Each year, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) recognizes a woman under the age of 30 who is making significant strides in the advancement of her automotive aftermarket career through its Jessi Combs Rising Star Award.
SBN recently interviewed Riley Schlick, who received the prestigious honor in 2023.
SBN: How did you first hear about the scholarship, and what inspired you to apply?
Riley Schlick: I first learned about the scholarship when I attended SEMA in 2022. As I visited vendors, attended seminars, joined council lunches and networked at evening events, I was repeatedly told, "Jessi would be so proud of what you’re doing." After hearing that, each person would share their unique, personal connection with Jessi. I couldn't help but wonder, how can one person have such a profound impact on so many people from all walks of life, both men and women?
I only knew Jessi from her time on Mythbusters and Extreme 4X4, but it quickly became clear that her influence was far greater than I had realized. Every conversation was filled with genuine emotion, as people described how much Jessi had meant to them. Time and again, I was encouraged to apply for the scholarship, with many offering to help with reference letters.
What more inspiration could you ask for than having dozens of accomplished, successful women and men in the industry—each with their own stories of admiration—telling you that Jessi would be proud of what you're doing?
SBN: What are some of your dreams and goals for the future, both in your career and personally?
RS: I’m currently living my dream, with the incredible opportunity to serve as a youth ambassador for the automotive industry. I travel across the country, speaking to high schools, trade schools and groups like SAE when they gather young automotive enthusiasts. Through my social media platforms, I’ve built a community where the older generation shares my posts with younger family members to inspire them to get involved in cars, trucks and all things related to mobility.
I’m fortunate to be sponsored by some amazing companies who support my mission to be a leader for the next generation. Together, we’re working on exciting projects, like "The Great Race" this year with Coker and Hemmings. My ultimate career goal is to become a mechanical engineer and apply that degree to the mobility industry.
SBN: Who has been a major influence or mentor in your life, and how have they helped shape your path?
RS: My best friend, mentor and business partner is my dad. He’s been my biggest supporter throughout my entire life, always encouraging me to improve, practice and develop my talents, but never pushing too hard. He offers all the support and guidance without any pressure or demands. Through this wild journey, he’s been there, helping me navigate it all.
As a businessperson, he understands the importance of seizing opportunities, building a business and crafting a brand. But he also recognizes that I need the freedom to make mistakes, and that failure is always an option— but as long as I learn from it, it has value. We’re moving forward with all our plans, and he’s allowing me to grow at my own pace. He frequently asks, “Are you still having fun?” because, if everything ended today, the experiences, knowledge and lessons I’ve gained would still make it all worthwhile.
Being able to grow, learn and experience it all without the pressure of having to "succeed" on someone else’s terms is truly a gift, and I couldn’t ask for better support.
SBN: Tell us something about yourself that you think people would find inspiring or surprising.
RS: In high school, I was ranked as one of the top 50 Division 1 soccer recruits in the nation, playing as a goalkeeper. I was part of the Olympic Development Program, trained at IMG Academy, and was even semi-pro by the age of 15. But all of that came to an end overnight. During a game, I dislocated my shoulder on a dive in the second quarter, popped it back in, and finished the match. Afterward, an MRI revealed that my labrum was 90% torn and hanging loose in the socket. I needed surgery—eight anchors and seven months of rehab—which ultimately ended all my scholarship opportunities.
I set a goal to rehab and make it to the George Mason ID camp, with George Mason and William & Mary as my top two choices. Despite being told that no Division 1 school would recruit me due to my injury, I was determined to make it to that tryout and give it everything I had. Seven months after the injury, I showed up at the George Mason camp. I knew I couldn’t be recruited with my injury, but it was about proving to myself that I could get back to that level.
As the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens.” During my time off from soccer, my business went viral online, and suddenly, everything in the automotive industry began to take shape—SEMA, PRI, All Girls Garage, GEARZ and more. If I hadn’t been injured, I would have never had the chance to seize these opportunities, and Riley’s Rebuilds would never have existed.
SBN: With hundreds of students applying, what does it mean to you to be selected for this scholarship?
RS: "Overwhelmed" and "honored" are the right words, but they’re also ones that get used a lot. When I say I had no idea I was even in the running, I truly mean it. I submitted my video and application like hundreds of other students and waited. When I saw the list of winners, I didn’t see my name. My heart sank. I thought of all the other incredible young women who had won and celebrated their achievements, then kept pushing forward for other scholarships.
At SEMA, I always try to attend as many SBN events as possible, and in 2023, I made sure to be there for their 30th anniversary banquet. I wasn’t about to miss it. While I was listening to Dana from Jessi Combs Foundation (JFC) announce the winner of the Jessi Combs Rising Star Award, I was excited to meet the person who would receive it. Then she said, "The winner is 'Riley,'" and looked in my direction. I turned around, thinking there must be another Riley in the room. It didn’t even occur to me that I was the Riley.
Standing on that stage alongside the other incredible women of SBN and holding that award was truly overwhelming. I’m grateful, honored and yes—scared—because I know there’s a lot to live up to, and many women are watching my journey.
SBN: What are your next steps in pursuing your career, and how do you plan to continue growing in the industry?
RS: I’m currently finishing my degrees, triple majoring in Math, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering. At the same time, I’m growing my business and expanding my outreach. My biggest project to date is building an e-commerce site where the older generation can buy products, parts and services, while also supporting the next generation. The proceeds will go toward scholarships and initiatives that support young automotive enthusiasts.
In addition to that, the site will feature listings for internships and job opportunities with SEMA companies looking to hire the next wave of talent. My goal is to create a platform where the older generation can explore multi-generational projects, learn about young entrepreneurs and be inspired to share their passion for cars and trucks.