By Ashley Reyes

Seven years ago, Jonathan Mill submitted a two-and-a-half-minute video, which helped him earn the title as the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad winner. A few years later, Mill went on to win the SEMA Gen-III Innovator award in front of thousands of industry peers at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, and he’s continued to push the boundaries of innovation both in media and business practices. In addition to working with some of the biggest names in the automotive space, Mill is an avid volunteer to the association has been credited with helping put together some of the most valuable education panels at the SEMA Show.

Join Mill in the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) Facebook page, September 1, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), as he shares personal stories and insights about launching a product into the marketplace, while walking attendees through aligning a product for market entry with a strong marketing strategy and channel partnerships. You’ll be able to ask questions and be inspired by Mill’s journey.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA announced today that it is offering an online marketplace to allow manufacturers and resellers in the specialty automotive segment to connect and conduct business. Taking place November 2-6, SEMA360 was created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show.

“Creating a platform where the industry can gather and discover new products and trends has always been a SEMA priority,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA360 is the ideal solution to bring the industry together, at a time when we’ve all been kept apart. The platform allows qualified buyers to interact with manufacturers, see innovative new products, check out top SEMA Show builds, and take in industry-leading educational offerings."

Show organizers gathered input from industry members who registered concerns with typical “virtual trade show” solutions. The result is SEMA360, a simplified platform where SEMA will help manufacturers create a straightforward brand presence that will reach quality domestic and international buyers. With a focus on helping the industry grow their businesses, participating resellers will have access to product offerings and demonstrations, and manufacturer personnel.

“The industry made it clear there is a void to fill,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA360 addresses that need by leveraging SEMA’s exclusive buyer database to connect manufacturers with resellers.”

Key features of SEMA360 include:

• A simplified platform for manufacturers to showcase their new products and innovations
• Efficient interaction between manufacturers and resellers for quality business exchange
• SEMA vehicle reveals from world-class builders
• Industry-leading education focused on professional development and new strategies
• SEMA’s unrivaled media contacts amplifying news, products, and innovations to a world-wide audience

Manufacturer applications for SEMA360 will open September 3, at a SEMA-member rate of $495, and a nonmember rate of $1,495. Attendee registration, which opens mid-September, will be free to qualifying buyers who are SEMA members, and $25 to non-members. Qualifying media will be able to register at no cost.

To learn more about the SEMA360 or to register, visit www.sema360.com.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA announced today that it is offering an online marketplace to allow manufacturers and resellers in the specialty automotive segment to connect and conduct business. Taking place November 2-6, SEMA360 was created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show.

“Creating a platform where the industry can gather and discover new products and trends has always been a SEMA priority,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. “SEMA360 is the ideal solution to bring the industry together, at a time when we’ve all been kept apart. The platform allows qualified buyers to interact with manufacturers, see innovative new products, check out top SEMA Show builds, and take in industry-leading educational offerings."

Show organizers gathered input from industry members who registered concerns with typical “virtual trade show” solutions. The result is SEMA360, a simplified platform where SEMA will help manufacturers create a straightforward brand presence that will reach quality domestic and international buyers. With a focus on helping the industry grow their businesses, participating resellers will have access to product offerings and demonstrations, and manufacturer personnel.

“The industry made it clear there is a void to fill,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “SEMA360 addresses that need by leveraging SEMA’s exclusive buyer database to connect manufacturers with resellers.”

Key features of SEMA360 include:

• A simplified platform for manufacturers to showcase their new products and innovations
• Efficient interaction between manufacturers and resellers for quality business exchange
• SEMA vehicle reveals from world-class builders
• Industry-leading education focused on professional development and new strategies
• SEMA’s unrivaled media contacts amplifying news, products, and innovations to a world-wide audience

Manufacturer applications for SEMA360 will open September 3, at a SEMA-member rate of $495, and a nonmember rate of $1,495. Attendee registration, which opens mid-September, will be free to qualifying buyers who are SEMA members, and $25 to non-members. Qualifying media will be able to register at no cost.

To learn more about the SEMA360 or to register, visit www.sema360.com.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Virginia Senate introduced SEMA-supported legislation (S.B. 5029), which includes provisions that would change certain traffic infractions from primary to secondary offenses. A secondary offense is one for which a citation can only be issued if the driver is stopped for another separate offense.

If passed, the following traffic infractions would be changed to secondary offenses: operating a motor vehicle without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual levels of noise, without a light illuminating a license plate or with certain sun-shading materials and tinting films.

For more information and to request support for this bill, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Virginia Senate introduced SEMA-supported legislation (S.B. 5029), which includes provisions that would change certain traffic infractions from primary to secondary offenses. A secondary offense is one for which a citation can only be issued if the driver is stopped for another separate offense.

If passed, the following traffic infractions would be changed to secondary offenses: operating a motor vehicle without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual levels of noise, without a light illuminating a license plate or with certain sun-shading materials and tinting films.

For more information and to request support for this bill, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Virginia Senate introduced SEMA-supported legislation (S.B. 5029), which includes provisions that would change certain traffic infractions from primary to secondary offenses. A secondary offense is one for which a citation can only be issued if the driver is stopped for another separate offense.

If passed, the following traffic infractions would be changed to secondary offenses: operating a motor vehicle without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual levels of noise, without a light illuminating a license plate or with certain sun-shading materials and tinting films.

For more information and to request support for this bill, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Virginia Senate introduced SEMA-supported legislation (S.B. 5029), which includes provisions that would change certain traffic infractions from primary to secondary offenses. A secondary offense is one for which a citation can only be issued if the driver is stopped for another separate offense.

If passed, the following traffic infractions would be changed to secondary offenses: operating a motor vehicle without an exhaust system that prevents excessive or unusual levels of noise, without a light illuminating a license plate or with certain sun-shading materials and tinting films.

For more information and to request support for this bill, visit the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website.

For details, contact Christian Robinson at stateleg@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) has named Josh Poulson of Auto Additions Inc. as this week’s council Volunteer Spotlight member. Poulson is the current PRO chair-elect and has been an active volunteer on the PRO Select Committee since 2012. His years of advocacy for restylers and manufacturers to have a voice in the industry earned him recognition as PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012 and SEMA PRO Person of the Year in 2015, and the council is pleased to spotlight him for his leadership and contributions to the industry.

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

Josh Poulson: I was 16 years old going to college and working part-time when a friend hired me into the business. I really never had a passion for cars but love the restyling business.

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

JP: I wanted to give back and have a voice in the industry. I felt the need to continue to grow in its “professionalization” and have learned so much. I have met some amazing, influential people who have guided me in my personal and professional life.

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

JP: Make sure you can think with your head and not just your heart. I see a lot of people get into the business because they have the passion but then end up not being successful because they thought too much with their heart.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

JP: Since I really am not that interested in vehicles, I don't think I have a dream vehicle. However, I do seem to like the electric-style trucks (except Tesla) coming out in the next few years. You would see me driving it around doing whatever needs done but enjoying my ride.

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

JP: Stay in your lane. Do what you do best with the products you carry and offer but also what you personally do best in the business. Hire others to complement with their skills.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JP: The great people and friends that I have met in the last 29 years. It would be my customers, my colleagues, my vendors and suppliers.  

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

JP: Relaxing and hanging out with my family, taking a nap or reading and studying on my iPad.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) has named Josh Poulson of Auto Additions Inc. as this week’s council Volunteer Spotlight member. Poulson is the current PRO chair-elect and has been an active volunteer on the PRO Select Committee since 2012. His years of advocacy for restylers and manufacturers to have a voice in the industry earned him recognition as PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012 and SEMA PRO Person of the Year in 2015, and the council is pleased to spotlight him for his leadership and contributions to the industry.

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

Josh Poulson: I was 16 years old going to college and working part-time when a friend hired me into the business. I really never had a passion for cars but love the restyling business.

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

JP: I wanted to give back and have a voice in the industry. I felt the need to continue to grow in its “professionalization” and have learned so much. I have met some amazing, influential people who have guided me in my personal and professional life.

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

JP: Make sure you can think with your head and not just your heart. I see a lot of people get into the business because they have the passion but then end up not being successful because they thought too much with their heart.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?    

JP: Since I really am not that interested in vehicles, I don't think I have a dream vehicle. However, I do seem to like the electric-style trucks (except Tesla) coming out in the next few years. You would see me driving it around doing whatever needs done but enjoying my ride.

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

JP: Stay in your lane. Do what you do best with the products you carry and offer but also what you personally do best in the business. Hire others to complement with their skills.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JP: The great people and friends that I have met in the last 29 years. It would be my customers, my colleagues, my vendors and suppliers.  

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

JP: Relaxing and hanging out with my family, taking a nap or reading and studying on my iPad.

By Ashley Reyes

Learn about the latest government lending programs and legislation helping businesses overcome the pandemic during next week’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” virtual session.

SEMA members are invited to learn about the latest government lending programs and legislation helping businesses overcome the pandemic and what decisions they can make now to set up their companies for long-term success during next week’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” virtual session at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

During “Beyond the Pandemic” on September 2, CPA and journalist Gene Marks will provide an update on government, state and local grant and lending programs, along with current and pending legislation for helping businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever before. Attendees will learn best practices and discover secrets that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees, and receive a current analysis of the presidential election and how each candidate’s economic policies will impact businesses over the next two years.  

Register today.

The session is the last in SEMA’s four-part “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series. Recorded sessions of previous webinars, and resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.