By Ashley Reyes
SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named Crystal Lawrance, vice president of KTL Restorations Inc., as the council's newest spotlight member.
Get to know Lawrance in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry, and what made you choose automotive restoration?
Crystal Lawrance: Sports marketing and automotive were my only career choices from a young age.
SEMA: How long have you been volunteering for ARMO?
CL: I have been a member of ARMO for six years and I am looking to get more involved.
SEMA: What's the best advice you ever received?
CL: My late father always had the best advice: Hold your own, don't let anyone tell you no, and if they do, it's for a good reason; be sure to 'drive it off' and think about it before you take action. (Think before you speak;just think behind the wheel first.)
SEMA: If you could do one thing over from the course of your career, what would that be?
CL: Impact our next generation and teach them what an amazing industry we are a part of. Show others--through my own actions--the value our industry brings and encourage others to continue pursuing our way of life, long after we are gone.
SEMA: What keeps your passion going in this industry?
CL: My clients and their enthusiasm. The pure love of automotive. Watching the youth I mentor continue to grow in our industry. We have the best jobs in the world! How could you not be passionate?
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
CL: An '87 Buick Grand National (My late father's car).
SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?
CL: Nine out of 10 times--at the shop with my husband or at an event on the road.
SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the restoration industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years?
CL: Education in trades and continuing to fight to grow the next field of restorers, mechanics, tradesmen and tradeswomen.
Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates will be featured on ARMO's social media, SEMA News and future ARMO-member updates.