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Kim Kussy

You are here: Home / Archives for Kim Kussy

Parise joins forces with Aerospace Components

June 15, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Dina Parise joins Aerospace ComponentsLadies supporting and working together is one of the most key elements of success for women’s advancement in automotive and motorsports.   Recently, two very important women in drag racing have joined forces to align and support one another in the racing industry.

2015 IHRA Crower Pro Modified reigning World Champion, Dina Parise and Aerospace Component’s President, Kim Kussy have just announced a very special mutual partnership for the duration of the 2016 season.  Parise joins forces with Aerospace Components on her award-winning Cadillac CTS-V Pro Modified, nicknamed “Stella”.

When Kim (Kussy) and I first met, we hit it off. Two hard working women in this amazing industry both loving every minute of it. What’s not to like, right?”, said Parise of her first meeting with Aerospace Component’s President, CMO and co-founder, Kim Kussy.

With the Dina Parise Racing team’s longstanding history of advocating and supporting our nation’s veteran population and active military, the two ladies shared a mutual passion for our United States Armed Forces.  Aerospace Components began as a MIL-Spec certified contractor for government projects, and is proud to employ many veterans in their facility.    Parise has campaigned several tribute racecars that help honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our service men and women.   They participate in many events in support of veterans – both publically and privately.

I have always said it’s not about getting to the stripe first,” Parise says. “But the journey you take to get there”.

Kim KussySince their military roots, Aerospace Components has involved to become a very active supporter of the Drag Racing industry.  They are a contingency supporter of the National Mustang Racer’s Association and the National Muscle Car Association, rewarding racers in contingency awards on 5 products (Brakes – Front and Rear); Vacuum Pump, Water Pump, Fuel Pump and Shifter) in all classes and series with Promedia for the past five years.  They also sponsor the Aerospace Winner’s Circle for all the Promedia series and events.   In addition, Kim works closely with the NHRA to award a very special “ Aerospace Component’s “Excellence in Engineering” Wally award at select national events.

Both Dina and Kim have built a very dedicated and engaged community of fans and customers through their social media outreach efforts, sharing success of their peers and customers.

Dina interacts regularly with fans through special live videos of her time on the road with the rest of the Dina Parise Racing team and other special messages, often touching on important topics she feels passionate about.    Kim hosts a video series entitled “Kimmy’s Garage” that teaches and educates consumers about their products, how they are made and installation instructions.

The female racing powerhouse partnership between DPR and Aerospace Components is an exciting new development that both are looking forward to showcasing to the industry. Aerospace Components joins other key supporters of DPR in Eastwood, CRC Auto, NGK, Lucas Oil, Speedwire Systems, Hussey Performance, Hoosier, Motorsports Unlimited and Crank It Media.

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Dina Parise, Drag Racing, Kim Kussy, NHRA, pro mod, Sponsors, Women Racing

Behind the scenes: Aerospace Components

March 7, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Kim Kussy, the inspiring President/CMO and Finalist for Professional of the Year, recently gave Horsepower & Heels a behind-the-scenes tour of the Aerospace Components facility.    Check out how Kim, husband and co-owner Al Kussy,  and their team of amazing employees at Aerospace deliver 100% Made in the USA, top-notch, high quality products and solutions to the drag racing industry.

Located in the beautiful city of St. Petersburg, Florida,  the Aerospace Components facility is minutes away from the exquisite beaches of the Gulf coast.    Now a state-of -the-art 35,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, the company that Kim and Al began nearly 30 years ago has evolved from its original roots of government contracting work, where they machined parts that were utilized in defense and aerospace projects such as the international space station. In those early years, Kim and Al worked their full-time day jobs before spending their evenings building the Aerospace business.

Aerospace Components Tour

Take the tour with us by scrolling through the photo gallery below:

 

Aerospace Components

2625 75 Street North 
St Petersburg, FL  33710
Phone:  (727) 347-9915
Online:  http://www.aerospacecomponents.com

 

Category: Featured, Featured ProfessionalTag: In the Shop, Kim Kussy

Aerospace extends NHRA participation

January 13, 2016 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering AwardHorsepower & Heels Motorsport Professional of the Year finalist, Kim Kussy, announced today that Aerospace Components has extended its agreement as the presenting sponsor of the NHRA Excellence in Engineering Award at select NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series events through the 2017 season.

“We are excited to announce our multi-year involvement as presenting sponsors of the NHRA Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award,” said Kim Kussy, co-founder, President and CMO of Aerospace Components Inc. “Because we design and manufacture high performance drag racing billet aluminum components, this program is a perfect fit to honor and support those sportsman racers who exemplify the best engineered vehicles with a Wally trophy.”

Kim Kussy, Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering
Kim Kussy and Bethany Kussy present the Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award to Pro Mod driver, Rickie Smith in 2015.

Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering

Formerly the Best Engineered Car Award, NHRA’s Excellence in Engineering Award will be presented at 12 NHRA Mello Yello Series races in 2016. The prestigious award is presented to an individual who brings a unique edge in craftsmanship and technology to each NHRA national event.   Voted on by the NHRA Tech Department, the recipient receives a special award-specific Wally to commemorate the achievement.   Past winners have included unique chassis builders, drivers that feature distinctive parts and individuals who work to design and test unique concepts.

The NHRA is very proud to have Aerospace Components continue its partnership with NHRA Drag Racing,” said Gary Darcy, NHRA senior vice president of sales and marketing. “The NHRA features some of the world’s most mechanically and technically complex machines and the NHRA Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award honors those who continue to push the boundaries and break barriers in our high-speed sport.”

The program is only one of the ways Kim Kussy stays active within the racing community, supporting customers and racers for their successes.     Aerospace Components is family-owned and operated by the Kussy family and has been producing high quality components for 30 years.

They began doing government contract work, primarily the manufacturing of defense systems, guidance systems and space station components, with Kim growing the business becoming one of the most successful professional women in motorsports.

Today, the Aerospace Components name is known throughout the racing industry as one of the leaders in manufacturing high performance drag racing products.  They design and build brake systems for any make or model car, billet aluminum vacuum pump systems, fuel pumps, water pumps, two speed power glide shifters and more.

Category: Women in Racing NewsTag: Bethany Kussy, Drag Racing, Kim Kussy, NHRA, Women Racing

Women of Racing PRI 2015 Photos – Day 2

December 12, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

The Women of Racing PRI 2015 march continues on Day 2 of the Performance Racing Industry tradeshow.

All of our favorite female drivers, crew and professionals are working hard to network with new connections, catch up with old friends, and thank their 2015 partners.

Check out what they’ve been sharing on their social media platforms!

Missed Day 1?  Check out our Ladies of Racing PRI 2015 Photo Gallery

Have photos you’d like to share?   Tag us on Facebook and Twitter #horsepowerandheels  [Source: Facebook/Twitter]

Women of Racing PRI 2015 Day 2 Photo Gallery

Category: Heel ClicksTag: Cherielynn Westrich, Eily Stafford, Haley James, Hanna Zellers, Jessica Crowbridge, Kim Kussy, Krista Elyse, Lyn St. James, Molly Helmuth, Sarah Burgess, Sarah Cornett-Ching, Sarah Fisher, Women Racing

Shop Women in Motorsports

November 25, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to show your support for your favorite women in racing AND score cool finds for yourself or your loved ones than by shopping at your women of motorsports online stores!

Shop Women of Motorsports Online

We’ve put together a quick list of online shops and stores owned by women in the motorsport world.  They’ve even added some extra promo codes for additional Black Friday savings!

  1. Tracey'sRaceJewelryTracey’s Racing Jewelry -Find racing jewelry and apparel of all kinds!   Earrings, hats, necklaces, key chains, belt buckles, bracelets in a variety of genres- checkered flag, Drag Racing, Funny Car, Sprint Car, Modified Dirt Cars, Late Models, Motocross, and more!

    Use PROMO code: BF2015 for special savings!

  2. McKenna Haase MerchMcKenna Haase Racing -Check out the cool team items for sale by Des Moines, Iowa 305 Sprint Car racer, McKenna Haase.   Her online store has hats, t-shirts, and even air fresheners with the team design in a variety of styles and sizes from infant to adult, men and ladies.
  3. Sara Price MX –
    Sara Price Store
    Professional Motorcross and Supercross racer and X-Games Medalist, Sara Price has some rad threads for sale on her online store.   Get ahead with you very own MX Girls Calendar and be ready for 2016!Receive free shipping on all Black Friday orders!
  4. Girls Torque pouchGirls Torque -Our friends over at Girls Torque have some great t-shirts, calendars, decals and more of their Girls Torque, Racing Mrtyle, and Mum’s Garage brands.   Girls Torque hails from Australia, check out their international support of women in motorsport.   There are sure to be some great finds for Black Friday, visit their online store to get all the details!
  5. Jennifer Jo Cobb shoppingJennifer Jo Cobb Racing -NASCAR driver Jennifer Jo Cobb has team t-shirts, apparel and accessories up for grabs bearing her popular JJCR #10 designs.

    Shoppers get a Free Autographed Hero Card with every purchase!

  6. Car Chix StoreCarchix -The ladies at CarChix have some of your favorite gifts for your gearhead friends!   From CarChix branded apparel, to helmet, piston, turbo and nitrous key chains, and decals for your ride!

    Use promo code CCTHANKS2015 for 10% off all items in the Car Chix Store — including t-shirts, tank tops, hoodies, jewelry, keychains, decals and more! Promo ends 11/30 at 11:59 PM CST.

     

  7. Molly Helmuth storeMolly Helmuth Racing -Support Super Late Model racer, Molly Helmuth by getting your own Molly Helmuth Racing T-Shirt!    They also have lanyards, decals, hats and more to choose from!

    As a special Black Friday promotion, if you buy one T-shirt, you get a free lanyard, hero card and 2 stickers!

  8. Shop AerospacecAerospace Components –Kim Kussy stopped by to offer some special discounts on Aerospace Components gear!   Need fuel/cooling/transmission/braking components for your ride?    Aerospace has you covered!

    Promo Codes:    “25” = 25% off   |  FS = free shipping on your order!

  9. Leah Pritrechett StoLeah Pritchett -NHRA Top Fuel driver, Leah Pritchett, is working hard over this holiday season to find a full-time ride for 2016.  Help support this talented racer and businesswoman by choosing from hats, t-shirts, tanks and wristbands.

    Promo Codes:  WRISTBANDS = free wristband with order  | TAKE10 = $10 off order  |  Offer expires 11/29/15 at 11:59pm PST. Excludes Shipping. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

  10. Pippa Mann StorePippa Mann -Indycar driver Pippa Mann has some great team apparel and designs in support of her Susan Komen program.   Choose from Pippa hats tanks shirts lanyards and more.

    Use BLACKFRIDAY25 to get an extra 25% off anything in the Classic Pippa Black/Red/Yellow line already on sale.   Offer is valid Black Friday through midnight, Cyber Monday.

     

  11. SplitRacing_Black FridayHeather Capano / Split Racing -Heather Capano stopped by to share her Split Racing apparel.   Heather is an integral part of the Split Racing crew, and featured on the wild apparel designs offered in the store.

 

Happy Black Friday Shopping!

Category: Heel ClicksTag: CarChix, Girls Torque, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Kim Kussy, McKenna Haase, Pippa Mann, Sara Price

Catching up with Aerospace Component’s Kim Kussy

August 3, 2015 //  by Horsepower & Heels

Kim Kussy A biology and business degree graduate, pilot and racer who continues excelling to new heights as President and Chief Marketing and Finance Officer of racing industry staple Aerospace Components, the sky is the limit for Kim Kussy.

The daughter of a large family (she has 4 brothers and 2 sisters) raised in the Motor City, Kim Kussy has always loved the automotive industry.  The influence of her brothers and Dearborn, Michigan hometown would be evident in all aspects of her life.  She met her husband Al there, who himself grew up racing at local Milan Dragway.  As the two started their family and moved down to Florida, that love blossomed into a fast-paced life together.

Kim, who graduated from Tampa College with a degree in Biology/Medical Technologist studies and Saint Petersburg College with her degree in Business, had been working in the medical field as a medical technologist for almost 10 years when her and husband Al decided to incorporate Aerospace Components.  Initially, the business was centered around the Department of Defense, machining parts and components for defense systems, guidance systems, and the International Space Station.

Aerospace's Kim and Al KussyThe two spent several years growing the business part time, while still continuing with their full time employers.  Within a few years, the duo found themselves tied-in with the drag racing industry, manufacturing components for racers.   This allowed them to be fully involved in the sport, building the first of many racecars to develop components they created.    It was this first build that would really inspire in Kim the passion for racing, and as the business grew, that love would involve the entire family.

When Al was building his first car at Aerospace, I caught the racing bug too. Having started himself racing at age 16, he taught me how to drive the race car.  It seem like a natural passion since we owned the company that manufacture the racing parts .  Just about all of our employees race so we basically lived at the local tracks in the first 15 years of business.”

Aerospace RacingTaking those years of knowledge and experience, Kim was able to apply them to building a dragster with her daughters Breanna and Bethany, passing on this experience during their high school years as a family project.

I wanted them to know what we made and did for a living. Both girls got in the dragster and did some burn outs.”

Aerospace Components Excellence in EngineeringKim has raced the dragster herself at local tracks in the region, adding that the entire Aerospace family has been a staple in the local racing scene for over 15 years.    They have owned dozens of racecars, and are now involved in the national racing scene, sponsoring the NHRA Wally program, with the special Aerospace Components Excellence in Engineering Award.  The award, voted on by NHRA’s Technical Department, is given at 12 NHRA Nationals events to individuals or teams demonstrating a unique edge in craftsmanship or technology.    They are major sponsors for the National Mustang Racing Association (NMRA) and the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) with the Aerospace Components Winner’s Circle sponsorships and contingency programs.

Aerospace Components is approaching nearly 30 years in business, with no signs of slowing.   The process has been a rewarding one for Kussy, who loves the people she gets the opportunity to work with in the industry.  The road wasn’t always an easy one — the couple started the business at a young age, and have worked hard to build and grow over the years with a group of loyal and hard-working employees that share in the passion.  For Kim, the added struggle of proving herself as an intelligent business woman in a male-dominated industry and not just the stereotyped friendly, pretty face were ongoing in the formative years.    She credits hard work and tenacity for her success in overcoming these obstacles and mounting a successful career that defies the stereotypes.

Both industries that I am involved in are basically a men’s world — racing and aviation. Many of people don’t believe women can race or fly or run companies as the entrepreneur, sometimes women are still being stereotyped in certain areas. But I believe as a woman, if you are competent at what you do that intelligence and passion shows forth. Now that I have been in the industry for 28 years, I believe men and women respect me for how hard I work, for who I am and what I have contributed to both industries.”

General Aviator Kim KussyWith her duties at Aerospace and at the racetrack taking her all across the country, Kim does a fair amount of traveling.    But she doesn’t leave this up to commercial airlines.  Kim and Al also own their own aircraft, and Kim earned her private/instrument pilot’s license in 2000.   She is one of an elite group of women – only 6% of general aviators in the United States are women, and intends to advance her ratings as time permits.

I am very privileged and honored to be able to be among these women. It takes, a passion for flight, intelligence, courage, time and money to fly and own planes.”

With so many accomplishments to her name, it’s hard to imagine Kim having much downtime.  Yet she still finds time to support charity organizations in her community such as Women of Compassion (a non-profit that assists orphans in the state of Florida) and Shepard’s Village, a Christian organization dedicated to supporting single mothers.

I’ve been so blessed by God with my life with all that I am able to accomplish that I want to give back and help encourage the children and single moms that they can make it. I did it with God’s help and love of other who invested in my life!  …I was raised in a single parent home after 11 years old. My father died of cancer when I was in 6th grade. so my mom raised the 3  youngest by herself. I know how these kids feel in single parent homes, love and support of family and friends really matters.”

Kussy FamilyKim shared that mastering the balance between her full plate of duties for Aerospace, home life with family and raising her children, along with all of the other ventures she has pursued has been the most instrumental to her success.

DREAM BIG and don’t give up! The beginning years are some of the hardest, especially if you are married and or raising children.  Work hard and Play Hard!  Take time to rest and enjoy family and friends. Surround yourself with others you can trust, those who love you and who will encourage you during the hard times. Set goals, short term for your racing career as well as long term. Don’t be afraid to seek wise counsel from a few key leaders you trust in your industry who have walked the path you’ve walked. Attend conferences, read alot and never stop learning on how to grow stronger in your racing career.”

Kim continues to set new goals for herself and the business, whether its researching new product development, learning new marketing strategies to reach, connect and communicate with customers, or hitting the dragstrip for some racing competition.    Her latest project, Kimmy’s Garage, features educational videos on Aerospace products and installations.

AerospaceComponents-logo

Whether in the skies, at a race track near you, or in the office growing Aerospace Components, one thing is sure, the sky is hardly the limit for Kim Kussy.

Category: Featured, Featured ProfessionalTag: Kim Kussy, NHRA, NMCA, NMRA, Women Racing

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