Going Fast and Fixing Things: True Stories from the World’s Most Popular DIY Repair Expert and Car Aficionado

by Rich Benoit, Lisa Rogak (Primary Contributor)

An entertaining and inspirational memoir by the world’s most popular DIY expert and car aficionado, revealing how Rich Benoit went from buying a left-for-dead Tesla to becoming a successful YouTube entrepreneur and subsequently launching The Electrified Garage, the nation’s first successful EV-only business devoted to repairing Teslas and electric vehicles of all makes.

People are fascinated by the cars, the stock price, and especially its headline-grabbing CEO.  As someone who has pulled back the curtain on the cult-like business model that is the Tesla company – and has battled with its consumer-unfriendly business practices—readers will be eager to go behind the scenes of the Rich Rebuilds YouTube channel.  Throughout his life, Benoit has almost always been the proverbial “only Black guy in the room,” an experience which culminates in his being the most popular Black car rebuilding guy on the internet, a subculture even more overwhelmingly white than most.  And the specific world of electric vehicle fandom—and specifically Tesla fandom—where Rich is a major star, is even more so. His voice on the page, just like his persona in his videos, is funny and intimate and a little goofy, but tempered by a clear determination to make a success of himself and his enterprises.  GOING FAST AND FIXING THINGS also provide advice to help readers in their own car-buying, -driving, and -fixing lives, and more generally about how to resist the fundamentally passive disposable-is-better consumerist ethos that saturates our current culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography

256 pages, Hardcover

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Karen Agee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn't sure at first I would enjoy reading about repairing cars and a garage, but since I am a child of the muscle car generation, I gave it a try. I love how Mr. Benoit approaches what he does with his attitude that he can accomplish what he sets out to do and does it. His story is an inspiration for others to be encouraged to work for the goal they have in mind.

[Ron Howden · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the fastest I have read a book this year, I am a car guy but don’t watch his channel. I did hear about him a few years ago because of the right to repair which is what attracted me to the book.

The book starts well, keeps your interest then ends really well. It’s worth reading all the way through because there are interesting tidbits all along the way.

I think what is best is Rich has a refreshing view of electric vehicles, they are not going to save the planet only changing your lifestyle will.

I admire anyone who puts themself out there and the time it takes to do what he is doing ( the channel, the business, family and now a book). Well done on all fronts you have 1 new subscriber.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am probably not the demographic Rich expected to reach. I’m white female and a senior. However, I was engaged from the first page on.

It is ridiculous that a person’s color still can be perceived negatively-it’s 2024-it’s stupid that this is an ongoing issue. It seems all races are prone to view others as suspicious. Martin Luther King left this earth far too soon!

Back to the book.

Rich used his ocd and need to figure everything out, to launch one of the earliest and most successful goofy car builder on You Tube. His humor is real-occasionally off color and definitely quirky. He has tips on helping people chose vehicles wisely as well as fixing them

[Patricia Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a car collector, I believe I was caught up in the title! I wanted to go faster, and fix more things!!! What I received was his memoir-- of how he took who he was, how he is, and made it an advantage not a 'disability' as so many declare. I used to think of it as "the boy who saw the world upside down... so he'd see a smile instead of a frown". I loved his perspective on life, on Teslas, people, micro and macro racial aggressions (we do have diversity in our LOCAL Porsche and RR clubs, long term), and on loving cars----- and so thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I'm going to be passing it on to other Gearheads. Thanks Good Reads for an excellent and so enjoyable read... Edited today: for the past few weeks I've talked about this book, thought about what Rich said in it...and decided hellyeah this deserves FIVE stars!! It's a mustread for thought challenging, for information, and yes, a fun read too.

[Jess A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed “Uncle Rich’s” channel from the beginning. His videos are both funny and informative. I couldn’t wait to read his book and preordered it as soon as it became available. This book was everything and more. It was relatable, inspirational, and funny. I can relate my life to a lot of what Rich talks about; from working on cars with my husband, being the wife that supports her husband even when he has all these crazy ideas and wanting to start our own YouTube channel. This book was a nice glimpse into Rich’s life that you don’t get while watching his videos. I didn’t want the book the end!!!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and engaging. Kept reading. If you like his channel you’ll probably like this too.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining book. He shared some worthwhile experiences. He is very frank about his motivations and reasons for them. I agree with some of them after experiencing similar "I should have..."

[Ken Goudey · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of Rich Benoit. The ebook is the way to go.

[Ted Hennessy]

Entertaining. He's an interesting person who's made a v good living from being persistent and clever.

[Ben Gode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but not life changing. I like his projects and vibe but not his humor