SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

The Latest From ETTN: Meet Your Chair and Chair-Elect

Regis Finn is the ETTN chair.

Regis Finn began his automotive career sweeping floors at a local speed shop when he was 15. In his early 20s, he made a cross-country move to California, where he landed at B&M Racing and Performance. He started in the customer service department and has since held many positions in sales and marketing for B&M and other industry-leading companies. For the past year, he has been the marketing manager for Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America. Finn has past experience serving with SEMA councils and became the chair of the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) on July 1.

	Marla Moore is the ETTN chair-elect.

Chair-Elect Marla Moore is the marketing director for the Coker Group, where she is responsible for all marketing and advertising for six aftermarket companies and 10 brands. She has worked in the aftermarket for more than 30 years and held positions at Hypertech, Comp Cams and AutoZone. In 2012, Moore received one of the industry’s highest honors: SEMA’s Person of the Year award. In 2013, she was recognized as the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) Woman of the Year. In the past, Moore served as a member of the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) select committee as well as chair of SBN.

The two recently chatted with SEMA Member News, sharing their unique experiences and perspectives on why network membership is a valuable SEMA benefit.

SEMA Member News: Why are you involved in ETTN?

Regis Finn: I want to give back to the industry I love. I have been very fortunate to do what I love while making a good living. I’ve seen drastic changes in the industry over the years and want to ensure that it continues to strive for generations to come. Everyone can make a difference, and this is how I choose to do so.

Marla Moore: I believe that it is important to give back to our industry. Recognizing and utilizing emerging trends is crucial to the future of the aftermarket—and especially to small businesses. By volunteering to help lead ETTN, I hope to contribute to the focus and growth of this network so that its purpose serves all SEMA members.

SMN: What have you gained from your involvement?

RF: By surrounding myself with very successful people from our industry, I’ve picked up on many of the traits that made them successful. I’ve been able to use this newfound knowledge to advance my company’s place in the industry. I’ve also gained better insight into our industry on many levels and now better understand the many challenges our industry faces. The networking opportunities and good friends made while serving with ETTN are some of the most treasured benefits gained from my involvement.

MM: The contacts you make are so valuable. I have met some of my heroes, gained mentors and forged lifelong friendships with some of the most amazing people in the industry. Learning how a select committee works, conducting meetings, chairing a task force or committee are very valuable experiences that may only be obtainable by volunteering. SEMA does an exceptional job of educating and training select committee members on strategic thinking, governance, feasibility and focus.

SMN: What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

RF: As a relatively new network, ETTN is still trying to gain traction. We are narrowing our focus and striving to become more relevant. Over the next year, we are going to concentrate primarily on vehicle technology/engineering trends and technologies. With a narrowed focus, our chance of success will increase. Trying to be everything to everyone is a very difficult task that often ends in failure.

It is almost impossible for a single person to keep up with the current pace of changing vehicle technology. Technologies that appear to be many years away are already arriving in new vehicles. New legislation will impact vehicle technologies, too. It is important to understand how these changes will affect you and your company. ETTN should be your source for vehicle technology alerts and education.

SMN: Why should individuals join ETTN?

MM: ETTN is a network, so individuals who work for SEMA-member companies can join for free! There are no dues. You will have the opportunity to make some great contacts, interact through social media and networking functions with other members who are passionate about our industry, and volunteer to serve on a task force. It’s a great way to get involved with SEMA and make connections that will benefit you throughout your career.