SEMA Bound: The Future of SherwinM

Coming to you from the “Shed Studios.” Today is a bit of a different vibe—I wanted to take a moment to step back from the technical hardware reviews and off-roading trails to share some massive milestones this channel has hit, thanks to all of you.

If you’ve been following the journey from my early days as a tech reviewer to our current focus on EVs and off-road builds, you know I’m all about transparency. Whether it’s the frustration of a broken Model X or the thrill of a new Rivian update, I keep it real. And clearly, that’s resonating.

1 Million Views: From iMacs to EVs

I recently got the notification from YouTube that we’ve officially crossed 1 million total views [00:19]. It’s wild to look back at where it all started. To give you some perspective on the technical evolution of this channel:

• The 2009 iMac Teardown: 117,000 views [01:19]. Back then, I just wanted to tinker and show people what was inside expensive hardware.
• The “Wash and Wear” PC Build: 50,000 views for a Mini PC I built on top of my washer and dryer in 2012 [01:35]. Talk about high-production value, right?
• The Tesla Pivot: Our most-watched automotive video is the 2018 Model S loaner review with 31,000 views [01:58]. The comments there are still buzzing with people debating used Model S vs. new Model 3 pricing.

Why I Started (And Stayed) in the EV Space

People often ask why I switched to EV and Tesla content. It’s the same reason I started in tech: I was tired of “perfect” reviews [03:00]. I’d watch videos where everything was amazing, but I knew there had to be flaws.

When I got my first Tesla in 2019, I realized the community needed a voice that talked about the “Good, the Bad, and the Weird” [05:41]. Like the “no maintenance” myth—EVs still need tire rotations, washer fluid, and wiper blades [04:44]. Or the idea that everyone saves money switching to electric—if your commute is 8 miles, an EV might actually be a waste of money compared to a hybrid or an e-bike [05:00].

My goal has always been to offer a space where owners can vent their frustrations (especially those Model X owners!) without the gatekeeping you often find in heartless Facebook groups [06:37].

We’re Going to SEMA!

The biggest news? Because of the growth of this channel, I’ve officially received my Media Pass for SEMA in Las Vegas [13:19]!

This is a huge deal for “Smartin Up Creations.” I’ll be on the ground looking at the latest in EV modifications, off-road hardware, and technical innovations. If there’s a specific booth or build you want me to track down, drop a comment. This is our chance to see where the industry is heading next.

Final Thoughts: Growth on My Own Terms

We’re at 1,500+ subscribers now [09:31]. I know that might seem small compared to the giants. However, I’ve made a conscious choice to grow slowly and stay authentic [11:13]. I’m not here to chase trends or copy “competitors.” I’m here to have fun and share my ownership experience. I want to build a community of enthusiasts who value the truth over the hype.

Thank you for being part of the first million. Let’s get to work on the next one!

Watch the full update video here

Don’t forget to Subscribe to the SherwinM YouTube channel to follow along with our SEMA coverage and upcoming off-road adventures!