PRO Announces Awards

SEMA Member News—January/February 2014

PRO Announces Awards

	3M was named 2013 PRO Manufacturer of the Year. Greg Piserchia (center) accepted the award from Chair-Elect Scott Wolin (left) and Chair Jeff Fink.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) announced the recipients of four prestigious awards at its PRO Night Club event, held in the Oasis Lounge at the Las Vegas Hotel on November 5. The PRO Night Club was a break from the traditional industry reception and provided guests with a premier networking opportunity with a new format in a new, fun space.

2013 PRO Manufacturer of the Year

The PRO Manufacturer of the Year Award was established to honor an outstanding manufacturer in the restyling industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have enhanced the stature and growth of the industry within the aftermarket community. The award nominees are chosen and voted on by the general membership.

The winner of the 2013 PRO Manufacturer of the Year award was 3M, which has supplied innovative, technology-driven products and services to the automotive industry for more than 100 years. 3M works side by side with PRO manufacturers by offering product and technical expertise to ensure successful applications globally. 3M has exhibited at the SEMA Show for 22 years and has been an active participant in the SEMA organization and PRO. 3M is committed to working with all aspects of the automotive industry and continually raises the level of innovation and quality for all, consistently demonstrating its desire to support and assist the aftermarket.

PRO Restyler of the Year Award

The Restyler of the Year nominees are selected and voted on by PRO’s general membership.

The 2013 Restyler of the Year is Car Stereo Plus (CSP), owned by Rob Riley and Foster Lee (center), who accepted the award.

The award was established to honor an outstanding restyler/installer whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments have enhanced the stature and growth of the industry within the candidate’s community.

Each candidate’s contributions and/or company performance must have had a significant impact on a local level. The nominee must be currently in the industry and have been involved in the industry for a minimum of five years.

The winner of the 2013 Restyler of the Year award was Car Stereo Plus (CSP), owned by Rob Riley and Foster Lee.

	Mike Stanifer of Innovative Creations Inc. was selected as the 2013 Nat Danas Person of the Year.

CSP is the largest-volume restyler in the southern United States, and its owners are continuously recognized for their professionalism in both sales and service. CSP represents the leather, sunroof and 12-volt industry well. Foster and Rob look at every avenue to better their employees, customers and their business as a whole through solid business practices, strategic selling principles and quality customer service.

2013 Nat Danas Person of the Year

The PRO Nat Danas Person of the Year award honors an individual within the restyling industry who has acted with a high degree of integrity and professionalism and has contributed to the general stature of the industry. Nominees are chosen and voted on by the select committee only. Membership in and contribution to SEMA and PRO are primary considerations, along with significant impact at the local level.

Mike Stanifer of Innovative Creations Inc. was selected as the 2013 Nat Danas Person of the Year. Stanifer has been a dedicated industry professional for decades, though he became involved with PRO just a few years ago. His contributions include primary responsibility for the creation of the PRO NovemberFest reception that had been held for years during the SEMA Show.

2013 Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award

	The 2013 Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Van Woodell (center) of Weathers Auto Supply.

This award honors an outstanding individual in the restyling, trim or light-truck accessory industry who has made significant contributions toward the betterment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry both locally and nationally, representing the highest level of professionalism, service and integrity. Nominees are chosen and voted on by the PRO select committee only.

The 2013 Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Van Woodell of Weathers Auto Supply. An industry veteran, Woodell is a SEMA Hall of Fame member, a former member of the SEMA Board of Directors and has tirelessly served the industry.

He has been very involved with PRO, working both on the select committee and as the council’s liaison to the SEMA Board. He personifies the criteria for this award: creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national level and enhancing the stature of the industry while significantly contributing to its growth, progress and professionalism.

In addition to the other awards, Outgoing Chair Eldon Bracken of Graphic Mart was presented with an honorary gavel in recognition of his leadership and service to PRO.