By SEMA Editors
Drake Automotive Group Names Mark Mathews as Marketing ManagerDrake Automotive Group has hired Mark Mathews to manage the company’s growing marketing and advertising department. Mathews brings with him 18-plus years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. He joins the Drake Automotive Group after seven years with the Transamerican Manufacturing Group, where he managed the marketing for several brands. Previously, Mathews was the marketing and promotions manager for Automotive Engineered Products Inc., which manufactured JBA Headers & Exhaust. Mathews will be responsible for managing all aspects of the marketing and advertising at Drake Automotive Group.
CTEK Releases Educational Articles on Battery Technology for Consumers
 CTEK Power is releasing a series of 10 educational articles designed to help customers understand the importance of battery maintenance. | |
Through an initiative to help customers understand the importance of battery maintenance, CTEK Power Inc. has released the first two in a series of 10 educational articles. The first two articles cover the functions that a battery performs and how a battery works. The third article will provide insight on different battery types. “Part of our objective in publishing these articles is to help drivers understand the advantages of using a state-of-the art battery charger and maintainer like the units that CTEK manufactures and how it can extend the life of their battery and help keep them on the road,” explained Matt Ingram, regional sales manager for CTEK. The educational articles are available through CTEK’s website as downloadable PDF files. Visit CTEK at the 2014 SEMA Show in the Racing and Performance section, booth #24129.
Hastings Manufacturing Names Sarah Kollar as Marketing Manager
 Sarah Kollar | |
Hastings Manufacturing Co. has appointed Sarah Kollar marketing manager. She will report to Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Ken Holbrook. Kollar previously performed account management for the company’s OEM activities, as well as significant interaction with aftermarket activities, including customer service. In her new role, Kollar will be responsible for the direction of the sales and marketing team and for developing both aftermarket and OEM partnerships that support the company’s strategic growth worldwide.
Kit Car Builder Changes Name
Kit Car Builder magazine has changed its name to Car Builder. “Both our readers and advertisers have been requesting a broader editorial focus,” said Editor and Publisher Steve Temple. “While the term ‘kit car’ is familiar to most auto enthusiasts, the market has grown up considerably since the early days of dune buggies, and the magazine has matured as well. So our new name reflects these changing times.”
Today, many of the project cars covered by the publication are much more technologically refined and sophisticated, requiring a substantial investment of time and money. In addition, a significant number of car builders customize their vehicles, and also rely on professional shops and vendors to varying degrees for assistance with their projects, so the notion of a kit built entirely in a home garage doesn’t routinely apply.
“Once a project car is completed, whether by an individual or a pro, it’s really no longer a kit,” Temple adds. “Car builders rarely refer to their finished rides as kits. After all, once completed, they’re no longer a merely a box of parts, but running, drivable vehicles—typically fine-tuned, high-performance machines.”
Luke Perkowski Named Director of Marketing for ATP Automotive
 Luke Perkowski | |
Luke Perkowski has been named director of marketing and product management for ATP Automotive. Perkowski came to ATP Inc. from Bosch, where he served as senior product manager. His expertise includes a focus on customer acquisition and program development for automotive retail, traditional, buying group, mass, OES and e-commerce accounts. Prior to joining Bosch, Perkowski was part of the General Motors’ service engineering program, where he worked on key elements of the service parts release process and design release criteria.
The Hybrid Shop Appoints Dave Crawford as New Chief Executive Officer
The Hybrid Shop's (THS) has named Dave Crawford as chief executive officer. In his new role, Crawford is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations and management. The Hybrid Shop’s founder and former CEO, Matt Curry, will continue to oversee the company’s evolution in his new position as chief visionary officer. Crawford, who brings more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, has a background that includes a full spectrum of skills and experience in operations, management, and marketing at the executive level. He has been active in leading industry groups and publications as a speaker, contributing editor and author. He has also held board positions in leading industry organizations, such as the Tire Industry Association.
Jonathan Hladney Named Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student
 Jonathan Hladney | |
Jonathan Hladney from Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, was named the 2014 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held in Greenville, South Carolina. Hladney received a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and roundtrip airfare and accommodations for himself and a guest to attend the NACAT conference. Hladney is a graduate of Highlands High School (Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania). He received the National Technical Honor Society award twice, was a member of SkillsUSA and was employed as an apprentice technician at Spitzer Toyota/Scion (Monroeville, Pennsylvania). Hladney will attend the Rosedale Technical Institute in Pittsburgh in the fall, where he is enrolled in the automotive technology program. His ultimate career goal is to open his own automotive repair shop.
J&L Marketing Announces New Company President
| |  Jamil Zabaneh |
J&L Marketing’s owner and former president, Scott Joseph, has moved to the role of CEO and has named Jamil Zabaneh as the company’s new president. According to Joseph, the move will allow him to put additional focus on the company’s long term. “The company has simply gotten too large for one person to oversee, which is a good thing,” Joseph said. “Naming Jamil Zabaneh as president will allow me to hand over the day-to-day duties of managing J&L Marketing to him.” Zabaneh has been with J&L Marketing for five years, most recently as vice president of national accounts. J&L reports that Zabaneh's recent contributions to product improvements have been pivotal. He spearheaded the creation of digital and video marketing components for J&L’s customers, and secured an account with the Chrysler Group, leading to J&L’s role as a preferred vendor with Chrysler.
Monroe Brakes Offers Trade Professionals Rewards Through ‘Brake Event BENEFITS’ Promotion
Tenneco is offering the Monroe Brakes “Brake Event BENEFITS” promotion that awards trade professionals with up to a $500 prepaid card for the sale of qualifying Monroe Brakes products. Now through September 30, the Monroe Brakes promotion offers valuable rewards for the sale of qualifying Monroe ProSolution, Monroe Total Solution and Monroe Severe Solution brake pad sets. The promotion provides a $2 spiff for the sale of qualifying Monroe Brakes Total Solution and Severe Solution brake pad sets, and a $1 spiff for each qualifying sale of Monroe Brakes ProSolution brake pad sets.
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