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Paul's journey spans car audio, home theater systems, e-commerce, and high-end audio installations during the housing boom. He transitioned to off-road work after joining a Raptor community in 2010, turning hobby expertise into business ventures.

Paul started by rebuilding Raptor shocks when demand exceeded Fox's turnaround time. Developed an exchange system, expanded to a shop in Loomis, and created shock guards, alignment kits, IWE silicone lines, and his signature cabin air filter kit. He recently opened a new company in Reno focused on cabin air filters and ongoing truck development.

Paul’s authorship includes publishing Overwhelmed: Time to Reset, part of the Neural Reset series on neuroplasticity and mindset retraining. He created Doom Scroller's Handbook based on corporate culture shock and Authored comprehensive Raptor generation guides and Dirt Logs—off-road journals for documenting trail adventures.

What’s next – listen in and find out!

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This week on Conversations with Big Rich, we dive into the inventive world of fabricator and racer Jonas Burnett. From humble beginnings on a Texas ranch wrenching on a Honda Fat Cat to building engines at 16, Jonas charted a path through the School of Automotive Machinists and into AJ Foyt’s IndyCar program—handling front-end setups, meticulous wiring, and pit crew duties. After seven intense years in pro racing, he returned home to launch Black Smoke Garage, where his imagination meets metal across hot rods, off-road rigs, mini boats, and more.

Highlights of the show include the IndyCar years and life on the road; the one-man, high-craft Black Smoke Garage; and ground-up restorations. Where he’s headed includes compact transfer cases with front/rear clutches and innovation. Jonas’ philosophy includes safety-first, practical performance, and making pro-grade tech more accessible.

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This week, Big Rich chats with Adam Leidy, Off-Highway Vehicle and Over-Snow Program Manager on the Inyo National Forest. Adam’s NorCal roots run deep—raised by a forestry biologist, he grew up camping, chasing garter snakes, and logging time in an Isuzu Trooper before wrenching on a K5 Blazer and falling hard for Land Cruisers. After 9/11, Adam joined the Marine Corps as a motor transport mechanic; post-service he ran a landscaping business, then supported military aircraft logistics before finding his way home to the Forest Service.

It’s exciting to highlight a Forest Service employee who wheels just like the rest of us. Adam shares some insight into what the job entails and how you can stay out of trouble in his jurisdiction. Be sure to listen close, good stories ensue.

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