my hand at being a dealership salesman, I liked being around cars enough and talking about them, why not advocate them? Were you at like a high end dealership with really expensive cars, watching as people who definitely shouldn’t buy luxury bought luxury? Either way, interesting perspective.

Taylor Martin > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 07/14/2020 at 14:27

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Practicality is key to me too, though I’m more of a “wow this is surprisingly practical” kind of guy. Nice gif profile pic though.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:29

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Technology Specialist for a multi-brand European dealership. I teach people how to use all the buttons and gadgets in their new/new-to-them vehicles.

Formerly with a Lexus dealer doing the same thing for six years.

Work highlights include getting to drive the newly released LS 500 around the infield at Indy. Driving various Lexus vehicles at Kentucky Speedway. Borrowing a new Porsche Taycan for a weekend. And (# humblebrag) being invited to Lexus HQ in Plano, Texas to be recorded for internal training videos on the 2018 LS, 2019 ES, and 2020 RX. 

RPM esq. > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:29

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I’m a lawyer and I litigate big, complex antitrust and consumer protection cases for a living . For the last 5 years I have used my automotive interest and knowledge to do so in large part against automakers and their suppliers. So basically, the car companies that mess up most egregiously indirectly buy me cars from their competitors that don’t.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:31

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Thanks... maybe someday I’ll get around to replacing it with one of my actual truck :)

Taylor Martin > Future next gen S2000 owner 07/14/2020 at 14:32

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Ah, a speed demon I see. H itting the apex of a winding road certainly has its own appeal.

I’d love to drive cars for a living, whether they’re fast or slow, big or small. I’m all about next experiences and am always trying to mooch off of others and see what it’s like to drive their cars. Where do you usually go to quench your thirst for speed? I won’t blame you if you say public, two lane roads. I’d be lying if I said I’d never done the same th ing.

Taylor Martin > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 07/14/2020 at 14:33

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I mean hey, e veryone’s path is different, but that’s pretty  funny. D o you at least get free coffee?

Taylor Martin > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/14/2020 at 14:36

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Oooohhoohohoh I just got aroused reading every single one of those humble brags. Absolutely legendary experiences man, but years of experience has its perks doesn’t it? Sounds like a fine gig for sure, and I envy you haha.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:38

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I worked at a GMC/Buick dealership. So we had the high end trucks and the low end Encores. Th ere are a lot of people that stretch to get into Sierras and Yukons. I could tell stories for hours about the shitty things that go on at dealerships, and a lot of it isn’t even sale related. I enjoyed parts of it, I hated others, so a normal job I guess.

I will say, having a vast knowledge of cars does help make sales, but if you don’t have the personality or the drive, it’s useless.

Taylor Martin > camaroboy68ss 07/14/2020 at 14:39

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Who needs the hassle of other human beings when you can have cars anyways right? Car vacations are the best. I make the trek from FL to MD pretty often, and unless it’s absolutely necessary to fly you’ll catch me filling up my trunk and making the long haul up 95. I’ll be doing it again soon, stopping in GA along the way.

Being alone with my car is fun. Do I wish I had someone to share this passion with, or just talk to while driving along? Sure. Having a passenger would be cool. But there’s nothing bad about going the journey alone either, that just means I get to pick the music!

ranwhenparked > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:40

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I am a sales rep for a British consumer products company, previously a branch manager for a big bank, previously the same thing I do now, but most of my career was with a big youth serving nonprofit that is currently bankrupt and the subject of several lawsuits

My bird IS the word > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:41

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Cars are a very multifaceted hobby for me. DIY, community and events, sensory enjoyment, excitement, and a sense of freedom and adventure. Basically impossible to beat.

I have and will continue to sacrifice in terms of saving, working jobs that pay well instead of ones I enjoy (which may not even be necessary now, I am glad to say) because my free time is more valuable than my life at work could ever be. I’d walk into nuclear reactors. Or juggle chainsaws if it paid well enough.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:41

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It’s been a wild ride indeed. I haven’t been with the European brands for much time yet, but I am hopeful that I get to have a few equally as fun experiences. I do not at all expect to replicate the same success at a corporate level however. That was truly strange, as I always felt like I didn’t belong there. 

Taylor Martin > RPM esq. 07/14/2020 at 14:42

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That’s pretty funny, you use the big car companies to buy cars from other companies. Out of sheer curiosity , what’s the “cleanest” and “dirtiest” of the big automotive company bunch? I don’t know if that’s an illegal question to ask that’ll get me shot on sight, but knowing who’s the most adhering to the laws and who isn’t seems like a useful tidbit of info for sure.

Taylor Martin > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 07/14/2020 at 14:44

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Ah yes, the downwards spiral of student loans. You’ll make it my friend, and then you’ll make all the bad purchases you want.

You own your own shop though, that’s pretty awesome. It it a small , ma and pa shop, or are you owner in the same way McDonalds has franchise owners?

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:44

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lol..yes i do... first place ive ever worked that actually has good coffee :)

Taylor Martin > MonkeePuzzle 07/14/2020 at 14:45

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Nothing like big oil to keep each of us gearheads going is there?

There’s something to be said about buying cheap man, I love little clunkers and (once I have a job that’ll keep me stable) they’re definitely what I’ll go after.

Taylor Martin > ranwhenparked 07/14/2020 at 14:47

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Yikes, seems like you got out of a sticky situation there huh? Glad you’re doing something less... what’s the word... unstable?

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:49

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If you discount my backroom diesel huffing (jk), it is the thought of the future. I enjoy my cheap small car for now because someday I will be able to enjoy an expensive small car. It’s what I have, it’s paid for, and I know it well. Therefore, I just enjoy it where I can. Someday I’ll have that hot hatch or maybe even get that classic Citroen, but not anytime soon. Just keep my expectations reasonable so I can enjoy the present without fretting about the future.

Taylor Martin > My bird IS the word 07/14/2020 at 14:50

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Nothing beats the sensations and experience that come with cars, so to that I say:

As for working, I’m with you. I’d love to work a job where I get to drive cars, but if that’s not what pays/not what I can do then my free time better be spent enjoying automotive pleasures for sure. Though I think it’d be fun to teach drivers ed. I like to drive, why not te ach other people how to do it?

PowderHound > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:52

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I do graphic design at a newspaper. I’m manager of the department but our department is myself and one other person so it seems like a glorified title. Rarely ever has to do with cars but every now and then I get to design ads for dealerships. It pays the bills and there is enough down time for “creative breaks” to browse oppo.

ranwhenparked > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:52

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Yep, I left almost 4 years ago. The local council I worked for just let 1/3 of its staff go, due to the loss of revenue from summer camps (they were allowed to open for half the season, but only for in-state youth, and they usually get most of their business from out of state, decided they’d lose less money staying closed). The lady that had my old job is one of the ones let go.

Taylor Martin > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 07/14/2020 at 14:54

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I’m sure you’ll get around to it, and if not you can make those fun experiences yourself! And hey, if something’s telling you something ain’t right, it probably ain’t right, so I’m happy you’re doing what’s best for you, even if that means stepping away from a high end, lucrative position. Keep at it my friend!

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:54

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Mechanical engineer working for Cummins right now. My job is to analyze and test engine components for structure failures. So basically I get to work on engine supports, brackets for afor that hangs off of the block/head , EGR coolers, exhaust manifolds (headers as the cool kids call em) as well as blocks, heads, cams, cranks, etc . Infact I asked my manager to gimme more of the latter than former if possible so I’m working on a couple of blocks right now. Its kinda half and half between setting up simulations on PC and testing components in a lab or the field so that keeps it interesting....

I’m not really sure as to why I like cars so much tbh....but I do like cars specifically, not trucks/SUVs. I just wanna go fast!

Taylor Martin > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available 07/14/2020 at 14:57

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An obscure Kung Fu Panda reference for your time, a quote inspired by a quote by Bil Keane. Regardless, the future for cars will certainly be interesting. Cars will get sportier, no doubt about that. They already are with basic cars like the Cam ry and Civic, but the question is how will they be powered without being deemed as planet destroying devices of pure evil? It’ll be interesting for sure.

fintail > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:59

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My work has nothing to do with my cars. For most of my career I have worked in the fraud investigation/analysis world for commercial and consumer finance , credit risk analysis, and compliance auditing for lending processes and policies. It’d bore many people to tears, but it can be fun finding huge gaps and holes where millions are being lost.   And it pays for my cars.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 14:59

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I like driving. That’s really want it cones down to.

The feeling of being in control of a machine that can take you places. And the feeling of accomplishment and adrenaline that comes from driving in a spirited manor. Especially on loose surfaces. Now that I’ve tasted what riding a motorcycle is like I’m hooked on that fir the same reasons.

Before I could drive I loved bikes. In fact I still do. Much for the same reasons.

Then there’s the sense of accomplishment that comes from working on a car. Altho I’ve learned I don’t love that as much as I thought I would. lol

As for my means of income. I deliver food for a restaurant. Driving 9 hours a day. I love it. 

Taylor Martin > PowderHound 07/14/2020 at 14:59

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Ah yes, “ creative breaks” that allow you to “get inspired. ” I’ve certainly taken many a break during classes to pop onto here as well. Graphic design seems like a hoot! I’ve never been good at it, but I’m dabbling in it a bit. Learning to write for the ads more than actually create imagery for it, but there’s an equal need for both no doubt about that!

mjswee > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:00

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I’m a software engineer that develops GPS navigation systems for heavy machinery in mining, dredging, piling, drilling, and waste management sectors. Its automotive adjacent and some of the hardware I work with is similar to what is used in the automotive industry.

It pays for the passion and I occasionally get to do some international traveling, which is nice. I think being at the edge is what fuels the passion. Which is hard to do with modern cars as they get faster and more extreme.  This is why I find myself looking more and more at vintage stuff. I also have a pretty stoic personality, and my cars are a way for me to be more expressive in a way.

My bird IS the word > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:02

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Because those people pay like shit

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:08

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At least some will still be powered by earth essenc e even after there is no need for it. I just don’t have the means to do anything so I just enjoy my car how it is for the present.

Taylor Martin > My bird IS the word 07/14/2020 at 15:12

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LOL. Tell it straight I suppose haha.

Taylor Martin > UnderSTeerEnthusiast - Triumph Fanboy 07/14/2020 at 15:13

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Affording car stuff is the goal isn’t it?

Taylor Martin > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 07/14/2020 at 15:16

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Zoom Zoom my friend! It’s interesting, you’re the first person to comment on this thread that actually works on car related stuff, like, physically working with engines. Pretty neat, and really interesting. Guess car people come from all walks of life, making it all the more interesting. Certainly is a good job to get your automotive fix though, at least it seems like it would .

Taylor Martin > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 07/14/2020 at 15:20

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Driving and drifting is certainly delightful! My car isn’t exactly built for speed, but it’s a fun car to handle around corners and push to its lackluster limits. Bikes seem like a hoot and holler too, though I haven’t had the balls to actually get on one. If they’re anything like rollercoasters, open air and speedy acceleration,  it may take some getting used to. Food delivery is a VERY plausible next job for me, driving all day is the premium perk of the job. I’m psyched it’s working for you, hope it’ll work for me for the same reasons!

Future next gen S2000 owner > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:22

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I’ve tempered my back road shenigans over the past decade. Autocross, circle drags, and track days have taken my focus. It’s more satisfying  on a track versus a backroad for me. No worrying about cars, animals, guardrails or any of the other things on a backroad. I still cruise them but the pace and slackened a bit. It’s more about enjoying the drive than outright speed.

Taylor Martin > mjswee 07/14/2020 at 15:23

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You and me both pal, I’m don’t buy into a whole lot of modern cars anymore. From style to simplicity and even just the feel of classic cars hits different. I’ve had the pleasure to sit in and drive a few, but owning one seems like an amazing adventure in and of itself. Besides, if a Lamborgh i ni Diablo and an AMC Pacer passed me by at the same time, you can bet your bottom dollar my eyes would be glued to the Pacer. Old C ars > New Cars, and Cheap Cars > Flashy Expensive Cars

Taylor Martin > fintail 07/14/2020 at 15:26

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That’s... that’s really... *yawn*... I... I-I mean wow super fascinating! (I’m kidding btw, I’m sure it has it’s moments. I’m just not all that much of a numbers/finance guy. But if it pays for the cars it pays for the cars and that’s what really matters isn’t it?

RPM esq. > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:33

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Let me start by saying that none of them are perfect, and professionally it’s a little more complex than a spectrum of cleanest to dirtiest. But here are some personal opinions I’ve developed over time.

1. Outright fraud is fairly rare, but when it happens I think it’s fair to assume there are real problems of corporate culture and oversight. I’m sure you can think of a recent high-profile example in Germany that illustrates this point.

2. As a consumer, I’m troubled by companies that respond to defects with denial, attempted cover-ups, or really half-assed partial recalls. That type of response worries me more than statistical measures of initial quality or reliability do, because the range of responses muddies the water (some companies look worse on paper just because they’re better about promptly issuing recalls rather than trying to cover up problems). When you combine that kind of adversarial response to your own consumers with a relatively high rate of serious defects, you tend to become a repeat customer for me professionally, like certain companies in the U.S. and Korea.

3. For what it’s worth, in the last three years I have owned two Mercedes vehicles, three Toyotas, a hand-me-down Subaru, and a Volvo. I have recently shopped Porsche and Ford vehicles. My parents both have Toyotas, my sister and my ex-sister-in-law have Mazdas, and I just helped a friend buy a BMW. That’s not to say I haven’t previously sued a number of those companies and probably will again at some point, but I’m happy with those choices. It’s also not an exhaustive list of the companies I’d happily deal with.

Tristan > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:39

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I fix extremely high performance engines for 40 year old jets owned by an organization that never really seems to have the parts or money to actually support the aging fleet of old turds, but also has no viable plan to replace them, either. The next few years should be interesting.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:40

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Aah I did not mention that I don’t physically work on engines. I kind of do but I don’t “build”   engines at work ever.

Its quite a good way to meet like-minded enthusiasts working at an OEM/supplier tho!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:47

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In contrast I actually kinda hate roller coasters. They just don’t do anything for me. The speed and g forces aren’t all that great when your not in control. When were at an amusement park I’ll be racing go carts all day and ride the coasters a couple times.

On the flip side my wife dislikes driving and loves the free out of control feeling of a roller coaster.    

As for whether your car is Fast or not. I think that has little to do with it being fun to drive. In fact I think fit must of us with no race track access and average driving skill I think fast cars, and fast bikes are highly overrated and less enjoyable. 

fintail > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 15:49

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As I like to say, work to live, don’t live to work.

It’s not as boring as accounting or similar - I’ve worked on projects that have landed people in jail, or saved immense amounts of money . But it’s maybe not as exciting as working on a racing crew or being a pro athlete etc.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 16:07

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I’m “in sales.” Specifically, I sell my body in exchange for cash as a male escort.

My job is a means to an end, but I do it well regardless. I don't spend big bucks on cars, even after I finally made "adult" monies. This is my third consecutive year of not buying nor selling any vehicles, after 8 previous years of a revolving door of vehicles.

Taylor Martin > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 07/14/2020 at 16:08

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I’m totally with you! Everyone who I’ve let drive my car says that it’s “faster than they think it is” and are surprised when the speedo reads 30 or so around a ben d. I get blindsided ever now and again by it in the best way possible.

That’s an interesting contrast you and your wife have. I love going to the Autobahn every now and again (which is the local indoor go kart track, not the highway in Germany... figured I should clarify) . I guess control is a big part of it. That and the fact that cars/motorcycles don’t drop... I hate drops...

Taylor Martin > RPM esq. 07/14/2020 at 16:12

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That list makes sense, doesn’t exactly surprise me. Toyotas, Subarus, and Volvos were strong contenders in my car buying process too, and I see a lot of my friends buying Mazdas because they’re budget cars, fairly reliable, and stylish enough to your run of the mill teenager. Thanks for the inside scoop.

Taylor Martin > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/14/2020 at 16:14

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Lucky you, I haven’t the looks or talent to do it haha. And hey, you don’t have to constantly be buying/selling  cars to be into cars, so good for you for being fiscal!

Taylor Martin > Tristan 07/14/2020 at 16:16

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Interesting indeed... b est of luck to you on that front for sure... Seems very cool though, a great gig for any aviation enthusiast. I like old planes just as much as I like old cars... but I also know as much about old planes as I do old cars... which is next to nothing... still, they’re very cool to look at.

Tripper > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 16:27

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I feel about cars the same way I feel about nature. I just love it, it’s in my blood.

I’m the head of IT for a relatively small consulting firm. I don’t really like it but computers/technology have always come easily to me and I’m well liked at my company. It also has provided/ provides me the means to get and keep some of my dream cars. I ask myself all the time if I’d be happier making less but doing something less stressful. More and more I think that I would be happier doing something else. Then again,  I have done very well there over the last 6.5 years  and every time I think I’ve had enough, they give me just enough to stick around.

AestheticsInMotion > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 17:08

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I got in as a driver o f a major shipping company right before Covid-19 hit, and offered myself up for every single job that was needed when delivery demand skyrocketed. Today I’m managing a thirty person team overseeing five zip codes. There are good days, but it’s definitely just a means to fund future goals.

Bike life has taken over, but I'll never forget how great a manual transmission sports car feels in the snow... 

jminer > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 19:33

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I grew up on mountain bikes then dirt bikes, I still have a very healthy respect for them and frankly 100+ hp sport bikes scare the hell out of me when I ride them. My main bike has 47 hp and weighs like 430# wet and I quite like it. It’ll out-accelerate almost anything while still getting 65 mpg no matter how hard I flog it.

It’s an interesting field that barely existed 5 years ago and has kind of exploded recently.

That’s Medicine bow national forest in Wyoming about an hour west of Cheyenne. It’s from a short trip I took to Fort Collins last summer - did a briefish write up after. That pic is only maybe a couple miles from I-80.

I usually do this 3 or 4 times a year but haven’t been able to this year and it’s driving me nuts.

Taylor Martin > jminer 07/14/2020 at 20:20

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Oh man, that’s a bit of a hike for me... like, a days worth nonstop. But now it’s on a hitlist for whenever I find myself going across the country. I’d feel just as antsy about not being able to go if I were cooped up, unable to get to something so close and so beautiful.

Sounds like your bike is practical and fun, all tied up in one little bow. Had a neighbor who does dirt biking and does pretty well in it. Never got to see him race, but always wanted to just to support my neighbor.

Nice write up too, quite an awesome, accidental -ish adventure, concerts seem like a thing of the past now you know? Good stuff.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 20:22

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I run the flood warning system for the local flood commission . My job is a mix between being a radio telemetry technician and an IT system administrator type. I’m a career government worker type, so I’ve always traded better pay for benefits, security and retirement someday. It also pays for my personal automotive pursuits.

This job does pay me to drive a lot and play with toys like atv s, utv s and drones. I’ve come to realize the second most important question in the job interview was how I felt about accessing remote worksites with 4wd trucks and atvs. I enjoy getting to spend a lot of time in sometimes seriously remote places, and almost always by myself. Not getting lost, not getting stuck and not breaking the truck are important parts of the job. My work truck spends hours per week in 4WD- low.

ranwhenparked > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/14/2020 at 20:23

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S o many questions - do you charge by hour, by the encounter, or based on the attractiveness of the client? How do you figure out how to set prices? And what’s the best way to put the word out that you’re available?

jminer > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 21:33

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The concert was an amazing experience but I just can’t see myself pressing against hundreds of strangers while drinking, singing, moshing and so on. When I take trips like that I usually plan a broad stroke or two and then just wing the rest and rarely disappoint myself.

I quite like my bike, it’s a 2015 CB500x that is a really solid all around bike which does great on gravel and forest service roads too.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 21:36

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Alway loved cars, working on them with friends/family , driving, looking, etc.

1/2 my time is designing stuff for a system of tubes, other half is trying to figure out what the customers wants and if its possible.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 23:28

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It’s a small ma & pa. I am the third generation of owner’s. We have 20 employees. We have one other location that just does sales. We sell power transmission products, metal fabrication, welding and repairs. We are working on adding powder coat as well.

Thisismydisplayname > Tristan 07/14/2020 at 23:37

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So you work for the Air Force?

Thisismydisplayname > Taylor Martin 07/14/2020 at 23:42

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Construction for me, but being in metro Detroit, it seems everyone has a bit of auto enthusiast  in them.  So it’s fun to be able to chat about cars while at work.  

Taylor Martin > Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! 07/15/2020 at 10:25

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That’s awesome! Those were useful trades way back and they’re useful trades now for sure!

Taylor Martin > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 07/15/2020 at 10:29

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Sounds like a read adventure! An exploration in complete solitude. And not only does the job support you automotive interests , but it pays you to drive around . That’s killing two birds with one stone for sure! I wouldn’t trust myself around anything airborne, not without someone who knows what they’re doing by my side. I have a track record of crashed RC planes and helicopters, so I’d put myself on a no fly list.

Taylor Martin > Tripper 07/15/2020 at 10:34

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It’s always nice being good at whatever it is you’re doing, even if it’s not something you entirely love. It’s certainly working for you, and has for a long time.

I love going on drive through windy, wooded roads. Sunlight pokes through the trees, the guardrail is a collection of stumps, and simply seeing the skies when the trees finally open up into plains or farmland is something else truly.

Taylor Martin > AestheticsInMotion 07/15/2020 at 10:37

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I’ve dabbled in stick (never had full access to one), and I’ve dabbled in driving in the snow (though it didn’t snow a lot while I was able to drive), but putting the two together just makes sense. I’ve been considering driver jobs too, though by the time I move in to that, if that’s where I end up, the gold will have probably moved out. Are you driving local deliveries or like A Class License , cross country trucking (and if you’re doing the latter, how hard is it to get your A Class License)?

Taylor Martin > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 07/15/2020 at 10:40

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That image summed up your job nicely, made it plain and simple for a blockhead like me. Gotta love customers, especially the ones  who are always right huh?

Taylor Martin > Thisismydisplayname 07/15/2020 at 10:40

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The auto culture is big up there, that’s sure and certain. Always nice to be apart of a like minded community ... like another community I know... hmmm...

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Taylor Martin 07/15/2020 at 22:21

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Favorite meeting was about 3 months into a big project on a conf call. about 10 other people on the other side.

“hey spec 3.2.2 has this staying locked”

“correct”

“well it is 17xx wide in that state”

“yes”

“we have to fit that back out a 15xx tube”

...(silence)

couple mins later “you guys still there?”

beep “yes.. just give us a minute’

Tristan > Thisismydisplayname 07/18/2020 at 02:29

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Ding!