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Movers & Shakers: SEMA's Mike Spagnola Joins AACF Board of Trustees

Mike Spagnola
Mike Spagnola

SEMA’s Mike Spagnola Joins AACF Board of Trustees

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the election of Mike Spagnola to its board of trustees. Spagnola is vice president of OEM and product development programs at SEMA and oversees the SEMA Garage Product Development Center as well as the SEMA Data. Beginning February 1, he has added to his role; he now serves as co-CEO for the association and oversees the Government Affairs, SEMA Data, Human Resources and Accounting departments until a new CEO is hired for the Association.

“I have had the privilege and honor to have worked with Mike over many years,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF. “His industry knowledge, creativity and big heart will be fantastic addition to the AACF Board of Trustees. Mike and his entire family are a perfect example of those that do unselfish charitable work.”

“I have been in the industry 40+ years, it’s very gratifying to help people. I’m excited about joining the board of AACF as it focuses on helping our own family within the automotive aftermarket,” Spagnola said.

“The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation has a long-standing tradition of extending a helping hand to those in need,” Spagnola continues, “More specifically, AACF is especially known for its charitable work on behalf of those in the aftermarket industry who need financial assistance in times of hardship. It’s a cause worthy to support and I’m honored to be asked to be a part of the AACF board."

SuperSprings International Grows a Record-Breaking 42% in 2021

Coming off the heels of a record-breaking 2019 and 2020, SuperSprings International continued the momentum throughout 2021, recording full year growth of 42%. The company attributes its three-year streak of success to a shift toward end-consumer marketing at the end of 2019, strong partnerships, and a well-defined strategic vision under the executive leadership of Adam Weisner (CCO) and Gerry Lamberti (CEO).

The plans for 2022 are much of the same—to grow the business at an impressive pace and advance on the company goal of becoming the best-known suspension brand in the world. There will be new application releases throughout 2022, as well as additions to the product lineup that will introduce SSI to brand new market spaces.

In Q4 2021, SSI implemented a new leadership structure. This change was part of Weisner and Lamberti’s strategy to establish five business units, each tasked with being the best in their respective field. These business units’ leaders now report to Weisner, who continues to report to Lamberti.

This year will continue to see SSI adding partnerships in the RV industry, as it did in 2021 when it added Coachmen Class C and Winnebago Class A motorhomes as standard equipment. There will continue to be a heightened focus on adding a trailer manufacturer as an OEM partner in 2022, with Trailer SumoSprings being the companies fastest-growing product for the past two years. In addition, SSI has placed effort in deepening and growing partnerships with distributors throughout 2022.

RNR Tire Express Announces the Appointment of Three New Executives to National Team

RNR Tire Express has officially announced the appointment of three new executives to the brands national leadership team. These include the promotions of Tracy Cintron to the role of franchise director and Candace Lovett to national marketing director, as well as the recent addition of Susan Vice to serve as the company’s new financial controller.

Cintron, who had previously served as franchise coordinator for RNR, will continue helping franchisees in their store development efforts and will begin playing a more central role in their onboarding, training and overall success. Lovett, who’s moved up from her previous role as marketing manager for RNR, will oversee strategic planning and initiatives for the company’s 160+ locations nationwide, lead the national marketing team and work to expand the size and scope of all marketing efforts. Vice’s position with the franchisor puts her in control of the daily operations of the accounting department and the financial well-being of the company.

Maverick Motorsports Purchases Staack’s Motorsports

Maverick Motorsports, the provider of powersports and side-by-side equipment and accessories in Missoula, Montana, has purchased Staack’s Motorsports in Butte, Montana. Staack’s, which also offers powersports and side-by-side equipment and accessories, has been owned and operated by Ed Staack and his son Brian Staack for more than 50 years. Maverick Motorsports is co-owned by Brent Gyuricza and Guy Sharp. For more information, visit mavmotorsports.com and staacksmotorsports.com.

Mark Carter Joins MAVTV Motorsports Network

MAVTV Motorsports Network, the U.S.-based TV network owned by Lucas Oil Products, has appointed Mark Carter as director of sales and marketing. In his new position, Carter will be responsible for the MAVTV brand strategy and implementation in growing sales and advancing the entire MAVTV platform to a larger and more engaged audience. For more information, visit mavtv.com.

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