People Places & Racing News

Movers & Shakers: BedSlide's Joel Ayres Promoted to Partner; Travis Weeks Named VP of Media for Goodguys

 BedSlide/Takit, Joel Ayres
BedSlide/Takit promoted Vice President of Sales Joel Ayres to a full partner of the company.
  

BedSlide's Joel Ayres Promoted to Partner
BedSlide/Takit recently promoted Vice President of Sales Joel Ayres to a full partner of the company. With nearly 40 years of experience in the aftermarket truck accessory business, the company will call on his comprehensive knowledge of the industry and high level of expertise. Ayres' experience includes being a general manager of a manufacturing operation, overseeing a chain of retail stores, as well as being in charge of distribution and warehouse operations. For more than 19 years, he worked as national marketing direction for Truck Accessories Group (TAG), owners of national brands that include Leer, Pace Edwards, Raider and State Wide Aluminum.

Travis Weeks Named VP of Media for Goodguys

Travis Weeks, Goodguys
Automotive aftermarket industry executive Travis Weeks was named vice president of media for the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.
 
  

The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association has hired automotive aftermarket industry executive Travis Weeks as vice president of media. He will oversee and manage all media properties for the Goodguys, serve as publisher for the Goodtimes Gazette and manage the company's video production. Weeks most recently served as publisher of Hotrod & Restoration Magazine and producer of the annual Hotrod & Restoration trade show in Indianapolis. He will begin his new position October 14. “We’re fortunate to snag an industry pro like Travis Weeks,” said Goodguys President Marc Meadors. “Travis brings a strong pedigree to the Goodguys team from both the publishing and editorial side but also from an event production perspective. His skills and professionalism will help to enhance and strengthen all of our media properties as we seek to continuously improve and grow our worldwide network of members and enthusiasts.”

25 Installers Achieve Avery Dennison Car Wrap Certification
Twenty-five graphic installers have achieved the Avery Dennison Car Wrap Certification in the United States and Canada so far in 2013. The certification is a two-part test that includes a written exam and hands-on vehicle wrap installation demonstration. The following graphics installers have been Avery Dennison-certified in 2013: Joe Alexander, Gecko Wraps; Antonio Arajuno, Wrap Effect; Jordon Boston, Revolution Wraps; Ray Carson, Sign Masters Signs; Ronnie Colon, Strictly Window Tint; Carlos Estrada, Car Wraps; Doyle Fuller, Complete Graphics; Mike Groves, Signs of Innovation; Ian Haerr, IH Installations; Jenna Hardy, Mario Design; Damien King, Icon Tinting and Graphics; Chris Komski, Signs for Success; Hoi Keung (Michael) Lee, Impressive Wrap; Trent Marshall, Industry Sign & Graphics; Douglas Mee, AB Installations Inc.; Patrick Mulreaney, AB Installations Inc.; Thien (Tim) Pham, The Wrap Artist; Pierre Tien, Shinzo Media Group; Tyler White, The Print Firm; Rich Wilke, Signs for Success; Steven Yu, Shinzo Media Group; Chris Zagst, Vector Graphics LLC; Valeriy Zakaryukin, V. Creative Graphics; Jianxin (Raymond) Zhao, Impressive Wrap, www.impressivewrap.com; Nick Zuk, Motor City Wraps. The 2013 Avery Dennison/Mutoh Car Wrap Training class October 28–30 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is open. More information about the Wrap Training classes is available on the Avery Dennison website

Meyer Distributing Inc. Opens New Iowa Location
Meyer Distributing Inc. has added a new location in Iowa City, Iowa. The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub. “The Iowa City cross-dock is another step in Meyer’s plan to set up improved infrastructure in the North Central United States,” states Cody Ziegler, director of business development for Meyer.

 Vic Wood, Aeromotive
Aeromotive Inc. has named Vic Wood its new vice president and general manager.
  

Vic Wood Chosen as Aeromotive VP and General Manager
Aeromotive Inc. has named Vic Wood its new vice president and general manager. According to the company, Wood will oversee operations, sales and marketing personnel in addition to an acting national sales manager role. In addition to years of professional experience in the automotive aftermarket, Wood is also a highly active member of SEMA, which includes his current position as chairman of the association's Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC). His experience in the performance aftermarket spans from his native country Australia to working across the pacific rim, including responsibilities in Japan, China, New Zealand and South East Asia. He is also an accomplished racer and huge enthusiast. “It’s this level of passion, commitment and experience that we hope to take advantage of,” says Jack Hylton, Aeromotive CEO. “As many of us know and have learned, this is a passion based industry and without it, it’s a tough hill to climb. None of us are doubting Vic’s passion,” continued Hylton.

Robert Harrelson to Lead Human Resources for Yokohama  
Yokohama Tire Corp. has hired Robert Harrelson as its new vice president of human resources and administration. With his appointment, Harrelson will be responsible for the integration of human resources strategies, plans and programs across all of the company's North American operations. Harrelson replaces Rex Simpson, who retired in September. Prior to joining YTC, Harrelson was a senior director of human resources for Dr. Pepper Snapple Group North America and Mexico. He was also the senior director of human resources-supply chain for United Parcel Service. “Rob brings many years of strategic senior-level leadership in the human resources field,” said Takayuki Hamaya, YTC’s chief operating officer. “That can only serve to strengthen our company further as we recruit and retain talent, and create a highly positive work environment.” 

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