Every so often, our editorial staff selects one aftermarket industry professional to get to know a little better Participants are asked to respond to a series of questions that can be answered in about the same amount of time you might spend chatting at the office coffee pot or waiting for an elevator. In this installment of “Five Minutes With,” we want to introduce Greg Jones, editor of AMN’s sister publication Engine Builder magazine. Greg is not only a new dad, he’s celebrating being recognized as one of SEMA’s Top 35 under 35 for 2019.
What was your first job in the industry?
My first job in the automotive aftermarket was as managing editor of Engine Buildermagazine andMotorcycle & Powersports Newsmagazine here at Babcox Media. I started in 2014. I didn’t know much about cars, motorcycles or engines in particular. I have always liked those things and definitely wanted to know much more.
What do you like best about your current position?
I’m currently editor of Engine Buildermagazine, and I really love this role. I’ve come to really enjoy the engine building/rebuilding industry and the many great people I’ve spoken with and met in the almost six years I’ve been covering it. What I like best about what I do are the daily opportunities I get to speak with engine builders and the folks within the aftermarket companies making this industry possible. I always learn something new.
Did you initially intend to pursue a career in the aftermarket? If not, what drew you to the industry and what keeps you here?
If you told me 10 years ago, I’d be writing about the inner workings of engines and the processes of building/rebuilding them, I wouldn’t have believed you. Again, not that I didn’t have a small interest, but I didn’t know much about the topic then. What drew me in, again, were the people, and the engines. The performance engines being built today are truly pieces of engineering art. They’re incredible.
What do you do when not at work?
I’m a new dad to a now 5-month-old boy named Liam. My wife Kelly and I are always giving him all of our attention. Parenthood is tough, as most people will tell you, but it’s certainly rewarding at the same time. When I do get a chance to break away, I love to ride my bicycle. I got into road cycling a few years ago and I’ll typically ride 1,000 or more miles a year. I’m also into craft beer and bourbon. Adding to my bourbon collection is a fun hobby.
What one word best sums up your personality?
Easygoing.
Do you have a nickname?
I have a few. Most people call me Jonesy. Some call me Doctor Jones. I’m not a doctor.
Who is on your dream dinner party guest list?
I love these kinds of questions! I would have a dinner party with Jerry Seinfeld, Jerry Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Greg LeMond, Elmer T. Lee, and Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
If you could time-travel, to where and what in era would you want to visit?
If I could have lived through the ‘60s and ‘70s, I know I would have enjoyed those decades. However, if I really wanted to go back in time and experience something totally different than today, I would love to check out the Wild West days – mid to late-1800s here in America.
Know someone who would love to be featured in Five Minutes With? Email editor Amy Antenora at [email protected].
