SEMA News—June 2013
The 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors Candidates
Get to Know the Nominees
The 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors Candidates Chairman-Elect Category
Manufacturers Category (two open seats)
Manufacturer’s Representative Category (one open seat)
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Voting for the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors Election opened May 15 and will be available online until June 11. Voting is open to current SEMA members, and votes must be submitted by the designated primary contact of each voting SEMA-member company.
Winners will be formally introduced as the newest members of SEMA’s Board of Directors at the SEMA Installation Banquet in July. All industry professionals are invited to join the celebration and welcome the new Board members by attending the gala on July 26.
For more information about the 2013–2016 SEMA Board of Directors election, e-mail Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or call 909-978-6678. Election results will be published in an upcoming issue of SEMA News.
The following pages include biographical information and statements from the candidates running for positions on the Board. Please take the time to review the biographies, as well as a short Q&A article featuring the candidates for the Chairman-Elect category on p. 36.
*As a reminder, the remarks and opinions expressed by each candidate are solely his or her statements. SEMA does not take responsibility for the accuracy or content of any of the candidates’ messages. The statements made by the candidates do not necessarily represent the views of SEMA.
Candidates for Manufacturers Category—Two Open Seats
Al Azadi
We need a Board of Directors with real-world experience that will unite the membership and impact measurable change benefiting us all. As a Board member, I’d focus on working with other SEMA members in two areas of special importance. The first relates to advancing youth involvement in the automotive hobby and aftermarket; the second, organizing SEMA-member companies, their employees and families to stand up to threats that come with increasing government regulation. For example, the trend that denies public access to federal land for motorsports activities will negatively impact the aftermarket’s off-road and Jeep segments in the future. For the past 25 years, I’ve worked almost exclusively within the aftermarket automotive community. I founded Omix-ADA with a combination of good fortune and strategic planning—and have managed to grow the company from just myself to nearly 100 employees developing and distributing more than 15,000 Jeep and off-road parts nationwide and to 60 different countries from warehouses in Georgia, Nevada, Virginia and Germany. Over the past 20 years, Omix-ADA has been fortunate to receive numerous awards from the media and SEMA alike for our work developing products for the growing off-road community. Today, Omix-ADA holds numerous product patents for the innovations we’ve been able to develop in-house. Beyond awards, recognition and revenue, I also realize as stewards of the hobby, it’s important to give back to the community. Through Omix-ADA and its charitable arm, we’ve made significant philanthropic contributions to a variety of charities, ranging from the American Heart Association to the Diabetes Research Institute, industry-related nonprofits, The Boy Scouts of America and Tread Lightly! Using strategic business know-how I’ve honed making Omix-ADA a success. If elected, I look forward to benefiting SEMA as a member of the 2013 Board of Directors. Here’s to a better future…thanks for your consideration.
| Kyle Fickler
I will work to:
Weld Racing LLC—Owner/Vice President of Sales Aeromotive Inc.—Director of Business Development Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)
NHRA Performance Aftermarket Advisory Council (PAAC
Our industry is what my family lives for; my wife, Debra, is an intellectual property attorney specializing in the automotive aftermarket and a member of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). She is also an active NHRA drag racer, and our daughter, Danika, just started her career in Quarter Midget racing. Virtually every weekend you will find me at an enthusiast event—whether a truck race in the desert, a dirt track working with our race teams or a rod run enjoying some vintage tin. I respectfully ask for your vote and will work hard to represent your needs. | |
Steve Matusek
My name is Steve Matusek, founder and president of Aeromotive Inc. I am privileged to be a nominee for the 2013 SEMA Board of Directors. I started Aeromotive Inc. with Venture Capital in 1994. I have a master’s degree in business management, a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and an Associate of Science degree in Avionics. My passion for this industry was instilled in me as a youngster. My father was a mechanic and racer in the early ’60s through the ’90s. I understand the time, energy, investment and passion enthusiasts possess. With that understanding, I founded Aeromotive Inc., a manufacturer of products for enthusiasts like me. I’m driven to provide opportunity for the next generation of enthusiasts, so they can be rewarded as I’ve been by this great industry. In my second term as a member of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC), I lead by example. My leadership style is one of teamwork and empowerment. I have a history of mentoring young professionals, which is why I feel I received the MPMC’s Chairman’s Award in 2012. Recently, I helped create and am on the board of Real Pro Mod Inc., which was formed to preserve the NHRA Pro Mod class. Throughout my tenure I have been granted numerous patents. In 2005, our first year exhibiting at the SEMA Show, we received SEMA’s Best New Performance Racing Product award. I finished ninth in points in NHRA Pro Mod in 2012 and have run as quick as a 5.96 E.T. at more than 252 mph in the quarter-mile. I have the ability to adapt to ever-changing environments and have the unique experience of being an engineer, business owner, racer and enthusiast. I have supported my family in this industry for more than 20 years. I am proud of my accomplishments and the knowledge I have been afforded by hands-on experience. My goal is to leave this industry better than I found it. Addressing industry issues head on requires serious and committed individuals. I ask for your vote so that I can give back to the industry that has been so generous to me. | Tim Watts As a true automotive enthusiast, I have been fortunate to make a career out of something I am truly passionate about. I am currently the vice president of sales and marketing for Superlift Suspension Systems. I began my career with Superlift more than 20 years ago, and I have had an active role in growing a small company into a large one. Over the years, I have been involved in every facet of operations, with most of my efforts focused on sales and servicing accounts. Hands-on involvement at all levels—manufacturing, distribution and retail, provides me invaluable insight on the challenges our industry faces and what role SEMA can realistically serve in addressing them. I offer “real-world” experience and insight and an exceptional work ethic—plus I understand that SEMA exists for one reason…to serve its membership. It is an honor to again be considered for the Board, and I greatly appreciate your vote and the opportunity to continue to serve our industry. I am a former two-term SEMA Board member and I am currently an active member of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA). I have served as the Board liaison for YEN as well as having served on the YEN Select Committee, Advanstar’s Off-Road Advisory Council, twice on the SEMA Nominating Committee, Data Co-op Evaluation Task Force, Data Co-op Focus Group, Data Co-op Oversight Task Force, WD of the Year Task Force and SEMA Person of the Year Task Force. I am currently on the SEMA Show Committee, Suspension Task Force, Electronic Stability Control Work Group and Marketing Task Force, and I am the chair of the SEMA–Clemson CU-ICAR Task Force. If elected, I promise to amplify the voice of the SEMA member and work tirelessly on what I consider to be our most important issues: emerging vehicle technologies; business technology; increasing member benefits and potential legislative threats. Feel free to contact me at 318-397-3000 or tim@superlift.com any time to discuss these issues and opportunities. |
As a lifelong enthusiast in the Jeep and off-road industry, I understand the importance and responsibility of being nominated to SEMA’s Board of Directors. I’ve been in the aftermarket trenches, through the halls of government and off-road for fun and for business.
Our future depends upon having the freedom to modify and enjoy our vehicles, and leadership ready to defend the interests represented by all segments of our industry. I bring SEMA members a unique perspective blended from the education of a licensed attorney, the unwavering commitment required of a business owner, and the hands-on passion demonstrated by a virtual lifetime of successful participation in motorsports. 
Candidates for Manufacturer’s Representative Category—One Open Seat
Jeff Bates
Employment Summary
Outstanding Career Achievements:
Industry Involvement
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I have served in the automotive aftermarket for more than 28 years, serving in most every facet of the industry. I provide hands-on leadership skills and proven performance. As a SEMA Board member I will place members first and foremost, serving with integrity and professionalism. Employment Summary
Committees and Task Forces
I am an avid fan of all motorsports. I have attended the Driving Schools of Bob Bondurant and Richard Petty. I was a member of the American Motorcyclist Association and enjoyed racing in hair- | |
Greg Bernheisel
