Steve Pinney Jr is a life and leadership coach in Tacoma, Washington. He is the founder of Aham Prema Meditation, co-owner of the Full Throttle family of businesses, and has been ordained as a monk six times.

Steve Pinney Jr, life and leadership coach, arms crossed against a red brick wall
Steve Pinney Jr in Tacoma, Washington.

From Karlsruhe to Tacoma

Steve Pinney Jr was born in Karlsruhe, Germany, and raised in the United States. He met his wife, Parichat, in Seattle when they were both 21. They have been married for over 19 years.

Building the Full Throttle businesses

In 2016 Steve and Parichat founded Full Throttle Auto Sales. In 2019 they added a full-service repair department, just before COVID reshaped the industry. That business is now Full Throttle Auto Service & Collision in Tacoma, and the family has grown to include the Full Throttle E-Bike Store. Every one of them runs on the same promise: a 5-star experience built on honesty, communication and real care.

Buddhist monks visiting Full Throttle Auto Sales in Tacoma, WA
Buddhist monks visiting Full Throttle Auto Sales in Tacoma.

Six ordinations

Alongside business, Steve has been ordained as a monk six times. That practice changed how he leads, how he listens and how he helps people. It is the foundation of Aham Prema Meditation, and of the coaching he does today through Full Throttle Life Coaching.

Steve Pinney Jr in white during an ordination ceremony as his hair is cut
Steve Pinney Jr during an ordination ceremony.
Steve Pinney Jr as a young monk, hands pressed together, blessing a visitor
Steve Pinney Jr as a young monk, blessing a visitor.

Coaching today

Through Full Throttle Life Coaching, Steve works with executives, business owners, couples and families over Zoom and phone. His Full Throttle Method combines EQ-i 2.0, EQ 360 and DISC assessments with a personalized growth plan.

Steve Pinney Jr, life coach, seated on stone steps in a dark suit
Steve Pinney Jr, life and leadership coach.

Writing

Steve is writing The Manual for Self Enlightenment, a book of 33 chapters on the practices that shaped him.

Certifications

Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Life Coach Institute, June 2025. EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 certification, Multi-Health Systems, October 2025. Introduction to Behavioral Analysis, PeopleKeys, December 2025. Positive Psychology Coach Certification, Efficient Coach, January 2026.

Steve Pinney Jr's Certified Professional Life Coach certificate from the Certified Life Coach Institute, June 2025
Certified Professional Life Coach, June 2025.