Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced that 10 vehicle graphics installers from around the world have been named Regional Wrap Kings in the “Wrap Like a King” Challenge. |
Avery Dennison “Wrap Like a King” Challenge Names 10 Regional Winners for 2018
Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced that 10 vehicle graphics installers from around the world have been named Regional Wrap Kings in the “Wrap Like a King” Challenge.
The following vehicle graphics installers were named Regional Wrap Kings:
- North America East – “VooDoo S6 – SteamPunk SpaceShip” installed by Ryan Oyola and Mike Postilio of VooDoo Vinyl Wrap of Long Island, New York
- North America Midwest – “Boba Fett” installed by Justin Baker, Lee Mies, Paul Lee and Kyle DeLoss Henkler from Auto Trimmers of Shoreview, Minnesota
- North America Central – “Republic Tattoo” installed by Eric and Frank from Graphics Guys of Austin, Texas
- North America South – “Mission Flyer 2.0” installed by MetroWrapz of Hollywood, Florida
- North America West – “Gold Rush Rally” installed by Antonio Ng of EMWRAPS of Seattle, Washington
- North America Canada – “The Warrior” installed by Ben Bieber of Canadian Wrap Masters of Georgetown, Ontario
- Europe North – “Barnfind” installed by Mark Chamberlain from Funkeefish of Tendring, UK
- Europe Central – “Dynamic Truck” installed by Sebastian Kreuzer of SIGNal Wrapping of Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.
- Europe South – “Formula-e Gen2” installed by Chaublet Sébastien from S&C Creative Agency of Guérande, France.
- Eastern Europe & MENA – “Toyota Wrap Cruiser” installed by Martin Turecek from Wrap Style of Zlin, Czech Republic
The regional winners will go on to compete for the title of Continental Wrap King, to be awarded October 15, 2018. Continent winners will then be judged for the ultimate “King of the Wrap World” title at the 2018 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2 in Las Vegas. The 2018 King of the Wrap World grand-prize winner will be announced Wednesday, October 31, at the SEMA Show. The King of the Wrap World extended prize package is valued at almost $5,000, with additional gift vouchers and exposure via the Avery Dennison website and web advertisements.
 Cindy Verkooij |
JE Pistons Appoints Cindy Verkooij General Manager
JE Pistons has named Cindy Verkooij the brand’s new general manager. A 21-year veteran of the performance aftermarket industry, Verkooij has leadership experience in both sales and marketing, and intimate knowledge of the performance piston and connecting rod marketplace. Verkooij comes to JE after 11 years in a senior leadership position with CP-Carrillo. In her new post, she will fulfill a role in the executive leadership team. Verkooij brings with her a wealth of industry experience, relationships and a track record of success.
Rick Kovalick and Trent Lowe Named 2018 Pioneer Award Winners
Custom Automotive Network (CAN), formerly known as Performance Warehouse Association, has named Rick Kovalick and Trent Lowe the 2018 Pioneer Award recipients. The honor is presented in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the custom automotive distribution system and in appreciation of conscientious dedication to the industry. This award is nominated by CAN membership and voted on by a committee comprised of former Pioneer Award winners. The awards will be officially presented at Custom Automotive Network's General Membership Meeting, October 31, in Las Vegas. Kovalick, National Performance’s CRO and vice president, hails from a long career with the specialty automotive industry leaders. He has served on various panels, committees and the Board of Directors for CAN and SEMA. Lowe is the former president of Time Automotive Distributors located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boise, Idaho. He spent 17 years serving as a director and treasurer on the PWA/CAN Board of Directors.
 The new Keystone warehouse in Eastvale, California. |
Keystone Showcases New Warehouse in Eastvale, California
Keystone Distribution Inc. recently showcased its new warehouse in Eastvale, California. Now their second largest facility, it will be the key hub for their southwestern region. At 450,000 sq. ft., it currently holds $44 million in inventory, and has a capacity of up to $70 million. It uses the latest in green technology, such as sensor-activated LED lighting, and meets or exceeds California fire and safety codes. Designed with efficiency in mind, it has a 40-ft. clear ceiling, 80 bay doors, trailer locks and a fleet of fast-charging electric forklifts. It can serve up to 500 trucks, making 1.6 million stops per year. Orders made before 5:00 p.m. can be delivered in 24 hours or less.
 Yokohama Tire Corp. officially opened its new tire research and development facility—the Yokohama Development Center America—in Cornelius, North Carolina. |
Yokohama Tire Opens Yokohama Development Center America in Cornelius, North Carolina
Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) officially opened its new tire research and development facility—the Yokohama Development Center America (YDCA)—in Cornelius, North Carolina. Local officials joined Yokohama executives for the ribbon-cutting festivities. The high-tech, 25,000-sq.-ft.-building in Mecklenburg County replaces the temporary R&D office Yokohama has utilized in Concord, North Carolina, since 2016. The Cornelius facility will consolidate separate R&D staffs currently operating at a number of locations throughout the United States and will be led by Shoichiro Matsuda, YCNA vice president of corporate technical. Thomas Kenny, director of consumer tire development; Dan Steltmann, director of commercial tire development; and Jeremy Kahrs, director of technical service, will all be based out of the company’s new location.
 Theresa Evens |
Motovicity Distribution Announced as 2018 CAN Reseller of the Year; Welcomes Theresa Evens as Marketing Manager
Custom Automotive Network (CAN) has announced that Motovicity Distribution is the winner of the 2018 Reseller of the Year award, which was presented at the annual CAN Connect Conference, held last month in Frisco, Texas. In addition, Motovicity has announced that Theresa Evens has joined the company to fill the role of marketing manager. Evens brings more than 20 years of wholesale distribution experience to Motovicity with a proven track record in marketing and trade show coordination, event planning, co-op program management, merchandising and vendor relations. Evens officially started with the company September 6.
 Gray Fredrick |
Advanced Fuel Dynamics Hires Gray Fredrick as Director of Sales and Marketing
Advanced Fuel Dynamics has announced that it has hired Gray Fredrick as its new director of sales and marketing. In his new role, Fredrick will look to expand Advanced Fuel Dynamics sales and marketing efforts. Fredrick will also be responsible for growing Advanced Fuel Dynamics’ brand presence and consumer education.
Covercraft Sponsors “Hook and Hunt TV”
Covercraft Industries LLC has entered into an agreement with Jim Crowley and “Hook and Hunt TV” to become a major sponsor of the online outdoor show. Crowley, host of the “Hook and Hunt TV” video series and the associated website, www.hookandhunttv.com, focuses his shows on teaching hunting and fishing fundamentals and uses Covercraft products to protect the vehicles he features in his shows and seminars. Covercraft will feature Crowley’s instructional content and product videos in communications with consumers and on www.covercraft.com.
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