By Jason Catullo

Starting earlier this week, Show representatives began systematically contacting exhibitors based on Show section. Watch the Show take shape by viewing the online floorplan, www.semashow.com/floorplan, which is updated every 30 minutes.

The 2020 SEMA Show Priority Space Selection is currently in full swing, running now until Monday, May 18. Watch the Show take shape by viewing the online floorplan, www.semashow.com/floorplan, which is updated every 30 minutes.

Starting earlier this week, Show representatives began systematically contacting exhibitors based on Show section. Companies with the highest levels of seniority kicked-off the process, which will continue section-by-section until all of the companies with three years of seniority or more have made their selections.

During the next phase, companies with two years of seniority or less will be contacted to to select spaces in all of the Show's sections.

SEMA Show management anticipates a nearly full Las Vegas Convention Center, with exhibitor overflow in the Wesgate Hotel.

Want to exhibit in 2020? Visit www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth to get started.

The SEMA Show is a yearly trend-spotting event for buyers, and serves as a reflection of what’s burgeoning in the industry.

Taking place November 3-6, in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show is a yearly trend-spotting event for buyers, and serves as a reflection of what’s burgeoning in the industry, whether it’s new products, innovative tools to increase production or the latest in application and service techniques.

For more information about the Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com.

Earlier this month, each participating company was contacted via email with their booth selection date and time range. The email was sent to the person listed as the exhibitor’s primary SEMA Show contact. NOTE: Companies that have not received a correspondence or want to change the primary Show contact listed on the application should email sales@sema.org, or call 909-396-0289. If you are not available to receive a phone call at the time of your selection, you may also appoint a proxy representative by filling out the proxy form at www.semashow.com/proxy.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Stinger Chemical donated 4-oz. bottles and gallons of hand sanitizer to the Houston Fire Department.

Stinger Chemical Donates Sanitizing Products to Houston Fire Department

Stinger Chemical is switching gears to produce a line of sanitizing products to support those individuals who are on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The company donated 4-oz. bottles and gallons of hand sanitizer to the Houston Fire Department. Despite a shortage of raw materials and great demand globally, the company has managed to produce thousands of gallons of sanitizing products in the month of April.

Hopkins Acquires Roadsport Splash Guards From NuVue

Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. has announced that it and its subsidiary, Hopkins Canada Inc. have acquired the retail automotive splash guard product lines from NuVue Products Inc., of Buffalo, New York, and NuVue Products Ltd., of Ontario, Canada, formerly known as Powerflow. The acquisition includes the established brand names RoadSport, Big Mudder, ProFit, BadgeZ, RoadGuard and Defender Tow Guard, plus the inventory, patents and intellectual property for the splash guard and mud flap lines. The acquisition supplements Hopkins existing vehicle and automotive accessory product lines and leverages its North American manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Hopkins will integrate manufacturing of these product lines to its Emporia, Kansas, facility and distribute from its Edgerton, Kansas, and Blenheim, Ontario, distribution centers, where it currently distributes its vehicle accessory, winter, towing, cleaning, fluid management and other product lines to the North American and export markets.

Adam’s Polishes has given away more than 12,000 combined bottles of hand sanitizer, hand soap and home surface cleaner.

Adam’s Polishes Shifts Manufacturing to Produce Hand Soap, Sanitizer and Surface Cleaner

Adam’s Polishes has shifted its car care product manufacturing to produce hand soap, home surface cleaner and hand sanitizer. Since March 19, the company has given away more than 12,000 combined bottles of these products.

Pro Spot Extends 0% Financing Offer to Assist During COVID-19

Pro Spot has announced that it is extending its 0% for 12 months Affordable Financing Plan and also adding in 2.9% for 24 months. Working with its distribution network all across the country, Pro Spot is offering a 0 down, 0% financing for 12 months, and 2.9% for 24 months to assist collision repair shops.

Details:

• On Approved Credit, $10,000 or greater, with a $225 documentation fee.
• Does not include sales tax and freight charges.
• Not available with other special offers.
• Currently only available for U.S. customers, stay tuned for additional markets.
• Offer good through May 31, 2020.

AO Coolers Producing Face Masks

AO Coolers is helping out during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now producing and distributing non-medical face masks to try and help prevent the spreading of germs. For more information, visit www.aocoolers.com.

Icahn Automotive will award $30,000 in scholarships for the 2020–2021 school year.

Icahn Automotive Scholarship Program Invites Aspiring Technicians to “Find Your Drive”

Icahn Automotive, which owns and operates repair and maintenance providers Pep Boys, AAMCO, Precision Tune Auto Care and RPM Automotive, will award $30,000 in scholarships for the 2020–2021 school year. Twelve scholarships of $2,500 each will be available to qualified students studying to become professional automotive technicians. Students can begin the application process on Icahn’s website. This second annual scholarship program is part of Icahn Automotive’s “Race to 2026” initiative that aims to increase the number of trained technicians and help fill an industry-wide talent gap projected to grow to 46,000 over the next six years. The scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing an automotive technician degree or certification through a full- or part-time high school, college or trade school program. Applications are being accepted until June 5, 2020, and recipients will be announced in late June. In addition to the application, students must meet certain academic requirements, provide a written or video essay describing “Why I want to be a top technician,” and submit two letters of recommendation. All applications and related materials will be reviewed by the Icahn Automotive scholarship committee.

Sean Lannoo

Continental Promotes Sean Lannoo to Sales Technical Training Supervisor

Continental has named Sean Lannoo as sales technical training supervisor for the company’s VDO, REDI-Sensor, ATE, Autodiagnos and ClearContact aftermarket product lines. Lannoo leads a team of 11 training specialists who provide technical support and education on Continental aftermarket product lines to customer sales personnel and professional technicians throughout the United States and Canada. These activities include presenting and demonstrating the capabilities and advantages of Continental’s aftermarket technology and OE quality replacement parts programs. Lannoo joined Continental in 2013 as the sales technical training specialist for the company’s VDO-branded aftermarket product lines. Since then, Lannoo has expanded the scope and reach of the program to encompass all of Continental’s aftermarket products. Lannoo had previously been with Continental from 1997–2010, where he played a key technical support role, serving as both an engineering analyst and product manager. In addition to his TPMS work, Lannoo also handled the company’s aftermarket instrumentation, ATE Brakes, in-vehicle GPS navigation systems and audio systems. Prior to rejoining Continental, Lannoo worked in the Power Generation industry, serving as the inside sales technical expert for Davidson Sales Co. in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Vintage Air has designed and manufactured a limited run of high-quality face shields for those who need them.

Vintage Air Designs and Manufactures Personal Protective Equipment

With a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) around the world, Vintage Air has designed and manufactured a limited run of high-quality face shields for those who need them. Designed with input from family practice physician Dr. Brett M. Woehr of San Antonio, Texas, according to Vintage Air, the CS-1 professional-grade, high-visibility face shields are comfortable, durable and can withstand regular cleaning, and are available for $20 each, which covers the cost of materials. To order face shields for you or your company, contact Marx Henry, Vintage Air marketing manager, at 210-296-2327, ext.127 or mhenry@vintageair.com.

4 Wheel Parts Offering Free Inspections, Alignment and Tire Rotations to First Responders

4 Wheel Parts is offering free inspections, alignment and tire rotations to all first responders, medical and essential workers at 4 Wheel Parts installation locations through May 31. Call 800-284-9840 to schedule an appointment.

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 Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to learn how to protect their assets and aggressively manage costs in SEMA Education’s free webinar “Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow,” taking place next Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

In times of economic uncertainty, the challenges of managing costs are greater than ever before. Companies are torn between protecting their assets and increasing investments, particularly when considering lost revenue from shutdowns and potential decrease in consumer demand.  

SEMA members are invited to learn how to protect their assets and aggressively manage costs in SEMA Education’s free webinar “Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow,” taking place next Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). The webinar, presented by CEO and Founder of the Brainzooming Group Mike Brown, will provide proven strategies to help SEMA members look to the future in a strategic manner and identify techniques to make up for lost revenue.

The half-hour webinar is part four of SEMA’s Jumpstart Business Operations Webinar Series—a special six-part program presented by SEMA Education in partnership with Brown to help SEMA-member companies respond and plan for changes resulting from the Coronavirus situation.

“It’s our goal to provide SEMA members with the knowledge and resources they need to create a successful revenue management strategy amidst the current climate,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “As companies prepare to re-open their doors, it’s important to have a recovery plan in place. This webinar will help them do just that.”  

Preregister now for “Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow,” taking place May 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participants who preregister and attend a webinar may qualify to win a subscription to Brown’s “Strategy for Success: Strategic Planning Made Simple.” The 11-module e-course includes targeted video lessons, downloaded guides and turn-key exercises, valued at $549. This resource is designed to eliminate trial-and-error and quickly implement an innovative approach to strategy and create effective strategic plans that you can put into action right away.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to learn how to protect their assets and aggressively manage costs in SEMA Education’s free webinar “Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow,” taking place next Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

In times of economic uncertainty, the challenges of managing costs are greater than ever before. Companies are torn between protecting their assets and increasing investments, particularly when considering lost revenue from shutdowns and potential decrease in consumer demand.  

SEMA members are invited to learn how to protect their assets and aggressively manage costs in SEMA Education’s free webinar “Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow,” taking place next Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT). The webinar, presented by CEO and Founder of the Brainzooming Group Mike Brown, will provide proven strategies to help SEMA members look to the future in a strategic manner and identify techniques to make up for lost revenue.

The half-hour webinar is part four of SEMA’s Jumpstart Business Operations Webinar Series—a special six-part program presented by SEMA Education in partnership with Brown to help SEMA-member companies respond and plan for changes resulting from the Coronavirus situation.

“It’s our goal to provide SEMA members with the knowledge and resources they need to create a successful revenue management strategy amidst the current climate,” said Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education. “As companies prepare to re-open their doors, it’s important to have a recovery plan in place. This webinar will help them do just that.”  

Preregister now for “Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow,” taking place May 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Participants who preregister and attend a webinar may qualify to win a subscription to Brown’s “Strategy for Success: Strategic Planning Made Simple.” The 11-module e-course includes targeted video lessons, downloaded guides and turn-key exercises, valued at $549. This resource is designed to eliminate trial-and-error and quickly implement an innovative approach to strategy and create effective strategic plans that you can put into action right away.

By Ashley Reyes

Courtney Crone

Courtney Crone of Courtney Crone Racing is featured as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Crone is a professional Formula 4 racer who is best known for winning multiple titles and championships in the open-wheel racing scene, including three wins with multiple pole positions in the Brad Hayes Racing team Piper Race Car in 2019.

Last year, Crone participated in the final race of the US F4 Championship series at Circuit of the Americas and is focused on growing her career with the ultimate goal of competing in and winning the Indycar Series. It’s SBN members like Crone who inspire many young women in the automotive industry.

Get to know more about Crone’s passion for racing in her Q&A with SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN):

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

Courtney Crone: Do not be afraid to ask for what you want.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

CC: The competition in every aspect of motorsports, from driving to the mechanics. Everyone is trying to not only better themselves, but also to be better than the person next to them. Also, the never-ending evolution of the industry. It just keeps getting better year after year!

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

CC: At a racetrack or watching a race!

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

CC: I am always confident. I am also prepared to the best of my ability to know the ins and outs of the company or person I am dealing with.

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

CC: Mr. Roger Penske.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Ashley Reyes

Courtney Crone

Courtney Crone of Courtney Crone Racing is featured as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Crone is a professional Formula 4 racer who is best known for winning multiple titles and championships in the open-wheel racing scene, including three wins with multiple pole positions in the Brad Hayes Racing team Piper Race Car in 2019.

Last year, Crone participated in the final race of the US F4 Championship series at Circuit of the Americas and is focused on growing her career with the ultimate goal of competing in and winning the Indycar Series. It’s SBN members like Crone who inspire many young women in the automotive industry.

Get to know more about Crone’s passion for racing in her Q&A with SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN):

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

Courtney Crone: Do not be afraid to ask for what you want.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

CC: The competition in every aspect of motorsports, from driving to the mechanics. Everyone is trying to not only better themselves, but also to be better than the person next to them. Also, the never-ending evolution of the industry. It just keeps getting better year after year!

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

CC: At a racetrack or watching a race!

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

CC: I am always confident. I am also prepared to the best of my ability to know the ins and outs of the company or person I am dealing with.

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

CC: Mr. Roger Penske.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Ashley Reyes

Mike Brown

SEMA Education has partnered with Mike Brown, founder and CEO of the Brainzooming Group, to host a free six-part webinar series filled with tips and strategies to help SEMA members communicate, respond and plan for the changes resulting from the Coronavirus situation. The first webinar was held April 28, with additional webinars scheduled through May 26.

In the SEMA “Jumpstart Business Operations Webinar Series,” Brown will address looking to the future in a strategic manner and provide essential tools, resources and advice for businesses to think beyond near-term survival. Participants will learn how to communicate messages that reflect the environment, prepare for the potential pent-up demand resulting from a shut down, identify new ways to grow and how to incorporate changes into what will become the new normal.

Webinar 4: Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow
Many businesses will begin operating again with revenue levels well below previous trends, making ongoing cost management very important. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to find the balance between aggressively managing costs, protecting assets, and maintaining a viable market presence.
Register now.

Webinar 5: Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Pushing Ahead with Change While Barriers Are Down
Everyone inside and outside your business has faced tremendous changes in relationships and purchasing situations. In this webinar, we’ll focus on sustaining the acceptance of positive change and continuing improving your business operations and performance.
Register now.

Webinar 6: Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Engaging and Re-engaging Your Most Important Audiences
When social distancing ends, there will be a need to engage with employees and customers in ways that incorporate both previous and new strategies. In this webinar, you’ll learn strategies to help ensure the employee and customer experiences of your business reflect and can continue to adapt to new realities.
Register now.

Participants who preregister and attend a webinar may qualify to win a subscription to Brown’s “Strategy for Success: Strategic Planning Made Simple.” The 11-module e-course includes targeted video lessons, downloaded guides and turn-key exercises, valued at $549. This resource is designed to eliminate trial-and-error and quickly implement an innovative approach to strategy and create effective strategic plans that you can put into action right away.

*One winner per webinar. Winner can only win once. No purchase necessary.

By Ashley Reyes

Mike Brown

SEMA Education has partnered with Mike Brown, founder and CEO of the Brainzooming Group, to host a free six-part webinar series filled with tips and strategies to help SEMA members communicate, respond and plan for the changes resulting from the Coronavirus situation. The first webinar was held April 28, with additional webinars scheduled through May 26.

In the SEMA “Jumpstart Business Operations Webinar Series,” Brown will address looking to the future in a strategic manner and provide essential tools, resources and advice for businesses to think beyond near-term survival. Participants will learn how to communicate messages that reflect the environment, prepare for the potential pent-up demand resulting from a shut down, identify new ways to grow and how to incorporate changes into what will become the new normal.

Webinar 4: Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow
Many businesses will begin operating again with revenue levels well below previous trends, making ongoing cost management very important. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to find the balance between aggressively managing costs, protecting assets, and maintaining a viable market presence.
Register now.

Webinar 5: Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Pushing Ahead with Change While Barriers Are Down
Everyone inside and outside your business has faced tremendous changes in relationships and purchasing situations. In this webinar, we’ll focus on sustaining the acceptance of positive change and continuing improving your business operations and performance.
Register now.

Webinar 6: Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Engaging and Re-engaging Your Most Important Audiences
When social distancing ends, there will be a need to engage with employees and customers in ways that incorporate both previous and new strategies. In this webinar, you’ll learn strategies to help ensure the employee and customer experiences of your business reflect and can continue to adapt to new realities.
Register now.

Participants who preregister and attend a webinar may qualify to win a subscription to Brown’s “Strategy for Success: Strategic Planning Made Simple.” The 11-module e-course includes targeted video lessons, downloaded guides and turn-key exercises, valued at $549. This resource is designed to eliminate trial-and-error and quickly implement an innovative approach to strategy and create effective strategic plans that you can put into action right away.

*One winner per webinar. Winner can only win once. No purchase necessary.

By Ashley Reyes

Rick Herman

This week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Volunteer Spotlight features Rick Hermann of WeatherTech. As an experienced automotive aftermarket sales director, Hermann is active in giving back to TORA and the industry through his business skills, knowledge and continuous volunteer efforts within the council.  

By serving as a previous select committee member, Hermann played a vital role in helping guide the council’s direction through the execution of valuable benefits and key initiatives.

Get to know what keeps Hermann in the industry in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Rick Hermann: I was so lucky back in 1986 when Denny Elwell from Dee Zee gave me my life-changing opportunity. When I was going to college, I worked at a gas station and used to fill his tank. When I was getting ready to graduate from college, my dad told me I should go and interview with him to get some practice. I walked in to get some interview experience and walked out with a job.

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

RH: In the end, life is about giving back based on the blessings I have received for more than 30 years, and I felt it was important to find a way to do this. Luckily, I had met Ron Divencenzo who helped me get connected with the SEMA Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA), and as they say, the rest is history. Networking is a vital part of our daily activities and has allowed a number of beneficial mutual opportunities.

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

RH: Network, network, network, and find people you like to help and mentor you. I found that while college can provide a foundation, the practical aspect of business is one that is profoundly learned in the field. I have had a number of mentors, friends and customers through my years who have truly helped me and the companies I have worked for.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

RH: I currently drive a Raptor and that truck is truly awesome. It is higher than others, so being a 50-plus-year-old man, it allows for a more strenuous entry, but it is just a real classy ride.

By Ashley Reyes

Rick Herman

This week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Volunteer Spotlight features Rick Hermann of WeatherTech. As an experienced automotive aftermarket sales director, Hermann is active in giving back to TORA and the industry through his business skills, knowledge and continuous volunteer efforts within the council.  

By serving as a previous select committee member, Hermann played a vital role in helping guide the council’s direction through the execution of valuable benefits and key initiatives.

Get to know what keeps Hermann in the industry in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Rick Hermann: I was so lucky back in 1986 when Denny Elwell from Dee Zee gave me my life-changing opportunity. When I was going to college, I worked at a gas station and used to fill his tank. When I was getting ready to graduate from college, my dad told me I should go and interview with him to get some practice. I walked in to get some interview experience and walked out with a job.

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

RH: In the end, life is about giving back based on the blessings I have received for more than 30 years, and I felt it was important to find a way to do this. Luckily, I had met Ron Divencenzo who helped me get connected with the SEMA Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA), and as they say, the rest is history. Networking is a vital part of our daily activities and has allowed a number of beneficial mutual opportunities.

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

RH: Network, network, network, and find people you like to help and mentor you. I found that while college can provide a foundation, the practical aspect of business is one that is profoundly learned in the field. I have had a number of mentors, friends and customers through my years who have truly helped me and the companies I have worked for.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

RH: I currently drive a Raptor and that truck is truly awesome. It is higher than others, so being a 50-plus-year-old man, it allows for a more strenuous entry, but it is just a real classy ride.