By Ashley Reyes

Jared Cohen, SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee Member and 2018 PRO Restyler of the Year, has been named as the council’s latest Volunteer Spotlight member. Cohen is the CEO of Action Auto Group, a leading company in aftermarket accessory installations that services the needs of dealerships in the Northeast region of the U.S. Get to know what advice he has about always doing right by others, and what keeps him passionate about the industry in his Q&A with SEMA and PRO.

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

Jared Cohen: As a family business in which my father suddenly passed away, I was inspired to continue his legacy at the time rather than any thrill to jump into the restyling business. Today, safety technology and helping reduce crashes is what inspires me.

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

JC: Having peers on the committee allowed me to better understand the initiative. The ability to have a voice in our industry through PRO has been great. I hope PRO will continue to allow me to meet great people in the industry with a common goal for progress.

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

JC: Work hard, show up every day on time and always do the right things and you will grow. I believe these are simple traits anyone can possess in any field, not simply the automotive aftermarket

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

JC: My dream vehicle would be a Ferrari, but I must admit, I would need to learn to drive a stick first.   You will find me in any new restaurant and or rooftop lounge hanging with friends and family.

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

JC: Always be able to put your head on your pillow at night. This means that no matter if anyone would know it or not, always do right by others as integrity is most important.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JC: The future of what’s to come with smart cities and autonomous vehicle opportunities.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

JC: Working and then a little play in the evening.

By Ashley Reyes

Jared Cohen, SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee Member and 2018 PRO Restyler of the Year, has been named as the council’s latest Volunteer Spotlight member. Cohen is the CEO of Action Auto Group, a leading company in aftermarket accessory installations that services the needs of dealerships in the Northeast region of the U.S. Get to know what advice he has about always doing right by others, and what keeps him passionate about the industry in his Q&A with SEMA and PRO.

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

Jared Cohen: As a family business in which my father suddenly passed away, I was inspired to continue his legacy at the time rather than any thrill to jump into the restyling business. Today, safety technology and helping reduce crashes is what inspires me.

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

JC: Having peers on the committee allowed me to better understand the initiative. The ability to have a voice in our industry through PRO has been great. I hope PRO will continue to allow me to meet great people in the industry with a common goal for progress.

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

JC: Work hard, show up every day on time and always do the right things and you will grow. I believe these are simple traits anyone can possess in any field, not simply the automotive aftermarket

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

JC: My dream vehicle would be a Ferrari, but I must admit, I would need to learn to drive a stick first.   You will find me in any new restaurant and or rooftop lounge hanging with friends and family.

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

JC: Always be able to put your head on your pillow at night. This means that no matter if anyone would know it or not, always do right by others as integrity is most important.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JC: The future of what’s to come with smart cities and autonomous vehicle opportunities.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

JC: Working and then a little play in the evening.

By Ashley Reyes

Michael Hicks of The Retrofit Source has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Get to know what his Number One action step is for preparing for an important meeting, and how he applies it to succeed in everyday business.

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

Michael Hicks: Want it badder than you want to breath, then you can be successful.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

MH: First, the love for cars and the need to advance something to the next level - be it performance or cosmetic! Second, excitement for how the industry grows. It seems as if there is no limit as to what can be done!

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

MH: Driving through the mountains, wrenching on my personal vehicles, spending time with the family, or in most cases a mixture of all.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

MH: Listening. An important meeting has no value if you do not listen, obtain the information, and apply it. Often times taking notes when applicable.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?    

MH: This is a hard one because the industry is filled with great leaders. That’s why it's as vast as it is today. If I have to choose, I had the pleasure of working with Justin Norton from Atlanta Custom Wraps, and seeing where he started to being a repeat SEMA attendee with the success in his company to go with it. I would sit down with him and have more conversations on what it takes to reach that level.

By Ashley Reyes

Michael Hicks of The Retrofit Source has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Get to know what his Number One action step is for preparing for an important meeting, and how he applies it to succeed in everyday business.

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

Michael Hicks: Want it badder than you want to breath, then you can be successful.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

MH: First, the love for cars and the need to advance something to the next level - be it performance or cosmetic! Second, excitement for how the industry grows. It seems as if there is no limit as to what can be done!

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

MH: Driving through the mountains, wrenching on my personal vehicles, spending time with the family, or in most cases a mixture of all.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

MH: Listening. An important meeting has no value if you do not listen, obtain the information, and apply it. Often times taking notes when applicable.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?    

MH: This is a hard one because the industry is filled with great leaders. That’s why it's as vast as it is today. If I have to choose, I had the pleasure of working with Justin Norton from Atlanta Custom Wraps, and seeing where he started to being a repeat SEMA attendee with the success in his company to go with it. I would sit down with him and have more conversations on what it takes to reach that level.

By Rich Hail

James Thomas, who entered but fell just shy of advancing in last year’s Young Guns competition with an unfinished version of the same ’49 Ford F1 that helped him win this year, was motivated to return and win.

James Thomas is the winner of the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Young Guns NorCal virtual regional qualifier. He will go on to compete alongside top vehicle builders in the BOTB competition in November.

Thomas, who entered but fell just shy of advancing in last year’s Young Guns competition with an unfinished version of the same ’49 Ford F1 that helped him win this year, was motivated to return and win.

The first-generation Ford F-Series pickup was formerly a piece of yard art that Thomas hand-excavated from within the earth. He has always been drawn to older pickups like this one, and the patina on this septuagenarian told a story that he couldn’t help but pick up and give a new ending to.  

At Chico State, Thomas honed his skillset of engineering, 3D modeling, CNC machining and welding, all of which played a part in bringing the truck back to life. While most builders would opt for a Coyote or an LS powerplant, Thomas defied the norm and went with a 2JZ paired to a replica GT45 turbo complete with a T51R Mod. A T56 six-speed sequential shifter from S1 Sequential with a custom-built adapter is bolted up to a transmission donated from a Ford Cobra.

Most of the frame was replaced, having been designed in 3D Space and built by this very capable Young Gun. The independent front and rear suspension come from a Supra while the airbags, which were modified to fit the hand-built shock towers, came from a Mercedes Benz. A modified engine harness from Tweak’d Performance and a CAN bus-controlled tablet run all of the electronics via the touch-screen dash.

Thomas states, “[My] goal was to set out and do something no one has ever done before. To make people love to hate it.”

With the exception of the AN fittings, which were donated by Phenix Industries, he built most of the components himself, from the intake manifold to the intercooler to the fluid tanks. After all the pieces were put in place, the truck was tuned by Bend Calibration out of Bend, Oregon.

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The Young Guns program is a feeder to the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, and offers up-and-coming builders who are 27 or under the opportunity to compete to earn a spot in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Furthermore, the Young Guns program recognizes and inspires the next wave of young builders and gets them actively involved within the aftermarket industry.

To enter the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rich Hail

James Thomas, who entered but fell just shy of advancing in last year’s Young Guns competition with an unfinished version of the same ’49 Ford F1 that helped him win this year, was motivated to return and win.

James Thomas is the winner of the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) Young Guns NorCal virtual regional qualifier. He will go on to compete alongside top vehicle builders in the BOTB competition in November.

Thomas, who entered but fell just shy of advancing in last year’s Young Guns competition with an unfinished version of the same ’49 Ford F1 that helped him win this year, was motivated to return and win.

The first-generation Ford F-Series pickup was formerly a piece of yard art that Thomas hand-excavated from within the earth. He has always been drawn to older pickups like this one, and the patina on this septuagenarian told a story that he couldn’t help but pick up and give a new ending to.  

At Chico State, Thomas honed his skillset of engineering, 3D modeling, CNC machining and welding, all of which played a part in bringing the truck back to life. While most builders would opt for a Coyote or an LS powerplant, Thomas defied the norm and went with a 2JZ paired to a replica GT45 turbo complete with a T51R Mod. A T56 six-speed sequential shifter from S1 Sequential with a custom-built adapter is bolted up to a transmission donated from a Ford Cobra.

Most of the frame was replaced, having been designed in 3D Space and built by this very capable Young Gun. The independent front and rear suspension come from a Supra while the airbags, which were modified to fit the hand-built shock towers, came from a Mercedes Benz. A modified engine harness from Tweak’d Performance and a CAN bus-controlled tablet run all of the electronics via the touch-screen dash.

Thomas states, “[My] goal was to set out and do something no one has ever done before. To make people love to hate it.”

With the exception of the AN fittings, which were donated by Phenix Industries, he built most of the components himself, from the intake manifold to the intercooler to the fluid tanks. After all the pieces were put in place, the truck was tuned by Bend Calibration out of Bend, Oregon.

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The Young Guns program is a feeder to the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, and offers up-and-coming builders who are 27 or under the opportunity to compete to earn a spot in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Furthermore, the Young Guns program recognizes and inspires the next wave of young builders and gets them actively involved within the aftermarket industry.

To enter the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) general membership meeting and networking event will take place virtually, September 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Held for the first time as a virtual meeting, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) general membership meeting and networking event will take place September 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), making it easier than ever for members to participate. Membership meetings are the ideal time and opportunity for SBN members to get more involved and learn how to maximize their network membership.

“Making connections, networking and getting involved may require juggling commitments, but the SBN makes it rewarding and an added bonus for my career,” said SBN Chair Lana Chrisman. “I strongly encourage all SBN members to join us on September 8 to take an hour and connect with our members, find a few gems to take back to work to help you over the next few months and learn how you can get the most out of your network membership.” 

The meeting will include breakout sessions on networking, career paths and coping with COVID-19 to help members engage and connect like never before.

The Select Committee will also discuss current SBN programs and resources to help members discover how they can further enhance their careers and positively impact the growth of the automotive aftermarket.  

Register here.   

Questions regarding the event can be directed to SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.   

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) general membership meeting and networking event will take place virtually, September 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Held for the first time as a virtual meeting, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network’s (SBN) general membership meeting and networking event will take place September 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), making it easier than ever for members to participate. Membership meetings are the ideal time and opportunity for SBN members to get more involved and learn how to maximize their network membership.

“Making connections, networking and getting involved may require juggling commitments, but the SBN makes it rewarding and an added bonus for my career,” said SBN Chair Lana Chrisman. “I strongly encourage all SBN members to join us on September 8 to take an hour and connect with our members, find a few gems to take back to work to help you over the next few months and learn how you can get the most out of your network membership.” 

The meeting will include breakout sessions on networking, career paths and coping with COVID-19 to help members engage and connect like never before.

The Select Committee will also discuss current SBN programs and resources to help members discover how they can further enhance their careers and positively impact the growth of the automotive aftermarket.  

Register here.   

Questions regarding the event can be directed to SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org.   

Last month, FCA revealed the highly-anticipated Ram TRX—an ultra-high-performance fullsize pickup  with a supercharged HEMI V8 from the Hellcat line. However, this camo-free validation prototype broke down near I-75. The situation necessitated the prototype to be flat-towed, making it do the proverbial walk of shame back to the lab.

The TRX will be powered by the 6.2L HEMI V8 making 702 hp. The supercharged HEMI V8 will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combo will be capable of propelling the truck to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, down the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph and up to a top speed of 118 mph.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Last month, FCA revealed the highly-anticipated Ram TRX—an ultra-high-performance fullsize pickup  with a supercharged HEMI V8 from the Hellcat line. However, this camo-free validation prototype broke down near I-75. The situation necessitated the prototype to be flat-towed, making it do the proverbial walk of shame back to the lab.

The TRX will be powered by the 6.2L HEMI V8 making 702 hp. The supercharged HEMI V8 will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The combo will be capable of propelling the truck to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, down the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 108 mph and up to a top speed of 118 mph.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde