People Places & Racing News

Movers & Shakers: Kristin Grons Joins Brake Parts Inc.; THI Holdings Acquired by TA Associates

Compiled by SEMA Editors

 Kristin Grons, Brake Parts Inc.
Kristin Grons
  

Kristin Grons Joins Brake Parts Inc. as Marketing Manager

Kristin Grons has joined Brake Parts Inc. (BPI) as marketing manager. In her new role, Grons is responsible for leading the planning and execution of marketing strategies for Raybestos brand brakes. She will provide leadership insights and support corporate strategic objectives, as well as analyze research and manage advertising, social media, promotional programs and social, digital and web strategies.

Prior to joining BPI, Grons served as product and creative services manager for Intermatic Inc. in Spring Grove, Illinois. In addition, Grons worked in the wireless data industry for five years at Motient Communications in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Her positions with the company included retail channel administrator, product manager and marketing manager.

THI Holdings Acquired by TA Associates

Tectum Holdings Inc. (THI) has announced it has been acquired by TA Associates—one of the world’s largest and oldest private equity investment firms. THI manufactures tonneau covers, bedliners and related truck accessories.

THI was formed in 2007 by Kinderhook Industries with a merger between Extang and TruXedo. THI has expanded to a family of seven recognized brands: Extang, TruXedo, BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage, Retrax and BAK Industries.

THI CEO and President Bill Reminder stated, “We are excited about our new partnership with TA Associates and consider ourselves fortunate to be part of a distinguished, world-class private equity firm and their exceptional portfolio of companies. I’m convinced that we will continue to thrive and set the standard for the industry’s best truck accessories through the combined capabilities of our companies.” Reminder will continue in his current role, as will all members of the company’s executive and management teams.

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A.R.E. will showcase its fishing truck during 2014 Bassmaster tournament series events.


  

A.R.E. to Showcase 2014 Fishing Tundra Project at Bassmaster Events

A.R.E. will showcase its fishing truck during 2014 Bassmaster tournament series events being held around the country. The complete list of enhancements made to the 2014 A.R.E. Fishing Team Tundra include: A.R.E. Pickup Vault Lockable Storage Drawers; A.R.E. Z Series Truck Cap; A.R.E. Rod Pod; Air Lift Co. Air Spring Kit and Wireless Control System; BedRug Polypropylene Carpeted Bedliner; BOLT Receiver Lock and Padlocks; Bully Dog Gauge Tuner; Bushwacker Fender Flares; CargoGlide Roll Out Tray System; Dick Cepek Tires; K&N Air Intake; Hellwig Sway Bars; Magnaflow Exhaust System; Monster Hooks Recovery Hooks; N-Fab Steps and Bumpers; Rigid Industries Light Bars; Skyjacker Suspension System; Surco Roof Basket; TIS Monster Energy Edition Wheels; and Yakima Tower Series Roof Rack.

  snow
Jake Snow
  

Snow Performance Announces New Director of Operations

Snow Performance Inc. has announced that Jake Snow has accepted the position of director of operations of Snow Performance, reporting to President Matt Snow. Matt’s son Jake will have total oversight of day-to-day operations, including purchasing, receivables and social media. He will also be integral in all financial and strategic planning aspects of the company. Jake recently graduated with a B.S. in finance from Colorado State University, and has management experience as squadron leader and 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force ROTC, where he also earned a pilot slot.

Amos Media Hires Glenn Bucher as Publisher

Amos Media, owners of the bi-monthly magazine and website Cars & Parts, has announced the hiring of Glenn Bucher as publisher for all its automotive platforms. Bucher has worked for more than 25 years in the field of automotive publishing. He and his team plan to reinvent Cars & Parts for high-performance, tech, DIY, all-out driving and maximum aftermarket sales.

baja
The Class 8 Baja-winning ’76 Ford F-100 campaigned by Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Frank “Scoop” Vessels is estimated to sell for $75,000–$100,000 at auction.
 
  

Seminal Baja Race Truck Being Auctioned, Proceeds Benefit Hall of Fame

The Class 8 Baja-winning ’76 Ford F-100 campaigned by Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Famer Frank “Scoop” Vessels will go on the auction block Friday, August 1. All proceeds from the truck’s sale will benefit the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF), which is housed in the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada.

The truck was built for Vessels in 1976 by Charlie Haga. Not only was this F-100 the first to win an off-road race on radial tires, but it also ran on propane. The F-100’s 404-ci Ford V8 was converted to an Impco LPG fueling system by Don Bass.

Behind the Ford V8 is an Art Carr race-prepped Ford C6 automatic. The rearend was built by Jack Chrisman. Other period components include Rough Country shocks, custom disc brakes, American Racing wheels, BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires and F-250 spindles with knock-off hubs. The truck was recently housed at the Petersen Automotive Museum following a multi-year appearance at the ORMHOF. Bids can be placed in person when the truck goes across the block at Auctions America’s California Sale, Friday, August 1, at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel. For remote bidding options, visit Auctions America’s website.

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