By SEMA Editors
Presenter Gene Marks of The Marks Group and a SEMA-member panelist group representing manufacturing, retail and distribution share candid insights and strategies on the impacts of COVID-19 for individuals and businesses. Guests include Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers; Jon Pulli, CEO, Turn 14 Distribution; and Tyler Copenhaver, managing director, Apex Custom LLC.
By SEMA Editors
Presenter Gene Marks of The Marks Group and a SEMA-member panelist group representing manufacturing, retail and distribution share candid insights and strategies on the impacts of COVID-19 for individuals and businesses. Guests include Kim Pendergast, CEO, Magnuson Superchargers; Jon Pulli, CEO, Turn 14 Distribution; and Tyler Copenhaver, managing director, Apex Custom LLC.
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued two memos providing guidance to employers on the use of face coverings for workers. Recognizing that the federal government has encouraged non-healthcare employers to donate N-95 respirators to healthcare workers, OSHA is giving employers limited relief from OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the first memo gives employers relief to extend the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators and to permit the reuse of them. The second memo allows employers in certain circumstances to use respirators approved by other countries when a NIOSH-approved respirator is unavailable.
In related news, on April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This recommended practice is in addition to maintaining 6-ft. social distancing. The simple cloth face coverings may be made from common materials and are not to be surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued two memos providing guidance to employers on the use of face coverings for workers. Recognizing that the federal government has encouraged non-healthcare employers to donate N-95 respirators to healthcare workers, OSHA is giving employers limited relief from OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the first memo gives employers relief to extend the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators and to permit the reuse of them. The second memo allows employers in certain circumstances to use respirators approved by other countries when a NIOSH-approved respirator is unavailable.
In related news, on April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This recommended practice is in addition to maintaining 6-ft. social distancing. The simple cloth face coverings may be made from common materials and are not to be surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued two memos providing guidance to employers on the use of face coverings for workers. Recognizing that the federal government has encouraged non-healthcare employers to donate N-95 respirators to healthcare workers, OSHA is giving employers limited relief from OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard during the COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the first memo gives employers relief to extend the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators and to permit the reuse of them. The second memo allows employers in certain circumstances to use respirators approved by other countries when a NIOSH-approved respirator is unavailable.
In related news, on April 4, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This recommended practice is in addition to maintaining 6-ft. social distancing. The simple cloth face coverings may be made from common materials and are not to be surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.
By Ashley Reyes
A new video featuring Brittany and Kevin Williams of LiteBrite Studios at the 2019 SEMA Show is now available. Direct from the SEMA Show STAGE, the featured episode offers viewers the chance to get to know the social media influencers who have amassed more than 103,000 followers on their Instagram account and 113,000 subscribers on their YouTube account.
In addition to their extreme Jeep Driving YouTube Channel, Brittany and Kevin hold careers as professional drifters. Get to know their story as they share their insight on creating a dedicated YouTube following, how to monetize social media channels, and the importance of finding your niche and what you are passionate about.
“You definitely have to do something that you love, that you enjoy and you have to be able to be yourself while you do it,” said Brittany. “If you’re fake on camera, people feel it. And if you’re genuinely having fun, that type of excitement is insanely contagious.”
Additional talking points include their experience on joining the Netflix show “Hyperdrive,” how to overcome your fears by taking risks and creating a mindset capable of reaching your dreams.
“That’s what living your life to the fullest is; when you see an opportunity, always seizing, no matter how small or big, just taking it,” said Kevin. “Because you never know who you are going to meet.”
In addition to her past experiences, Brittany also shares advice for women pursuing a career in motorsports and the benefits of listening to industry experts and seeking a mentor.
“Mentors can have such a positive impact in terms of success and your entire life,” said Brittany. “What’s amazing is finding a mentor is so much easier than people think; the only thing is that you cannot be afraid to ask the question in the first place.”
Check out Brittany and Kevin’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.
By Ashley Reyes
A new video featuring Brittany and Kevin Williams of LiteBrite Studios at the 2019 SEMA Show is now available. Direct from the SEMA Show STAGE, the featured episode offers viewers the chance to get to know the social media influencers who have amassed more than 103,000 followers on their Instagram account and 113,000 subscribers on their YouTube account.
In addition to their extreme Jeep Driving YouTube Channel, Brittany and Kevin hold careers as professional drifters. Get to know their story as they share their insight on creating a dedicated YouTube following, how to monetize social media channels, and the importance of finding your niche and what you are passionate about.
“You definitely have to do something that you love, that you enjoy and you have to be able to be yourself while you do it,” said Brittany. “If you’re fake on camera, people feel it. And if you’re genuinely having fun, that type of excitement is insanely contagious.”
Additional talking points include their experience on joining the Netflix show “Hyperdrive,” how to overcome your fears by taking risks and creating a mindset capable of reaching your dreams.
“That’s what living your life to the fullest is; when you see an opportunity, always seizing, no matter how small or big, just taking it,” said Kevin. “Because you never know who you are going to meet.”
In addition to her past experiences, Brittany also shares advice for women pursuing a career in motorsports and the benefits of listening to industry experts and seeking a mentor.
“Mentors can have such a positive impact in terms of success and your entire life,” said Brittany. “What’s amazing is finding a mentor is so much easier than people think; the only thing is that you cannot be afraid to ask the question in the first place.”
Check out Brittany and Kevin’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.
By SEMA Editors
 Tom Gattuso |  Ron Coleman |
MOTOR MEDIA Inc. and D1 Productions have announced a new, original podcast, “The Aftermarket Insider,” launching April 14, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT). Hosted by automotive aftermarket industry veteran and personality Joe Sebergandio, owner of MOTOR MEDIA Inc., “The Aftermarket Insider” will feature candid and insightful interviews with the biggest names and personalities from the automotive industry, and explore today’s hottest automotive trends and important issues affecting the aftermarket.
Tom Gattuso, SEMA’s vice president of events, and Ron Coleman, president of Driven Racing Oil, will headline the premier episode, in which viewers will be encouraged to send in questions or comments during the podcast for the guests to answer.
“The Aftermarket Insider” will also react to urgent matters in a timely fashion. For example, one of the first episodes will focus on how exactly the aftermarket is dealing with novel coronavirus, particularly as it relates to legendary automotive events and shows that are immediately feeling the impact of the quarantine, including HOT ROD Power Tour, NHRA, SEMA and PRI. Another upcoming episode will take listeners inside the first-ever Riyadh Auto Festival in Saudi Arabia to get the inside scoop on the process of putting on a show of this magnitude in the Middle East.
Sebergandio has worked in this industry for decades in various roles, including as publisher of multiple Petersen Publishing Co. automotive brands, such as Four Wheeler magazine, vice president of automotive events for eMAP and Primedia, and host of his annual Joe’s Minibike Reunion, for which he is also host of the podcast with the same name.
No topic will be off limits. “I have enough relationships, stories, curiosity and questions to entertain an audience and to give them very truthful and sometimes unbelievable stories of my own—and to get my guests talking, too,” Sebergandio said.
“The Aftermarket Insider” podcast will air a minimum of once per week starting April 14, then will expand to a minimum of twice per week in June. It will be offered in a 45–60-minute format. All “The Aftermarket Insider” podcasts will available at www.theaftermarketinsider.com in addition to Facebook (www.facebook.com/theaftermarketinsider) and Instagram (@TheAftermarketInsider).
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)’s Volunteer Spotlight features Ben Winter of Transfer Flow, an active volunteer of TORA’s Education and Technology Sub-Committee, where he utilizes his 28 years of experience to educate and train council members in different truck and off-road segments of the industry.
His professional experience includes sales management, introducing service opportunities, and executing projects with successful profits. In 2010, he became director of business development with an emphasis on OEM sales and growth. His current role at Transfer Flow involves networking, customer maintenance, presenting new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing.
Get to know what inspired Winter to volunteer for TORA in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?
I really have a passion for what customers want, what their expectations are and what their trips are going to be. Being in the automotive and transportation segment, I am able to find out what they like to do; it may be commercial, recreation or government—I like to make sure that I find a product that we can offer and it fits exactly what their needs are.
I’ve been traveling through my years at Transfer Flow and learning the different segments. I really enjoy having that opportunity to grow with our customers, grow with our nation, and grow with innovation.
Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?
Over my 28 years of being at Transfer Flow, I gained training, education and experience in the work truck off-road industry. What I was hoping to do was share that experience and training with this working group, as well as extract some information from other team members to make my company better, as well as to make the end users’ experience that much better.
What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
What I like about this industry is that it’s ever moving. It’s always changing and it’s always innovating. If you’re prepared to be agile and work through those different lines of education and learning, then this is a great place for you to start a career. There’s always something changing. There’s always something new on the forefront, whether it’s through government agencies, or it’s vehicles through the OEMS or it’s alternative fuels. There’s always something that you need to be one step ahead and that one step ahead will make sure that your company has success in the automotive aftermarket and off-road segments.
What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
It has to fit a lot of different characteristics. I have a family. I have of five kids, two of whom are out of the house, but I need to make sure my adventure vehicle is able to fit my family, my mountain bikes, all of my running gear and all of our camping equipment. So my dream vehicle would be a large SUV that’s able to get me off a beaten path. And that beaten path might not even be created yet, but I’d like to get back into some country that we can fish, go camping and ride our bikes around as a family.
My SUV would take me to a trailhead where I could do some running or do mountain bike riding. I can also take it to the back country to find a secret fishing spot and ultimately, I can take it across the country to the Boston marathon.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)’s Volunteer Spotlight features Ben Winter of Transfer Flow, an active volunteer of TORA’s Education and Technology Sub-Committee, where he utilizes his 28 years of experience to educate and train council members in different truck and off-road segments of the industry.
His professional experience includes sales management, introducing service opportunities, and executing projects with successful profits. In 2010, he became director of business development with an emphasis on OEM sales and growth. His current role at Transfer Flow involves networking, customer maintenance, presenting new business and fielding diversity in manufacturing.
Get to know what inspired Winter to volunteer for TORA in his Q&A with the SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?
I really have a passion for what customers want, what their expectations are and what their trips are going to be. Being in the automotive and transportation segment, I am able to find out what they like to do; it may be commercial, recreation or government—I like to make sure that I find a product that we can offer and it fits exactly what their needs are.
I’ve been traveling through my years at Transfer Flow and learning the different segments. I really enjoy having that opportunity to grow with our customers, grow with our nation, and grow with innovation.
Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?
Over my 28 years of being at Transfer Flow, I gained training, education and experience in the work truck off-road industry. What I was hoping to do was share that experience and training with this working group, as well as extract some information from other team members to make my company better, as well as to make the end users’ experience that much better.
What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
What I like about this industry is that it’s ever moving. It’s always changing and it’s always innovating. If you’re prepared to be agile and work through those different lines of education and learning, then this is a great place for you to start a career. There’s always something changing. There’s always something new on the forefront, whether it’s through government agencies, or it’s vehicles through the OEMS or it’s alternative fuels. There’s always something that you need to be one step ahead and that one step ahead will make sure that your company has success in the automotive aftermarket and off-road segments.
What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
It has to fit a lot of different characteristics. I have a family. I have of five kids, two of whom are out of the house, but I need to make sure my adventure vehicle is able to fit my family, my mountain bikes, all of my running gear and all of our camping equipment. So my dream vehicle would be a large SUV that’s able to get me off a beaten path. And that beaten path might not even be created yet, but I’d like to get back into some country that we can fish, go camping and ride our bikes around as a family.
My SUV would take me to a trailhead where I could do some running or do mountain bike riding. I can also take it to the back country to find a secret fishing spot and ultimately, I can take it across the country to the Boston marathon.