SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Donna Wagner

Donna Wagner of D.M. Wagner & Associates/ASE Education Foundation has been named the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) first-ever Volunteer Spotlight Member. Wagner is a current PRO Select Committee volunteer, aftermarket career veteran and former college professor who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to PRO. Her active industry participation has made her a vital contributor to SEMA and the association is proud to recognize her for her contributions.

Get to know what inspires Wagner about the industry in her Q&A with SEMA.

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

Donna Wagner: I started my career with an aftermarket trade association and fell in love with the automotive industry. From there, I moved into various positions, including marketing, category management, education and now working with ASE and consulting. I like the daily challenge of figuring out how to improve business.

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

DW: PRO members improve vehicles. Vehicle owners end up with a unique vehicle that they love even more after being restyled. It's a cool piece of the automotive industry that makes people feel good. Being able to work with PRO members to find ways to increase awareness of restyling and improve their businesses allows me to learn and put my skills to good use. It feels good to give back to an industry that has given me a career.

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

DW: I have two pieces of advice:

1. Learn everything you can about your specific business and about the various segments of the industry. It makes you smarter and allows you to move into different jobs.
2. Give back through participation in industry associations and local organizations. While the organization will benefit, what you get in return is so much more through an extended network and knowledge.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle and where would we find you in it on the weekend?    

DW: My dream car would be a late ’80s Mercedes Benz 560 SL. I love to drive fast, so highways and back-country roads that take me to the beach are where you would find me.

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

DW: Trust yourself to make the decisions that are best for you. It’s ok to listen to advice, but don't make decisions based on what you think you should do or what others expect from you.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

DW: The people and the constant challenge to do better keep me in this industry. The automotive industry is filled with people who care. They care enough to help individuals, support scholarships and give their personal time to support industry initiatives.

By Ashley Reyes

Donna Wagner

Donna Wagner of D.M. Wagner & Associates/ASE Education Foundation has been named the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) first-ever Volunteer Spotlight Member. Wagner is a current PRO Select Committee volunteer, aftermarket career veteran and former college professor who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to PRO. Her active industry participation has made her a vital contributor to SEMA and the association is proud to recognize her for her contributions.

Get to know what inspires Wagner about the industry in her Q&A with SEMA.

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

Donna Wagner: I started my career with an aftermarket trade association and fell in love with the automotive industry. From there, I moved into various positions, including marketing, category management, education and now working with ASE and consulting. I like the daily challenge of figuring out how to improve business.

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

DW: PRO members improve vehicles. Vehicle owners end up with a unique vehicle that they love even more after being restyled. It's a cool piece of the automotive industry that makes people feel good. Being able to work with PRO members to find ways to increase awareness of restyling and improve their businesses allows me to learn and put my skills to good use. It feels good to give back to an industry that has given me a career.

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

DW: I have two pieces of advice:

1. Learn everything you can about your specific business and about the various segments of the industry. It makes you smarter and allows you to move into different jobs.
2. Give back through participation in industry associations and local organizations. While the organization will benefit, what you get in return is so much more through an extended network and knowledge.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle and where would we find you in it on the weekend?    

DW: My dream car would be a late ’80s Mercedes Benz 560 SL. I love to drive fast, so highways and back-country roads that take me to the beach are where you would find me.

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

DW: Trust yourself to make the decisions that are best for you. It’s ok to listen to advice, but don't make decisions based on what you think you should do or what others expect from you.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

DW: The people and the constant challenge to do better keep me in this industry. The automotive industry is filled with people who care. They care enough to help individuals, support scholarships and give their personal time to support industry initiatives.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA’s New “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” Webinar Series kicks off next week with “Building Customer Confidence,” Wednesday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with leadership development expert Bob Coakley, the free virtual session will provide best practices and resources that can help SEMA members build confidence while operating a business during a pandemic. Coakley will share practical advice, resources and examples that can be applied immediately to instill confidence with customers and teams.

The webinar is the first of SEMA’s four-part program designed to concentrate on tactics and concepts that will help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

Register today.

Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA’s New “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” Webinar Series kicks off next week with “Building Customer Confidence,” Wednesday, August 5, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with leadership development expert Bob Coakley, the free virtual session will provide best practices and resources that can help SEMA members build confidence while operating a business during a pandemic. Coakley will share practical advice, resources and examples that can be applied immediately to instill confidence with customers and teams.

The webinar is the first of SEMA’s four-part program designed to concentrate on tactics and concepts that will help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

Register today.

Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SBN is currently recruiting volunteers for various Show events and network reception.

Raising awareness of women in the specialty-equipment industry is a top priority of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). As such, the network provides year-round networking, education and recognition opportunities for professional women in the industry to help them excel in their careers and positively impact the growth of the automotive aftermarket. Listed below are three ways that SBN members can get involved and receive recognition now.

Be Featured as a #SheIsSEMA Member

The SBN is currently accepting applications for women to be featured in the #SheIsSEMA spotlight campaign, which raises awareness of career possibilities and spotlights successful women in the specialty-equipment industry. The #SheIsSEMA spotlight will feature how these women landed their careers and how they continue to thrive in a male-dominated industry. This program also provides recognition for member companies that promote within the industry.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Submit your #SheIsSEMA application for a chance to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the #SheIsSEMA website.

Engage With Seven-Time Racing Champion and Influencer Karen Salvaggio

Join the SBN for a Facebook Live Chat featuring race-car driver, motor-car influencer and public speaker Karen Salvaggio, August 5, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Salvaggio is a seven-time racing champion and personal coach who has secured more than 200 first-place victories in competition. Live Chat participants will hear about challenges that Salvaggio has overcome, discover how she continues to dream big and learn what inspires her as the president of Shift Up Now—a collective of women racers that instills courage and confidence through motorsports.

With 35 years of experience on the racetrack, Salvaggio is an expert on mentoring her clients on how to find, follow and live out their dream lives, and is an active member of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network. Tap into her expertise by tuning into SBN’s Facebook page, August 5, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Volunteer at the 2020 SEMA Show or on a Committee

The SBN is excited to see its members at the 2020 SEMA Show. The network is currently recruiting volunteers for various Show events and network reception. Want to connect with leadership and get involved?

Contact SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org for details on how to participate in SBN activities at the SEMA Show, or to volunteer to serve on one of SBN’s four committees (Communications, Resources, #SheIsSEMA, Events).

“The SBN is proud to represent an inspirational group of business leaders, women entrepreneurs, and industry advocates,” said Bradle. “By getting more involved with the SBN, our members can connect and share their voice, and become more engaged in the industry.”

By Ashley Reyes

The SBN is currently recruiting volunteers for various Show events and network reception.

Raising awareness of women in the specialty-equipment industry is a top priority of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). As such, the network provides year-round networking, education and recognition opportunities for professional women in the industry to help them excel in their careers and positively impact the growth of the automotive aftermarket. Listed below are three ways that SBN members can get involved and receive recognition now.

Be Featured as a #SheIsSEMA Member

The SBN is currently accepting applications for women to be featured in the #SheIsSEMA spotlight campaign, which raises awareness of career possibilities and spotlights successful women in the specialty-equipment industry. The #SheIsSEMA spotlight will feature how these women landed their careers and how they continue to thrive in a male-dominated industry. This program also provides recognition for member companies that promote within the industry.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Submit your #SheIsSEMA application for a chance to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the #SheIsSEMA website.

Engage With Seven-Time Racing Champion and Influencer Karen Salvaggio

Join the SBN for a Facebook Live Chat featuring race-car driver, motor-car influencer and public speaker Karen Salvaggio, August 5, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Salvaggio is a seven-time racing champion and personal coach who has secured more than 200 first-place victories in competition. Live Chat participants will hear about challenges that Salvaggio has overcome, discover how she continues to dream big and learn what inspires her as the president of Shift Up Now—a collective of women racers that instills courage and confidence through motorsports.

With 35 years of experience on the racetrack, Salvaggio is an expert on mentoring her clients on how to find, follow and live out their dream lives, and is an active member of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network. Tap into her expertise by tuning into SBN’s Facebook page, August 5, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Volunteer at the 2020 SEMA Show or on a Committee

The SBN is excited to see its members at the 2020 SEMA Show. The network is currently recruiting volunteers for various Show events and network reception. Want to connect with leadership and get involved?

Contact SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org for details on how to participate in SBN activities at the SEMA Show, or to volunteer to serve on one of SBN’s four committees (Communications, Resources, #SheIsSEMA, Events).

“The SBN is proud to represent an inspirational group of business leaders, women entrepreneurs, and industry advocates,” said Bradle. “By getting more involved with the SBN, our members can connect and share their voice, and become more engaged in the industry.”

By Ashley Reyes; Video Edited by Fredy Ramirez

SEMA Chairman Tim Martin and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting shared essential updates on the state of the industry, the association’s programs and what to expect from this year’s SEMA and PRI Shows during last week’s SEMA General Membership Meeting.

Those who were unable to attend the virtual event and would like to discover how SEMA is continuing to support the industry and establish new initiatives to assist the membership can watch the full meeting online.

Among the new initiatives shared during the meeting was the Board approval of a new SEMA Garage & Vehicle Technology Center in Detroit. This facility will expand and build upon the product-development services available in the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Martin noted during the meeting that the Detroit SEMA Garage facility will include a new emissions test lab and new equipment and resources to help members develop aftermarket products that are compatible with advanced driver assistance systems and other new vehicle technology.

SEMA is also moving forward with expanding services and support for racing businesses, suppliers, tracks and sanctions bodies. As part of this initiative, a new president position for the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) was created earlier this year, and Dr. Jaime Meyer was hired to lead the PRI division, including establishing a PRI office in Indianapolis.

Kersting and Martin also shared how SEMA is helping members during the pandemic. Kersting reported that market research shows that many companies are actually prospering, but the challenges remain. SEMA launched an online Back-to-Business Resource page, released the 2020 SEMA Market Report and introduced safety guidelines for the 2020 SEMA Show.

Additionally, year-round benefits available to SEMA members are listed on the member benefits homepage. For the latest news and updates on the association, visit www.sema.org. For updates on the Performance Racing Industry, visit www.performanceracing.com.

By Ashley Reyes; Video Edited by Fredy Ramirez

SEMA Chairman Tim Martin and SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting shared essential updates on the state of the industry, the association’s programs and what to expect from this year’s SEMA and PRI Shows during last week’s SEMA General Membership Meeting.

Those who were unable to attend the virtual event and would like to discover how SEMA is continuing to support the industry and establish new initiatives to assist the membership can watch the full meeting online.

Among the new initiatives shared during the meeting was the Board approval of a new SEMA Garage & Vehicle Technology Center in Detroit. This facility will expand and build upon the product-development services available in the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. Martin noted during the meeting that the Detroit SEMA Garage facility will include a new emissions test lab and new equipment and resources to help members develop aftermarket products that are compatible with advanced driver assistance systems and other new vehicle technology.

SEMA is also moving forward with expanding services and support for racing businesses, suppliers, tracks and sanctions bodies. As part of this initiative, a new president position for the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) was created earlier this year, and Dr. Jaime Meyer was hired to lead the PRI division, including establishing a PRI office in Indianapolis.

Kersting and Martin also shared how SEMA is helping members during the pandemic. Kersting reported that market research shows that many companies are actually prospering, but the challenges remain. SEMA launched an online Back-to-Business Resource page, released the 2020 SEMA Market Report and introduced safety guidelines for the 2020 SEMA Show.

Additionally, year-round benefits available to SEMA members are listed on the member benefits homepage. For the latest news and updates on the association, visit www.sema.org. For updates on the Performance Racing Industry, visit www.performanceracing.com.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Harold Menke

Centerforce Hires Harold Menke as Director of Sales

Centerforce has announced that Harold Menke will join the Centerforce team as its new director of sales, bringing nearly three decades of sales experience to the company’s sales department. Menke will work to expand Centerforce’s sales, drawing upon his expertise and strong relationships in the automotive aftermarket. Having worked for various auto parts manufacturers, Menke will utilize his experience to develop key sales strategies and explore new markets as well as strengthen current ones. Menke brings more than 29 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket, specializing in sales through traditional warehouse distributors, retail chains, specialty accounts, performance specialists and export customers. He joins Centerforce following 10 years at brake component manufacturer Centric Parts.

Beginning in April, Hot Shot’s Secret began distributing the care packages to truckers working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hot Shot’s Secret Distributes More Than 500 Trucker Appreciation Care Packages for Truckers Going the Extra Mile

Hot Shot’s Secret (HSS) has announced that more than 500 Trucker Appreciation Care packages were delivered to truckers working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep essential medical supplies and groceries stocked. Beginning in April, the company began distributing the care packages that included a bottle of Hot Shot’s Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment, Hot Shot’s Secret hand sanitizer, company decal, LSI Magazine and HSS product guide and a 15% product discount. The initiative wrapped up with a final giveaway event this month at the company’s headquarters in central Ohio on July 1–2. For this final giveaway event, a local White Castle restaurant also donated food. LSI’s CEO and founder Chris Gabrelcik shared more about the Trucker Appreciation Care Package giveaway in this video and why the company felt compelled to help.

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.