By Becca Butler

The inaugural SEMA Battle of the Builders saw top builders compete for the coveted title on a nationwide TV special.

Nearly 200 vehicle builders have entered the second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition taking place at the 2015 SEMA Show, which runs from November 3–6, in Las Vegas. This elite group of vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country will gather to compete for the title of SEMA’s top builder, proving they’ve demonstrated elite craftsmanship in vehicle modification.

The competition will be narrowed down by a panel of elite automotive editors, who will select the top 10 builders during the SEMA Show. Builders and fans will be able to watch as the finalists vote among themselves who will be named the winner, announced at SEMA Ignited.

Last year, the inaugural competition gained extensive media coverage, serving as the backdrop for a nationwide television special. And this year, Showgoers and consumers can once again join in the culmination of the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, taking place at SEMA Ignited, Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in Gold Lot, directly across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

While the SEMA Show is trade only and not open to the public, SEMA Ignited gives consumers the chance to view hundreds of SEMA Show vehicles and preview the industry’s latest in automotive accessories. Showgoers can get into the event at no cost. Consumer tickets are available for purchase at www.semaignited.com.

2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders Participants:

By Becca Butler

The inaugural SEMA Battle of the Builders saw top builders compete for the coveted title on a nationwide TV special.

Nearly 200 vehicle builders have entered the second-annual SEMA Battle of the Builders competition taking place at the 2015 SEMA Show, which runs from November 3–6, in Las Vegas. This elite group of vehicle builders and car customizers from across the country will gather to compete for the title of SEMA’s top builder, proving they’ve demonstrated elite craftsmanship in vehicle modification.

The competition will be narrowed down by a panel of elite automotive editors, who will select the top 10 builders during the SEMA Show. Builders and fans will be able to watch as the finalists vote among themselves who will be named the winner, announced at SEMA Ignited.

Last year, the inaugural competition gained extensive media coverage, serving as the backdrop for a nationwide television special. And this year, Showgoers and consumers can once again join in the culmination of the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, taking place at SEMA Ignited, Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. in Gold Lot, directly across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

While the SEMA Show is trade only and not open to the public, SEMA Ignited gives consumers the chance to view hundreds of SEMA Show vehicles and preview the industry’s latest in automotive accessories. Showgoers can get into the event at no cost. Consumer tickets are available for purchase at www.semaignited.com.

2015 SEMA Battle of the Builders Participants:

Compiled by SEMA Editors

TEN: The Enthusiast Network Officially Launches Motor Trend OnDemand SVOD Service

TEN: The Enthusiast Network has announced the offical launch of its Motor Trend OnDemand subscription video on demand (SVOD) service. The new service provides exclusive access to more than 1,000 hours of automotive programming, including premier motorsport racing, original episodic series, event coverage, historical archives, films, documentaries and television series serving the entire spectrum of automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Motor Trend OnDemand is the exclusive North American distributor of more than 60 live motorsports events each year, including racing from Pirelli World Challenge, MotoAmerica, Blancpain Series, DTM, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo, as well as enthusiast events, such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Goodwood Festival of Speed.

In addition, Motor Trend OnDemand will provide exclusive first-look access, bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes footage from its slate of original programs, including “Roadkill,” “Dirt Every Day,” “Head 2 Head,” “Ignition” and “Hot Rod Garage,” along with several new original series, which will be exclusive to the service. TEN will continue to leverage its Emmy-nominated production studio, MindOverEye, for high-quality original programming and build on the success of the Motor Trend Channel on YouTube. 

	Wayde King and Brett Raymer of Las Vegas-based Acrylic Tank Manufacturing teamed up with Omix-ADA to design and build a one-of-a-kind tank as a focal point in the brand’s historic Jeep Collection. Photo Credit: Animal Planet, courtesy of Omix-ADA

Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge Makes Guest TV Appearance on Animal Planet’s “Tanked”

Omix-ADA has teamed up with Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) to create a custom-built aquarium at its new corporate headquarters, which will be featured on Animal Planet’s hit television series “Tanked,” beginning October 2, at 10:00 p.m. (EDT). Led by brothers-in-law Wayde King and Brett Raymer, “Tanked” follows the operations of Las Vegas-based ATM. Since ATM’s beginnings as a family business more than 15 years ago, King and Raymer have made it their mission to travel the globe and transform fellow fish enthusiasts’ dreams into reality by creating custom one-off tanks for celebrities, restaurants, casinos, museums and corporate offices of Fortune 500 companies.

Omix-ADA’s recent grand opening of its new corporate headquarters saw the addition of a dedicated space for its ever-expanding Jeep Collection. With more than 30 vintage, modern and historic Jeeps on display and an additional eight vehicles on view in the lobby, Omix-ADA’s collection is the centerpiece of its Suwanee, Georgia, facility. The collection is displayed against a backdrop chronicling the storied history of Jeep, from its inception during World War II to the present-day JK.

DG Group Marketing Solutions Unveils Photography Studio

DG Group Marketing Solutions, a marketing company based in Clearwater, Florida, has unveiled a new photography studio. The studio features a 15’ x 30’ Chimera F2 Modular Light bank and an infinity cyclorama measuring 38’ x 38’ with a third cove wall of 20’ for complete U-shape coverage. The walls are 14’ tall backing onto 20’ white walls, floor and ceiling. Optional floor-to-ceiling curtains provide complete enclosure. Also available are light unit stands, reflectors, soft boxes, speed rings, umbrellas, hot lights and Gojacks. The studio is available to automotive publishers, editors, and photographers, automobile restorers, high-end auto marketers and automobile collectors.

Snow Performance Inc. Announces Supplier Relationship With BMW AG

BMW AG is introducing water-injection, including components by Snow Performance, into the OEM spotlight on the new M4 GTS and other M-Model vehicles. BMW has indicated that water injection could be introduced across the board on all BMW forced-induction vehicles. BMW’s testing shows reduced fuel consumption of up to 8%, with an increase in performance from 5%–10% with their system—all with emissions compliance.

Rev’d Media Group LLC Announces New Partnership

Rev’d Media Group has announced that it has added Lateral-G.net and Late Model Garage to its family of digital publications. With a combined 40-plus years of automotive expertise, this partnership grows the shared readership of Rev’d Media Group to a reach of more than 350,000 monthly readers. 

AP Exhaust Acquires Eastern Catalytic

AP Exhaust Technologies has announced the acquisition of Eastern Catalytic, headquartered in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. This strategic acquisition will combine AP’s full line exhaust offering and expertise with Eastern’s first-to-market catalytic converter emissions capabilities, thus positioning the combined company as a leading exhaust and emissions supplier in the North American automotive aftermarket. In the coming months, the companies will begin the integration process with the primary goal of broadening distribution of its combined product offering where appropriate to better service their customers.

Tint World Hires Veteran Installer Randy Swartz

Tint World has expanded its Naples, Florida, service offering with the addition of 25-year automotive industry veteran Randy Swartz. An experienced 12-volt installer, fabricator and SEMA Show car builder, Swartz will oversee all of the installation departments, customizations and high-end fabrication work as the location’s all-new store manager. A Florida native, Swartz comes to Tint World with an extensive background building and fabricating custom audio, 12-volt upgrades, exhaust systems, suspension components and everything in between for cars, trucks and motorcycles. Having spent 10 years working in his own shop in western Florida, Swartz built and installed custom parts for Corvettes and other exotics, including Lamborghinis and Ferraris. In the 2000s, he built a SEMA Show display Corvette for a mobile-electronics company and also contributed to show cars for Pioneer and Sony.

Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels Announces New Website and Rebranding Campaign

This year, Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels launched a rebranding campaign, which has been incorporated into a new mobile-friendly website, enhanced social platforms, new logos, apparel and a variety of marketing elements. A bold new color scheme is the centerpiece of the rebranding—representative of the outdoors and natural landscapes. The redesigned logo features a modern font and a strong focus on both the Dick Cepek name and the brand’s primary product lines. The new website offers a user-friendly experience and easy access to comprehensive product information, new photos, new video content, an event schedule, the latest news and more. It also includes an enhanced “Where to Buy” feature to help consumers find a local dealer, and the “Buy Now” feature. Visual elements have been thoughtfully designed to reflect a deep connection with nature and the excitement of outdoor adventure.

MAHLE ArcticPRO ACX1280 A/C Machine Recognized With a Motor Magazine Top 20 Tool Award

MAHLE Service Solutions was named a recipient in the Motor magazine Top 20 Tool Award competition for its ArcticPRO ACX1280 A/C machine that efficiently processes the new R1234yf refrigerant. The award was announced by the publication in its September 2015 issue. For more than 20 years, Motor magazine has reviewed the latest and most innovative tools from global automotive tool designers, manufacturers and suppliers and recognized the top 20 offerings based on originality, application and other select criteria.

Earlier this year, the ACX1280 received the “Best Use of Technology” new product award at the 2015 Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Trade Show. Several global automotive vehicle manufacturers have chosen to equip their dealerships with the ACX1280 as an essential service tool. The ACX1280, which is designed to recover more than 95% of the R1234yf refrigerant from a vehicle's HVAC system, complies with all applicable performance and safety requirements set forth by the SAE J2843 standard. Additionally, automated features allow technicians to step away from the machine to complete other tasks while the machine works, which enables maximum uptime and faster service support to increase shop productivity.

The ACX1280 is available with either an internal or external identifier; offering technicians greater flexibility in choosing what is right for them. The unobstructed accessibility, also an industry exclusive, makes maintenance easier than ever for service professionals. All of these features help support the low cost of ownership that the ACX1280 provides.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Rachael Salazar

SEMA Garage Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will schedule confidential, 30-minute meetings during the SEMA Show to help you learn how SEMA can help your business bring performance products to market faster, at a lower cost and in compliance with the law.

Navigating the regulatory landscape of emissions compliance can be an intimidating process; however, the SEMA Garage emissions experts are here to help. SEMA Garage Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will schedule confidential, 30-minute meetings during the SEMA Show to help you learn how SEMA can help your business bring performance products to market faster, at a lower cost and in compliance with the law.

To reserve your time slot, please contact Peter Treydte at petert@sema.org or 909-978-6673.

Available dates and times:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, November 3, 4, 6, from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

By Rachael Salazar

SEMA Garage Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will schedule confidential, 30-minute meetings during the SEMA Show to help you learn how SEMA can help your business bring performance products to market faster, at a lower cost and in compliance with the law.

Navigating the regulatory landscape of emissions compliance can be an intimidating process; however, the SEMA Garage emissions experts are here to help. SEMA Garage Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will schedule confidential, 30-minute meetings during the SEMA Show to help you learn how SEMA can help your business bring performance products to market faster, at a lower cost and in compliance with the law.

To reserve your time slot, please contact Peter Treydte at petert@sema.org or 909-978-6673.

Available dates and times:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, November 3, 4, 6, from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

By Rachael Salazar

SEMA Garage Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will schedule confidential, 30-minute meetings during the SEMA Show to help you learn how SEMA can help your business bring performance products to market faster, at a lower cost and in compliance with the law.

Navigating the regulatory landscape of emissions compliance can be an intimidating process; however, the SEMA Garage emissions experts are here to help. SEMA Garage Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte will schedule confidential, 30-minute meetings during the SEMA Show to help you learn how SEMA can help your business bring performance products to market faster, at a lower cost and in compliance with the law.

To reserve your time slot, please contact Peter Treydte at petert@sema.org or 909-978-6673.

Available dates and times:

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, November 3, 4, 6, from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 5, from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

This is the ’16 Chevy Silverado LTZ, caught before a possible Texas State Fair debut.

The new, sculpted face of the higher-line Silverado is aiming to lure style-conscious pickup buyers with lots of striking looks and new technology underneath.

The front fascia has a deeper grille more reminiscent of Chevrolet's sedans, with more LEDs and HID lights. Some of the changes diminish the squareness the Silverado was criticized for when it debuted for 2014. New details give it a more distinctive shape in the wake of the ’15 Ford F-150.

Inside, the Silverado gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a new eight-speed automatic for all V8s. Materials, however, aren't going to change much.

The new Silverado LTZ goes on sale this fall; look for an official debut at the Texas State Fair or the 2015 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’16 Chevy Silverado LTZ, caught before a possible Texas State Fair debut.

The new, sculpted face of the higher-line Silverado is aiming to lure style-conscious pickup buyers with lots of striking looks and new technology underneath.

The front fascia has a deeper grille more reminiscent of Chevrolet's sedans, with more LEDs and HID lights. Some of the changes diminish the squareness the Silverado was criticized for when it debuted for 2014. New details give it a more distinctive shape in the wake of the ’15 Ford F-150.

Inside, the Silverado gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a new eight-speed automatic for all V8s. Materials, however, aren't going to change much.

The new Silverado LTZ goes on sale this fall; look for an official debut at the Texas State Fair or the 2015 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’16 Chevy Silverado LTZ, caught before a possible Texas State Fair debut.

The new, sculpted face of the higher-line Silverado is aiming to lure style-conscious pickup buyers with lots of striking looks and new technology underneath.

The front fascia has a deeper grille more reminiscent of Chevrolet's sedans, with more LEDs and HID lights. Some of the changes diminish the squareness the Silverado was criticized for when it debuted for 2014. New details give it a more distinctive shape in the wake of the ’15 Ford F-150.

Inside, the Silverado gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a new eight-speed automatic for all V8s. Materials, however, aren't going to change much.

The new Silverado LTZ goes on sale this fall; look for an official debut at the Texas State Fair or the 2015 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Visit MPMC's website.

MPMC Media Trade Conference—Media Registration Opening in October

The Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference is a truly unique event that brings together editorial staff from all over the world with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers for three days of face-to-face, 30-minute meetings. Nowhere else does a manufacturer have the opportunity to meet with automotive editors in as many as 42 in-person meetings.

Media registration will open early October. Registered media will have the opportunity to meet with racing and high-performance parts manufacturers to get a first look at new industry products, conduct exclusive interviews and take a deeper look inside the participating companies.

For media inquiries, contact Della Domingo at dellad@sema.org or 909-978-6723.

Exhibitor registration for the 2015 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now closed; 100 MPMC-member company manufacturers have been chosen using a random-number lottery system. Manufacturers who submitted an application but were not selected for the 2016 event are automatically guaranteed a spot in the 2017 event (if the application is submitted by the deadline, which will be announced in 2016).

Not an MPMC member? Join today. MPMC members must manufacture parts used in sanctioned motorsports events, and all applications for membership are subject to review.

For general or exhibitor inquiries, contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

Register now for the Media Trade Conference.

For questions regarding the MPMC, contact SEMA’s Director of Councils Jim Skelly at 909-978-6990 or jimsk@sema.org.

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Visit ARMO's website.

Maximize Your Trip to the 2015 SEMA Show by Attending These Events

ARMO Booth

Be sure to stop by the shared Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)/Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth (#23395) at the 2015 SEMA Show to connect with other ARMO members, talk restoration and check out the beautiful cars on display. Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop will unveil a brand new, never-seen-before restofication at the booth, Tuesday, November 3, at 11:30 a.m.

ARMO Reception

ARMO Open Meeting

Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 7:15 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Location: Westgate Conference rooms 4–6
Register today!

ARMO Roundtable

Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Location: Room N236 of North Hall
Register today!

For more information about any of these programs, contact Jim Skelly, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6690, jimsk@sema.org

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Visit ETTN's website

Attend ETTN’s SEMA Show Networking Event

Please join us for the inaugural Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) networking event at the 2015 SEMA Show. Focused on building community amongst automotive specialty-equipment engineers, product developers and industrial designers, the event will feature special dignitaries to help facilitate conversation on emerging industry technology and trends. Food and beverages will be served, and attendees will receive the latest details about the SEMA Garage and its associated emissions lab. Join the conversation!

The event kicks off Thursday, November 5, at 4:00 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center, New Products Showcase, located on the Skybridge between the Central and South Halls, and will end at 5:00 p.m.

Register Now!

If you have any questions about the ETTN or this event, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

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Visit HRIA's website

	Six hot rods will be on display during the HRIA reception to highlight the work of established and up-and-coming builders.

HRIA Show Booth

Be sure to stop by the shared Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)/Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) booth (#23395) to connect with other HRIA members and check out the Builders Challenge entries. Don’t miss the unveiling of a car from one of the top builders, Goolsby Customs, taking place Tuesday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m.

HRIA Reception

Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:15 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate Paradise Center South
Register today!

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Visit TORA's website.

	BOLT Locks by STRATTEC, located in Milwaukee, has been in business for more than 100 years.

TORA Member Spotlight: BOLT Locks by STRATTEC

BOLT Locks by STRATTEC is located in Milwaukee and has been an active TORA member since 2009. Erika Garcia is the company’s national sales manager and also serves on the TORA select committee, leading the communications task force. Here is Garcia’s perspective on the business and what gains can be made from council membership.

Company name

BOLT Locks by STRATTEC
www.boltlock.com

What does your company do?

STRATTEC Security Corp. is the largest manufacturer of automotive locks and keys in the world. BOLT locks feature breakthrough one-key lock technology, which permanently programs the lock to a vehicle’s ignition key.

How many years have you been in business?

Our history in the automotive security business spans more than 100 years.

What is your company history?

STRATTEC formerly was a division of Briggs & Stratton Corp. In 1995, STRATTEC spun off from Briggs and has been an independent public company for 18 years. In 2005, the BOLT technology was developed—formerly called “Codeable Lock.” It was presented to the automotive OEMs, and by 2007, it was introduced to the market by General Motors in a toolbox application for the GMT900s. In 2009, Dodge integrated it in the RAM’s side-bed toolboxes. Currently all Ford Super Duties offer our BOLT cylinders in all the locking interior compartments. In 2010, the BOLT consumer product line—padlocks, receiver hitch locks and cable locks—was introduced at the SEMA Show for the first time.

How many employees work at your company?

More than 1,500.

Why are you an TORA member?

We would like to see the light-truck and off-road aftermarket industries grow and thrive. The TORA group is the perfect venue to contribute in the support and education of retailers, installers, jobbers, etc. in marketing new products and industry changes.

Anything exciting you see happening in the truck market or in your company?

U.S. light-vehicle sales continue to grow every year. Predictions show a 5.1% increase from 2013. This is excellent news for our industry! BOLT Locks continues to design and introduce new products every year with the goal to offer automotive-grade security and convenience to our customers.

	Network with hundreds of colleagues in the truck and off-road sector at the TORA Industry Awards Reception.

TORA Industry Awards Reception and Pinewood Drags

Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center room N262–264.
Register now!

TORA/ORBA SEMA Show Booth & Happy Hour

TORA Happy Hour
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Location: TORA Booth (#34169)
Register now!

Stop by the TORA Show Booth (#34169) in the Lower South Hall throughout the week to learn more about the council.

For more information on these or any other TORA events, contact Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit MRN's website.

MRN Rep Round Table

The Manufacturers Representative Network (MRN) will host its MRN Rep Roundtable, Sunday, November 1, from 3:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m., at the Las Vegas Convention Center Upper North Hall, room N256. Both MRN members and non-members are encouraged to attend. This year’s roundtable will feature six industry expert speakers discussing important topics facing manufacturer representatives today, and offering solutions for tomorrow. The always successful roundtable will offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers in a small group setting.  

This year’s topics include:

• How to handle private equity acquisitions and management. Speaker: Mitch Williams
• Three biggest challenges facing reps today and tomorrow. Speaker: Clay Taylor, ESQ
• How to be a great rep in the e-commerce market. Speaker: Bernard Bolisig
• Wealth management for reps. Speaker: Andrew D. Horowitz
• Tools and trends for a mobile workforce. Speaker: Tyler Tanaka
• Improving your rep teams communication, training, and overall goals. Speaker: Nikki Weiss

The goal of the roundtable is to help increase the manufacturers' representatives’ knowledge on key issues they might be facing today in an effort to improve their industry impact tomorrow. It is an excellent way to start off your SEMA Show week.

Cost: $25 for SEMA Members, $35 for non-members

Register Today!

Take Advantage of the MRN Rep Room During the SEMA Show

As a benefit to all MRN members during Show hours, the MRN Rep Room will be located inside the SEMA Members Lounge on the upper floor of the Central Hall in room N251. The MRN Rep Room will offer a quiet place where reps can catch up on phone calls or emails. Access will be through the SEMA Members Lounge.

For more information, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks, Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanh@sema.org.

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Visit PRO's website.

	The PRO Booth Happy Hour is a popular draw in the North Hall.

PRO Booth and Happy Hour

Stop by the PRO Show Booth (#12561) in North Hall during Show hours.

PRO Happy Hour

Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: PRO Show booth

Register now.

PRO Pool Party Industry Reception

Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Location: Westgate Hotel (third floor)

Register now.

PRO General Membership Meeting

Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Location: LVCC, Room N234.
Register now.

Dealer Education

• Car Dealer Stories: Unfiltered Truths About Operating a Profitable Accessory Program; Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., LVCC, room N254
• Enhancing the Consumer Experience: A New Approach to Dealership Profit Centers; Wednesday, November 4, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., LVCC, room N252
• Accessory Resources for New- and Used-Vehicle Dealers; Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., LVCC, room N252

For more information on the Auto Dealer Track, visit the SEMA Education section of www.semashow.com to pre-register.

Restyler Education

PRO members will explore and present the latest tips and tricks on a topic near and dear to restylers’ hearts in “The Art of Selling Car-Dealer Direct: What You Need to Know” on Thursday, November 5, from 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m., LVCC, room N256. Register for this session.

For more information about any of these programs, contact Clayton Drescher, SEMA council liaison, at 909-978-6696, claytond@sema.org.

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Visit SBN's website.

	Ashley Strubel

Ashley Strubel is the national sales manager for Gold Eagle Co. in Chicago.

What does your company do?

We are a manufacturer of premium fuel additives and appearance chemicals.

What is your position?

National sales manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

The most satisfying aspect of my job is that it is always changing and not one day is the same as the previous. I have the privilege to travel, meet new people, network, educate consumers and customers to be raving fans of our products and be recognized as a young woman in the industry. I also get to help customers and consumers find the right solution for their need by educating them about the industry and our products.

How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?

Four years.

What brought you to the industry?

Growing up, I spent many of my weekends with my car seat strapped to the roll cage in my Dad's ’70 1/2 Camaro, attending and helping run numerous car shows by the age of 4. My dad also worked in an auto-service shop, so I was always exposed to different areas of the automotive aftermarket, but never thought I would find myself working in it and loving it! I had recently graduated college and was working in a department clothing store as a customer service manager and was looking for a change. I happened to mention this to my neighbor, who worked for an automotive company, just as the company started to create a new department focusing on educating and increasing sales for their customers. He told me that he would send in my résumé but the rest was up to me. Shortly after the interview process, I was hired at Gold Eagle Co. as a customer development associate, where I was responsible for educating consumers and customers. Within the first couple months I learned about the automotive industry model and many different fuel-related questions as they pertained to our products. After six months with Gold Eagle Co., I received the opportunity to step up in the company and become the manager of the customer development department, where I focused on different educational programs and platforms to help our customers increase sales.

What are some of your major professional accomplishments?

After working for Gold Eagle Co. for a year, I was awarded the Leadership Award for developing and molding the customer development area of our company, helping transition an acquisition and my dedication to learning everything I could about our new product lines. I provide all of the tips of the week for our 303-branded products on our Facebook and Twitter pages and help with the development of our 303-branded how-to videos. Lastly, I am the manager of our employee events team, in which our mission is to work together to create events where we generate excitement, design an atmosphere where employees can connect and expand on ideas from all areas of the company.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I am a member of the following associations/organizations:

• SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)
• Young Automotive Network Group (YANG)
• Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)—served on the Exhibit Advisory Committee
• Midwest Fabric Products Association
• Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA)
• Marine Fabricators Association (MFA)
• International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA)- serving on the roundtable committee
• Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)

Who is your industry mentor?

Howard Donnally is my industry mentor because he has such a passion for the industry and truly immerses himself in the automotive aftermarket. He is not only a raving fan of Gold Eagle Co. but also lives the company mission on a day-to-day basis.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Work hard, stay positive, embrace change and be yourself.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I had a bowling scholarship at Robert Morris University in Chicago, finished an interior design and architectural technology four-year degree in two-and-a-half years and was the salutatorian of my university’s graduating class.

What is your dream car?

A ’70 Camaro. A funny story about my decision is that my dad actually sold his ’70s Camaro that I grew up in and bought a ’60s Corvette. I can’t actually give you the exact year because I didn’t want to invest any interest in the car since I was furious that he traded the Camaro for the Corvette. He had the Corvette for seven-plus years, and I never once sat in it. Needless to say, when my dad got his new Camaro, I was the first to ride in it.

What is your favorite pastime?

Going to Allegan, Michigan, with my family would have to be my favorite pastime. We would spend the entire day on the beach and in the water tubing and swimming at my aunt’s house with all my cousins. Her house was at the bottom of the hill and every time we would go down the hill we would all raise our hands and scream as if we were going to drive into the lake. Her house had secret trap doors, and the kids would always find something to do even if it rained. We would cram four aunts, five uncles and 10 cousins into this house in one giant sleepover, staying up till all hours of the night around the campfire.

Take Advantage of the SBN Networking Opportunities at the 2015 SEMA Show

SBN Reception

Register today!
Pre-registered guests will get a “fast-pass” through the onsite line, and three lucky pre-registered attendees will take home a $50 Visa gift card. Must register by October 28, at 12:00 a.m., and must be present to win.

Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Location: Westgate, Paradise Center: North

SBN Gear-Up Girl

Register today!
Date: Monday, November 2
Time: 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: LVCC, Upper North Hall, N264

Have colleagues interested in the advancement of women in the automotive aftermarket? Invite them to join SBN. It's easy and free.

For more information about any of these programs, contact Bryan Harrison, SEMA director of networks, at 909-978-6691 or BryanH@SEMA.org.

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Visit WTC's website.

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Visit YEN's website

YEN General Membership Call

The Young Executive Network’s (YEN) Fourth Quarter General Membership call will take place October 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). This critical meeting will focus on YEN’s 2015 SEMA Show events and opportunities to volunteer.

Key discussion areas include the YEN Reception, YEN General Membership Meeting, SEMA Launch Pad and suggested education seminars for young professionals.

Please RSVP to SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at bryanH@SEMA.org to receive the teleconference number and calendar invite.

Stay in contact with YEN by joining the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Have friends under the age of 40 working for a SEMA-member company? Invite them to join YEN. It's easy and free.

YEN Reception: Pre-Register Now!

RSVP to the YEN Reception, taking place at the 2015 SEMA Show, and have a “fast-pass” through the line! Three lucky pre-registered guests will take home a $50 Visa gift card. Attendees must register by October 28 and be present to win. The YEN Reception takes place at the Las Vegas Westgate Hotel, Paradise Center, South, beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about these events, contact SEMA’s Director of Networks Bryan Harrison at 909-978-6691 or bryanH@SEMA.org.

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