Richard Rawlings, the larger-than-life personality behind Gas Monkey Garage, has ambitious plans for the future of his iconic brand. As the founder of the world-renowned custom garage and star of the hit show Fast N' Loud, Rawlings has been at the forefront of automotive restoration for over a decade. However, as his brand has expanded beyond television and the garage, Rawlings is now shifting gears to elevate Gas Monkey to new heights.
Source: Instagram
Transition from Fast N' Loud
After 16 seasons and over 300 episodes, Fast N' Loud became a fan favorite by featuring Rawlings and his team restoring and flipping classic cars. The show, however, came to an end as Rawlings parted ways with Discovery Channel. On the Joe Rogan podcast, Rawlings explained that it was time for a change, stating, “There’s only so many times you can buy a car, fix a car, and sell a car.” With the closure of the show, Rawlings expressed his desire to explore more innovative and exciting ventures. Moving forward, Rawlings envisions a more flexible platform where he can embrace his creative instincts without the constraints of network television.
Expanding the Gas Monkey Empire
Rawlings’ future plans for Gas Monkey Garage involve expanding the brand in various directions. Beyond just the garage and television, he’s keen on making Gas Monkey a global lifestyle brand. One of the most significant expansions includes his apparel line, which has surprisingly become one of Gas Monkey’s most profitable ventures. Rawlings proudly claims that Gas Monkey's branded clothing and merchandise outsell the profits from car restorations. With a strong presence in international markets, including pop-up shops as far away as Japan, Gas Monkey's influence is growing rapidly.
In addition to the apparel, Rawlings has ventured into the food and beverage industry. He’s opened several restaurants and venues, such as Gas Monkey Bar and Grill and Gas Monkey Live, although some have faced closures. Still, Rawlings remains undeterred, continuously exploring ways to combine his passion for cars with entertainment and hospitality. His next major project is a massive 40,000-square-foot restaurant and concert pavilion in Dallas, with future locations planned for Las Vegas and international markets.
Source: Instagram
Building a $500 Million Brand
Rawlings has a clear and ambitious goal: to turn Gas Monkey into a $500 million global brand within the next five years. With millions of loyal followers across social media platforms, Gas Monkey's reach has never been more extensive. Social media will play a pivotal role in this next chapter, allowing Rawlings to directly engage with fans without the interference of network contracts. He has voiced frustrations in the past about the limitations that Discovery placed on his ability to promote Gas Monkey through his social channels. Now, as a “free agent,” he is fully in control and ready to capitalize on the digital age.
Embracing New Opportunities
With Fast N’ Loud behind him, Rawlings is focusing on more than just cars. He is launching a podcast, marking his first entry into the rapidly growing world of audio content. Always the entrepreneur, Rawlings sees this as an opportunity to share behind-the-scenes stories, engage with fans, and potentially inspire others in the automotive world. He also hinted at other “fun” projects on the horizon, which could include new shows or collaborations with other content creators on platforms like YouTube.
Gas Monkey's Global Vision
What sets Richard Rawlings apart is his relentless drive to make Gas Monkey more than just a garage—it’s a lifestyle. As he pushes into new industries, including energy drinks and even alcohol, Rawlings envisions a future where Gas Monkey is synonymous with high-octane, adventurous living. His various ventures, from restaurants to retail, reflect this bold vision.
Yet, through all this diversification, Rawlings remains a "car guy" at heart. His passion for automotive restoration will always be at the core of Gas Monkey's DNA. The challenge, as he sees it, is balancing his love for cars with the business side of things, and he’s determined to do both while maintaining the brand's authenticity.
Richard Rawlings’ vision for Gas Monkey Garage is clear: he’s building a lifestyle brand that transcends automotive restoration, positioning himself as a global entrepreneur with his sights set on even bigger projects. As Rawlings himself said, he’s “hell-bent on throttling the company to new levels,” and if anyone has the drive to make it happen, it’s him. With a loyal fan base, a growing global presence, and a never-ending list of creative ideas, the future of Gas Monkey Garage looks brighter than ever.
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