SEMA News—July 2018
By SEMA News Editors
Introducing ARMO’s New Chair and Chair-Elect
 New Chair Tray Smith shared his thoughts on ARMO’s youth initiatives during last year’s general membership meeting. | |
With election season behind it, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has three roles under new leadership. Erika Wiesman of Hydro-E-Lectric will now serve as immediate past chair, where she will offer her experience and knowledge to the council. Starting July 1, Tray Smith of H&H Classic Parts assumes the role of chair, and Ben Tucker of Camaro Central will serve as chair-elect. Both will serve two-year terms.
In the following Q&A, SEMA Member News caught up with ARMO’s new chair and chair-elect to get to know them better. Here’s what they had to say.
Q&A With ARMO Chair Tray Smith
SEMA Member News: Can you tell us a little about your background? How long have you been with H&H Classic Parts?
Tray Smith: I grew up in the auto industry. My father owned a large service center as well as a jobber parts store in northwest Arkansas when I was growing up. I have been with H&H for 23 years.
SMN: How long have you been involved with ARMO? Why did you initially join the council?
TS: I have been involved with ARMO for the last 10 years, first as a member volunteering, then on the select committee, and now as chair. I got involved for two reasons: I wanted to try to make a difference with legislative issues regarding ARMO and SEMA, and I wanted to give something back to the industry. I want to make sure that there is a future generation involved in the automotive aftermarket world.
SMN: What plans do you have for the next two years as chairman?
TS: I have several ideas for my time as chairman. I want to continue the groundwork we have laid out for our counselor outreach program and continue our efforts at informing counselors and their students of the career paths that are available to students getting out of high school and college. I also want to continue our work in legislative issues. ARMO has always been at the forefront of legislation, and we will continue our efforts.
Q&A With ARMO Chair-Elect Ben Tucker
 New Chair-Elect Ben Tucker joined the conversation during ARMO’s general membership meeting, which took place at the 2017 SEMA Show. | |
SEMA Member News: Can you tell us a little about your background? How long have you been with Camaro Central?
Ben Tucker: I’ve been in the retail segment of the restoration industry since 2001. Over the years in retail, it seems you have heard it, seen it or done it. I’d say my background is in customer service, purchasing, sales, and marketing. I have been blessed to work with Camaro Central for the past 18 years. Camaro Central’s owner and staff are among the best in the business.
SMN: What plans do you have for the next two years as chair-elect?
BT: Erika Wiesman and Tray Smith have been doing some great things within ARMO, and I hope to continue to help with their initiatives. I would like to see the Take a Kid to a Car Show program become a poster child for SEMA’s youth initiative. Communications to ARMO members is also on my top-priorities list. Creating a car show list repository and getting important industry updates to the members in a streamlined fashion is important.
SMN: Why should automotive restoration companies get involved with ARMO?
BT: ARMO is a great association for allowing restoration companies to come together and make the restoration industry stronger. It provides a place for retailers, manufacturers, distributors, marketing firms and restoration shops to share ideas and network. Members should get involved so that they can also have a voice in the industry.