The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) closed the curtain on another successful Professional Development Program (PDP), bringing together 26 FLN and SEMA members at the SEMA Garage Detroit for two days of concentrated communications training tailored to the automotive aftermarket.
For the fifth consecutive year, the program was hosted in partnership with Dale Carnegie Training and focused on the timeless communication principles outlined in the renowned book “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
“The energy in the room was incredible, and the commitment the participants showed toward personal and professional growth was truly inspiring,” said FLN Director Denise Waddingham. “Investing in people is investing in the future, and the future of the automotive aftermarket looks bright.”
Through interactive lessons and breakouts, attendees learned – and put into practice – how to communicate with confidence, handle workplace conflicts, deal with difficult people, and build better business relationships.
““We had constant peer-to-peer engagement during the training,” said David Lin, manager of OEM applications at OPUSIVS. “It’s been an absolute blast learning other people’s perspectives.”
Attendees received dedicated time for networking and making new friends and connections. The program encourages classmates to stay in touch after the program ends, with many becoming FLN volunteer leaders.
FLN looks forward to witnessing the impact the 2026 FLN Professional Development Program participants will have across the industry.
Congratulations to this year’s graduates:
- Brian Alder, Flat Peak LLC
- Samantha Appleyard, OPUSIVS
- Jason Blackston, OPUSIVX
- Paul Calupina, Brembo North America
- Colin Cook, Brembo North America
- Lindsey Corcoran, Hot Shot’s Secret
- Nicholas Fioravanti, Qorval Partners LLC
- Austin Gallagher, Dee Zee Inc.
- Riley Gallagher, American Expedition Vehicles
- Alejandra Gonzalez, SEMA
- Justin Hartenstein, Oracle Lighting
- Devon Kigler, Melling Engine Parts
- David Lin, OPUSIVS
- Zachary Lincoln, WARN Industries Inc.
- Mike Lucci, ECS Tuning
- Brian Myers, RallyeRestorations & Repair LLC
- Jacob Norris, VMP Performance
- Alan Pham, OPUSIVS
- Ryan Sannes, OPUSIVS
- Micah Schecter, OPUSIVS
- Reilly Schill, OPUSIVS
- Kody Shilling, R&S Truck Caps & Auto Acc.
- Bob Skinner, SEMA
- Allison Urban, OPUSIVS
- Alexander Walsh, OPUSIVS
- Lauren Wilson, SEMA
To learn more about the FLN Professional Development Program, visit www.sema.org/fln-pdp.