2NR: So did you end up working for him?
JK: No, it never panned out and I ended up scrambling around, draining out my savings; sold my equipment and grabbed everything I could scrounge up to pay off my debt. The whole ordeal it left a bad taste in my mouth when the thought came up of running my own business again. Part of the comfort I have with HKS is the knowledge that I'm working for a good company and getting a paycheck on a consistent basis. I just don't need the limelight anymore. I had my time and it was fun so I have no regrets.
2NR: What do you think would have ultimately happened to FastTrax if, by chance, you'd never met or dealt with the shady investor? At what level do you think the company would be today?
JK: It's really hard to say. There are a lot of factors that swayed that decision into ending my business: the availability of parts, limited machining, to name a few. My machining source was limited to producing different wheels and different housings because the more critical machining was sent out rather than taken care of in-house. I believe I probably would have still gone to HKS. They actually offered the job to me before, when I was still building up FastTrax.
2NR: Currently, what is your title and your job description at HKS?
JK: I am currently the chief floor sweeper and toilet cleaner. No, but seriously, my title here is manager of Research and Development. My duties include running the R&D department and staff, test fitting and modifying exhaust systems, as well as other components that HKS Japan makes, ensuring those same parts will fit on a U.S.-spec vehicle. If Japan tells us what needs to be made, we will fabricate it-for example, an exhaust to fit the U.S. models-and test them out to make sure they make power in the end. We at HKS will ensure we don't sell anything to the consumers without that specific product making power. I perform most of the tuning on test vehicles and new products while heading up the training seminar for our Pro dealerships that are authorized to sell our fuel management for the FCON VPRO.
2NR: Has HKS Japan sent any off-the-wall or just rudely insane products for your R&D team to test in the past?
JK: Oh yes. A product that I thought was simple but completely worthless was this thing called a "Candy Ball Exhaust."
2NR: Uh, just the name itself sounds pretty lame!