Off The Clock: Off the Beaten Track

Artuzzi's Jeffrey Newsham navigates the ups and downs of off-roading.

By Maya Norris, Managing Editor -- Chain Leader, 8/1/2006

Co-founder and Vice President of Construction and Development Jeffrey Newsham likes to hit the road when he has a break from growing four-unit Artuzzi’s Italian Kitchen, a fast-casual chain based in Atlanta. This Land Rover enthusiast revels in the camaraderie and challenges of off-roading, where he maneuvers his SUV along rugged trails filled with obstacles such as mud holes.

The Road Less Taken
Newsham goes off-roading at least once a month on sanctioned mountain and park trails in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. He and other members of the Southern Land Rover Society drive six to eight hours a day on easy to moderate trails with ditches, rough dirt roads, water crossings and rock formations; the difficult trails include those obstacles as well as rock ledges at least 4 feet high.

“Intermediate trails are kind of what I like because they’re not too tough where I’m just not going to make it through, but they’re challenging enough to have fun all day,” Newsham says.

Newsham and the other club members then camp overnight. There they repair and modify their Land Rovers, sharing tips with each other. “You meet people from all walks of life who love to talk about their vehicles,” he says. “Most of the members are true enthusiasts. They can sit and talk about a vehicle and be just as happy as actually using it.”

Thanks to their advice and help, Newsham has altered his 1995 Land Rover Discovery I to better handle the rough terrain. He installed new springs and shocks as well as bigger tires to gain 3 inches of ground clearance. He also trimmed the rear wheel well to keep the bigger tires from catching on it, installed a steering guard to protect the steering wheel components, and replaced plastic sills with metal ones so rocks don’t damage the doors. Newsham’s next project: He plans to attach a front bumper with a winch for towing trucks.

Safety First
Newsham is pleased with his modifications, but he is also proud that he has never been in an off-roading accident. Because the goal of the sport is to navigate the obstacles without injuring the driver, passengers or the vehicle, most responsible drivers never top 10 miles per hour, driving slower when traversing more difficult obstacles like large rocks. They stick to designated trails and drive in groups of five or six trucks in case one breaks down or gets stuck.

“There is always risk of injury when dealing with a motorized vehicle, but if you take your time and have the right equipment, the risk can be minimized,” Newsham says. “Personal injury usually comes from improper equipment or lack of patience. If you get in a hurry, you are more likely to make a mistake.”

Newsham plans to continue honing his off-roading and repair skills, but expanding Artuzzi’s into a national chain remains the 33-year-old executive’s main focus. “I love the outdoors, and this is a way to enjoy both the outdoors and a fantastic hobby,” he says. “Sometimes a break from the busy day to day of running an emerging company helps me gather my thoughts and focus on growing the Artuzzi’s brand.