SEMA Member News—January 2018
Industry Leaders Celebrated at PRO Reception
 PRO recognized Eastman Chemical Company as the Manufacturer of the Year for its Llumar Window Film brand. PRO select committee member Eric Holmes accepted the award on behalf of the company. | |
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) held its annual industry awards reception at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The event provided restyling professionals with an opportunity to enjoy an evening of networking in a relaxing environment at the Westgate pool deck. During the evening, the council recognized restyling companies and individuals in its awards ceremony. Four awards were announced.
PRO Manufacturer of the Year: Eastman Chemical Co.—Llumar Window Films
Founded in 1920, Eastman Chemical Co. is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. Its Llumar brand has been a leader in the automotive film industry. Over the past four years, the company has taken a specific interest in professional restylers and has supplied unlimited support in the way of training, supplies, materials and expertise to help restylers work directly with car dealers.
With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Eastman partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation to educate consumers on the importance of skin protection, and using window film in a car can provide around-the-clock protection.
All films in the Llumar window film family offer comprehensive UV protection. Llumar window film essentially acts as a sunscreen—daily sun protection with a one-time application.
Nat Danas Person of the Year: Bill North, Katzkin Leather
 PRO recognized Bill North (center) of Katzkin Leather as the Nat Danas Person of the Year. | |
Bill North has served the industry for more than 25 years, primarily with Webasto and Katzkin. He has an excellent knowledge of how the industry works and has helped many restylers and manufacturers to grow their businesses. Through his OEM contacts, North has navigated the OE/aftermarket landscape, showing the benefits to both sides and leading the task force that worked with SEMA staff on the OE memo released in early 2017. North served as a volunteer with PRO during two different stints for a total of nine years, and he currently serves on the select committee.
Restyler of the Year: Jeff Lang, SunLine Auto Restyling
 Jeff Lang (center) of SunLine Auto Restyling was recognized with the Restyler of the Year award at the 2017 SEMA Show. | |
Jeff Lang, owner of SunLine Auto Restyling, received the Restyler of the Year award. SunLine Auto Restyling, based on Long Island in Lindenhurst, New York, has been serving the tri-state area for nearly three decades. The full-service restyling center caters to more than 90 auto dealers as well as consumers, with a focus on customer satisfaction and installation expertise.
 Scott Wolin of Chicago Parts & Sound was recognized with the PRO Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award. | |
The company has been a member of SEMA and PRO since 1996. An early adopter of the former SEMA Installer Certification Program, the SunLine team held certification credentials in every restyling category available at the time. SunLine is a proven market leader, having made significant contributions to enhancing the stature and professionalism of the restyling industry.
Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award: Scott Wolin, Chicago Parts & Sound
Scott Wolin’s industry involvement spans more than three decades. His career has included positions in OEM and aftermarket business development, domestic and international sales and marketing, and operations for several leading companies, including Hollandia Sunroofs, Argent International, Skylite Sunroofs, Inalfa Sunroofs and AVG/OEAM. He’s currently employed at CPS/Chicago Parts and Sound, where he is charged with dealer-direct accessory sales for the company’s Michigan location.
An active member of SEMA and PRO since 1996, Wolin served two three-year terms on the PRO select committee and recently completed his second term as PRO chair. During his tenure, he played a key role in several important council initiatives, including participation in SEMA Show seminars on the topic of emerging and evolving vehicle technologies.