The Kunes Collective Podcast continues to spotlight the people, passion, and purpose behind the automotive world, and Episode 11 is no exception. Titled “The Soul of American Muscle & Belvidere Roots,” this episode dives deep into car culture, career journeys, and the powerful connection between community and the automotive industry.
From humble beginnings in service to a growing career in marketing, and from classic V8 muscle to the uncertain future of EVs, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about what makes the car business and car culture so special.
From Service Lane to Social Media: A Kunes Career Journey
Every great story starts somewhere, and for this episode’s guest, that story begins in the service department at Kunes Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Belvidere.
Starting as a BDC (Business Development Center) representative, the role focused on recalls, digging through manufacturer databases, contacting customers, and scheduling essential service appointments. It was an entry point, but more importantly, it became a foundation.
From there, the journey continued:
- Shuttle driver and lane assistant
- Service dispatcher coordinating technicians and repairs
- Eventually transitioning into Regional Social Media Marketing Manager
This progression highlights something unique about the automotive industry. Opportunity comes through immersion. By working closely with technicians and advisors, the guest gained hands-on knowledge of vehicles, diagnostics, and customer experience.
As described in the episode, the service department is not just a job. It is a crash course in how vehicles truly work and what it takes to keep customers satisfied.
The Hidden Complexity of the Car Business
One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is how misunderstood the automotive industry can be, especially from the outside.
What seems simple, like fixing a vehicle, is often anything but.
Behind every repair:
- Warranty approvals must be processed
- Parts may be backordered
- Manufacturers must authorize claims
- Technicians must diagnose complex issues
It is a layered and time-consuming process that requires coordination, patience, and expertise.
Beyond the logistics, what stands out most is the dedication of dealership teams. Early mornings, long nights, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction define the service side of the business.
That dedication builds something even more valuable. It builds relationships
Where Passion Begins: A Love for Cars
Like many enthusiasts, the guest’s passion for cars started at home.
Inspired by a grandfather who owned a 1972 Corvette Stingray, early exposure to car culture came through:
- Watching automotive programs together
- Learning insights beyond what television could teach
- Experiencing stories tied to real vehicles
That influence sparked a lifelong love for cars. It evolved from Ford admiration into a deep appreciation for Mopar and American engineering.
It is a reminder that car culture is not just about machines. It is about memories, mentorship, and shared experiences.
Belvidere: More Than a Plant, A Community Identity
A central theme of Episode 11 is the Belvidere Assembly Plant and its impact on the local community.
For decades, the plant has been more than a manufacturing facility. It has been a cornerstone of the region’s identity.
- Established in the 1960s
- Produced iconic Chrysler vehicles
- Supported thousands of jobs directly and indirectly
- Fueled local businesses and the broader economy
As discussed in the episode, the plant’s slowdown created a ripple effect throughout the community. Restaurants, suppliers, contractors, and families all felt the impact.
“It was not just a plant. It was a piece of who we are.”
There is hope for its return, but more importantly, there is pride in what it represents. American manufacturing, community strength, and shared purpose.
American Muscle vs. Modern Innovation
No conversation about car culture would be complete without looking at the future, and Episode 11 dives straight into that discussion.
What Defines American Muscle?
According to the conversation, true muscle cars share key traits:
- V8 engines
- Rear-wheel drive
- Raw, unfiltered performance
- Emotional driving experience
Vehicles like the Dodge Charger and Challenger have long embodied this identity by delivering power, sound, and presence.
The Shift Toward EVs and Turbo Engines
The industry is changing.
- Electric vehicles are becoming faster and more efficient
- Turbocharged engines are replacing larger displacement V8s
- Manufacturers are adapting to regulations and shifting demand
The key tension is performance versus emotion.
While EVs can outperform traditional cars in acceleration, they often lack the sensory experience that enthusiasts value:
- Engine sound
- Gear shifts
- Mechanical feedback
As one analogy from the episode explains, driving an electric car is like hearing your favorite singer without the band. It is still good, but something is missing.
The Soul of the Internal Combustion Engine
One of the most compelling ideas from the episode is that cars have personality.
Even identical models:
- Sound slightly different
- Feel unique
- Deliver distinct driving experiences
The internal combustion engine is more than a machine. It is a system of precision, motion, and character.
From the moment you press the accelerator:
- The engine revs
- The transmission responds
- The car delivers power in a way you can feel
That connection between driver and machine is something many believe electric vehicles cannot fully replicate.
Why Car Culture Still Matters
At its core, Episode 11 is not just about cars. It is about people.
The automotive world brings together:
- Technicians
- Sales professionals
- Enthusiasts
- Families
- Communities
It becomes a melting pot of shared passion where conversations turn into connections and machines become memories.
Whether it is:
- A first car
- A family road trip
- A dream performance vehicle
Cars remain deeply personal.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Machines
Episode 11 of the Kunes Collective Podcast captures something meaningful.
Cars are more than transportation. They represent identity, history, and emotion.
From Belvidere’s manufacturing legacy to the unmistakable sound of a V8 engine, this episode shows that while technology continues to evolve, the passion behind the wheel remains constant.
As the industry moves toward electrification and innovation, one thing is clear.
The soul of American muscle and the communities that built it will always have a place in the story.
