The 2022 election season is kicking into high gear in May with 14 states holding primary elections this month. Idaho, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon and Pennsylvania primaries will take place on Tuesday, May 17, and it’s essential to know which candidates support racing when going to the polls or voting early. For information on voting in the primary (including absentee and early voting), registering to vote and identifying your lawmakers and the candidates running in 2022, visit SEMA’s vote racing page.
The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), H.R. 3281 and S. 2736, enjoys strong support from Idaho, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon and Pennsylvania members of Congress. The bipartisan RPM Act guarantees the right to modify street cars, trucks, and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles and safeguards the industry’s right to offer parts that enable racers to compete. For more information on the RPM Act, click here.
Below is a list of federal lawmakers who have co-sponsored the RPM Act in the 2021–2022 session of Congress and are running for re-election in 2022.
Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show's Feature Vehicle Program.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.
Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying; vehicle image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.
When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.
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.
Territory Salesperson Bedrock Truck Beds is hiring a territory salesperson responsible for generating and increasing sales of Bedrock Truck Beds and other manufactured products in the assigned region. The ideal candidate will have a lean business background and be focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity and costs while simultaneously acquiring and maintaining an in-depth knowledge of products and services offered by company and competitors in the truck bed space. An undergraduate degree plus three years’ experience in B2B sales experience are required.
Senior Automotive Parts Buyer JEGS Automotive Inc. is hiring a senior automotive parts buyer responsible for evaluating new products from both new and existing vendors; negotiating pricing, payment terms, freight, stock adjustments and allowances/rebates; and growing sales in his/her assigned categories through maintaining the correct product assortment, competitive pricing, timely availability and creative marketing programs. This is a remote role, but you must be able to travel to our corporate headquarters periodically.
Product Specialist Enthusiast Auto Holdings is hiring a product specialistresponsible for the company’s catalog of products; ideation, onboarding, and merchandising of new products and brands; and providing product support to customer-facing teams. He/she will be responsible for gathering customer insights, needs and desires by talking to customers, conducting surveys, talking to sales reps and gathering insights from social sites and forums to offer compelling new products and optimizing the shopping experience for existing products. In addition, the product specialist will offer product support in-person, phones, chat and email for customer operations teams.
As part of SEMA’s commitment to inspire and help start-ups and aspiring companies succeed, the association hosts a product pitching competition known as Launch Pad. The competition is a unique opportunity that helps businesses and entrepreneurs introduce new automotive-related products to the marketplace. Here are five great benefits to submitting a Launch Pad application at www.sema.org/launchpad.
The SEMA Launch Pad competition is a unique opportunity that helps businesses and entrepreneurs introduce new automotive-related products to the marketplace.
1. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime
Many entrepreneurs dream of going to the SEMA Show. After pouring their passion into creating a product that enhances how enthusiasts customize their vehicles, it’s their goal to ultimately share that innovation with the world.
Fifteen semifinalists will win a complimentary booth to exhibit their product at the 2022 SEMA Show. As the industry's most anticipated in-person business event, showcasing a product at the SEMA Show is a brilliant way to reach thousands of potential buyers and business partners from all over the world.
2. Engage with key industry influencers
The competition is the “Shark Tank” of the specialty-equipment industry. Participants share their inventions with industry leaders serving as judges, in hopes of convincing them that their product has what it takes to change the course of automotive history. Judges provide candid feedback and guidance, which can be leveraged to enhance a competitors’ product innovation and improve their go-to-market strategy.
3. Increased product exposure
Exposure of participants’ new products will be promoted on SEMA websites, social media and in online and print publications for the duration of the competition. By bringing emerging inventors to the forefront, SEMA Launch Pad participants gain product exposure that will help them take their new creations to the next level.
4. Opportunity to fill an existing need in the automotive aftermarket
Whether the product aims to make a vehicle go faster, operate safer or look cooler, any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry can enter. Past products selected for SEMA Launch Pad have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, safety, restyling, wheel and tire, and truck and off-road.
5. Chance to win grand prize-package valued up to $92,000
The top five candidates will pitch their business ideas on stage to a panel of judges at the 2022 SEMA Show, where the ultimate winner will be selected. First place winner will receive a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, which includes a $75,000 cash prize to be used for the benefit for their business.
SEMA Launch Pad is the premier product-pitching competition for budding entrepreneurs in the automotive aftermarket industry and is open to business owners or company-leading executives (president, CEO, CFO, COO, or vice president) over the age of 18. Applicants must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept, or currently for sale.
Applications to participate in SEMA Launch Pad must be submitted online at www.sema.org/launchpad by June 13.
The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) named IDIDIT LLC as the council’s latest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, company general manager Trever Cornwell shares IDIDIT’s breakthrough moment and current projects.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?
Trever Cornwell: IDIDIT manufactures American-made steering columns, accessories and engineered products for the hot-rod, performance and custom vehicle market. We supply commercial, niche production and electric vehicle manufacturers. Our company is based in Tecumseh, Michigan, and has been in business since 1986.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
TC: We pride ourselves on the amount of U.S.-sourced components we use to manufacture our products. Our raw materials are sourced from local mills and the vast majority of our suppliers are based within a 500-mile radius of our factory. We also are extremely proud of the level of quality we put into our product. When we build a column, we don’t know if it’s being used in a million-dollar custom build or someone who’s upgrading their car in their own garage. They all receive the same level of attention to detail and our customers are happy to tell us that there’s a difference when you buy an IDIDIT product. We also staff a full-time sales and tech department so that there’s always someone to answer the phone and help when needed.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022 and what projects are you working on?
TC: We have had incredible growth the past two years and we have been focusing on increasing productivity and throughput. In 2020 we expanded our engineering department to focus on new product development and have several products that we are finalizing development of that we hope will be ready to share later this year. Aside from our production goals we are looking forward to returning to the show circuit and meeting with customers face to face.
SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.
TC: A project I am proud of is our revised steering column ignition that we rolled out last year. Our ignition is different in that it does not use the clunky OEM mechanisms which are prone to failure and just plain ugly. IDIDIT columns have an ignition switch that is of our own design and uses a military-grade switch located internally in the column so that all wiring is hidden and results in a cleaner appearing steering column. This updated design features a more refined mechanism with better detents and return spring. We’ve also updated several of the manufacturing techniques that makes a more rigid assembly with CNC-machined billet ignition pods and internally welded components that make it extremely durable and attractive. This is the result of three years of development to improve the previous design.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
TC: Don’t hesitate and just get involved. I started my career at a large OEM automotive supplier but had a desire to work in the aftermarket. I started building my own cars and trucks as soon as I could drive. What started out as cosmetic upgrades eventually grew into converting engines to fuel injection, adding turbos and superchargers before you could buy those things off the internet. Eventually people asked me to do work for them, doing upgrades, rewiring and modifying cars as a side gig. That lead to other opportunities with companies in the aftermarket world.
Someone who is willing to do the work and get their hands dirty and learn a new skill is sure to be rewarded with a fulfilling career. Many of the people I work with in the aftermarket industry tell me that they are working their dream job—myself included. This is a great industry to be involved with; don’t hesitate to start building something on your own. You’ll make mistakes, but that’s how you learn something new.
Fill out an HRIA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the hot-rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s and media, SEMA News and future HRIA-member updates.
The Off-Road Business Association (ORBA) is the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest member spotlight company. In this week’s feature, company operations manager Alexis Nelson shares ORBA’s breakthrough moment and current projects.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did it start?
Alexis Nelson: In 2001, a group of 10 business owners representing the off-road industry joined together because they wanted to take the grassroots and volunteer efforts to the next level of protecting Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) access in the California desert. This group wanted to enhance these efforts while financially supporting professional staff dedicated to fighting desert closures included in the West Mojave Plan. The goal was to have a combination of legal representation at the State Capitol, lobbyists, allies in motorized recreation and land-use advocates in a coordinated effort to keep closures from spreading not only in the region but across the country. That is how the ORBA was created.
Twenty years later, ORBA continues to operate as a trade-based organization, creating and following a business paradigm unlike other nonprofits in organized recreation. ORBA is an innovative leader providing professional trail advocacy for motorized access and directing the future of OHV. ORBA influences policy and implements change with congressional lobbying and the ability to work cohesively through partnerships.
SEMA: What was your company’s breakthrough moment?
AN: ORBA was instrumental in many breakthroughs in keeping areas open for off-road use; however, the pinnacle of breakthroughs happened in Johnson Valley where legislation action prevailed. Johnson Valley offers the largest open riding area in the United States. What this means is that there are no travel restrictions or designated routes that must be followed. It is truly the off-road mecca!
While Johnson Valley is popular among the off-road community, it is also where the United States military trains for warfare exercises due to the expansive and inhabited terrain. Rather that draw a decisive line in the sand relinquishing the all-or-nothing approach, the off-road community joined forces to propose a shared-use concept. The idea keeps Johnson Valley open to off-road use while accommodating the military’s training needs—understanding that off-road recreation can continue to exist when the military is not actively training during designated times of the year. The agreement was solidified into legislation under the National Defense Authorization Act, signed by President Obama in 2015.
Consequently, this process led to other congressionally delegated OHV areas across the country.
The learning experience was about collaboration and developing a solution that works for all parties. What we also learned is how to obtain congressional protection for these designated OHV areas. This level of designation has the same protection and power of wilderness areas so we can focus our efforts on continual access in other important places.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022 and projects that you are working on.
AN: This year, ORBA is celebrating 21 years and continues to grow and thrive. ORBA was part of creating an organization called One Voice. One Voice is dedicated to connecting the many aspects of off-road recreation under a united voice. Recently, ORBA create a non-profit 501(c)(3) Foundation under One Voice. The focus of the foundation is to connect with other recreational groups and enthusiasts outside of the off-road umbrella. The outreach includes overlanding, sportsmen, mountain biking and camping to name a few.
The UTV Impact Campaign will be launching soon. UTV Impact is a program designed to address the impact OHV riders are having on public trails and with other trail users. The OHV community is teaming up with ORBA, One Voice, Tread Lightly! and Industry to share simple ways we can do our part to keep public trails and riding areas open for the future.
Another important project ORBA is working on is keeping Oceano Dunes open to OHV use. All too often the OHV community is faced with closure issues and protecting access requires litigation. It’s not where we want to operate; however, litigation is what it takes to continue the fight for OHV access. ORBA feels strongly that rules and laws need to be followed and with the Oceano Dunes situation, unelected commissions have been stepping outside of their authority.
SEMA: Tell us about a product of yours which you are most proud.
AN: ORBA is about building relationships and creating plans and processes through collaboration. While ORBA does not provide physical products, ORBA is very proud of our team. The diversity, talent, and success of the ORBA board of directors, ORBA professional staff and our important and valued partners, such as SEMA, is what makes ORBA what it is today. Our direction continues to stem from the founding principles of connecting enthusiasts, grassroots and industry through shared vision, value, and passion for off-road.
This has been accomplished by building relationships through trust, respect, follow-through and getting the job done. ORBA utilizes a transparent and strategic process when it comes to resolving issues by looking through the lens of identifying and mobilizing the right people at the right time.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
AN: This is a fun, fast-paced and dynamic environment where everyone is connected. Networking, team and relationship building are important to the success of any business. We need this generation to continue to advocate for responsible off-road recreation.
Fill out an TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.
SEMA Industry Sales Director Becca Butler talks booth space selection, live floorplan and the "Road to SEMA" with Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso.
The 2022 SEMA Show is scheduled for Tuesday–Friday, November 1–4, in Las Vegas. For companies that missed the deadline to participate in the priority space selection, don't worry...there's still time to secure a spot, head to www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.
Also, attendee registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is officially open. To secure credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show visit www.semashow.com/register.
And finally, don't forget to book your accommodations in Vegas. Visit SEMA's official hotel block for a complete list of all the properties available, the prices, distance from Show and more. To ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set.
For all the latest updates on the 2022 SEMA Show, including can't miss attractions, floorplan updates, registration and more it's all just a click away—www.SEMAShow.com.
The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named Classic Restorations of Southern Indiana as the council’s latest member spotlight company.
Get to know the company’s story and breakthrough moment in SEMA’s interview with company owner Dustin Foust.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?
Dustin Foust: We opened January 1, 1991. My dad (Pat) started and previously had worked at collision shops and a couple restoration shops, and determined that he was tired of doing the work for someone else. Pat started a project for a customer on the side and the customer had a vacant building so Pat entered into a rent. From there he never looked back. I worked part-time through high school and college and joined full-time in 2010, and became equal partners in the business in 2011. Today, Classic Restorations has three full-time employees and two part-time.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
DF: We were always busy but probably the build that put us on the national stage was a ’70 Fastback Mustang. We did a complete Resto Mod/Big Block, 5-speed, and so on, and took the car to several shows in 2009. The car was featured on the cover of Modified Mustang & Ford magazine and won several Best of Show awards. From there we were getting work from all over.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022 and projects that you are working on.
DF: We have a big build ongoing for the past several years, which I can’t provide any pictures. This is a big job for us. We have the following that are just wrapping up:
’66 Corvette Coupe: Ground-up NCRS restoration.
’56 Ford Thunderbird: The owner’s grandpa bought it new after qualifying for the Indy 500 the same year. The father started the restoration at another shop but was never completed, and the grandson brought it to us as a finished shell, and we are in the process of completing the complete frame-off restoration.
’76 Buick Electra 225: The owner’s grandma bought it new and it was left to him, 32,000 original miles, had sat for 20-plus years, and brought it to us to get back on the road and all cleaned up.
’66 Chevelle SS: Ground up pro-touring build. We are doing everything but paint.
’56 Chevy Bel Air: Insurance job after a front-end collision.
SEMA: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.
DF: That is a difficult question to answer as we are proud of every build we complete and strive the make the next one better than the last.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket, particularly in the restoration segment?
DF: There is no substitute for hard work. Listen, learn and get your hands dirty. The elders in the business can offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most are more than willing to share. This will keep our industry strong.
Fill out an ARMO member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on ARMO’s social media, SEMA News and future ARMO member updates.
Trans Am Worldwide (TAW) of Tallahassee, Florida, has announced the release of its newest model, the 70/SS. This modern-day version of the ’70 Chevelle Super Sport goes on sale to the public Saturday, May 14, 2022. The release marks the fourth of its kind for the team at Worldwide, best known for their role in “The Bandit Edition” Trans Am, signed by the late Burt Reynolds. There will be three trim and four performance packages available. All cars are built in convertible drag with an optional removable hardtop. The entry-level performer starts with GM’S LT-1 450hp 6.2L and tops out with TAW’s LS6/X 454 option—a streetable 1,500+ rear-wheel-horsepower musclecar, limited to only 25 units. Trans Am Worldwide will also offer a 396 performance option. All cars will be available in manual or automatic. For the purists, there will be heritage colors to choose from, and those who prefer something more vibrant can choose from several modern tri-stage custom colors. The 70/SS model will start at $150,000.
Marion Parkes
AirSept Selects Marion Parkes as Procurement Manager
AirSept has announced the addition of Marion Parkes as the company’s new procurement manager. Parkes is responsible for both direct and indirect strategic sourcing strategies and processes and will oversee the establishment of best practices for procure-to-pay processes for all transactions. She also manages all vendor relationships and contractual KPIs and metrics to ensure product pricing, discounts and rebates are properly applied.
Parkes has more than 20 years of experience in supply-chain management and retail disciplines and is proficient in Dynamics, D365, Manhattan Inventory Optimization and Scorecard Management. She is based at AirSept’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta.
Parkes was formerly purchasing manager for Genuine Parts Company, where she was responsible for purchasing and inventory of more than $300 million of finished goods at five hubs supporting 57 NAPA distribution centers. She has extensive experience in under car and heavy-duty product categories. As the lead on the NAPA inventory steering committee, she was adept at improving inventory turns, spend, profit and service levels while also making recommendations on purchasing policies, product quality, process improvement and vendor collaboration.
Team Allied Distribution Acquires Indy Exhaust Products
Team Allied Distribution—the wholesale distributor of exhaust, performance, and accessories based in Benicia, California—has announced the acquisition of Indy Exhaust Products in Indianapolis. Team Allied Distribution is a 100% employee-owned company with more than 200 employees across 21 warehouse facilities in the western and mid-western United States. Indy Exhaust Products specializes in the distribution of automotive exhaust and radiator components, including mufflers, pipes, exhaust tips, catalytic converters, hydraulic pipe benders, tools, accessories and more. Its distribution network covers Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky. For more information, visit team-allied.com and indyexhaust.com.
Dave Kindig
Dynamat Inc. Announces Partnership With Kindig-It Design
Dynamat Inc. has announced a partnership with Kindig-It Design and Dave Kindig, the star of Motor Trend TV’s “Bitchin’ Rides.” Kindig offers start-to-finish builds for custom vehicles, known as Restomods.
“We’re really excited about this partnership, everyone knows the Dynamat name—they are the verb in the industry, and deservedly so,” Kindig said. ”They created the market and paved the way for the sound deadening industry, going back more than 30 years. Dynamat is known for delivering the highest quality products which aligns with the same vision that we have, here at Kindig-It Design.”
John Concialdi Leaves AEM, Joins Advanced Engineering and Design
John “JC” Concialdi, the founder of AEM Performance Electronics, has announced his retirement from the racing electronics manufacturing company based in Hawthorne, California. He moves to a new position as president of Advanced Engineering and Design, the freelance engineering and design company in Murrieta, California.
“I am the founder of AEM Performance Electronics, and 35 years into it, we sold to Holley Performance Products. While they have been good to work with, it’s time to start something new,” Concialdi said in a LinkedIn post. “The employees at AEM through the years are rock stars, especially the ones there today. The talent pool...is unmatchable. I could not have asked for a better business partner in (AEM CEO) Greg Neuwirth. Seriously, I could go down the entire list of employees at AEM, and there is just one amazing person after another. I love them all as if they are family.”
EQ Systems Announces Move to Cassopolis, Michigan
EQ United—the logistics provider and manufacturer of components for motorsports trailers and more markets—and its manufacturing operations, EQ Systems, have announced a move to Cassopolis, Michigan.
“We are eager to become a part of the local community and landscape, provide a great place to work, and a strong partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC),” EQ United COO Jason Loose said. “We are striving for more in-house manufacturing, and currently, we are working on doubling our cylinder manufacturing and producing wire harnesses and battery cables for many outside markets.”
The new location is four miles from the Indiana state line and is about 30 minutes from Elkhart, Indiana, where EQ United’s EQ Logistics is based. For more information, visit eqsystems.us.
Alessandra “Ali” Holmes
Torqued Distribution Adds Alessandra Holmes to Sales Team
Torqued Distribution, the motorsports and automotive performance warehouse distributor based in South San Francisco, has announced Alessandra “Ali” Holmes has joined the company in a senior sales role. Prior, Holmes was with Turn 14 Distribution based in Horsham, Pennsylvania, for more than six years. She held various positions, including senior sales specialist (European), new account sales specialist, and senior customer service representative. Holmes is an avid auto enthusiast who has owned eight Volkswagen cars, including a Jazz Blue 20th Anniversary Edition Golf GTI and an MK4-based Golf R32.
NGK Spark Plugs Announces Executive Changes
NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) has announced changes within its executive team, including the appointment of four individuals. Clair Stewart II has joined the company as vice president of supply-chain management, where he will be responsible for procurement, materials, packaging and logistics. Before, Stewart was employed by Autokiniton Global Group for more than 15 years, where he most recently served as vice president of the supply chain.
Mark Pratt has been promoted to director of supply-chain management, where he will be responsible for planning and fulfillment operations. Pratt was previously the general manager of the supply chain and has been with NGK Spark Plugs for 28 years.
Jeff Desveaux has been promoted to general manager of strategic growth and partnerships. In this newly created role, Desveaux will be responsible for creating, sourcing and developing new business opportunities. He began his career with NGK Spark Plugs Canada in 2003 and most recently was general manager of NGK Spark Plugs Canada.
Richard Ebert joins NGK Spark Plugs as general manager of finance, filling a recently vacated position. He will be responsible for financial reporting, corporate accounting, accounts receivable and payables administration, financial planning and analysis, and manufacturing operations finance. Prior, Ebert held financial roles of increasing responsibility with Johnson Controls and Amcor, where he served as manufacturing finance director.
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.
Trans Am Worldwide Announces Release of 70/SS
