In this captivating episode of “Conversations with Big Rich,” we dive into the vibrant world of motorsports with Tony Barraza, a passionate designer and long-time enthusiast of the off-road industry. Tony, the creative force behind TB DesignWorks, shares his journey from growing up in a small desert town in Blythe, California, to becoming a significant figure in motorsports illustration, printing, and marketing.
Tony discusses his upbringing in Blythe, California, where the seeds of his love for motorsports were sown. Influenced by neighbors involved in off-road racing, he found himself drawn to the vibrant desert racing scene.
Transitioning from a BMX enthusiast to a graphic designer, Tony recounts his educational journey at Platt College and his serendipitous entry into NHRA, which launched his professional career in motorsports design.
The episode explores the founding of TB DesignWorks in 1999, showcasing Tony’s dedication to merging his creative talents with his passion for motorsports.
With over 30 years of experience, Tony reflects on his legacy and future aspirations, sharing his love for the sport and the community that surrounds it.
Join Big Rich and Tony Barraza for an inspiring conversation about following your passion and making a living in the off-road world. Whether you’re a die-hard motorsports fan or just curious about the industry, this episode offers valuable lessons and insights.
TRANSCRIPT
[00:01:12.380] – Big Rich Klein
On today’s Conversations with Big Rich is a gentleman that has a passion and an enthusiasm for motorsports and the people that share that enthusiasm and passion as well. He’s people-centric, and it’s Tony Baraza, with Tony Barraza or TB Design & Works, illustration, printing, and marketing. Someone who really has a passion for motorsports.
[00:01:42.180] – Tony Barraza
Hello, Rich.
[00:01:43.160] – Big Rich Klein
Hello, Tony. How are you doing today? Good, man.
[00:01:45.560] – Tony Barraza
Good morning. How are you?
[00:01:46.640] – Big Rich Klein
Excellent.
[00:01:48.460] – Tony Barraza
Good, man. Thank God this Friday we reached it.
[00:01:51.840] – Big Rich Klein
So anyway, the interview is going to be about you. My first question is going to be, where were you born and raised? And then we’re just going to run your timeline. Education, what it was like growing up as a kid, your family’s, what you guys did for vacations or entertainment, that thing. And just tell us your story We’ll get into first vehicles, jobs, college, and then your career and how that all flourished. Family, all of it. That’s cool.
[00:02:28.180] – Tony Barraza
So cool. I really appreciate I appreciate the opportunity, Rich. It’s super cool. Listen to plenty of the podcast over the years, plenty of, obviously, icons and legends and some of them that are the friends of mine, and to even be remotely regarded, included, and thought of at the same time as it was amazing to me, so I really appreciate it.
[00:02:49.020] – Big Rich Klein
Well, what this podcast truly is about, it’s about the history of off-road by those that live the lifestyle. But What I hope to do with the podcast is inspire somebody that’s an enthusiast, maybe works a nine to five at some store or something like that, that really isn’t satisfied in their life and always dreamed about getting into off-road. I want to show those people that there are a million different ways to get into off-road.
[00:03:24.660] – Tony Barraza
A million avenues. And like you’ve learned on your podcast, I’ve certainly heard it repeatedly over time and time again of the ones I’ve listened to over the years, and everybody came from somewhere. Everybody knew… I mean, some people are born into it, but until they get the experience, the exposure, are entrenched in it. In some of those that get a taste of it and don’t go down that path, there’s those of us that have been on the outside and they see it as a fan, an enthusiast. They attended a race, they had a family member that was into something, and then you came into it, then you just were a whole hog and up to your neck in it. Exactly. It clicks with some. When I think of my journey, my experiences, and it’s like, my God, so many people were entrenched, and there’s so many details to it. There’s even minutia to the details of how these people are connected or how I became a part of something. Everybody has that. It came from somewhere. I’m massively fortunate to have had the experiences and the journey that I’ve had that I’m still on at 59 years old, and there’s no end in sight. READ MORE
