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Top 15 Launch Pad Semifinalists Announced

By Kristopher Porter

The top 15 semifinalists for the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad competition, to be held during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 5–8, have been selected. Find out who made the cut and their unique products below:

Eric Amato
Eric Amato

Eric Amato
Radial Dynamics LLC, President
Product: Vortex Steering Reservoir
The Radial Dynamics Vortex Reservoir is a revolution in the off-road steering market segment, which features a patent-pending design that actively de-aerates steering fluid and maximizes effective system capacity to keep even the highest flowing steering pumps working at their best under the most demanding conditions.

Alan Brentzel
Alan Brentzel

Alan Brentzel
Traveling Tint, Owner
Product: Removable sun shades and window tint
Traveling tint is an optically clear removable window tint/shade. The traveling tint kit is 15% VLT tinted, quick to put on a window, pull off and move. The slap shade line is a complete sunblock kit. This product is customizable with logos and brands.

Jason Denney
Jason Denney

Jason Denney
RIGd Supply, Chief Marketing Officer
Product: UltraSwing
The RIGd UltraSwing is a spare-tire carrier and swing-away receiver for bike racks or other hitch-mounted accessories. UltraSwing is designed for serious off-road use, and combines maximum functionality with reduced weight. UltraSwing features an ecosystem of accessory mounts, including a camp table, fuel, Hi-Lift jacks and more.

TJ Hammerle
TJ Hammerle

TJ Hammerle
Trac-Top LLC, CEO
Product: Trac-Top/Jeep Wrangler Top
Trac-Top is a direct replacement for the freedom panels of the Jeep Wrangler using the factory knobs. It is a coil-sprung retractable canvas that is built directly into the housing to provide instant shade when you want it and protection from the elements when you need it.

Thomas Judge
Thomas Judge

Thomas Judge
GJ Motorsports LLC, Owner
Product: 3rd Brake Lights
The GJ Motorsports’ aftermarket third brake lights provide a high mounting location for LED lights to provide effective dust/chase lights with a factory fit and finish. They are also a great option for anyone working around the rear of their vehicle by providing excellent work or scene lighting.

Riley Koidahl
Riley Koidahl

Riley Koidahl
The Paddock, Founder/CEO
Product: The Paddock
The Paddock leverages technology to give car enthusiasts the best shopping experience possible. Virtually test fit wheels, browse classifieds and connect with installers for a seamless wheel and tire experience, from ideation to installation.

Andrew LienAndrew Lien

Andrew Lien
KeyCages, Owner
Product: KeyCages
KeyCages are precision-engineered exoskeletons for keys and key fobs that enhance the look and performance of OEM keys.

Reid Lunde
Reid Lunde

Reid Lunde
Kaizen Speed, Founder/Owner
Product: Kaizen Relay
The Kaizen Relay is a weatherproof, solid-state relay that directly replaces standard relays. Its patent-pending design allows multiple relays to interconnect, making it easy to add on to your vehicle without complicated wiring. Programmable CAN-bus modules and wireless modules can be attached, instantly making your Kaizen Relay a smart PDM.

Christopher Owens
Steven Owens

Steven Owens
Last Drop Wrench, CEO/Founder
Product: The Last Drop Wrench
The Last Drop Wrench allows you to drain oil from an oil filter before it has been removed, eliminating spills and burns while decreasing the time it takes to complete an oil change by up to 25%. Life is already messy; your oil change doesn’t have to be.

Wesley Poole
Wesley Poole

Wesley Poole
Forged Authority, President
Product: Aftermarket Truck Bed Systems
Forged Authority manufactures the next generation of truck bed systems, including toolboxes, chairs, tire chocks, tie-down hooks, kayak racks, fishing-rod holders and more. Accessories mount onto the new mounting framerail with one pin within seconds.

Alexander Reid
Alexander Reid

Alexander Reid
Seville Auto Trim LLC, GloTrim Products Lead
Product: GloTrim/Fiber Optic light guide see OEM
GloTrim flexible glass fiber-optic welting kits provide premium soft-trim lighting solutions by offering kits, consultation, integration and custom services. GloTrim kits are designed to be easily integrated into any 12-volt system. GloTrim provides automotive aftermarket companies the tools to craft new, exciting and desirable products for their customers.

Zachary Saylor
Zachary Saylor

Zachary Saylor
The Wiper Group LLC, President
Product: Wiper Packs
Changing windshield wipers is simple with Wiper Packs from The Wiper Group. Each pack is customized to include two blades that are the right fit for your car. When it’s time for a change, get a refill pack so you can keep the blades and just replace the rubber.

John Schurman
John Schurman

John Schurman
Voxel Evolution LLC, Founder
Product: Luxe LightWrap
Luxe LightWrap is a translucent premium cast vinyl specifically designed for wrapping a vehicle’s lights and trim. LightWrap is manufactured in the United States and features air release for quick bubble-free installations, and because it can be printed and laminated, there is no limit to what effect is possible.

Sarah Smith
Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith
SoCur Inc., Owner
Product: UV Cure Undercoat System for Automotive Refinish
ChipFix is a single component ultraviolet-cure fine putty that is translucent in color. This putty is perfect for last-minute touchups of pinholes, rock chips, light gauges and minor imperfections. ChipFix spreads easily and cures in seconds with an appropriate UV light and experiences little to no shrinkage.

Justin Urban
Justin Urban

Justin Urban
Urban Custom Fabrications, Owner
Product: DIY Custom Flatbeds
UCF’s aluminum flatbed has interlocking pieces that bolt together in an at-home or professional garage. The bed can be shipped to the door for a DIY project or fabrication shops can save on inventory costs because it fits most platforms. It features a sturdy, durable and a clean design.

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