SEMA Member News—January 2018
Manufacturers Representative Network Hosts Networking and Awards Program at 2017 SEMA Show
 Joel Rosenthal of Gantt-Thomas & Associates was inducted into the MRN Hall of Fame at the 2017 SEMA Show. | |
The Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) hosted a networking event Thursday afternoon of the SEMA Show. The event, titled “Manufacturers Rep Roundup & Awards Program,” featured a unique opportunity for independent automotive aftermarket sales professionals to connect and celebrate leading professionals and companies.
The event was held in SEMA Central in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center and had more than 50 industry manufacturer representatives in attendance. Attendees enjoyed appetizers and beverages as they networked and mingled. Vic Bennett, MRN chair, addressed the state of the industry and provided the crowd with updates on the MRN’s initiatives, opportunities and member benefits.
During an awards presentation, a leading independent sales rep was honored by being inducted into the MRN Hall of Fame, and a manufacturer was recognized for its outstanding inclusion and teamwork with its sales reps.
MRN Hall of Fame Inducts Joel Rosenthal of Gantt-Thomas & Associates
 On behalf of Bestop, Jim Chick received the Sales Team Annual Recognition Award presented by MRN. | |
Joel Rosenthal has been involved in the automotive aftermarket for more than 25 years. He has raised his hand and volunteered within SEMA and specifically the MRN in many capacities. He served as an MRN chairman and as a chair-elect and a select committee member. In addition, he volunteered with the SEMA Scholarship committee.
MRN Honors Bestop With the STAR Award
The Sales Team Annual Recognition (STAR) award is presented to the most outstanding manufacturer’s sales team, as nominated by the general membership of MRN. The winner must conform to the following criteria:
Provide timely and accurate updates on products and company policies
Consider manufacturer reps’ and customers’ comments when developing products and forecasting
Provide reps with necessary strategies, including samples, sales literature and competitive comparisons
The winner of the 2017 MRN STAR award was Bestop, a manufacturer of a broad line of soft tops and accessories for Jeep CJs and Wranglers, plus an expanding line of truck accessories. All Bestop-branded soft tops are designed and manufactured in North America.
Tom Bradley created Bestop in a small upholstery shop in Boulder, Colorado, in 1954. Working out of an old brick schoolhouse with seven employees, Bestop developed a reputation for quality. Now located in Louisville, Colorado, Bestop has grown to employ more than 500 people.
MRN RepMatch
RepMatch is MRN’s latest tool, which benefits independent sales reps as well as manufacturers. The free program connects reps to manufacturers who are looking for product representation. Sales leads are sent directly to the more than 50 agencies that have opted in to the free program. Get your agency signed up today at www.sema.org/repmatch.
How does it work? When a manufacturing company signs up to participate in the RepMatch program, it provides information about the territory it needs coverage in, the types of products it is looking to market in that territory, and the targeted market segment. That information is then sent directly to the manufacturers’ rep agencies that have opted in. It is up to the agency to follow up on that lead and begin a conversation with the manufacturer, should the lead be a good fit.