By SEMA Editors

For the first time ever, the full line of SEMA apparel and merchandise will be available to purchase online. New 2020 designs consisting of tees, headwear, outerwear, decals, license plates, lapel pins and more, are available now at www.SEMAgear.com.

SEMA Gear, produced by Piston Driven, is the officially licensed apparel and merchandise of the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

Note: There is a limited supply on some designs.

Additional designs will periodically be added to the site. 

Join the mailing list at www.SEMAGear.com/join to be notified when new designs drop.

By SEMA Editors

For the first time ever, the full line of SEMA apparel and merchandise will be available to purchase online. New 2020 designs consisting of tees, headwear, outerwear, decals, license plates, lapel pins and more, are available now at www.SEMAgear.com.

SEMA Gear, produced by Piston Driven, is the officially licensed apparel and merchandise of the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

Note: There is a limited supply on some designs.

Additional designs will periodically be added to the site. 

Join the mailing list at www.SEMAGear.com/join to be notified when new designs drop.

By Richard Hail

Through the Social Media Correspondent (SMC) program, niche social-media influencers will curate and create original and relevant content for SEMA360, which takes place, November 2-6.

SEMA360—the new 100% online event that was created to provide the industry with a viable business solution in lieu of the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, has partnered with well-known social-media influencers to share exclusive content around SEMA360 to engage with our audience.

As an industry-only online event, SEMA360 will be filled with new-product debuts, feature vehicles and industry-leading educational sessions hosted in a global marketplace that connects manufacturers and buyers from around the globe. Through the Social Media Correspondent (SMC) program, these niche influencers will curate and create original and relevant content for SEMA360, which takes place, November 2-6. The SMC program continues to grow and includes some of the following correspondents:

Kyle Kuhnhausen, @kckuhnhausen: Kuhnhausen was a 2018 Battle of the Builders finalist and top Young Gun, a 2019 Young Guns regional judge in Seattle and at the 2019 SEMA Show, and a recipient of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” designation. He also owns Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts—a small speed shop that specializes in metal fabrication and “full-tilt” builds.

Chelsie Lesnoski, @chelc.ttg / Cole Marten, @cole.ttg: In 2019, Lesnoski won the Young Guns Fan Vote with her ’13 Scion FR-S. She also earned a Top 10 spot in the Young Guns category in the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition. Lesnoski, with her business partner Marten, started Throttle Thrashers Garage in 2016 where they build, modify and sell cars.

Keenan LaCour, @lacour_evo: LaCour was the 2019 Regional winner in the SEMA Young Guns competition with his 1,100hp ’03 Mitsubishi Evo 8. He also placed Top 10 in the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns category.

Get an inside look into the lives of the artisans who are building some of the feature vehicles that will compete in the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Learn about the latest aftermarket products from seasoned gearheads. Learn about the latest trends from the trendsetters themselves. Follow all of the action at #SEMA360.

SEMA is continuing to recruit active automotive influencers for the SEMA360 Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.

By Richard Hail

Through the Social Media Correspondent (SMC) program, niche social-media influencers will curate and create original and relevant content for SEMA360, which takes place, November 2-6.

SEMA360—the new 100% online event that was created to provide the industry with a viable business solution in lieu of the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, has partnered with well-known social-media influencers to share exclusive content around SEMA360 to engage with our audience.

As an industry-only online event, SEMA360 will be filled with new-product debuts, feature vehicles and industry-leading educational sessions hosted in a global marketplace that connects manufacturers and buyers from around the globe. Through the Social Media Correspondent (SMC) program, these niche influencers will curate and create original and relevant content for SEMA360, which takes place, November 2-6. The SMC program continues to grow and includes some of the following correspondents:

Kyle Kuhnhausen, @kckuhnhausen: Kuhnhausen was a 2018 Battle of the Builders finalist and top Young Gun, a 2019 Young Guns regional judge in Seattle and at the 2019 SEMA Show, and a recipient of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” designation. He also owns Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts—a small speed shop that specializes in metal fabrication and “full-tilt” builds.

Chelsie Lesnoski, @chelc.ttg / Cole Marten, @cole.ttg: In 2019, Lesnoski won the Young Guns Fan Vote with her ’13 Scion FR-S. She also earned a Top 10 spot in the Young Guns category in the 2019 Battle of the Builders competition. Lesnoski, with her business partner Marten, started Throttle Thrashers Garage in 2016 where they build, modify and sell cars.

Keenan LaCour, @lacour_evo: LaCour was the 2019 Regional winner in the SEMA Young Guns competition with his 1,100hp ’03 Mitsubishi Evo 8. He also placed Top 10 in the 2019 SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns category.

Get an inside look into the lives of the artisans who are building some of the feature vehicles that will compete in the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Learn about the latest aftermarket products from seasoned gearheads. Learn about the latest trends from the trendsetters themselves. Follow all of the action at #SEMA360.

SEMA is continuing to recruit active automotive influencers for the SEMA360 Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.

By Ashley Reyes

BJ Leanse of Go Rhino/Big Country has been named as the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest Volunteer Spotlight Member. As the national sales manager of Go Rhino and a current PRO Select Committee volunteer, Leanse has dedicated much of his career to giving back to the industry and helping to address the needs of the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket.

Get to know Leanse as he shares what networking event led him to volunteer for PRO and help make a difference in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?    

BJ Leanse: I’m third generation ‘automotive’ and have always loved cars, trucks, Jeeps and working on making them better.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?    

BL: In the late ’80s, I went to a PRO Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting and listened to all the challenges and opportunities of selling accessories through the dealership channels. While I have been a SEMA member since 1974, it was that LRP that lit the fire in me to participate and help make a difference.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

BL: The world is changing, fast. It doesn't matter where you start, it’s where you end up that matters, so decide to be the best you can be. Be flexible, listen and learn from others. Give all you can and join in the fun!

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

BL: An ’84 BMW M3. You can find me on my way to the Hill Country near Austin, Texas.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

BL: When you do what you love, it’s never work. Find the opportunity to work with people who feel the same and you’re set for life.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

BL: Working with passionate people who love the industry as much as I do.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

BL: Shopping with my best girl at the local farmer's markets.

By Ashley Reyes

BJ Leanse of Go Rhino/Big Country has been named as the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) newest Volunteer Spotlight Member. As the national sales manager of Go Rhino and a current PRO Select Committee volunteer, Leanse has dedicated much of his career to giving back to the industry and helping to address the needs of the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket.

Get to know Leanse as he shares what networking event led him to volunteer for PRO and help make a difference in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?    

BJ Leanse: I’m third generation ‘automotive’ and have always loved cars, trucks, Jeeps and working on making them better.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?    

BL: In the late ’80s, I went to a PRO Long-Range Planning (LRP) meeting and listened to all the challenges and opportunities of selling accessories through the dealership channels. While I have been a SEMA member since 1974, it was that LRP that lit the fire in me to participate and help make a difference.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

BL: The world is changing, fast. It doesn't matter where you start, it’s where you end up that matters, so decide to be the best you can be. Be flexible, listen and learn from others. Give all you can and join in the fun!

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

BL: An ’84 BMW M3. You can find me on my way to the Hill Country near Austin, Texas.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

BL: When you do what you love, it’s never work. Find the opportunity to work with people who feel the same and you’re set for life.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

BL: Working with passionate people who love the industry as much as I do.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

BL: Shopping with my best girl at the local farmer's markets.

By Ashley Reyes

New video featuring SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available.

Knapp leads a team that is dedicated to helping member companies better understand the marketplace and make more informed, data-driven business decisions. In this new video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE, Knapp encourages members to take advantage of and access the latest SEMA Market Research Reports, which include data collected on the specialty automotive retail landscape, sales trends among key business types and an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and emerging segments within the $46.2 billion industry.

“It’s not just about online, it’s also about multichannel strategies,” said Knapp, when addressing the key challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing. “It’s about finding your customers where they are. Because even if they’re buying in-store, they are searching and shopping online. So you want to connect with them where they are.”

Check out Knapp’s full video and visit www.sema.org/research to download the “2020 SEMA Market Report,” “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” and “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks.” 

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

New video featuring SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available.

Knapp leads a team that is dedicated to helping member companies better understand the marketplace and make more informed, data-driven business decisions. In this new video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE, Knapp encourages members to take advantage of and access the latest SEMA Market Research Reports, which include data collected on the specialty automotive retail landscape, sales trends among key business types and an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and emerging segments within the $46.2 billion industry.

“It’s not just about online, it’s also about multichannel strategies,” said Knapp, when addressing the key challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing. “It’s about finding your customers where they are. Because even if they’re buying in-store, they are searching and shopping online. So you want to connect with them where they are.”

Check out Knapp’s full video and visit www.sema.org/research to download the “2020 SEMA Market Report,” “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” and “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks.” 

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

New video featuring SEMA Director of Market Research Gavin Knapp from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE is now available.

Knapp leads a team that is dedicated to helping member companies better understand the marketplace and make more informed, data-driven business decisions. In this new video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE, Knapp encourages members to take advantage of and access the latest SEMA Market Research Reports, which include data collected on the specialty automotive retail landscape, sales trends among key business types and an overview of the top vehicles for accessorization and emerging segments within the $46.2 billion industry.

“It’s not just about online, it’s also about multichannel strategies,” said Knapp, when addressing the key challenges and opportunities that retailers are facing. “It’s about finding your customers where they are. Because even if they’re buying in-store, they are searching and shopping online. So you want to connect with them where they are.”

Check out Knapp’s full video and visit www.sema.org/research to download the “2020 SEMA Market Report,” “SEMA Retail Landscape Report” and “SEMA Accessory Opportunity Report: Top Cars and Trucks.” 

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA360 will feature more than 30 professional development seminars and conversations with industry leaders.

More than 30 professional development seminars and candid conversations with industry-leading celebrities and personalities will take place in SEMA360—the new industry event that is 100% online, November 2–6. Attendees will be able to sign up for an unlimited number of seminars at no additional cost when registering to participate in SEMA360.  

“While circumstances have refrained us from meeting in person this year, SEMA remains committed to helping our industry members succeed and prosper, and has made it possible to participate in seminars from any computer with internet access,” said Gary Vigil, SEMA senior manager of professional development. “Each educational session in SEMA360 was carefully crafted to help attendees make smarter business decisions, and offers the exciting opportunity to hear stories and advice from a diverse collection of highly successful, entrepreneurial leaders.”

The program includes presenters sharing content digitally in SEMA360 on topics including online marketing and business management, vehicle accessorization, aftermarket trends and research, advanced vehicle technology and more. Each session is designed to help businesses succeed and automotive aftermarket professionals advance their careers.

“Now more than ever, our members are looking for new and effective ways to come together and build on their industry knowledge and create long-lasting business relationships,” said Vigil. “SEMA360 Education will open new doors to those who are looking to enhance their expertise and get more involved in the industry.”

Register for SEMA360 to get access to the full seminar and event schedule. For additional details, visit www.sema360.com.

Seminar Schedule—Pacific Standard Time