Strengthen Your Company Through Community
No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.
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| Visit ARMO's website. |
Maximize Your Trip to the 2015 SEMA Show by Attending These Events
ARMO Booth
Be sure to stop by the shared Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)/Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth (#23395) at the 2015 SEMA Show to connect with other ARMO members, talk restoration and check out the beautiful cars on display. Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop will unveil a brand new, never-seen-before restofication at the booth, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m.
ARMO Reception
Date: Tuesday, November 3Time: 5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate conference rooms 7–14
Register today!
ARMO Open Meeting
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Location: Westgate Conference rooms 4–6
Register today!
ARMO Roundtable
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Location: Room N236 of North Hall
Register today!
For more information about any of these programs, contact Jim Skelly, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org
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| Visit HRIA's website |
 Six actual hot rods will be on display during the HRIA reception to highlight the work of established and up-and-coming builders. | |
Be sure to stop by the shared Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)/Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth (#23395) to connect with other HRIA members and check out the Builders Challenge entries. Don’t miss the unveiling of a car from one of the top builders, Goolsby Customs, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m.
HRIA Reception
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate Paradise Center South
Register today!
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| Visit TORA's website. |
 Network with hundreds of colleagues in the truck and off-road sector at the TORA Industry Awards Reception. | |
TORA Industry Awards Reception and Pinewood Drags
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center room N262–264.
Register now!
TORA SEMA Show Booth & Happy Hour
TORA Happy Hour
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Location: TORA Booth (#34169)
Register now!
For more information on these or any other TORA events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit MRN's website. |
Take Part in Business-Critical Discussions at the MRN Rep Roundtable at the 2015 SEMA Show
Exclusive for Manufacturers' Representatives, SEMA’s Manufacturer’s Rep Network (MRN) will host a collection of business-critical discussions moderated by industry experts. Through these intimate roundtable discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical solutions to real-world manufacturer rep opportunities and issues.
Cost: $25 for SEMA Members, $35 for non-members. Register today!
For more information, contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, at 909-978-6691 or BryanH@SEMA.org.
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| Visit PRO's website. |
 The PRO Booth Happy Hour is a popular draw in the North Hall. | |
Do you want to get more involved with the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) before the SEMA Show? With a 50+ year legacy, SEMA members have created a variety of valuable benefits and tools for their peers to use to strengthen their businesses, hone their skills and grow their knowledge base. These benefits and programs exist because passionate industry professionals stepped up, volunteered and got things done.
The leadership of SEMA’s councils and networks are inviting you to get more involved, give back and contribute to the future of your industry. For more information on the councils and network and to fill out a volunteer profile that will help you find a way to get engaged, visit www.SEMA.org/councils. For more information about PRO, contact Clayton Drescher, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
PRO Booth and Happy Hour
Stop by the PRO Show Booth (#12561) in North Hall during Show hours.
PRO Happy Hour
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: PRO Show booth
Register now.
PRO Pool Party Industry Reception
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate Hotel (third floor)
Register now.
PRO General Membership Meeting
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC, Room N234.
Register now.
Dealer Education
- Car Dealer Stories: Unfiltered Truths About Operating a Profitable Accessory Program, Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC, room N254
- Enhancing the Consumer Experience: A New Approach to Dealership Profit Centers, Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC, room N252
- Accessory Resources for New- and Used-Vehicle Dealers, Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., LVCC, room N252
For more information on the Auto Dealer Track, visit the SEMA Education section of www.semashow.com to pre-register.
Restyler Education
PRO members will explore and present the latest tips and tricks on a topic near and dear to restylers’ hearts in “The Art of Selling Car-Dealer Direct: What You Need to Know” on Thursday, November 5, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., LVCC, room N256. Register for this session.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Clayton Drescher, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit SBN's website. |
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) first General Membership call will take place September 22, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). This critical meeting will focus on SBN’s 2015 SEMA Show events and opportunities to volunteer.
Key discussion areas include the Gear-up Girl Networking Event, Education Seminars Powered By SBN, SBN’s Reception, entitled “Networking & Wine Tasting,” and opportunities to volunteer with the SBN.
Please RSVP to SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.
 Ashley Strubel | |
Ashley Strubel is the national sales manager for Gold Eagle Co. in Chicago.
What does your company do?
We are a manufacturer of premium fuel additives and appearance chemicals.
What is your position?
National sales manager.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
The most satisfying aspect of my job is that it is always changing and not one day is the same as the previous. I have the privilege to travel, meet new people, network, educate consumers and customers to be raving fans of our products and be recognized as a young woman in the industry. I also get to help customers and consumers find the right solution for their need by educating them about the industry and our products.
How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?
Four years.
What brought you to the industry?
Growing up, I spent many of my weekends with my car seat strapped to the roll cage in my Dad's ’70 1/2 Camaro, attending and helping run numerous car shows by the age of 4. My dad also worked in an auto-service shop, so I was always exposed to different areas of the automotive aftermarket, but never thought I would find myself working in it and loving it! I had recently graduated college and was working in a department clothing store as a customer service manager and was looking for a change. I happened to mention this to my neighbor, who worked for an automotive company, just as the company started to create a new department focusing on educating and increasing sales for their customers. He told me that he would send in my résumé but the rest was up to me. Shortly after the interview process, I was hired at Gold Eagle Co. as a customer development associate where I was responsible for educating consumers and customers. Within the first couple months I learned about the automotive industry model and many different fuel-related questions as they pertained to our products. After six months with Gold Eagle Co., I received the opportunity to step up in the company and become the manager of the customer development department, where I focused on different educational programs and platforms to help our customers increase sales.
What are some of your major professional accomplishments?
After working for Gold Eagle Co. for a year, I was awarded the Leadership Award for developing and molding the customer development area of our company, helping transition an acquisition and my dedication to learning everything I could about our new product lines. I provide all of the tips of the week for our 303-branded products on our Facebook and Twitter pages and help with the development of our 303-branded how-to videos. Lastly, I am the manager of our employee events team in which our mission is to work together to create events where we generate excitement, design an atmosphere where employees can connect and expand on ideas from all areas of the company.
Are you a member of any other organizations?
I am a member of the following associations/organizations:
- SEMA Business Woman's Network (SBN)
- Young Automotive Network Group (YANG)
- Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)—served on the Exhibit Advisory Committee
- Midwest Fabric Products Association
- Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA)
- Marine Fabricators Association (MFA)
- International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA)- serving on the roundtable committee
- Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)
Who is your industry mentor?
Howard Donnally is my industry mentor because he has such a passion for the industry and truly immerses himself in the automotive aftermarket. He is not only a raving fan of Gold Eagle Co. but also lives the company mission on a day-to-day basis.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Work hard, stay positive, embrace change and be yourself.
What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?
I had a bowling scholarship at Robert Morris University in Chicago, finished an interior design and architectural technology four-year degree in two-and-a-half years and was the salutatorian of my university’s graduating class.
What is your dream car?
A ’70 Camaro. A funny story about my decision is that my dad actually sold his ’70s Camaro that I grew up in and bought a ’60s Corvette. I can’t actually give you the exact year because I didn’t want to invest any interest in the car since I was furious that he traded the Camaro for the Corvette. He had the Corvette for seven-plus years, and I never once sat in it. Needless to say, when my dad got his new Camaro, I was the first to ride in it.
What is your favorite pastime?
Going to Allegan, Michigan, with my family would have to be my favorite pastime. We would spend the entire day on the beach and in the water tubing and swimming at my aunt’s house with all my cousins. Her house was at the bottom of the hill and every time we would go down the hill we would all raise our hands and scream as if we were going to drive into the lake. Her house had secret trap doors, and the kids would always find something to do even if it rained. We would cram four aunts, five uncles and 10 cousins into this house in one giant sleepover, staying up till all hours of the night around the campfire.
Take Advantage of the SBN Networking Opportunities at the 2015 SEMA Show
SBN Reception
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Westgate, Paradise Center: North
Register today!
SBN Gear-Up Girl
Date: Monday, November 2
Time: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: LVCC, Upper North Hall, N264
Register today!
Have colleagues interested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket? Invite them to join SBN. It's easy and free.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, at 909-978-6691 or BryanH@SEMA.org.
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Renaissance Pool
Register today!
Education Session: “Aftermarket Wheels and Tires – Right Sale, Right Fit” Powered by WTC and TIA
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC Upper North Hall, N252
For more information, visit the SEMA Education section of the SEMA Show website to pre-register today!
For more information about any of these programs, contact Clayton Drescher, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.
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| Visit YEN's website | |
The Young Executives Network (YEN) invites all members to participate in its fourth-quarter general membership call. As we head into the 2015 SEMA Show in November, this is a great chance to get plugged in and become involved. There are several volunteer opportunities we need to fill during Show week with the YEN Reception on Tuesday, November 3, and SEMA Launch Pad taking place Wednesday, November 4. No previous experience is required to participate or volunteer during Show week.
When: October 8, 2015
Time: 12:00 p.m. (PDT)
RSVP: SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at BryanH@SEMA.org to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.
For more information, visit YEN's general membership Facebook page or at SEMA.org under the “Events” tab.
Have friends under the age of 40 working for a SEMA-member company? Invite them to join YEN. It's easy and free!
Don’t Miss Out on the YEN Networking Opportunities at the 2015 SEMA Show
YEN Reception
Date: November, 3
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Paradise Center, South
Register today!
YEN Launch Pad
Date: November, 4
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: LVCC Upper North Hall, Room N258
Register today!