Tom Zielinski Interview: Detroit 4Fest 2026, Tread Lightly & Moab Secrets

Welcome back to the Jeep Talk Show! In this episode, Tony sits down with Tom Zielinski — lifelong off-roader, event creator and operator, Tread Lightly! board member, former racer, and one of the most connected people in the off-road and automotive event world.

Tom shares stories from the "alleged" early days of sneaking into gravel pits, the motivation behind serving on the Tread Lightly board, why he still rides the bumper a little too close on the trail, and how Detroit traffic and Houston Beltway driving shaped his need for speed. They talk V8 Gladiator dreams, meeting at Easter Jeep Safari, the magic (and occasional chaos) of Moab, and why new people at EJS come away wide-eyed.

Tom also opens up about appearing on the Automotive Advantage podcast with Dr. Jamie Meyer and Justin Chesler, how he builds real industry relationships ("be in the mix every day, don't be an idiot, follow through"), the origin story of his events (born from dealership sponsorship frustration and a bit of youthful guilt), and the importance of Off-Road 101 education.

Key Highlights

Tom's path from power-sports dealerships and mentors to creating major events Why Holly Oaks works so well and how new Jeepers become "one of us" Tread Lightly, trail stewardship, and the difference between appropriate "shenanigans" and damaging public lands The heartwarming side of guiding first-timers and industry newcomers at Moab and 4Fest Real talk on building contacts, saying yes (sometimes too often), and staying behind the curtain while delivering **Timestamps 00:00 Introducing Tom Zelensky and His Off‑Road Journey

00:52 – Trail Etiquette: Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride 01:38 – Houston Beltways: Toll Roads and Unrestricted Speed 02:32 – From Detroit Trucks to Jeeps: Embracing Speed 03:10 – TRX Launch and Dreaming of a V8 Jeep 03:46 – Rumors of a Hemi‑Powered Gladiator 04:10 – Connecting at EJS: Meeting Tom and New Friends 04:46 – Moab Adventures and Jeep Overload 06:13 – First‑Timer Experiences and Detroit Four Fest Highlights 07:22 – Crowd Perceptions at Easter Jeep Safari 07:55 – Community Dynamics and Curmudgeons at Off‑Road Events 09:19 – Networking at EJS and Introducing the Automotive Advantage Podcast 11:39 – Overview of the Automotive Advantage Podcast and Its Hosts 13:02 – Recap of the Automotive Advantage Interview and Upcoming Projects 14:28 – The "Magic" of Networking and Staying in the Mix 17:05 – Half‑Day Work Ethic and the Importance of Follow‑Through 17:52 – Motivation Behind Events, Business Insights, and Off‑Road Education 22:02 – How Our Off‑Road Events Were Born: From Idea to Execution 25:14 – Adventure Spirit, Off‑Road Parks, and Public Lands Ethics 27:58 – Educating Off‑Roaders and Preserving Trail Access 29:27 – Advocacy for Public Lands and Shared Responsibility 31:05 – Inclusivity and Respect for All Recreational Activities 31:42 – Upcoming September Events: Cars at the Station and Detroit Four Fest 33:45 – One‑Zero‑One Off‑Road Classes and Registration Details 37:11 – Engaging New Off‑Roaders: Locker Demonstration and Learning Moment 39:38 – FOURFEST at Holly Oaks: Suburban Off‑Road Park and International Attendance 41:02 – Jim Morrison, Jeep Leadership and Bob's Health Update 43:46 – Supporting Tread Lightly: Trail Clean‑Ups and Community Service 44:46 – Toledo Jeep Fest Plans and Inflatable Camper Warning 45:41 – Final Thoughts, Trail Encouragement, and New Friendships 46:23 – Video Stabilization and Brief Commentary 46:51 – Legal Disclaimer and Liability Notice Links

Detroit 4Fest / registration: https://4festevents.com Tread Lightly!: https://treadlightly.org Jeep Talk Show: https://jeeptalkshow.com Support the show, hit the trails responsibly, and we'll see you out there (or at Holly Oaks in September)!

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