PRO named Kevin Gillis as the council’s latest volunteer spotlight member.
Gillis is a PRO select committee volunteer and the general manager at Integrity Customs—an automotive customization shop that specializes in custom interiors, electronics, spray-on bedliners, lift kits and more. In his Q&A with SEMA, Gillis shares what SEMA event inspired him to volunteer for the council and what goals he has for himself and the industry moving forward.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?
Kevin Gillis: I was invited to the members breakfast during the SEMA Show in 2017 and was amazed at the level of knowledge that was within that one room. After talking to some of the select committee members, I discovered that any general member could volunteer. So in 2019, I threw my name in the hat and here I am.
Being on the PRO council has opened my eyes to how big our industry has become but how small it still seems to be for many of the restylers out there fighting everyday to make a living. My goal is to be their voice and share our knowledge with them, and also it will allow us to keep in touch with our future.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
KG: Go for it! Don’t lock yourself in to one direction. Find a shop or company that you have interest in and reach out to see what they need currently or in the future. There are so many opportunities within our industry, so do your research and pick a path and see where it takes you.
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
KG: I’m not sure I have one dream car, more like a dream collection (but one I can drive). This would allow me to go wherever I wanted on the weekends.
SEMA: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
KG: The only failure in life is to not participate. Give yourself permission to fail. I have found this works in all aspects of my life.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
KG: After all these years, I still find new challenges and adventures in this business, and now I have the opportunity to share my successes and failures with a new generation of restylers.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
KG: You can find me spending time with family or volunteering my time at a charity.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA eNews, and future PRO-member updates.