By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Jacob Clark, vendor communications manager at Elite Truck, as the network's newest spotlight member.
Get to know Clark in his interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Jacob Clark: The best advice I have ever received is to never stop working to better yourself. A former supervisor used to say this to me, and it has always resonated with me both personally and professionally. No one is perfect, and I know I have my shortcomings, but I learn from my mistakes, and I continue to apply myself in new opportunities. Constantly learning from other people helps me be a better person in my professional and personal life.
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
JC: The people I work with, both internally and externally. I've had a career in a different industry where team members were not supported professionally–supervisors saw their employees as a number, and there was no positivity for accomplishments. Where I work now, the team is like a family to me. We support each other for any accomplishments, and we are there for one another when someone may need some uplifting. Also, the people I get to work with outside of my company are some of the best and I have learned so much from them.
SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
JC: It depends. If it's cold outside, you will find me staying warm in a local brewery with friends listening to local live music. When it's warm, you will find me out on the boat tied up with many friends (many of whom are coworkers) enjoying the sun and warm air.
SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
JC: Get all the information together and ensure I am early. Ensuring I have all the information in front of me, whether its sales data, product information or a vendor meeting, I like to have all the information about the meeting in front of me and have reviewed it. I also like to ensure I am at least a few minutes early. Showing up promptly shows everyone else you have made this meeting a priority and it is important.
SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?
JC: Bob Moore to discuss the creation of SDC [SEMA Data Co-op, the precursor to SEMA Data] and staying ahead of the curve.
Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.
