Jeff Bates, 2011-2013 Board of Directors Nominee

If elected again to the SEMA Board, I would use valuable experience gained during my first term and work diligently to help guide SEMA’s future, addressing issues and challenges facing our industry today . I would view all SEMA matters impartially and work to maintain a high level of professionalism to the manufacturers’ rep category on the Board.

Employment Summary:
Bob Cook Sales Inc.–Memphis, Tennessee
Manufacturers Rep  1989-present

Rep South–Sam Compton & Associates–Hendersonville, Tennessee
Manufacturers’ Rep - 1984–1989

Dunn & Grasso Performance–Bristol Pennsylvania/Trenton, New Jersey
Sales – Purchasing 1976–1984

Royal Auto Supply–Colmar, Pennsylvania
Store Manager- 1974–1976

Outstanding Career Achievements
- SEMA Board of Directors 2009–2011
- SEMA Board Executive Committee 2010–2011
- Honored several times with rep awards from WDs and manufacturers. Named MSD Ignition’s 2006 Rep of the Year; nominated for the PWA Person of the Year award.
- Have been a member of Bob Cook Sales for 23 years. During that time, the company has received four SEMA Manufacturers’ Rep of the Year Awards. In 2006 I became one of three principal partner/owners of the BCS agency. My biggest industry and personal accomplishment has been earning the respect of my colleagues, account base and manufacturer clients.

Industry Involvement
- SEMA Board of Directors
- SEMA Board Executive Committee
- Manufacturers Rep Council
- Served on several manufacturers focus and steering groups
- Category management training

I’ve always had a passion for automobiles and racing and have been fortunate enough to turn this passion into a career. I became involved in drag racing while in school and pursued it for several years. Those years spent under a car hood and at the race track have provided me invaluable experience that has helped me throughout my career. After moving south to the Charlotte area, I forged business relationships that have kept me close to the NASCAR scene. I attend multiple NASCAR, Drag Race, Circle Track and street-rod events throughout the year on behalf of the manufactures I represent, and call on a very diverse customer base made up of retailers, WDs, professional race teams as well as engine and car builders.