By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Sasha Hockersmith, owner and CEO of The Lug Nut Guru, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.
Get to know Hockersmith in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Sasha Hockersmith: I've been with The Lug Nut Guru since its official launch in April 2024. What I enjoy most about working at The Lug Nut Guru is the chance to build something incredible with my family. My husband, the true 'Lug Nut Guru,' has unmatched knowledge and expertise in the industry, and our boys have grown into talented and capable members of the business, each bringing their own strengths and understanding. I'm excited to contribute my energy and fresh perspective while learning from their expertise. Watching how our combined skills and passion fuel the growth of our business has been deeply rewarding, and every day brings new opportunities to grow together as a family and as a company.
SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
SH: The most challenging part of running The Lug Nut Guru is finding the balance between family dynamics and business needs. Working with my husband and sons is incredibly rewarding, but it also requires clear communication and boundaries to ensure we all stay on the same page. Additionally, as a new business, managing rapid growth while keeping our standards high and staying ahead of industry trends can be a challenge. However, these challenges also push us to improve and adapt, making the journey even more fulfilling.
SN: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
SH: I'm new to the industry, as this is my first official job in it, but I feel like I've learned a lot through my husband's passion. His 25-plus years of experience in the automotive industry, along with his deep and broad understanding of lug nuts, wheel accessories and their associated applications, have given me great insight. His knowledge and dedication have been a huge influence on me, and I'm excited to bring my perspective to the business while continuing to learn.
SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
SH: One: resilience. Life has thrown me my share of challenges, but my ability to stay strong and push through has been essential in building The Lug Nut Guru. Whether it's navigating family dynamics or the ups and downs of running a new business, resilience has kept me moving forward and growing stronger with every hurdle.
Two: adaptability. Stepping into the automotive industry without prior experience could have been overwhelming, but I've embraced it as an opportunity to learn and grow. My ability to adapt and take on new challenges head-on has allowed me to bring fresh ideas to the table while learning from the best--my husband and sons.
Three: teamwork. Building The Lug Nut Guru alongside my family has taught me the value of teamwork in a whole new way. Our combined strengths make us better together, and my focus on collaboration has helped us overcome obstacles, stay united and continue reaching new heights.
SN: eing a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
SH: I don't see being a woman in the automotive industry as a challenge. Instead, I push myself to learn as much as I can, and the more I learn, the more I have to offer. My biggest accomplishment has been embracing every opportunity to grow my knowledge and contribute in meaningful ways. Rather than focusing on barriers, I've chosen to see each new experience as a way to grow, which has helped me gain confidence and make a real impact in the business.
SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
SH: My biggest role model and mentor in the industry has been my husband. With his 25-plus years of experience in the automotive world, he's been a huge source of knowledge and inspiration. He has a deep understanding of lug nuts, wheels, accessories and their applications, and his passion for the industry is contagious. He's helped me learn the ins and outs of the business and encouraged me to trust my instincts--even when I'm outside my comfort zone. His guidance and support have been invaluable as I've grown into my role at The Lug Nut Guru.
SN: What is the best career advice you have received?
SH: The best career advice I've received is to always stay curious and never stop learning. This advice has helped me both professionally and personally because it pushes me to continuously seek new knowledge and challenge myself. In the automotive industry, there's always something new to learn and staying curious has allowed me to grow in areas I never expected. It's helped me approach every situation with an open mind and adapt to changes, which has been invaluable as we build The Lug Nut Guru.
SN: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?
SH: I didn't originally plan to work in the automotive industry, but being around my husband's passion and expertise for so many years sparked my interest. Once I got involved, I realized how much I enjoy learning about the technical side and the dynamics of the business. What keeps me here is the constant challenge of growing the business and the satisfaction of seeing our hard work pay off. Plus, working with my family and building something together makes it all the more meaningful.
SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
SH: The most influential people on my career and goals have been my husband, my kids and my mother. My husband's deep knowledge and passion for the automotive industry have inspired me to dive into this field, while my kids motivate me every day to be the best version of myself, both personally and professionally. My mother has been my biggest supporter throughout my life. She took over our family business, which has been running for 75-plus years, and worked alongside her father and sister. Her hard work, intelligence and dedication have always been an inspiration, and she's thrilled to see The Lug Nut Guru become a new chapter in our family's entrepreneurial journey. After working in my family's business for 15 years, I carry her lessons with me every day as we continue to grow. And with that, I'll say: see you at the top.
Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website.