By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) named Dave Johnson, director of technology at AutoSync, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer.
Get to know Johnson in his interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What do you do for work?
Dave Johnson: I oversee a team of web developers, graphic designers and 3D artists who create online tools for the automotive aftermarket industry.
SN: What about the industry keeps you up at night?
DJ: Both our staff and clientele are spread out across multiple time zones, so now, more and more emails and phone calls come before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.
SN: What is your favorite podcast or source of business/industry information?
DJ: 1. "Oil & Whiskey Podcast" from the guys at The Roadster Shop.
2. SEMA magazine
3. Modern Tire Dealer website
SN: What is your greatest professional challenge? How did you overcome it?
DJ: Learning to say no to good opportunities so I could stay laser-focused on the goals I have previously set. It was not until recently that I began to realize that I cannot be the best at something when I have too many distractions or projects going at the same time.
SN: What is in your briefcase or bag?
DJ: A Macbook Pro, iPhone, headphones and a traditional notebook. It is much easier for me to remember something if I write it down versus typing it into a device.
SN: What do you drive now? What do you wish you drove?
DJ: '81 Chevrolet C-10 and an '82 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
SN: What is your most important career goal this year?
DJ: The deployment of the industry's first tire visualizer.
SN: Who is a mentor in the aftermarket that has impacted you most?
DJ: Wayne Williams from Excel Marketing was an amazing mentor up until the day he unexpectedly passed away. Wayne taught me how to listen better, and also showed me how to be grateful for the life I have and the people I share my life with.
SN: What is the best advice you've received in the aftermarket?
DJ: Sales cures everything.
SN: What is your favorite industry event and why?
DJ: The ACPN event put on by AutoCare has recently overtaken the top spot that was held by the SEMA Show. The Automotive Content Professionals Network has exposed me to the data side of our industry, and it has connected me to some amazing people.
SN: What industry event do you want to attend but never have?
DJ: The PRI Show in Indianapolis has been a show I have wanted to attend since it has been around. Hopefully, I will make it a priority to attend it this year!
Fill out a WTSBC spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on WTSBC's social media, SEMA News and future WTSBC member updates.