By Ashley Reyes

Join the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) as they host a Facebook Live Chat with managing partner of Lodestone Events Lindsay Hubley, Wednesday, February 10, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).

Having started her career in 2003 with her family-owned company, The Promotion Co. & Family Events, Hubley is experienced at managing large-scale consumer events. In 2014, Family Events was acquired by Bonnier Corp, where Hubley led the company’s event division before leaving in 2018 to form Lodestone Events in partnership with her sister, Jessica Kirchner. The following year, Lodestone Events acquired the world’s premier overland and adventure travel event, Overland Expo.

Join the Live Chat on YEN’s Facebook page to hear how Hubley has managed disruption in the events industry during the past year, how Covid has impacted business, and what her company has planned to move forward in 2021. 

  By Ashley Reyes

Mark your calendars and join the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) for a virtual happy hour, February 1, at 5:00 p.m. (PST).

This is an ideal opportunity for young industry professionals to network and make new connections at a time when travel and physical interactions may be limited. Attendees will hear about the network’s upcoming programs for 2021 and participate in a career development breakout session.

Meeting Agenda:
Ice Breaker – 10 minutes
Virtual Breakouts – 30 minutes

*Attendees can participate in one breakout session of their choice and will be encouraged to turn on their audio and webcam for the best experience.

Breakout Topics:

• Product Development/Engineering
• Marketing and Social Media Engagement
• Managing Sales Territories and Customer Visits in COVID Era.

General Forum and Updates on YEN events – 10 minutes

Register here.

Questions regarding the event can be directed to YEN Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.

By Richard Hail

Gear up for a brand-new episode of the “2020 SEMA: Battle of the Builders” TV special, Sunday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m. (EST) on the History Channel by watching past episodes in a week-long marathon on the SEMA Show YouTube channel.

For the first time ever, the entire catalog of “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” specials will play exclusively on the SEMA Show YouTube channel. With each episode from 2014-2019 debuting on the channel from Monday, February 1–Saturday, February 6, at 9:00 p.m. (EST), the one-hour program will premiere with past hosts and organizers introducing each episode and joining in on live chats and commentary about the competition.

The newest episode of “SEMA: Battle of the Builders” will air on A+E Networks’ History Channel on Sunday, February 7, at 9:00 a.m. (EST). You’ll be transported behind the scenes of the competition and see exclusive interviews with the builders that aren’t available anywhere else. Hear their stories, see their builds and watch as the judges choose their winner.

“Since the competition was introduced in 2014, the SEMA Battle of the Builders celebrates the products, companies and builders who have vehicles on display at the SEMA Show,” stated Ira Gabriel, vice president of marketing, PR and communications.

Starting with just over 125 entries in 2014, the pool of challengers has more than doubled with 300+ vehicles competing in 2020 during SEMA360.

Vehicles are judged according to their respective category, and include Hot Rod, Truck/Off-Road and Import/Sport Compact. In 2016, SEMA added the Young Guns category, which highlights and supports up-and-coming builders who are 27 years old or younger.  

Be sure to subscribe and click the “set reminder” button once the premieres go up on the SEMA Show YouTube channel. And follow along with all the #SEMABOTB action on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders program, point your browser to www.semabotb.com.

By SEMA Editors

Longtime automotive aftermarket marketing and advertising professional Stan Goldstein passed away, Tuesday, January 19, after a year-long battle with health issues.

During his life, Goldstein represented many iconic brands, including Hooker Headers, where he created the famous Hooker heart logo and tag line “I love my Hooker Headers.”

While senior vice president and creative director at J.R Powers Associates, Goldstein managed the WR Grace Automotive Division brands, including, Mr. Gasket, HURST, Sig Erson, Weld Wheels, HURST/Airheart, Airheart Brakes, and Keystone Industries. His company, Stan Goldstein Advertising, continued to flourish, representing Alston Race Car Engineering, ARP, Power Slot Brakes and countless others.

In his earliest days, Goldstein, along with lifelong friend, Craig Breedlove, was a founding member and past president of the original all-Chevrolet club, “Chev’s of Venice.” Goldstein was a regular at Sagus, Santa Ana, San Fernando, and Lions drag strips, as well as on the Southern California dry lakes in his flathead-powered ’32 Coupe.

Always up for an adventure, Goldstein joined Breedlove’s Spirit of America land-speed record team as general manager, and was a contributor from Breedlove’s first attempt though his final attempt. Goldstein was once again by his friend’s side as general manager during the 1997 “Dual in the Desert,” where  Breedlove went head-to-head with Andy Green to see who would be the first to go supersonic on land.

Goldstein was an active SEMA member for more than 30 years, and was one of the original group that came together at a Downey restaurant to create the Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association. As general manager of the Spirit Equipment Company, he was a major participant at the first SEMA Show held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Over the years, Goldstein held two terms as chairman of the SEMA Public Relations Committee. In addition, as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the SEMA Foundation, Goldstein directed and participated in the writing and development of the original product safety specs and certification program that became the base of today’s SFI program.

Goldstein never strayed far from his street-racing roots, and was the executive vice president of the International Brotherhood of Street Racers. Together, Goldstein and club president Big Willie Robinson were instrumental in the founding of Brotherhood Raceway on Terminal Island—the first drag strip officially permitted in Los Angeles County.

Never one to shy away from the driver’s seat, between 1985 and 1990, Goldstein became a five-time SCCA Road Racing Champion, setting lap records at Riverside, Willow Springs, Firebird, and Las Vegas Raceways in his beloved March sports racer.

A memorial will be held at Willow Springs Raceway; date to be announced. Donations may be made to the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Stan Goldstein.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Virtual Education includes a comprehensive library of on-demand sessions that members are invited to access anytime, anywhere. Available at www.sema.org/virtual-education, the program includes live, simu-live and new recordings that feature leading experts talking about the most current topics and trends.

Upcoming live and debut sessions are listed below, with more sessions to be announced throughout the year. Stay tuned to SEMA eNews as new events are announced weekly.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 – How to Protect Your Brand’s Online Reputation

Track: Marketing & Sales

Your online reputation can make or break your business. The challenge is that people are more motivated to post online when they’re unhappy than when they’re happy. How should businesses respond when they receive negative feedback? How can you create a process for acquiring more positive reviews? All this and more will be answered in this session.

Register here.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 – Facebook Live Chat with Kathryn Reinhardt

Track: Industry Talks

Tune into a Facebook Live Chat with Kathryn Reinhart, SEMA Board of Director and Senior Marketing Manager at 4 Wheel Parts. Named SEMA Person of the Year in 2015 for her dedication and accomplishments in the industry, Reinhardt will share details about her start in the industry, inspirational stories about women she met along the way, and give advice on knowing what you want and how to ask for it.

Location: SBN Facebook page

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 – Replica Car Program Finalized: Everything You Need to Know

Track: Legislative & Regulatory

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has completed a rule allowing low volume vehicle manufacturers to produce and sell replica cars, vehicles that appear to be at least 25 years old. Join a panel of industry experts as they provide an overview of the new program and practical considerations if selling replica cars, engine packages, or vehicle parts.

Register here.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 – Facebook Live Chat with Lindsay Hubley

Track: Industry Talks

Hear from Lodestone Events’ managing partner Lindsay Hubley as she talks about challenges in the events industry during Covid-19 and what her company has planned for 2021. Lodestar Events is an event production company that specializes in event planning & logistics, marketing & communications, and sponsorship & exhibitor sales, and oversees the world’s premier overland and adventure travel event, Overland Expo.

Location: YEN Facebook page

Tuesday, February 16, 2021 – Classic Cars, Modern Markets  

Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series

Track: Trends & Research

Classic cars and trucks represent a $890 million market. Find out how you may be able to capitalize on this market by learning about new research that shows what types of parts are bought for classic vehicles, what the vehicles are primarily used for and the behaviors of the vehicle owners. Presented by SEMA Market Research, the information represents new data and findings that will help you better understand the opportunities available.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Cathy Clark as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. Clark is the chair-elect of the SBN, and a sales representative at Bob Cook Sales, a leading sales, marketing and consulting company for manufacturers and resellers of the automotive aftermarket.

Having not always wanted to work in the automotive industry, Clark now has a career that she thoroughly enjoys with a strong work ethic that is noticed by many. Get to know what drives her passion in her Q&A with SEMA.  

SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?

Cathy Clark: I have worked for Bob Cook Sales for 12 years. What I enjoy most about my company is the people that I work with and the freedom that I have to do my job. Our owners expect a great deal from us but they give us the flexibility to accomplish our goals however we see fit.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

CC: The most challenging part of my job is preparing and responding to circumstances that are out of my control. The economy, new ownership of client companies, etc., can all have an impact on my job even though I may not have any say in the matter.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? Do you have a specific situation that comes to mind?

CC: Being a woman in the industry does bring with it some challenges. Some believe that I am not as knowledgeable about the industry. I love when I prove them wrong and they thank me for my hard work and what I have helped them accomplish.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

CC: My father is my number one role model in the industry. He worked with Bob Cook Sales for almost 30 years and he still to this day gives me advice. He showed me how to do this job on every imaginable level.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here?

CC: Absolutely not. If you had told me I would be in this industry when I was growing up, I would have laughed at you. What keeps me in this industry is the people and the challenging work that changes daily. I thoroughly enjoy what I do!

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Ashley Reyes

Anthony Hostetler is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Hostetler is an industrial designer at Oracle Lighting, manufacturers of designer lighting products and technologies for the automotive powersports, motorcycle and marine markets.

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

Anthony Hostetler: Do what you enjoy, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

AH: Ever evolving cars and products. Design language is constantly changing, and it’s a blast to be a part of it!

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

AH: Exploring local scenes and traveling to new places.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

AH: Prepared to contribute to the best of my abilities—whether that is expressed through visual ideations or through product presentations. Collaborating and gaining feedback can help direct the way I approach designing a product for the industry.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

AH: Jordan Meadows. He is an incredibly talented car designer with solid aesthetic principles in the automotive industry. 

By Kyle Cheng

The pandemic has been challenging for everyone. Now that 2021 is here, what’s the path moving forward? How does recovery look for the country, the economy and our industry? How are consumers reacting? When can we expect to move past COVID-19?

The new “SEMA Future Trends—January 2021” provides insight on these trends and maps out potential paths for the specialty-equipment industry moving forward.

In this report, SEMA Market Research has pulled together the latest data, information and forecasts to help your company make better business decisions in 2021 and beyond.

In the report you’ll find:

• The likely scenarios for economic and industry recovery.
• Projections for the automotive and specialty-equipment industries.
• Timelines on when we can move past the pandemic.
• The latest economic forecasts.
• Consumer spending behavior and industry outlook.

To learn more, download the new “SEMA Future Trends—January 2021” report today at www.sema.org/research.

For regular snapshots of the economy and our industry, make sure to also check out our monthly “SEMA Industry Indicators” report.

By Jay Carpio, Fredy Ramirez & Carr Winn

"Carr Parts" is dedicated to builders. It's about quick tips and tricks and the newest must-have products. It's about visiting with a fellow builder, walking around their project and getting an up-close look at their handy work. It's also about our industry sharing their passion for turning a wrench and taking time to give advice to fellow gearheads. Episode two features another extremely talented Young Gun, Matteo Medoro talking about braking systems.

For more information about Matteo and all the Young Guns visit www.semayoungguns.com.

SEMA's video team is currently in production on future episodes of "Carr Parts" and we'd love to hear from you. Do you have a tip, trick or advice you can share with our audience? Drop us a note at marketing@semaignited.com and we'll connect with you.

We can't wait to find the next guest for "Carr Parts." And finally...keep building.

By SEMA Editors

Show your products to SEMA's worldwide network of media contacts and qualified buyers at the 2021 SEMA Show. Put your company and products in front of the audience they deserve, and reconnect with the industry.

Take advantage of the opportunity that the SEMA Show provides for in-person interactions with customers, colleagues, leaders and legends. Reserve you booth at www.semashow.com/buyabooth.

Here are essential deadlines for the 2021 SEMA Show:

• Exhibit Space Reservation Application Deadline: Friday, May 7
• Early Space Selection: Monday, June 7–Wednesday, June 23
• Full Refund Cancellation Deadline: Wednesday, September 1
• Show Dates: Tuesday, November 2–Friday, November 5

The SEMA Show takes place November 2 - November 5, 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center located at 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109. For complete Show information, visit www.SEMAShow.com.