The Final Final Word (For reals this time)

For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of writing the “Final Word” for the C10 Builders Guide, and it has been a great experience. This platform has allowed me to express my thoughts on our amazing truck scene and the journey we’ve shared watching this community continue to grow and flourish. 

The C10 Nation has grown so much in the last decade, evolving from a truck forum into a truck family. The remarkable power of social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and Facebook, have brought us together in ways that were almost unimaginable even just a decade ago.

C10 Talk has played its part, as well. Through the podcast, we’ve given the community a chance to delve into the stories behind the builds, to understand why people hold these trucks in such high regard. We’ve listened to the excitement, the adventures, the challenges, and the satisfaction of completing a project. By combining voices with images, we’ve bridged the gap between the community and the world of Classic Trucks.

Personally, I’ve been struggling with finding a balance between wrenching and other aspects of my life. The podcast network (Truck Talk Media), along with my personal life (friends, family, and my responsibilities at the fire department), have taken up a significant chunk of my time. This has left me with less time for wrenching, which, for me is not just about turning nuts and bolts. Wrenching is therapeutic; it’s an outlet for creativity, a mode of learning, and more than just a mechanical task. It’s about having a vision, planning the work, and putting that plan into action.

With all of this in mind, I’ve decided to step away from the “Final Word” column for a while to recenter and focus some priorities. This will allow me time for more hands-on work with trucks and strive for a better balance in my life. Writing the column has been an enjoyable journey, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with you all. Now, it’s time to get back to the garage, where the real fun happens.

I’d like to extend a special thanks to Kevin for originally giving me my initial shot here as a contributor to the C10BG. I still remember the excitement of flipping through my first few issues from the newsstands. Also to Chris Hamilton, who allowed me to continue writing the “Final Word,” through many transitions and lastly to Mike Alexander, who has been a tremendous source of support and encouragement for my articles and the current vibe that we’ve established as a home-grown pub. Last and definitely not least, my editor and biggest supporter, my wife – Autumn Wetch.

I’m grateful for the support, camaraderie, and inspiration I’ve received from this community. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to share my thoughts and experiences with you through the “Final Word” column. As I continue on, I’m excited about the stories and adventures that lie ahead.

Keep on truckin’ and, as always, stay true to the C10 community. Thank you for being a part of the C10 Nation and remember – the trucks are cool, but the people are cooler!

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