Nelson Moniz: Equal Parts Passion and Leadership

Leadership, in any industry, is about action. Giving back as much as you receive—engaging your team, empowering others, sharing your passion. Nelson Moniz is a veteran Keystone Automotive sales account manager and lifelong automotive enthusiast based out of the Toronto, Canada call center. Knowledgeable about a variety of markets within the industry, he enjoys serving as a mentor to fellow teammates and connecting with shop owners both personally and professionally. “I’m a car guy, specifically a Fox Body Mustang guy. Always have been and always will be.”

Not many people can say they’ve been in the biz for 25 years by their mid-40s. Moniz, who feels fortunate to be part of such an ever-growing and dynamic industry, expressed a sense of nostalgia as he talked about a long career in the automotive aftermarket and how it all began.

“I always enjoyed using my hands and began working on cars before I ever had a license. … I started a lot of projects and didn’t finish them all [but the fun-factor was there nonetheless],” said Moniz. Primarily self-taught, he caught on fast and progressed even faster. And yet, he was pursuing another career. “I wanted to be an electrician. During high school, my teacher retired and the school decided not to continue the program. So, I had to make a decision: leave the school to continue on the electrical path or go with auto mechanics and stay put,” explained Moniz.

Customers First

While a career in the automotive industry was born out of practicality, there’s no doubt nitrous oxide runs through his veins. Moniz has been intimately involved with auto parts throughout his career, from the warehouse and retail to wholesale and leadership. He has shared extensive insight with industry professionals by day, using it to tear apart motorcycles and build cars in the evening, and relished in the excitement of drag racing on the weekends.

This industry is built on relationships. To Nelson Moniz, he has as much to learn as he does to teach. Communicating with customers not just as a sales associate, but also as a fellow enthusiast only deepens the bond. “I keep up on industry news and events; read about new brands, products and trends; attend shows like SEMA, the Keystone BIG Show and PRI, and then connect with my customers,” he said. “I try to help them avoid tunnel vision [in an effort to diversify and grow].”

Leadership & Enthusiasm

Every day employees are tasked to lead by example from where they sit. It’s not about the corner office and the golden name plate. It’s about coming to work each day and being passionate about one’s individual purpose. As a go-to guy on the sales floor, Nelson Moniz understands the value of remaining accessible to teammates, lending a helping hand with other accounts, and devoting his time and talents to fostering customer relationships. But Moniz does more than just help others with their pet projects. Check out some of his own impressive builds below!

2008 Jeep Wrangler JK Rubicon A.K.A. Rumble Bee

  • Skyjacker lift kit
  • Mickey Thompson Side Biters with 35” ATZ tires
  • aFe POWER exhaust and cold air intake with aFe POWER throttle body spacer
  • Superchips tuner
  • Bestop Trektop NX
  • Bestop front and rear bumpers
  • Smittybilt 8,000 lb. winch
  • PIAA lighting
  • Billet grille assembly
  • Bestop spare tire carrier
  • Rugged Ridge/Mopar light guards

Rubicon Nation

1988 Mustang

  • Teal Mist custom paint
  • 306 ci
  • Ford Racing GT 40 intake
  • 70 mm throttle body and spacer
  • Dart heads
  • Mac long tubes with H Pipe
  • Flowmaster exhaust system
  • Ford Racing 410 gears
  • Centerforce dual friction clutch and flywheel
  • 8-point roll cage with frame connectors and RCI buckets
  • Autometer gauges
  • Nitrous Oxide (NOS Dry Kit)
  • Pro M Mass Air
  • Aluminum rad
  • Auburn Posi with Moser axles
  • Harwood hood
  • Hurst shifter
  • Weld Racing Pro Stars with 5-lug conversion

1988 Red Mustang

  • 306 ci
  • Viper red paint
  • Trickflow intake
  • Trickflow aluminum heads
  • 70 mm throttle body and spacer
  • Pro M Mass Air
  • Mac long tube with H Pipe
  • Flowmaster exhaust
  • Ford Racing 410 gear
  • Centerforce dual friction clutch and flywheel
  • Autometer gauges
  • Nitrous Oxide (NOS Wet Kit)
  • 8-point roll cage with frame and RCI buckets
  • Auburn Posi with Moser axles
  • Earls, Russel Bosch fuel system
  • Aluminum rad
  • BM ripper
  • Wed Racing drag lights
  • Harwood hood
  • MSD ignition

1988 Ford Mustang - Red

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Custom Honda Motorcycle

  • 1300cc
  • Custom paint
  • 250 tire conversion kit
  • Hard Chrome exhaust
  • Avon tires
  • Lowered with Progressive shocks
  • Side plate conversion
  • Saddle Man solo seat conversion
  • Kuryakin Hypercharger with grips and mirrors

Custom Harley

1990 Black Mustang

  • 306 ci
  • Edelbrock heads
  • Trickflow intake
  • 75 mm throttle body and spacer
  • SCT custom tune
  • SCT Mass Air
  • Paxton supercharger with Anderson power pipe
  • BBK 1.75 long tubes with CATs
  • Flowmaster exhaust system
  • Aeromotive fuel system
  • Be Cool rad
  • Cervini hood
  • BM Pro Ripper
  • Exedy clutch
  • MSD ignition
  • Autometer monster tach with Autometer gauges
  • Frame connectors
  • RCI buckets

1990 Ford Mustang - Black

2002 Dodge RAM Quad Cab

  • Leer fiberglass tonneau cover
  • BedRug
  • Anzo lights
  • Ground Force drop kit
  • 22”  ECCO Wheels with 305 x 45 x 22 Nexen tires
  • Flowmaster exhaust system
  • Volant cold air intake
  • Superchips tuner
  • Addco sway bars
  • Stull billet upper and lower grille
  • Street Scene roll pan
  • Stoptech rotors
  • Hawk pads
  • Edelbrock headers
  • Mopar body kit and hood shield
  • Bushwacker flares
  • Ventshade rain guards
  • Power sliding rear window

2002 Dodge RAM Quad Cab

2007 Chrysler 300

  • Billet upper and lower grille
  • Eibach lowering kit
  • Magnaflow exhaust systems
  • 20” Ultra Wheels and 245x 45 x 20 Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires
  • Custom stereo system
  • K&N cold air intake
  • DiabloSport tuner

2007 Chrysler 300

 

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