From Technician to Filmmaker Spreading Positivity
About this episode
Keith Smith shares his journey from a lifelong automotive technician to a filmmaker dedicated to positively portraying the trade. Drawing on nearly 20 years in the bays and inspired by his father's legacy, Keith created a heartfelt documentary highlighting the skilled, human side of the industry. The conversation explores the evolution of automotive technology, the importance of shop culture, and the need to counteract negativity with authentic storytelling. Keith emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and the power of visual media to inspire future technicians and improve industry perception.
Keith Smith, writer and visual storyteller of Straight Up Living, shares how he turned his ability to speak “technician” into spreading positivity in the automotive industry through his short film “From Bay Floors to Backroads.” In this episode, Keith walks us through his career as a technician, how he dove into filmmaking, and why he felt compelled to create uplifting visual content in an industry often surrounded by negativity.
Check out the full video version of the podcast on YouTube!
About the Episode
- Host: Jay Goninen, WrenchWay, [email protected]
- Guest: Keith Smith, Straight Up Living, [email protected]
Links & Resources
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- From Bay Floors to Backroads video
About WrenchWay:
- For Technicians & Students: wrenchway.com/solutions/technicians/
- For Shops & Dealerships: wrenchway.com/solutions/shops/
- For Instructors: wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/
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Chevrolet Spark
"...you remember the size of those cars, what putting spark plugs in that was like. That's spoken like a true..."
Ford Mustang
"...y Capri, which is always to people is basically a Mustang in disguise. Yeah. Only had a 200 straight six wi..."
Ford Capri
"... a car payment like that now? With a 1982 Mercury Capri, which is always to people is basically a Mustang..."
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