MEET THe Team
Aimee Shackelford
Co - Founder | VP Sales & Marketing
With a lifetime passion for the automotive world and a fearless approach to brand storytelling, Aimee Shackelford brings both heart and horsepower to GearOne Agency. Her connection to car culture runs deep — her great-uncles were sprint-midget builders in Los Angeles from the 1930s through the 1960s — fueling a lifelong love of performance, design, and community.
As Co-Founder and Partner at GearOne Agency, Aimee drives the agency’s sales and marketing strategy, building creative, data-driven campaigns that connect brands to enthusiast audiences worldwide. Her leadership has helped shape GearOne into a full-service automotive marketing powerhouse trusted by leading brands, events, and influencers.
Beyond her work at GearOne, Aimee is the CEO of SocialBolt, a partner at Exotics On Broadway, and a key marketing force behind renowned events like goldRush Rally and Fuel Run. Known in the automotive community as @PetrolGirl, she’s built a reputation as a connector, creative, and passionate advocate for car culture — both online and in person.
Aimee has also made her mark as a respected female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women to carve their own paths in the automotive world. Her success stands as proof that authenticity, resilience, and drive can accelerate anyone — regardless of gender — to the front of the pack.
When she’s not building brands or orchestrating large-scale automotive experiences, you’ll likely find Aimee behind the wheel on a coastal drive, exploring new destinations, or photographing her favorite cars at golden hour. Her approach to life mirrors her work — bold, fast-paced, and full of passion for the road ahead. Favorite cars to date? Audi R8 V10 and Mazda Miata SE Track Toy. Next Cars on the Horizon? Ferrari 360 Modena and Honda S660.
JOHNNY VALENCIA
Co - Founder | VP Development | Communications | Creative
Johnny was bit by the automotive bug at age 13. Since then, his journey has included 17 years with Michelin North America in areas of Manufacturing, Sales, Corporate Training, and Marketing/Event Planning. Johnny and Co-Founder Aimee Shackelford founded GearOne Agency in 2018, as they felt there was a void in the automotive agency space for true enthusiast experts with passion and dedication to continue growing the industry for all generations moving forward. Although all things automotive is Johnny's 24/7, some personal highlights include holding an SCCA Time Trial license for 2 years, buying and never selling any of his cars, mentoring young marketing minds and content creators, and spending time with his 3 kids and pets. Favorite cars to date? AMG C63S and Integra GS-R. Next cars on the horizon? Another E36 M3 Coupe and Ferrari 360 Modena.
STEVE ELLIS
Special Projects Manager
Steve is an accomplished automotive enthusiast and dedicated motorsports professional with a deep passion for the industry. Known for his exceptional public relations skills and natural ability to build genuine connections, Steve thrives in any environment—whether engaging with teams and fans at the racetrack, representing brands at car shows, or networking across the broader automotive community. His enthusiasm, authenticity, and industry insight make him a trusted presence wherever motorsport and automotive culture come together.
Krystal Leopard
Social Media Analyst
Krystal was born into a world where weekends with her dad became lifelong lessons. From changing oil and tires to watching him rebuild a carburetor or two, anything involving a motor, oil, and gas was their shared escape. What started as weekend hobbies soon grew into a lasting passion. Today, Krystal turns her own wrenches and takes pride in driving her own car on the track. Mixing her love of cars and technology, Krystal strives to show that anything is possible with hard work and determination. That drive keeps her moving forward, wherever the road may lead.
"I don't just change tires, I change algorithms. Fueled by coffee, I always stay tuned in to what's trending to keep posts running smoother than a freshly rebuilt engine. One hand on the analytics, one eye on the podium."
Maloo the Mini Aussie
CPO - Chief Pawformance Officer
Maloo, our Mini Aussie, is the heartbeat of the office. As Chief Pawformance Officer, he boosts morale, inspects every corner for excellence, and ensures every client visit comes with wiggle-butt energy. A lover of toys, treats, and a good car show, Maloo keeps our team running at full throttle.