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 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 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 SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Counter/Phone Salesperson
SoCal SuperTrucks is seeking a full-time customer service/sales associate responsible for walk-in, phone and eCommerce sales inquiries as well as outgoing calls and emails to current and potential wholesale clients. Consumer sales experience in a retail environment and knowledge of trucks, Jeeps and off-road vehicles are required.

Classic Musclecar Builder
City Classic Cars is seeking a highly experienced performance fabricator of restomods, hot rods, street rods and performance race cars. The company has decided to expand its team to include those who have been displaced due to COVID-19 pandemic. Qualified candidates should have professional prior experience in a restoration/hot-rod shop (15+ years), be dependable, think outside the box and have their own tools.

President of Private Brands
Aftermarket Performance Group (APG) is seeking a president with the vision to capitalize on market opportunities. In this role, the president will provide the experience, vision, and leadership needed to drive sales and profitability growth in the core sports-compact market while expanding into other automotive segments across APG, such as light truck and Jeep with engineered performance products. This position will report to the CEO and will have a high degree of board visibility and interaction. The position will be located in either Minneapolis or Salt Lake City, with frequent travel to the other location.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Education Webinar: “Pushing Ahead with Change While Barriers Are Down,” May 19, 2020
• SEMA Webinar: Everything You Need to Know About the Paycheck Protection Program, May 21, 2020
• SEMA Education Webinar: “Engaging and Re-engaging Your Most Important Audiences,” May 26, 2020
• 2020 Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 10, 2020
• 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 24–25, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• 2020 SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2020, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRI Trade Show, December 10–12, 2020, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• N-FAB
• ProRYDE Suspension Systems
• Royal Purple
• Rugged Off Road
• Sherwood Innovations Inc.
• Supreme Suspensions
• Tough Country
• Tuffy Security
• Undercover LUX
• Voodoo 13

It’s not too late to apply for a 2020 SEMA Show booth. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit at the SEMA Show. To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Simply click the buttons to the left to see the products and services available. 

It’s not too late to apply for a 2020 SEMA Show booth. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit at the SEMA Show. To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Simply click the buttons to the left to see the products and services available. 

By Ashley Reyes

Joel Ayres

This week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Volunteer Spotlight Member is Joel Ayres of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF).

As TORA's most recent Hall of Fame award winner, Ayres is recognized for his many leadership roles within the industry and active volunteerism within the community, where he dedicates much of his time to multiple education outlets and youth outreach programs. His prior leadership roles include serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, past chairman of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Committee, and founder and first chairman of SEMA Cares.

It’s members like Ayres who keep the industry strong. Get to know more about Ayres 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?

Joel Ayres: I grew up in a car enthusiast family. An older brother who was a race car driver, another older brother who collected and restored classic cars, a family who attended races each Sunday night and finally a father who started one of the first fiberglass truck cap companies in the United States. I worked for the company during high school and college summers before joining the family business full-time.

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

JA: I served on the first SEMA Truck Cap Industry Association (TCIA) board and encouraged truck cap members to make us stronger by embracing the accessory manufacturers. TCIA later became the Truck Cap and Accessory Alliance (TCAA), and while on the SEMA Board, I encouraged the name change to the SEMA Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) to recognize our entire segment at that time. Regardless of the group’s name, which recently changed to TORA to acknowledge off-road members, the council has impacted my professional career, friendships and my desire to make a difference through charitable efforts.

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

JA: Get involved in associations and events. Whether it's TORA, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) or any other council or network, raise your hand and volunteer, it’s one of the best things you can do for your career. You will meet peers, mentors and others who can help you as you grow professionally and as a person. Remember to give back and pay it forward. It is important to help others along the way in life.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

JA: I have driven every model, including El Camino, Ranchero, LUV, Scout Terra, Subaru Brat, Dodge Rampage, Suzuki and VW Rabbit (yes, Volkswagen made a truck). The ’73 Chevy 427 was fun for speed. But my favorites were Tacoma four-wheels. I had three. I like the outdoors, especially the golf course. When I was with LEER, I drove a Tacoma we did with Callaway Golf, complete with the Callaway plaid interior and golf bag carrier on a BEDSLIDE.

By Ashley Reyes

Joel Ayres

This week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Volunteer Spotlight Member is Joel Ayres of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF).

As TORA's most recent Hall of Fame award winner, Ayres is recognized for his many leadership roles within the industry and active volunteerism within the community, where he dedicates much of his time to multiple education outlets and youth outreach programs. His prior leadership roles include serving on the SEMA Board of Directors, past chairman of the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Committee, and founder and first chairman of SEMA Cares.

It’s members like Ayres who keep the industry strong. Get to know more about Ayres 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?

Joel Ayres: I grew up in a car enthusiast family. An older brother who was a race car driver, another older brother who collected and restored classic cars, a family who attended races each Sunday night and finally a father who started one of the first fiberglass truck cap companies in the United States. I worked for the company during high school and college summers before joining the family business full-time.

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

JA: I served on the first SEMA Truck Cap Industry Association (TCIA) board and encouraged truck cap members to make us stronger by embracing the accessory manufacturers. TCIA later became the Truck Cap and Accessory Alliance (TCAA), and while on the SEMA Board, I encouraged the name change to the SEMA Light Truck Accessory Alliance (LTAA) to recognize our entire segment at that time. Regardless of the group’s name, which recently changed to TORA to acknowledge off-road members, the council has impacted my professional career, friendships and my desire to make a difference through charitable efforts.

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

JA: Get involved in associations and events. Whether it's TORA, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) or any other council or network, raise your hand and volunteer, it’s one of the best things you can do for your career. You will meet peers, mentors and others who can help you as you grow professionally and as a person. Remember to give back and pay it forward. It is important to help others along the way in life.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would you take that vehicle on any weekend?

JA: I have driven every model, including El Camino, Ranchero, LUV, Scout Terra, Subaru Brat, Dodge Rampage, Suzuki and VW Rabbit (yes, Volkswagen made a truck). The ’73 Chevy 427 was fun for speed. But my favorites were Tacoma four-wheels. I had three. I like the outdoors, especially the golf course. When I was with LEER, I drove a Tacoma we did with Callaway Golf, complete with the Callaway plaid interior and golf bag carrier on a BEDSLIDE.

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