By Jeremy Headlee
Matt Beenen of Builtright Industries (with check) was named the winner of the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network. |
The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) will present a live chat with the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad winner Matt Beenen of BuiltRight Industries on the YEN Facebook page, April 24, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). Beenen will be available for an open Q&A to talk about building and operating his business, competing in Launch Pad and what his company has experienced since winning the premiere automotive entrepreneurial competition. Be sure to join the chat from your desktop, tablet or phone, and come ready with questions to tap into Beenen’s expertise!
His story begins like many, with lemonade stands and washing cars. At the age of 14, Beenen started his first business with a small loan from his father. He’d always had an interest in cars, and years later, went to school to study mechanical engineering. After six years at GrimmSpeed, designing parts and ultimately running the company, he decided it was time to leave and try to start another small business of his own—BuiltRight Industries. Inspired by Launch Pad when he first attended in 2013, and with his new business finding some traction, he wondered what the program could do for BuiltRight. After making his way through the stages of competition, Beenen wowed the judges in front of a huge live audience to win at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Since then, his network has expanded, his knowledge has increased and his business has grown substantially.
Beenen’s wide range of successes, setbacks and other notable achievements make him an excellent resource for questions on anything from bringing a product from concept to creation, running a successful small business and getting involved with SEMA and the Launch Pad program.