By Ashley Reyes

Jason Sakurai

This week’s SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) Volunteer Spotlight features Jason Sakurai of Roadhouse Marketing. Awarded TORA Influencer of the Year at last year’s SEMA Show, Sakurai contributes to the council as an automotive journalist, focusing 100% on trucks, SUVs and off-road vehicles.

Sakurai has been an editor and contributor to automotive enthusiast titles in various print and online publications. His insights into the auto industry can be found in business publications and feature stories for enthusiast magazines both in the United States and abroad. It’s volunteers like Jason who help keep the industry and SEMA members informed and connected.

Find out what advice Sakurai has for TORA members:

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

Jason Sakurai: I've been involved with trucks since I worked at Four Wheeler with John Stewart, Peter MacGillivray, Stuart Bourdon, Bruce Smith, Jimmy Nylund and the Wescotts. Who wouldn't be inspired among all that creative energy?

I worked with Off Road Industry magazine, did PR for Transamerican Manufacturing Group and for Rigid Industries, and I continue to work in this segment of the industry because it suits my lifestyle.

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

JS: Having helped create a committee that became a SEMA council, and then as that council’s chairman, I was deeply involved. When I wanted to re-engage, TORA was the best fit, a forward-thinking group that's not only good for my business, but it has also provided an opportunity to give back to our industry. I like getting more companies involved, growing our network and seeing everyone succeed.

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

JS: Hone your skills, whether you're a welder making sliders or a salesperson moving wheels and tires. Follow the example of industry leaders, pay attention to what they do that makes a difference and incorporate it into what you're doing. Innovation is important, but so is consistency and integrity. Be kind, work well with others and help out when you can.

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

JS: My dream rig? It changes from something new like a Tacoma or Ranger, to an old FJ with an updated drivetrain. On any weekend, you’ll find me either on a trail somewhere or at an event.

By Gavin Knapp

Between April 1–7, 2020, SEMA conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people employed in the specialty-equipment industry. While this is a difficult time for all aspects of our industry, manufacturers and retailers in the specialty-equipment market continue to persevere and do business.

Manufacturers and retailers are maintaining a positive outlook on the situation, with the vast majority believing that their businesses will get through this short-term impact.

Most manufacturing facilities and retail stores remain open across the country. Nearly three-quarters of manufacturers and retailers have not closed any of their sites during this time.

Despite being open, overall manufacturer and retail sales have been affected. The initial shock has been harder for retailers, as consumers have remained at home because of lockdown procedures. This may only be felt short-term and should improve as consumers become more confident and the country begins to open up.

By Gavin Knapp

Between April 1–7, 2020, SEMA conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people employed in the specialty-equipment industry. While this is a difficult time for all aspects of our industry, manufacturers and retailers in the specialty-equipment market continue to persevere and do business.

Manufacturers and retailers are maintaining a positive outlook on the situation, with the vast majority believing that their businesses will get through this short-term impact.

Most manufacturing facilities and retail stores remain open across the country. Nearly three-quarters of manufacturers and retailers have not closed any of their sites during this time.

Despite being open, overall manufacturer and retail sales have been affected. The initial shock has been harder for retailers, as consumers have remained at home because of lockdown procedures. This may only be felt short-term and should improve as consumers become more confident and the country begins to open up.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) is the longtime U.S. Senate co-chair of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. For him, turning wrenches is all about one thing—family. When he’s not in Washington, D.C., Sen. Tester and his son, Shon, can be found on their family’s Montana farm working on one of their many collector cars. Included in their collection is a Ford Model T, Ford Model A, ’38 Chevy, ’48–’53 Willy’s Jeep, ’56 Buick Century, ’55 Chevy Stepside pickup and ’70 Buick Electra. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. 

Watch the video below to learn more about Senator Tester, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) is the longtime U.S. Senate co-chair of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. For him, turning wrenches is all about one thing—family. When he’s not in Washington, D.C., Sen. Tester and his son, Shon, can be found on their family’s Montana farm working on one of their many collector cars. Included in their collection is a Ford Model T, Ford Model A, ’38 Chevy, ’48–’53 Willy’s Jeep, ’56 Buick Century, ’55 Chevy Stepside pickup and ’70 Buick Electra. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. 

Watch the video below to learn more about Senator Tester, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) is the longtime U.S. Senate co-chair of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. For him, turning wrenches is all about one thing—family. When he’s not in Washington, D.C., Sen. Tester and his son, Shon, can be found on their family’s Montana farm working on one of their many collector cars. Included in their collection is a Ford Model T, Ford Model A, ’38 Chevy, ’48–’53 Willy’s Jeep, ’56 Buick Century, ’55 Chevy Stepside pickup and ’70 Buick Electra. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. 

Watch the video below to learn more about Senator Tester, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) is the longtime U.S. Senate co-chair of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. For him, turning wrenches is all about one thing—family. When he’s not in Washington, D.C., Sen. Tester and his son, Shon, can be found on their family’s Montana farm working on one of their many collector cars. Included in their collection is a Ford Model T, Ford Model A, ’38 Chevy, ’48–’53 Willy’s Jeep, ’56 Buick Century, ’55 Chevy Stepside pickup and ’70 Buick Electra. Find out more information on the SEMA Action Network (SAN) website. 

Watch the video below to learn more about Senator Tester, an advocate for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act. Send a letter asking your legislator to support the RPM Act and protect the future of motorsports.

By Gavin Knapp

Between April 1–7, 2020, SEMA conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people employed in the specialty-equipment industry. The results show that even in these difficult times, our industry is resilient and working diligently to move past this disruption.

Most businesses in the industry are maintaining a positive outlook, as 87% responded that they are “impacted short-term, but will get through it” or are “business as usual.”

Even with “shelter in place” rules in effect in many states, most industry facilities remain open under the “essential” business designations.  Two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their sites during this time.

More than half of the industry’s employees continue to work from the company site, as the large number of production, technical, logistical, and retail positions can only be done at the jobsite. The strength of the industry is shown in the finding that 82% of employees are still on the job at their worksite or from home.

While most businesses remain open, overall sales this month have been affected by the situation. Compared to this month last year, companies are reporting current sales ranging from somewhat higher to down 20%, (34% of responses), down 30% to 40% (21% of responses), to down more than 40% (33% of responses).

For more information on the results of the survey, contact Gavin Knapp, director, SEMA Market Research, at gavink@sema.org.

By Gavin Knapp

Between April 1–7, 2020, SEMA conducted a survey of more than 2,000 people employed in the specialty-equipment industry. The results show that even in these difficult times, our industry is resilient and working diligently to move past this disruption.

Most businesses in the industry are maintaining a positive outlook, as 87% responded that they are “impacted short-term, but will get through it” or are “business as usual.”

Even with “shelter in place” rules in effect in many states, most industry facilities remain open under the “essential” business designations.  Two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their sites during this time.

More than half of the industry’s employees continue to work from the company site, as the large number of production, technical, logistical, and retail positions can only be done at the jobsite. The strength of the industry is shown in the finding that 82% of employees are still on the job at their worksite or from home.

While most businesses remain open, overall sales this month have been affected by the situation. Compared to this month last year, companies are reporting current sales ranging from somewhat higher to down 20%, (34% of responses), down 30% to 40% (21% of responses), to down more than 40% (33% of responses).

For more information on the results of the survey, contact Gavin Knapp, director, SEMA Market Research, at gavink@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. The program, which encourages skilled trades education in American public high schools, will give away more than $1 million in prize awards to 18 teachers and their respective programs.

Twelve automotive teachers have been awarded the prize over the past three years, fostering an exciting future for the aftermarket industry. Instructors of transportation mechanics and high-school shop classes are encouraged to apply.

“Harbor Freight Tools for Schools aims to stimulate a greater understanding, support and investment in skilled trades education,” said Scott Springer, Educational Consultant at Harbor Freight Tools for Schools. “This award will help provide quality education to high school students while paving a pathway to opportunity, good jobs and a workforce for our country’s needs.”

Applications should reflect a strong evidence of past teaching success and future innovation, thoughtful and in-depth answers, and inspirational storytelling.

Three grand prize winners will receive $100,000, and 15 winners will receive $50,000, with awards to be shared between the winning skilled trades program and the teacher or team.

The deadline to apply is May 13. Finalists will be announced in July followed by the announcement of the winners in October.

To learn more, visit the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools website. Watch the video below with instructions on how to apply for the prize: