By Chad Simon

Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda emceed the 2018 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “Success Starts Here.”

Themed “Success Starts Here” the 2018 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 1, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators. Guided by emcees Jarod DeAnda and Jessi Combs, the evening also featured live music from blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward.

About 2,500 automotive aftermarket industry attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is now $43 billion strong. The 2018 Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly, Ed Pink and Chris Thomson.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, GEN-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year and Warehouse Distributor of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Melanie White – President, Hellwig Suspension Products
• Manufacturer of the Year – Aeromotive Inc.
• GEN-III Innovator of the Year – Jon Pulli – CEO, Turn 14 Distribution
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – Bob Cook Sales
• Warehouse Distributor of the Year – Turn 14 Distribution

“I’m so honored to be recognized among so many truly outstanding people in our industry, really I just feel incredibly lucky,” White said. “I work in an amazing industry filled with passionate people. I have some outstanding industry friends. And I work daily with amazing people. Above all, I get to carry on the Hellwig tradition that my great grandfather started, and my grandfather and father grew. SEMA does some incredible stuff for their members, and I’m so lucky that I get to be a part of that volunteer network.”

Fedora-wearing, blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward provided musical entertainment to those in attendance.	SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering.
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a packed house.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki addressed this year’s theme, “Success Starts Here.”
Melanie White of Hellwig Suspension Products was honored as the 2018 SEMA Person of the Year.	Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Bob Cook Sales won the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.	Aeromotive Inc. was named Manufacturer of the Year.
Jon Pulli accepted the Warehouse Distributor of the Year award on behalf of Turn 14 Distribution.	Donnie Eatherly, 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his volunteerism within SEMA and for championing many important industry initiatives.
Ed Pink was inducted into the 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame for building engines that helped legendary racers set records and win championships.	Chris Thomson was inducted into the 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame for his selfless dedication as a mentor and an advocate for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

By Chad Simon

Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda emceed the 2018 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “Success Starts Here.”

Themed “Success Starts Here” the 2018 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 1, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators. Guided by emcees Jarod DeAnda and Jessi Combs, the evening also featured live music from blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward.

About 2,500 automotive aftermarket industry attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is now $43 billion strong. The 2018 Hall of Fame inductees were Donnie Eatherly, Ed Pink and Chris Thomson.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, GEN-III Innovator of the Year, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year and Warehouse Distributor of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – Melanie White – President, Hellwig Suspension Products
• Manufacturer of the Year – Aeromotive Inc.
• GEN-III Innovator of the Year – Jon Pulli – CEO, Turn 14 Distribution
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – Bob Cook Sales
• Warehouse Distributor of the Year – Turn 14 Distribution

“I’m so honored to be recognized among so many truly outstanding people in our industry, really I just feel incredibly lucky,” White said. “I work in an amazing industry filled with passionate people. I have some outstanding industry friends. And I work daily with amazing people. Above all, I get to carry on the Hellwig tradition that my great grandfather started, and my grandfather and father grew. SEMA does some incredible stuff for their members, and I’m so lucky that I get to be a part of that volunteer network.”

Fedora-wearing, blues-inspired rock-pop artist ZZ Ward provided musical entertainment to those in attendance.	SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering.
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a packed house.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki addressed this year’s theme, “Success Starts Here.”
Melanie White of Hellwig Suspension Products was honored as the 2018 SEMA Person of the Year.	Jon Pulli, CEO of Turn 14 Distribution, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Bob Cook Sales won the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.	Aeromotive Inc. was named Manufacturer of the Year.
Jon Pulli accepted the Warehouse Distributor of the Year award on behalf of Turn 14 Distribution.	Donnie Eatherly, 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his volunteerism within SEMA and for championing many important industry initiatives.
Ed Pink was inducted into the 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame for building engines that helped legendary racers set records and win championships.	Chris Thomson was inducted into the 2018 SEMA Hall of Fame for his selfless dedication as a mentor and an advocate for the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

By Linda Spencer

(L–R): Martin Herbst, director, Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas; Terri Peddicord, product line director/supercharger – Edelbrock LLC; Tim Martin, senior advisor – K&N Engineering/SEMA chair-elect.

Three SEMA-member companies were honored with the Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award during the International Happy Hour at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Edelbrock, Fox and Race Winning Brands were recognized for their success in exporting, with this year’s awards presented by Martin Herbst, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Las Vegas U.S. Export Assistance Center.

“Edelbrock is thrilled to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce for its international achievements. We are not here to win awards; we want to be a great supplier of hot-rod and go-fast parts to all our international partners,” said Steve Whipple, Edelbrock’s vice president, sales and marketing.

“JE Pistons/Race Winning Brands is honored to have been selected to receive the DOC Export Achievement Award,” said Jim Irwin, sales manager for JE Pistons.

“Our organization works extremely hard to ensure our brands and products are available globally. SEMA’s international business development programs have been a great resource for our company and have contributed to our international growth.”

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); Jeff Hermann, Product Manager, Powered Vehicles – FOX (middle); Dan Moser, International Sales Specialist – FOX (right).

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); John Ohradzansky, VP of Sales – Race Winning Brands (second from the left); Cindy Verkooij, General Manager – JE Pistons (third from the left); James Irwin, Sales Manager – Race Winning Brands (third from the right); Brian Reese, RWB CEO – Race Winning Brands (second from the right); Tim Martin – K&N Engineering/SEMA Chairman Elect (right).

By Linda Spencer

(L–R): Martin Herbst, director, Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas; Terri Peddicord, product line director/supercharger – Edelbrock LLC; Tim Martin, senior advisor – K&N Engineering/SEMA chair-elect.

Three SEMA-member companies were honored with the Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award during the International Happy Hour at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Edelbrock, Fox and Race Winning Brands were recognized for their success in exporting, with this year’s awards presented by Martin Herbst, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Las Vegas U.S. Export Assistance Center.

“Edelbrock is thrilled to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce for its international achievements. We are not here to win awards; we want to be a great supplier of hot-rod and go-fast parts to all our international partners,” said Steve Whipple, Edelbrock’s vice president, sales and marketing.

“JE Pistons/Race Winning Brands is honored to have been selected to receive the DOC Export Achievement Award,” said Jim Irwin, sales manager for JE Pistons.

“Our organization works extremely hard to ensure our brands and products are available globally. SEMA’s international business development programs have been a great resource for our company and have contributed to our international growth.”

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); Jeff Hermann, Product Manager, Powered Vehicles – FOX (middle); Dan Moser, International Sales Specialist – FOX (right).

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); John Ohradzansky, VP of Sales – Race Winning Brands (second from the left); Cindy Verkooij, General Manager – JE Pistons (third from the left); James Irwin, Sales Manager – Race Winning Brands (third from the right); Brian Reese, RWB CEO – Race Winning Brands (second from the right); Tim Martin – K&N Engineering/SEMA Chairman Elect (right).

By Linda Spencer

(L–R): Martin Herbst, director, Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas; Terri Peddicord, product line director/supercharger – Edelbrock LLC; Tim Martin, senior advisor – K&N Engineering/SEMA chair-elect.

Three SEMA-member companies were honored with the Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award during the International Happy Hour at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Edelbrock, Fox and Race Winning Brands were recognized for their success in exporting, with this year’s awards presented by Martin Herbst, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Las Vegas U.S. Export Assistance Center.

“Edelbrock is thrilled to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce for its international achievements. We are not here to win awards; we want to be a great supplier of hot-rod and go-fast parts to all our international partners,” said Steve Whipple, Edelbrock’s vice president, sales and marketing.

“JE Pistons/Race Winning Brands is honored to have been selected to receive the DOC Export Achievement Award,” said Jim Irwin, sales manager for JE Pistons.

“Our organization works extremely hard to ensure our brands and products are available globally. SEMA’s international business development programs have been a great resource for our company and have contributed to our international growth.”

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); Jeff Hermann, Product Manager, Powered Vehicles – FOX (middle); Dan Moser, International Sales Specialist – FOX (right).

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); John Ohradzansky, VP of Sales – Race Winning Brands (second from the left); Cindy Verkooij, General Manager – JE Pistons (third from the left); James Irwin, Sales Manager – Race Winning Brands (third from the right); Brian Reese, RWB CEO – Race Winning Brands (second from the right); Tim Martin – K&N Engineering/SEMA Chairman Elect (right).

By Linda Spencer

(L–R): Martin Herbst, director, Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas; Terri Peddicord, product line director/supercharger – Edelbrock LLC; Tim Martin, senior advisor – K&N Engineering/SEMA chair-elect.

Three SEMA-member companies were honored with the Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award during the International Happy Hour at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Edelbrock, Fox and Race Winning Brands were recognized for their success in exporting, with this year’s awards presented by Martin Herbst, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Las Vegas U.S. Export Assistance Center.

“Edelbrock is thrilled to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce for its international achievements. We are not here to win awards; we want to be a great supplier of hot-rod and go-fast parts to all our international partners,” said Steve Whipple, Edelbrock’s vice president, sales and marketing.

“JE Pistons/Race Winning Brands is honored to have been selected to receive the DOC Export Achievement Award,” said Jim Irwin, sales manager for JE Pistons.

“Our organization works extremely hard to ensure our brands and products are available globally. SEMA’s international business development programs have been a great resource for our company and have contributed to our international growth.”

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); Jeff Hermann, Product Manager, Powered Vehicles – FOX (middle); Dan Moser, International Sales Specialist – FOX (right).

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); John Ohradzansky, VP of Sales – Race Winning Brands (second from the left); Cindy Verkooij, General Manager – JE Pistons (third from the left); James Irwin, Sales Manager – Race Winning Brands (third from the right); Brian Reese, RWB CEO – Race Winning Brands (second from the right); Tim Martin – K&N Engineering/SEMA Chairman Elect (right).

By Linda Spencer

(L–R): Martin Herbst, director, Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas; Terri Peddicord, product line director/supercharger – Edelbrock LLC; Tim Martin, senior advisor – K&N Engineering/SEMA chair-elect.

Three SEMA-member companies were honored with the Department of Commerce Export Achievement Award during the International Happy Hour at the 2018 SEMA Show.

Edelbrock, Fox and Race Winning Brands were recognized for their success in exporting, with this year’s awards presented by Martin Herbst, director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Las Vegas U.S. Export Assistance Center.

“Edelbrock is thrilled to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce for its international achievements. We are not here to win awards; we want to be a great supplier of hot-rod and go-fast parts to all our international partners,” said Steve Whipple, Edelbrock’s vice president, sales and marketing.

“JE Pistons/Race Winning Brands is honored to have been selected to receive the DOC Export Achievement Award,” said Jim Irwin, sales manager for JE Pistons.

“Our organization works extremely hard to ensure our brands and products are available globally. SEMA’s international business development programs have been a great resource for our company and have contributed to our international growth.”

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); Jeff Hermann, Product Manager, Powered Vehicles – FOX (middle); Dan Moser, International Sales Specialist – FOX (right).

Martin Herbst, Director Department of Commerce – U.S. Export Assistance Center in Las Vegas (left); John Ohradzansky, VP of Sales – Race Winning Brands (second from the left); Cindy Verkooij, General Manager – JE Pistons (third from the left); James Irwin, Sales Manager – Race Winning Brands (third from the right); Brian Reese, RWB CEO – Race Winning Brands (second from the right); Tim Martin – K&N Engineering/SEMA Chairman Elect (right).

By Linda Spencer

The 2019 Middle East program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.

The 2019 Australia program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth.

A conference call will be held Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for SEMA members who are interested in attending SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates and Australia. To participate in the call, email Kristin Atwan, SEMA senior international market specialist, at kristina@sema.org.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Register now; slots are limited. For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

The 2019 Middle East program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.

The 2019 Australia program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth.

A conference call will be held Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for SEMA members who are interested in attending SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates and Australia. To participate in the call, email Kristin Atwan, SEMA senior international market specialist, at kristina@sema.org.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Register now; slots are limited. For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

The 2019 Middle East program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.

The 2019 Australia program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth.

A conference call will be held Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) for SEMA members who are interested in attending SEMA Business Development Programs in both the United Arab Emirates and Australia. To participate in the call, email Kristin Atwan, SEMA senior international market specialist, at kristina@sema.org.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), March 26–31, 2019

Participants can learn the potential for their products in the customizing-crazy UAE and surrounding region, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic-car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this an attractive region.

The 2019 program includes hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

SEMA Australia Business Development Conference, Melbourne, Australia, May 9–13, 2019

Participants can explore this market of true gearheads and the opportunities for manufacturers of sought-after products for SUVs/pickups, street performance and racing. Sales of the new Ford Mustang are red-hot, and rumor has it that they have more hot rodders per capita in Australia than anywhere else in the world.

The 2019 program fees include hotel, meals, networking events, briefings, a tour of specialty-equipment shops and exhibiting at the MotorEx show in a turnkey booth. Prices start at $3,850 per company.

Exhibitor Registration

U.S. government support is available for qualified companies. Register now; slots are limited. For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development Program, contact Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs, at lindas@sema.org.