Johnny McKenna is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. McKenna is the client experience director at Feyer Marketing, a digital marketing firm that specializes in growing automotive aftermarket brands. Get to know McKenna in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Johnny McKenna: The best advice I’ve ever received is to be honest, always.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
JM: Relationships, innovative ideas and learning keeps me in the industry.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
JM: You can find me hanging out with my wife and kids, probably racing power wheels or training to become a competitive eater.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
JM: I would go to lunch with Jonny Mill.
If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.
The final session of the “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC” webinar series will conclude with experts taking the confusion out of some of the complex topics related to wheels. Experts will explain and simplify the process of how different parts interact with one another and their relationships to the road. You’ll learn about the factors that can affect driver safety and discover how customers can best maximize their wheel and tire wear and performance.
Sign up for the “Wheel Knowledge 301: Did You Know?” webinar, June 23, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
As the final session of the “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC” webinar series, the event will feature wheel and tire industry experts Matthew Lippert, Tyler Crotts and Todd Steen of Jackson Marketing Group addressing specific topics such as:
Wheel width and its effect handling.
Contact patch sizes.
P-metric vs. LT fitment.
DOT codes.
Slope of road on dualies.
Wheel evolution.
Attendees will benefit from attending this event live and have the opportunity to get their questions answered from the speakers.
Because most ADAS products rely on sensors that are very precise, aftermarket products for vehicles equipped with ADAS must be tested. Depending on the ADAS on the vehicle and the aftermarket product involved, different tests are available. ADAS systems may also require calibration and sensors that need to be realigned.
Hear from experts and leading service providers about how to test and calibrate vehicles with ADAS technologies during Part 2 of a three-part ADAS webinar series presented by the SEMA Garage.
Taking place June 30, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), the webinar will feature industry experts sharing resources that SEMA members can utilize to develop and install parts safely while maintaining OEM functionality of the ADAS system.
While Part 1 of the three-part series focused on ADAS systems’ function, technology and trends, Part 2 will further increase the understanding of how ADAS systems work, how they are affected by various vehicle modifications or repairs and what resources are available.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Haley Keelin as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Keelin is a customer service representative at The Retrofit Source, an automotive aftermarket supplier of high-performance lighting upgrades for cars and trucks.
Nominated for #SheIsSEMA by a colleague, Keelin is admired for her willingness to learn and adapt, as it shows how great of a leader she can be in the future.
Q: How has Haley contributed to the company?
A: Haley goes above and beyond to meet the demands of customers and provides excellent service to those around her. Her go-getter attitude is a great attribute to our industry.
Q: How has Haley shown leadership in the industry or business?
Haley Keelin loves to work on cars in her free time.
A: Haley has gone above and beyond to assist in managing ongoing tasks within the office. She’s also shown great leadership in helping her team meet monthly goals.
Q: Tell us a success story that you can share about Haley.
A: Haley took a phone call with a very irate customer who was ready to never give our company a chance again. She managed to talk this customer off a ledge and provide him with a bulb upgrade and detailed instructions on how to install it. The customer changed his perception of not only her, but the company as well.
Q: Why do you think Haley is a role model in this industry?
A: She’s a female who loves to work on cars in her free time and takes pride in handling business with class. She’s someone that anyone would be lucky to work with.
Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.
Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) members and those involved in the auto restoration industry are invited to join in on a virtual panel discussion on “Recruiting and Keeping Talented Employees”—a top challenge recently reported by ARMO-member companies.
Taking place in conjunction with the ARMO general membership meeting on June 25, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT), participants will discover protocols that auto restoration professionals have used or are currently using to find quality employees for their organization.
“The virtual panel discussions are a great way for ARMO members to stay updated on challenges facing this segment of the automotive aftermarket,” said Jim Skelly, ARMO council director. “By keeping our members informed of important issues, we can work together to create solutions through open dialogue while advancing and promoting awareness of the restoration hobby.”
Updates on existing ARMO programs designed to help members grow their business and promote their brands to consumers will also be discussed.
The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of
2021 (H.R. 3281) is a bipartisan bill which clarifies the
motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable
racers to compete, and protects Americans’ right to convert
street vehicles into dedicated race cars.
Businesses throughout the country are taking a stand against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) claim that it is illegal to modify street vehicles and convert them into dedicated race cars. The $2 billion racing industry is pushing back by seeking passage of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2021 (H.R. 3281), a bipartisan bill which clarifies the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete, and protects Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars.
“The inconsistency of the EPA’s stance around converting street cars to purpose-built track vehicles has not only constrained long-term investment in the industry but it is creating added complexity/concern for our customers,” said Chris Douglas of Edelbrock Group, a company that has been manufacturing performance parts since 1938. “The RPM Act is the first step in protecting and preserving our industry for future generations—now is the time for action."
In 2015, the EPA endangered the motorsports industry when it introduced a proposal that would have put an end to racers’ ability to modify street vehicles into dedicated race cars, a practice that has taken place for 45 years since the Clean Air Act was introduced. Although the EPA formally withdrew the proposal, the agency has since maintained that street vehicles cannot be converted into race cars—an assertion that has left the motorsports industry in a state of flux. Passage of the RPM Act will make clear that the Clean Air Act does not apply to street vehicles that have been converted into race cars used exclusively in competition, giving the industry the confidence and clarity that it needs.
As advocates for the motorsports industry, Performance Racing Industry (PRI) is also pushing for the RPM Act. “Businesses are at risk,” said Dr. Jamie Meyer, PRI president. “Racers and businesses deserve a law that clarifies that it is legal to convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race car. PRI will continue to fight to preserve what is an American tradition until the RPM Act is passed.”
Introduced by U.S. Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), the RPM Act currently has the support of 65 cosponsors, including 19 Democrats and 46 Republicans. Dedicated race cars, which represent 0.07% of vehicles in operation, are trailered to and from the racetrack and have little effect on the environment. Yet for thousands of amateur racers, starting with a street-legal vehicle and using race products to convert it into a dedicated race car is the only affordable way to get into the sport. In order to protect racers and ensure that racers can continue to legally modify their vehicles into race cars, the RPM Act—which was introduced to Congress last month—must be passed into law.
“Many of our customers and employees are avid racers who build dedicated vehicles for competition,” says Al Noe, Summit Racing Equipment’s chief marketing officer. “Our customers trust us to deliver the parts they need so they are ready to race; they can also trust us to fight for their right to build and race these vehicles. The RPM Act is vital to ensuring a vibrant future for motorsports and our industry as a whole.”
The RPM Act was first introduced as a bill in 2016. Over the years, it received strong legislative support, and although versions of the bill have passed the House Energy & Commerce Committee, it was never fully voted on before the end of any Congressional year. Because the bill has already been subject to committee hearings before the House and the Senate, the 2021 RPM Act is well positioned to become law this legislative year.
The racing community is urged to continue to voice support for the bill by visiting www.saveourracecars.com.
Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated this year on July 9. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this holiday has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Congressional Resolution recognizing that the “collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” States, local governments and Canadian provinces have adopted similar commemorative declarations, making it an international recognition of the collector-car hobby and the millions of individuals who support it.
Whether public or private, plan and submit your automotive-inspired July event at no cost. Locate an official listing near you and on the SAN website, which includes Courtney Hansen’s video public service announcement shown above.
As in years past, a wide range of automotive festivities—both in-person and web-based—will honor the classics of the past and the future. Those planning live gatherings and virtual celebrations (online event, livestream, digital gallery, etc.) during July are invited to provide details for inclusion on the SAN website. As always, the SAN welcomes any level of participation throughout the month of July and encourages everyone to spread the word about commemorating the occasion.
Celebrate the hobby your way!
Attend an official vehicle-inspired event or web-based celebration.
Host your own safety-minded gathering, club meeting or online gallery.
Promote a holiday sale at your business in-store or online.
Invite partnerships with nearby enthusiast-related groups if possible.
Drive your special ride—new or old—whatever the destination.
Participating organizers will be awarded a copy of the Congressional resolution for display at their registered event. Download the official logo and flyer from the homepage and help promote this special day. Post on social media using the hashtag #CCAD and tag the celebration’s Facebook fan page (@CollectorCarAppreciationDayCCAD).
There are six hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy access to monorail stations.
SEMA Showgoers who want to stay close to monorail stations are encouraged to make their hotel reservations while rooms are still available.
With a quick look on the www.SEMAShow.com/travel homepage, Showgoers can see a list of hotels available along with the star rating, rate per night and distance from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are six hotels in the SEMA Show block with easy monorail access:
SAHARA
Westgate
Harrah’s/LINQ
Flamingo
Bally’s/Paris
MGM Grand
Showgoers booking through the SEMA Show housing partner receive guaranteed low rates on a wide range of hotel properties at locations on and off the Las Vegas Strip.
When making your hotel reservations through the SEMA Show Travel & Lodging page, you are receiving the most affordable and convenient hotel options through our partnership with onPeak, the only official hotel provider for the 2021 SEMA Show. All negotiated rates provided by onPeak include resort fees and will allow you to change or cancel your reservation without any financial penalties.
More information about the SEMA Show, Tuesday–Friday, November 2–5, is available on www.SEMAShow.com.
Legendary Companies, led by Wade Kawasaki and his partners at Irving Place Capital, has announced the acquisition of Paragon Corvette Reproductions. The Michigan-based Corvette restoration parts manufacturer and supplier enters as Legendary Companies’ third strategic acquisition since partnering with Irving Place Capital in late 2018. This acquisition expands the range of products available from Legendary Companies and widens its customer base by offering high-quality restoration components for ’53–’96 Corvettes. Under Legendary Companies, Paragon will continue to operate with the same leadership team and staff that has helped drive the company’s growth since its founding in 1970. Legendary Companies will provide additional support where needed to support ongoing operations.
Pep Boys is recognizing automotive technicians in each
business region with its annual Top Tech award program.
Top Techs Awarded at Pep Boys
As the industry and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) celebrates Automotive Service Professionals Month, Pep Boys is again recognizing automotive technicians in each business region with its annual Top Tech award program. The 2021 Top Tech award winners are Loy Chour, Anaheim, California; John Morin, St. Augustine, Florida; Dan Stone, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania; David Wade, Lone Tree, Colorado; and Jose Massanet, Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. The Top Techs were selected based on multiple factors, including ASE certifications, strong productivity and performance metrics, mentorship, and living the company’s values. The respective stores of each Top Tech now have the distinction of being home to the country’s most outstanding technicians.
Garrett Motion to Expand China Production Facility
Garrett Motion has announced plans to expand and modernize its existing production facility in Wuhan, China. Garrett’s Wuhan plant opened in 2013 and currently serves major local and global automakers. The expansion, expected to increase its state-of-the-art facility by 50%, is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2022.
Holley Appoints Investment Banking Executive as Vice President
Holley has announced that Vinod (Vinny) Nimmagadda has been appointed as executive vice president of corporate development and new ventures. Nimmagadda, an experienced investment banker, will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and report directly to President and CEO Tom Tomlinson. Prior to joining the Holley team, Nimmagadda served as vice president at Jefferies Group LLC, in the global automotive aftermarket team, where he played a role in many M&A transactions, financings and equity offerings.
CarParts.com Inc. announced that its Grand
Prairie, Texas, distribution center is nearly
doubling in size with a 156,000 sq.-ft.
expansion.
CarParts.com Grand Prairie Distribution Center Expands Footprint
CarParts.com Inc. announced that its Grand Prairie, Texas, distribution center is nearly doubling in size with a 156,000-sq.-ft. expansion, bringing the facility to a total of 366,000 sq. ft. The expanded warehouse will increase CarParts.com’s total distribution center network to more than 1 million sq. ft. and allow the company to add 125 full-time positions to its Grand Prairie location when fully operational in Q1 2022.
According to the company, since making a home in Grand Prairie in 2020, CarParts.com has become a part of the community, creating more than 200 jobs to date and donating $100,000 to Feeding Texas’ relief efforts during the winter storms in early 2021.
Aldan American Announces New Website
Aldan American, a leader in aftermarket suspension, is proud to announce the launch of its new website, AldanAmerican.com. The new site features a completely updated theme and design to provide faster load speeds and a streamlined design to easily find the right suspension parts for your car or truck.
Optimized for desktop and mobile, Aldan American site visitors can talk with sales and tech support via Aldan’s online chat feature. Customers can also stay up to date with the latest tech and how-to videos produced at the Aldan Shock Lab.
Port City Racecars Continues Strategic Growth Plan
Port City Racecars (PCR) announced that, over the next 45 days, the company will finalize the acquisition of Crazy Horse Racecars, one of the leading asphalt short track chassis builders in the Northeast and current PCR dealer. Once the acquisition is complete, Crazy Horse Racecars will become Port City Racecars.
The transition will be seamless, and current CHR customers should only expect increased resources to help them win races. These additional resources will include skilled fabricators, sales and marketing efforts, as well as back-end office operations, that will position the company for immediate growth.
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.
Johnny McKenna is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. McKenna is the client experience director at Feyer Marketing, a digital marketing firm that specializes in growing automotive aftermarket brands. Get to know McKenna in his interview with SEMA below.
The final session of the “Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, Powered by WTC” webinar series will conclude with experts taking the confusion out of some of the complex topics related to wheels. Experts will explain and simplify the process of how different parts interact with one another and their relationships to the road. You’ll learn about the factors that can affect driver safety and discover how customers can best maximize their wheel and tire wear and performance.
Because most ADAS products rely on sensors that are very precise, aftermarket products for vehicles equipped with ADAS must be tested. Depending on the ADAS on the vehicle and the aftermarket product involved, different tests are available. ADAS systems may also require calibration and sensors that need to be realigned.
The 
