RealRides Volume 1: Mike Holsomback

What is RealRides?

Think back to your favorite automotive publications—the ones you'd swipe off the coffee table after your dad had finished reading, only to spend the next hour gawking at impressive builds and circling parts in the ads section. Peterson's 4-Wheel and Off-Road, Truckin', and Four Wheeler are just a few of the names that helped to develop my passion for all things automotive, and my experience isn't exclusive.

In each of these magazines, editors incorporated a Reader Rides section to highlight the elaborate, stylish, or simply unique builds of consumers of their content. While RealTruck already has a community page, we've decided to flip the script of the traditional readers' rides section to cover our employees' standout rides. After all, we aren't just RealTruck people—we're real truck people.

Meet Mike: RealTruck's Sales Director, Enthusiastic Outdoorsman, and Passionate Truck Builder

Our first RealRides feature follows Mike Holsomback—RealTruck's accomplished Director of Sales. I'll let Mike take over the introduction from here:

"Hi, I'm Mike, and I've been part of the RealTruck team for 13 years. My journey started as a sales agent, and today, I'm proud to serve as the Director of Sales, leading our incredible team. Working at RealTruck has been more than just a career—it's a place where my passion for trucks, the outdoors, and serving our customers has only grown stronger."

As a veteran employee and a lifelong gearhead, Mike is a perfect candidate for our first RealRides feature. His automotive passions and close connection with RealTruck have enabled him to piece together an impressive selection of past and present builds.

To better understand the roots of Mike's passion, we reached out for a quick interview, kicking things off with an important question:

What Piqued Your Interest in Trucks?

"Growing up, trucks were always a big part of my life. Whether it was tinkering with accessories, lifting them up, or simply admiring their power and versatility, trucks have been in my blood. I always enjoyed customizing them with accessories, creating a unique look and performance build each time."

What About RealTruck Aligns with You? 

"My work [at RealTruck] combines my passion for the industry and the joy of helping customers find the right accessories to fit their lifestyle. Pair that with my love for the outdoors—hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, hitting the trails, and finding the nearest mud hole—and you'll see why RealTruck is the perfect fit for me. It's a place where I get to share that enthusiasm with our customers every day, helping them find the right accessories to enhance their vehicles and support their lifestyles."

What Makes For the Ultimate Truck? 

"Power, versatility, and adventure-readiness, perfectly balancing family outings and trail riding."

Mike's Rides

Mike doesn't just talk the talk—he also walks the walk, or should I say, drives the drive? Over the years, our Director of Sales has assembled some impressive rigs. As he states, "Each build has a unique purpose and style, and they've given me firsthand experience with a range of products I'm proud to recommend to our customers."

2022 Chevy Silverado RST 6.2L

First, we're looking at his previous truck—a 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 RST with a 6.2L Vortec engine. This engine pumps out an impressive 420 horsepower and rockets the half-ton pickup to 60 mph in just under five and a half seconds. 

According to Mike, this build "was all about power and style, from the aggressive lift to the sleek yet functional accessories. This Silverado was a blast to build and even more fun to drive, making a statement both on and off the road."

Some highlights from the build include: 

• Tonneau Cover: BAK® Revolver X4s—a hard-rolling tonneau cover that adds security without compromising flexibility.

• Wheels: 22" x 12" American Force Locus wheels for a bold, rugged look.

• Tires: Fuel Gripper MT 35x12.50r22 Tires to handle rough terrain with ease.

• Lift Kit: ReadyLift 6" Lift for added clearance and stance.

• Cold Air Intake: Volant Cold Air Intake to boost performance.

• Exhaust: Corsa Dual Exhaust for a deep, aggressive sound that matches the truck's performance. 

2022 Chevy Silverado RST Image Carousel

Mike's 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor

Next, we have Mike's 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor—a well-rounded rig engineered to conquer any task. According to Mike, "The Raptor's versatility makes it a great family vehicle while still allowing me to dive into off-road adventures. [It's] an amazing [truck] that's versatile enough to haul my kids around and still powerful enough for serious trail rides."

While still in the infancy of its build, Mike has outfitted the Raptor with a few standout accessories, including: 

• Tonneau Cover: Retrax EQ tonneau cover—Durable and easy to use, it's perfect for keeping my gear secure.

• Tuner: Cobb Accessport Tuner with Custom GooseTune for increased power and performance.

• Bed Mat: BedRug Bed Mat adds comfort and protection to the truck bed, which is ideal for hauling equipment without worry.

2022 Ford F-150 Raptor Image Carousel

Final Thoughts from Mike

I can't thank Mike enough for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk trucks. Over the years, he's built some impressive rides, and I can't wait to see what comes next for his radical Raptor. 

To finish out this RealRides feature, I'd like to leave us with some words from Mike: 

"At RealTruck, my goal is to help every customer find the best products for their truck, whether for family outings, off-roading, or simply adding personal style. I'm here to offer the support, advice, and passion only a fellow truck lover can provide. Thanks for checking out my builds and letting me be part of your RealTruck journey—I can't wait to help you bring your vision to life!"

Thanks again, Mike, and to RealTruck's loyal customers for allowing our staff to fulfill their dream jobs. Stay tuned for the next RealRides feature as we cover another employee's standout builds. 

To help bring your truck to life, check out our massive inventory and contact our experts.