By Chris Kersting

Currently the industry is making tremendous adjustments, not only to our businesses but also to our personal lives. At this stage, we’re still getting more information about the various ways that companies are adapting to the COVID economy. As an industry, we can be proud of how we are continuing to find ways to do business while providing for the health, safety and well-being of all involved.

For the very latest information on C-19 resources, visit www.sema.org/coronavirus, which we keep continuously updated. There you’ll find content leading to resources and other tools the association has developed to help the industry navigate the COVID restrictions. SEMA is also continuing to work with lawmakers to push for further assistance for businesses in our industry.

Contemplating the future, it’s not easy to know where we’ll stand in the months ahead. But longer term, there are certain things we can count on. We know that no matter what, this virus won’t be permanent. And no matter what, there will be passionate enthusiasts who will continue to demand our industry’s products. No matter what, the people in this industry will dig in, persevere, and find ways to make it across this gap—and no matter what, this industry will be here to make and sell great products to meet that demand.

We know these things because we’ve faced enormous difficulty and challenges in the past. And there will be better times ahead - probably sooner than it feels right now.

While many near-term industry events have been postponed or canceled, the industry’s manufacturers are currently going full-bore with plans and preparations for both the 2020 SEMA Show in November and the PRI Show in December. I’m not surprised. Our industry has historically demonstrated fortitude and resolve in the face of adversity. The SEMA Show was the first major business gathering in the U.S. following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In the heart of the Great Recession in 2009 and 2010, SEMA exhibitors and buyers again turned out in force, laying the groundwork for the recovery that followed. Currently, we see that the vast majority of member companies are planning to exhibit this year, and some 2,000 plus are expected to take part in this month’s booth selection process. They are determined that the SEMA Show will help launch the industry into a successful 2021.

To that end, we have been working with members to assist in a variety of ways, offering flexibility, refundable deposits and deferred deadlines. And we will continue to engage with industry members and adapt to the changing environment as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, don’t overlook the toolbox of current SEMA services and tools that are relevant as members work to get across the current business gap. This could be a very good time to engage with the SEMA Data Coop (SDC) to make sure you have your digital product data in order and your e-commerce presence optimized. The SEMA Garage can assist with product development tools (Tech Transfer, 3D scanning) and emissions testing and certification matters. And this may also be a good time to access SEMA’s archived educational videos, market studies and reports. Head to the SEMA.org website for information and staff contacts on all the above.

As we move through the current challenges, we are reminded of past tough times and the reality that we endured and have always come out stronger. This is a stout industry that makes up a capable association. Working together, I’m optimistic we will continue to persevere and thrive.

By Rachel Tatum

As SEMA-member companies begin to return to their offices and shops, they find themselves implementing new safety measures for the protection of employees and customers. To be in compliance with federal and local regulations, the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) increases. The following SEMA-member companies have shifted their typical operations to help combat COVID-19 by manufacturing PPE and are making products available to other aftermarket companies for purchase so they can get back to work safely.

SEMA members in need of such products are invited to reach out directly to these companies for their PPE needs:

• BOOSTane: PPE products have been procured in its Southwest Florida warehouse. Items are in stock and available for same-day shipping.
• Hot Shot’s Secret: Received FDA approval to convert production lines in order to manufacture hand sanitizer to help fill the nationwide demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Racing Optics: Racing Optics is providing multi-layer optical removal film for face shields and medical hoods.

Learn more about the industry-made PPE products available and how to contact the companies making them.

SEMA members selling PPE are invited to submit their information to be included on the list.

By Rachel Tatum

As SEMA-member companies begin to return to their offices and shops, they find themselves implementing new safety measures for the protection of employees and customers. To be in compliance with federal and local regulations, the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) increases. The following SEMA-member companies have shifted their typical operations to help combat COVID-19 by manufacturing PPE and are making products available to other aftermarket companies for purchase so they can get back to work safely.

SEMA members in need of such products are invited to reach out directly to these companies for their PPE needs:

• BOOSTane: PPE products have been procured in its Southwest Florida warehouse. Items are in stock and available for same-day shipping.
• Hot Shot’s Secret: Received FDA approval to convert production lines in order to manufacture hand sanitizer to help fill the nationwide demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Racing Optics: Racing Optics is providing multi-layer optical removal film for face shields and medical hoods.

Learn more about the industry-made PPE products available and how to contact the companies making them.

SEMA members selling PPE are invited to submit their information to be included on the list.

By Ashley Reyes

All SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members are invited to take part in SBN’s first-ever Facebook Live Chat, featuring Sara Morosan (left) and Theresa Contreras (right) of LGE-CTS Motorsports, June 3, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

All SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members are invited to take part in SBN’s first-ever Facebook Live Chat, featuring Sara Morosan and Theresa Contreras of LGE-CTS Motorsports, June 3, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

As two of SEMA’s most active volunteers and leaders, Morosan and Contreras will field questions on their experiences leading a women-owned business, their careers and networking opportunities available in the industry, and what steps LGE-CTS Motorsports is taking to move forward through the current economic climate.

Get to know their journey as business owners, builders and sisters as they share the various roles they play in the industry, some of which include custom work and build management, suspension tech, installation, design and custom paint.

This Live Chat is also a great chance to connect directly with the SBN community and get to know the diverse pool of women in the specialty-equipment industry as they continue to positively impact the growth and careers of women.

Mark your calendars and tune in to SBN’s Facebook page, June 3, at 12:00 PM (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

All SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members are invited to take part in SBN’s first-ever Facebook Live Chat, featuring Sara Morosan (left) and Theresa Contreras (right) of LGE-CTS Motorsports, June 3, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

All SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members are invited to take part in SBN’s first-ever Facebook Live Chat, featuring Sara Morosan and Theresa Contreras of LGE-CTS Motorsports, June 3, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

As two of SEMA’s most active volunteers and leaders, Morosan and Contreras will field questions on their experiences leading a women-owned business, their careers and networking opportunities available in the industry, and what steps LGE-CTS Motorsports is taking to move forward through the current economic climate.

Get to know their journey as business owners, builders and sisters as they share the various roles they play in the industry, some of which include custom work and build management, suspension tech, installation, design and custom paint.

This Live Chat is also a great chance to connect directly with the SBN community and get to know the diverse pool of women in the specialty-equipment industry as they continue to positively impact the growth and careers of women.

Mark your calendars and tune in to SBN’s Facebook page, June 3, at 12:00 PM (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to chat live with Shaun Freilich and Dale Martin during the next SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Facebook Live Chat, June 10, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

SEMA members are invited to chat live with Shaun Freilich and Dale Martin during the next SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Facebook Live Chat, June 10, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). The two will share their inspiring story about how they identified an industry need, adapted their business and launched their Complete Customs Marketing Media Partnership—a unique business model that not only builds project vehicles, but also sources parts and documents the entire process through photography and video.

Although Freilich and Martin took different paths to enter the automotive industry, they both grew up with a passion for all things car-related and encountered challenges and obstacles along the way.

Hosted by SEMA YEN, the Live Chat is a great opportunity for participants to ask questions and gain insight on content marketing and strategy and learn new ways businesses are identifying opportunities and adapting in 2020. Don’t miss out.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to chat live with Shaun Freilich and Dale Martin during the next SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Facebook Live Chat, June 10, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

SEMA members are invited to chat live with Shaun Freilich and Dale Martin during the next SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Facebook Live Chat, June 10, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). The two will share their inspiring story about how they identified an industry need, adapted their business and launched their Complete Customs Marketing Media Partnership—a unique business model that not only builds project vehicles, but also sources parts and documents the entire process through photography and video.

Although Freilich and Martin took different paths to enter the automotive industry, they both grew up with a passion for all things car-related and encountered challenges and obstacles along the way.

Hosted by SEMA YEN, the Live Chat is a great opportunity for participants to ask questions and gain insight on content marketing and strategy and learn new ways businesses are identifying opportunities and adapting in 2020. Don’t miss out.

By Richard Hail

Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic, co-host of Overhaulin’ and “SEMA Battle of the Builders,” as she chats with top contenders from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

SEMA’s exciting new Battle of the Builders web series, "Ready for Battle with AJ,” has just launched on YouTube.

Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic, co-host of “Overhaulin’” and “SEMA Battle of the Builders,” as she chats with top contenders from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Get an exclusive look into the lives of these builders and you might even see what they’ve got in store for the 2020 SEMA Show.

Janic’s first stop is Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers out of Orchard City, Colorado. Founded in 1995, Jeremiah Proffitt and his team have restored more than 100 Land Cruisers, completed more than 200 engine conversions and performed countless other custom fabrications and modifications.

Proffitt discusses everything Land Cruiser, from LS swaps to paint jobs, and he shares who he thinks his biggest competition will be at the 2020 SEMA Show. Last year, AJ and Tanner Foust co-hosted the 2019 Battle of the Builders TV special, which appeared on FYI and History’s DRIVE Block and featured Proffitt, RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s) and Cam Miller (HS Customs) as judges for the competition.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more videos and builder interviews, and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss future episodes leading up to the 2020 SEMA Show.

For more details about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semabotb.com.

By Richard Hail

Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic, co-host of Overhaulin’ and “SEMA Battle of the Builders,” as she chats with top contenders from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

SEMA’s exciting new Battle of the Builders web series, "Ready for Battle with AJ,” has just launched on YouTube.

Join Adrienne “AJ” Janic, co-host of “Overhaulin’” and “SEMA Battle of the Builders,” as she chats with top contenders from the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. Get an exclusive look into the lives of these builders and you might even see what they’ve got in store for the 2020 SEMA Show.

Janic’s first stop is Proffitt’s Resurrection Land Cruisers out of Orchard City, Colorado. Founded in 1995, Jeremiah Proffitt and his team have restored more than 100 Land Cruisers, completed more than 200 engine conversions and performed countless other custom fabrications and modifications.

Proffitt discusses everything Land Cruiser, from LS swaps to paint jobs, and he shares who he thinks his biggest competition will be at the 2020 SEMA Show. Last year, AJ and Tanner Foust co-hosted the 2019 Battle of the Builders TV special, which appeared on FYI and History’s DRIVE Block and featured Proffitt, RJ DeVera (Meguiar’s) and Cam Miller (HS Customs) as judges for the competition.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more videos and builder interviews, and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss future episodes leading up to the 2020 SEMA Show.

For more details about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semabotb.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.

Sold through Bring a Trailer, the modified UTV was created as part of a unique program in which young industry professionals served as mentors for high school students. A group of dedicated students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts, located in Pomona, California, modified the UTV with more than a dozen custom parts and accessories, including custom paint, a fabricated light bar, upgraded performance exhaust and more.  

Fifty percent of the proceeds from the auction will go toward the SEMA Education Loan Forgiveness Program, while the other 50% will be donated to the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts to support the ongoing education of young people interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.

“We are very grateful to have been selected to participate in a program that has exposed our students to the various career paths available within the industry through hands-on-learning,” said Theresa Contreras, AXC automotive program specialist. “The vehicle’s proceeds will play a huge role in helping us expand our reach and continue to encourage our youth about the automotive hobbyist lifestyle.”

In addition to the guidance provided by YEN members, the build’s influence expanded beyond hands-on learning and instilled the participating students with the responsibility, punctuality and team-building skills necessary to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA YEN provides year-round various education and networking opportunities to the industry by helping cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket. For more information, visit SEMA YEN’s website.