In this installment of “Five Minutes With,” we get to know Smitty Smith, technical sales coordinator at Edelbrock. Smitty has worked for Edelbrock for 29 years and has been using their products for 50. His primary function at Edelbrock is to help consumers by responding to their inquiries from Edelbrock’s website and through social media. In this capacity he has become known as the “Answer Man” because of the enormous quantity of questions he has answered, and still answers every day.
What was your first job in the industry?
Working at a speed shop in high school.
What do you like best about your current position?
Interacting with the customers. My expertise is making sure that they use the right recipe of parts that makes their stuff work well together.
Did you always want to go into automotive industry?
I’ve been in the automotive world my whole life. I grew up with my mother and father racing when I was a young kid and was raised on the oval track, but I was the one who wanted to go straight – I was a drag racer.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I love cars. I have nine cars total and I love working on them. I have some nice ones and some not so much. Grew up with them my whole life and just love wrenching really, planning and building.
What is your favorite car in your collection?
My ‘37 Ford truck.
What was your first car?
My first car was a 1953 Buick. I got it for Christmas when I was 14. I fixed it up the next day. I drove it around the block on Christmas day and then I started tinkering with it the next day.
Favorite quote, mantra or motto?
Fix and fabricate as necessary.
Know someone who would make a great candidate for our “Five Minutes With” feature? Email AMN Editor Amy Antenora.
