Motovicity Distribution Adds Susan Ozimek VP of Purchasing and Category Management
Motovicity Distribution hired Susan Ozimek as vice president of purchasing and category management. Ozimek was recently COO for the Lighting Supply Co., where Motovicity says her strategic direction and systems and technology upgrades doubled sales and profit revenues. According to Motovicity, Ozimek will bring focus to vendor relations and product management to support the company's business and customer-satisfaction goals.

	Motorsports veteran Todd Snyder will serve as the director of competition for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Todd Snyder Named Director of Competition SCCA Pro MX-5 Cup
SCCA Pro Racing hired motorsports veteran Todd Snyder will serve as the director of competition for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup. Snyder has been involved in the motorsports industry for nearly 30 years, competing as a driver in the open-wheel Indy Light series and has competed regularly in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Challenges races over the past five seasons. As director of competition, Snyder will be responsible for providing coaching and oversight to drivers, including reviewing all on-track activity and assisting race officials with decisions throughout an event weekend.

Hedges & Co. Launches Part-Specific Research
SEMA member Hedges & Company announced that it now offers downloadable, part-specific research reports—which includes reports on automotive enthusiasts' buying behavior and brand perceptions—through its new Market Research Store at www.HedgesCompany.com. The reports are based on research compiled from surveys sent to more than 100,000 automotive enthusiasts. Both types of reports show data in an easy-to-read graph format with bullet point summaries of key findings. "The online store offers our new part-specific BuyerZoom and BrandZoom research reports. We've made it easier for aftermarket business owners and managers to get this valuable consumer research on specific products without the time and expense of fielding their own study," said Julie Hedges, president of Hedges & Company.

International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Announces 2012 Honorees
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, based at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, announced the 2012 class of honorees. They are: Bob Brandt, John Mazmanian, Don Moody, Ray Motes, Mike Kuhl, Carl Olson and Ed Schartman. In addition, popular West Coast race promoter/marketer Bill Doner will also be honored as the recipient of the 2012 "Founder’s Award." The ceremony and dinner takes place at the Hilton/University of Florida Conference Center on Thursday, March 8, during the NHRA Gatornationals weekend. More details are available at www.garlits.com.

Infineon Names Michael Re Ticket Operations Manager
Infineon Raceway named Michael Re as ticket operations manager. Re has more than 25 years of ticketing experience, and will manage all aspects of ticket operations and services at the raceway, including policies and procedures related to ticket sales, pricing and allocation. The raceway also says that Re will coordinate accounting procedures on behalf of the ticketing department, oversee the maintenance of the ticketing system and will oversee customer-service functions.

2011 Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame Inductees
The Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro tire was among five legendary speed parts selected for induction into the Hot Rod Magazine Speed Parts Hall of Fame for 2011. According to Hot Rod, the company revolutionized the tire business in the early '60s with innovative, low-profile rubber and created the tire that changed the world of street cars with the Sportsman Pro. The other newly added parts to the Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame are Center Line Auto Drag wheels, General Motors Performance Parts ZZZ HO crate engine, Deist Safety Drag Parachutes, and Speedmasters Inc. Aluminum Small-Block Chevy Heads. Read more about the Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame and its 2011 inductees.

	The WyoTech-branded motorcycle, built by Orange County Choppers on the "American Chopper" TV show with the help of WyoTech students, will visit several events across the country through July 2012.

Student-Built WyoTech Motorcycle Tour Dates, Locations Announced
The WyoTech-branded motorcycle, built by Orange County Choppers on the "American Chopper" TV show with the help of WyoTech students, will visit several events across the country through July 2012. The bike made its debut January 27 at the Pittsburgh Autorama, and the remaining stops include: World of Wheels, February 10–12, North Birmingham, Alabama; Detroit Autorama, February 24–26, Detroit; Bike Week, March 9–18, Daytona Beach, Florida; DUB Show, March 25, Anaheim, California; WyoTech-Sacramento Car Show, May 5, Sacramento, California; WyoTech/NSRA Car Show, May 19, Laramie, Wyoming; Ford/AAA Students Skills Finals, June 10–12, Dearborn, Michigan; Thunder in the Valley, June 21–22, Johnstown, Pennsylvania; SkillsUSA Competition, June 23–27, Kansas City, Missouri; and California State Fair, July 12–15, Sacramento. More information on the bike and tour are available at www.wyochopper.com.

Granatelli Motor Sports Named Title Sponsor of NMCA West Coast Mustang Madness
Granatelli Motor Sports announced that the company is the title sponsor of the NMCA's West Coast Mustang Madness series—an all-new, four-race series that caters to the West Coast Mustang drag-racing scene. The races are set for Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, California, April 20–22; Famoso Dragway, Bakersfield, California, June 22–24; Speed World Dragway, Phoenix; September 28–30; Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, California, October 19–21. "The NMCA WEST Street Car Series sponsorship is a natural for us since are roots run deep in the Mustang drag racing arena," stated J.R. Granatelli, owner of Granatelli Motor Sports Inc. "Additionally, we’ll enhance an already strong connection with racers, both who know and use Granatelli and those who aren’t familiar with what we offer. We strongly believe racing is the best way to engage racers and support them in their endeavors."

	Truck Trend magazine highlights the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products for trucks and SUVs in its April 2012 issue.

Truck Trend Magazine Highlights the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products

Following the 2011 SEMA Show, Truck Trend magazine selected the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products for trucks and SUVs. The complete article, written by Allyson Harwood for the April 2012 issue of Truck Trend, and available online, features Truck Trend’s favorites.

The complete list is as follows:

• Escort Live!, Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, Mickey Thompson Classic Big-Rig Wheel
• BD Diesel Performance, Cam Caster Adjuster Kit
• Extreme Outback Products, Extreme Outback Compressor
• Monster Hooks Inc., Monster Hook
• Mac's Custom Tie Downs, Trail D-Vise
• Daystar Products International, Daystar Cam Can
• Go Rhino! Products, Dominator D4
• Vortech Engineering, Vortech Raptor Supercharger
• Superchips, Superchips Vivid PAQ
• American Force Wheels, American Force 8/10-Lug Adapter
• Weld Racing LLC, Weld Wheels
• Bestop Inc., Bestop TrekStep
• Extang Corp., Extang EnCore Tonneau
• PullRite, Superrail Mounting Kit
• Las Vegas Tool LLC, Easy Puller
• Rugged Ridge, Rugged Ridge Dual Battery Relay Kit
• Optima Batteries, Optima Batteries Digital 1200 Battery Charger
• Hi-Lift Jack Co., Hi-Lift Off-Road Base
• BOLT Locks
• Warn Industries Inc., Warn PullzAll
• Dynatrac Products Co., Dynatrac Free Spin HD Hub Conversion
• Banks Power, Banks Brake
• Cargo Ease Inc., Cargo Ease Ramp
• SnowBear Ltd., StrongBox Trailer

Motovicity Distribution Adds Susan Ozimek VP of Purchasing and Category Management
Motovicity Distribution hired Susan Ozimek as vice president of purchasing and category management. Ozimek was recently COO for the Lighting Supply Co., where Motovicity says her strategic direction and systems and technology upgrades doubled sales and profit revenues. According to Motovicity, Ozimek will bring focus to vendor relations and product management to support the company's business and customer-satisfaction goals.

	Motorsports veteran Todd Snyder will serve as the director of competition for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Todd Snyder Named Director of Competition SCCA Pro MX-5 Cup
SCCA Pro Racing hired motorsports veteran Todd Snyder will serve as the director of competition for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup. Snyder has been involved in the motorsports industry for nearly 30 years, competing as a driver in the open-wheel Indy Light series and has competed regularly in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Challenges races over the past five seasons. As director of competition, Snyder will be responsible for providing coaching and oversight to drivers, including reviewing all on-track activity and assisting race officials with decisions throughout an event weekend.

Hedges & Co. Launches Part-Specific Research
SEMA member Hedges & Company announced that it now offers downloadable, part-specific research reports—which includes reports on automotive enthusiasts' buying behavior and brand perceptions—through its new Market Research Store at www.HedgesCompany.com. The reports are based on research compiled from surveys sent to more than 100,000 automotive enthusiasts. Both types of reports show data in an easy-to-read graph format with bullet point summaries of key findings. "The online store offers our new part-specific BuyerZoom and BrandZoom research reports. We've made it easier for aftermarket business owners and managers to get this valuable consumer research on specific products without the time and expense of fielding their own study," said Julie Hedges, president of Hedges & Company.

International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Announces 2012 Honorees
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, based at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, announced the 2012 class of honorees. They are: Bob Brandt, John Mazmanian, Don Moody, Ray Motes, Mike Kuhl, Carl Olson and Ed Schartman. In addition, popular West Coast race promoter/marketer Bill Doner will also be honored as the recipient of the 2012 "Founder’s Award." The ceremony and dinner takes place at the Hilton/University of Florida Conference Center on Thursday, March 8, during the NHRA Gatornationals weekend. More details are available at www.garlits.com.

Infineon Names Michael Re Ticket Operations Manager
Infineon Raceway named Michael Re as ticket operations manager. Re has more than 25 years of ticketing experience, and will manage all aspects of ticket operations and services at the raceway, including policies and procedures related to ticket sales, pricing and allocation. The raceway also says that Re will coordinate accounting procedures on behalf of the ticketing department, oversee the maintenance of the ticketing system and will oversee customer-service functions.

2011 Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame Inductees
The Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro tire was among five legendary speed parts selected for induction into the Hot Rod Magazine Speed Parts Hall of Fame for 2011. According to Hot Rod, the company revolutionized the tire business in the early '60s with innovative, low-profile rubber and created the tire that changed the world of street cars with the Sportsman Pro. The other newly added parts to the Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame are Center Line Auto Drag wheels, General Motors Performance Parts ZZZ HO crate engine, Deist Safety Drag Parachutes, and Speedmasters Inc. Aluminum Small-Block Chevy Heads. Read more about the Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame and its 2011 inductees.

	The WyoTech-branded motorcycle, built by Orange County Choppers on the "American Chopper" TV show with the help of WyoTech students, will visit several events across the country through July 2012.

Student-Built WyoTech Motorcycle Tour Dates, Locations Announced
The WyoTech-branded motorcycle, built by Orange County Choppers on the "American Chopper" TV show with the help of WyoTech students, will visit several events across the country through July 2012. The bike made its debut January 27 at the Pittsburgh Autorama, and the remaining stops include: World of Wheels, February 10–12, North Birmingham, Alabama; Detroit Autorama, February 24–26, Detroit; Bike Week, March 9–18, Daytona Beach, Florida; DUB Show, March 25, Anaheim, California; WyoTech-Sacramento Car Show, May 5, Sacramento, California; WyoTech/NSRA Car Show, May 19, Laramie, Wyoming; Ford/AAA Students Skills Finals, June 10–12, Dearborn, Michigan; Thunder in the Valley, June 21–22, Johnstown, Pennsylvania; SkillsUSA Competition, June 23–27, Kansas City, Missouri; and California State Fair, July 12–15, Sacramento. More information on the bike and tour are available at www.wyochopper.com.

Granatelli Motor Sports Named Title Sponsor of NMCA West Coast Mustang Madness
Granatelli Motor Sports announced that the company is the title sponsor of the NMCA's West Coast Mustang Madness series—an all-new, four-race series that caters to the West Coast Mustang drag-racing scene. The races are set for Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, California, April 20–22; Famoso Dragway, Bakersfield, California, June 22–24; Speed World Dragway, Phoenix; September 28–30; Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, California, October 19–21. "The NMCA WEST Street Car Series sponsorship is a natural for us since are roots run deep in the Mustang drag racing arena," stated J.R. Granatelli, owner of Granatelli Motor Sports Inc. "Additionally, we’ll enhance an already strong connection with racers, both who know and use Granatelli and those who aren’t familiar with what we offer. We strongly believe racing is the best way to engage racers and support them in their endeavors."

	Truck Trend magazine highlights the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products for trucks and SUVs in its April 2012 issue.

Truck Trend Magazine Highlights the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products

Following the 2011 SEMA Show, Truck Trend magazine selected the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products for trucks and SUVs. The complete article, written by Allyson Harwood for the April 2012 issue of Truck Trend, and available online, features Truck Trend’s favorites.

The complete list is as follows:

• Escort Live!, Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, Mickey Thompson Classic Big-Rig Wheel
• BD Diesel Performance, Cam Caster Adjuster Kit
• Extreme Outback Products, Extreme Outback Compressor
• Monster Hooks Inc., Monster Hook
• Mac's Custom Tie Downs, Trail D-Vise
• Daystar Products International, Daystar Cam Can
• Go Rhino! Products, Dominator D4
• Vortech Engineering, Vortech Raptor Supercharger
• Superchips, Superchips Vivid PAQ
• American Force Wheels, American Force 8/10-Lug Adapter
• Weld Racing LLC, Weld Wheels
• Bestop Inc., Bestop TrekStep
• Extang Corp., Extang EnCore Tonneau
• PullRite, Superrail Mounting Kit
• Las Vegas Tool LLC, Easy Puller
• Rugged Ridge, Rugged Ridge Dual Battery Relay Kit
• Optima Batteries, Optima Batteries Digital 1200 Battery Charger
• Hi-Lift Jack Co., Hi-Lift Off-Road Base
• BOLT Locks
• Warn Industries Inc., Warn PullzAll
• Dynatrac Products Co., Dynatrac Free Spin HD Hub Conversion
• Banks Power, Banks Brake
• Cargo Ease Inc., Cargo Ease Ramp
• SnowBear Ltd., StrongBox Trailer

Motovicity Distribution Adds Susan Ozimek VP of Purchasing and Category Management
Motovicity Distribution hired Susan Ozimek as vice president of purchasing and category management. Ozimek was recently COO for the Lighting Supply Co., where Motovicity says her strategic direction and systems and technology upgrades doubled sales and profit revenues. According to Motovicity, Ozimek will bring focus to vendor relations and product management to support the company's business and customer-satisfaction goals.

	Motorsports veteran Todd Snyder will serve as the director of competition for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup.

Todd Snyder Named Director of Competition SCCA Pro MX-5 Cup
SCCA Pro Racing hired motorsports veteran Todd Snyder will serve as the director of competition for the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup. Snyder has been involved in the motorsports industry for nearly 30 years, competing as a driver in the open-wheel Indy Light series and has competed regularly in the Grand-Am Continental Tire Challenges races over the past five seasons. As director of competition, Snyder will be responsible for providing coaching and oversight to drivers, including reviewing all on-track activity and assisting race officials with decisions throughout an event weekend.

Hedges & Co. Launches Part-Specific Research
SEMA member Hedges & Company announced that it now offers downloadable, part-specific research reports—which includes reports on automotive enthusiasts' buying behavior and brand perceptions—through its new Market Research Store at www.HedgesCompany.com. The reports are based on research compiled from surveys sent to more than 100,000 automotive enthusiasts. Both types of reports show data in an easy-to-read graph format with bullet point summaries of key findings. "The online store offers our new part-specific BuyerZoom and BrandZoom research reports. We've made it easier for aftermarket business owners and managers to get this valuable consumer research on specific products without the time and expense of fielding their own study," said Julie Hedges, president of Hedges & Company.

International Drag Racing Hall of Fame Announces 2012 Honorees
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, based at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, announced the 2012 class of honorees. They are: Bob Brandt, John Mazmanian, Don Moody, Ray Motes, Mike Kuhl, Carl Olson and Ed Schartman. In addition, popular West Coast race promoter/marketer Bill Doner will also be honored as the recipient of the 2012 "Founder’s Award." The ceremony and dinner takes place at the Hilton/University of Florida Conference Center on Thursday, March 8, during the NHRA Gatornationals weekend. More details are available at www.garlits.com.

Infineon Names Michael Re Ticket Operations Manager
Infineon Raceway named Michael Re as ticket operations manager. Re has more than 25 years of ticketing experience, and will manage all aspects of ticket operations and services at the raceway, including policies and procedures related to ticket sales, pricing and allocation. The raceway also says that Re will coordinate accounting procedures on behalf of the ticketing department, oversee the maintenance of the ticketing system and will oversee customer-service functions.

2011 Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame Inductees
The Mickey Thompson Sportsman Pro tire was among five legendary speed parts selected for induction into the Hot Rod Magazine Speed Parts Hall of Fame for 2011. According to Hot Rod, the company revolutionized the tire business in the early '60s with innovative, low-profile rubber and created the tire that changed the world of street cars with the Sportsman Pro. The other newly added parts to the Hot Rod Speed Parts Hall of Fame are Center Line Auto Drag wheels, General Motors Performance Parts ZZZ HO crate engine, Deist Safety Drag Parachutes, and Speedmasters Inc. Aluminum Small-Block Chevy Heads. Read more about the Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame and its 2011 inductees.

	The WyoTech-branded motorcycle, built by Orange County Choppers on the "American Chopper" TV show with the help of WyoTech students, will visit several events across the country through July 2012.

Student-Built WyoTech Motorcycle Tour Dates, Locations Announced
The WyoTech-branded motorcycle, built by Orange County Choppers on the "American Chopper" TV show with the help of WyoTech students, will visit several events across the country through July 2012. The bike made its debut January 27 at the Pittsburgh Autorama, and the remaining stops include: World of Wheels, February 10–12, North Birmingham, Alabama; Detroit Autorama, February 24–26, Detroit; Bike Week, March 9–18, Daytona Beach, Florida; DUB Show, March 25, Anaheim, California; WyoTech-Sacramento Car Show, May 5, Sacramento, California; WyoTech/NSRA Car Show, May 19, Laramie, Wyoming; Ford/AAA Students Skills Finals, June 10–12, Dearborn, Michigan; Thunder in the Valley, June 21–22, Johnstown, Pennsylvania; SkillsUSA Competition, June 23–27, Kansas City, Missouri; and California State Fair, July 12–15, Sacramento. More information on the bike and tour are available at www.wyochopper.com.

Granatelli Motor Sports Named Title Sponsor of NMCA West Coast Mustang Madness
Granatelli Motor Sports announced that the company is the title sponsor of the NMCA's West Coast Mustang Madness series—an all-new, four-race series that caters to the West Coast Mustang drag-racing scene. The races are set for Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, California, April 20–22; Famoso Dragway, Bakersfield, California, June 22–24; Speed World Dragway, Phoenix; September 28–30; Auto Club Dragway, Fontana, California, October 19–21. "The NMCA WEST Street Car Series sponsorship is a natural for us since are roots run deep in the Mustang drag racing arena," stated J.R. Granatelli, owner of Granatelli Motor Sports Inc. "Additionally, we’ll enhance an already strong connection with racers, both who know and use Granatelli and those who aren’t familiar with what we offer. We strongly believe racing is the best way to engage racers and support them in their endeavors."

	Truck Trend magazine highlights the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products for trucks and SUVs in its April 2012 issue.

Truck Trend Magazine Highlights the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products

Following the 2011 SEMA Show, Truck Trend magazine selected the SEMA Show's Top 25 Best New Products for trucks and SUVs. The complete article, written by Allyson Harwood for the April 2012 issue of Truck Trend, and available online, features Truck Trend’s favorites.

The complete list is as follows:

• Escort Live!, Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors
• Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels, Mickey Thompson Classic Big-Rig Wheel
• BD Diesel Performance, Cam Caster Adjuster Kit
• Extreme Outback Products, Extreme Outback Compressor
• Monster Hooks Inc., Monster Hook
• Mac's Custom Tie Downs, Trail D-Vise
• Daystar Products International, Daystar Cam Can
• Go Rhino! Products, Dominator D4
• Vortech Engineering, Vortech Raptor Supercharger
• Superchips, Superchips Vivid PAQ
• American Force Wheels, American Force 8/10-Lug Adapter
• Weld Racing LLC, Weld Wheels
• Bestop Inc., Bestop TrekStep
• Extang Corp., Extang EnCore Tonneau
• PullRite, Superrail Mounting Kit
• Las Vegas Tool LLC, Easy Puller
• Rugged Ridge, Rugged Ridge Dual Battery Relay Kit
• Optima Batteries, Optima Batteries Digital 1200 Battery Charger
• Hi-Lift Jack Co., Hi-Lift Off-Road Base
• BOLT Locks
• Warn Industries Inc., Warn PullzAll
• Dynatrac Products Co., Dynatrac Free Spin HD Hub Conversion
• Banks Power, Banks Brake
• Cargo Ease Inc., Cargo Ease Ramp
• SnowBear Ltd., StrongBox Trailer

	John Marshall

SEMA YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

John Marshall, Power Slot

This month’s interview is with John Marshall, national sales manager for Power Slot, a performance brakes company.

Marshall is a graduate of Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois. He is a first-time father with a daughter born early last year. He has worked at several well-known manufacturers within the specialty-parts industry over a period of 17 years and has great insight into a subject that is critical for young automotive aftermarket executives—building industry contacts throughout various career transitions.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. How long have you worked in the industry and what other companies have you worked for? What positions have you held as you progressed to your current position?

I am the national sales manager for Power Slot. I started in the industry in 1995 with Auto Meter Products. In 2000, I accepted a position with K&N Engineering as the eastern regional sales manager. In 2007, I accepted the position of director of sales with Power Slot. That same year Centric Parts acquired Power Slot, and my title changed to national sales manager.

Undoubtedly, you’ve met a lot of people and made many contacts over the years. How important would you say that it’s been to maintain those connections as you changed positions/companies? Why?

Our industry is small. We see each other at various shows and events every year. Maintaining those relationships is probably one of the most important aspects of developing a successful career. I still have friends at each company that I have worked for.

What were some of the challenges you faced when it came to maintaining those contacts?

Time. We are all busy, so reaching out is sometimes a challenge.

Transitions from one job to the next within the same industry or even the same company can be difficult. Do you have any tips for young aspiring industry executives on how to handle these situations?

Whether you’re let go or decide to move on, always do so with dignity. Stay connected with past managers/bosses at shows, stop by and say hello. What’s new at the company? How have they been?

Today’s digital world provides a variety of tools to help us communicate and stay in touch. Do you use any social media or digital programs, such as MySEMA, Facebook and LinkedIn, or, do you have any devices that you couldn’t live without?

In person is always best, but again, that time factor comes into play. Social media is good and bad. Used correctly, it is a great tool to stay in touch. I am on Facebook, which I use more for friends and family. I do have some business contacts on there, whom I regard as friends. LinkedIn is more catered to your business contacts. I keep getting requests, but have not signed up yet. I guess I should at this point. As for devices, I can’t live without my Blackberry, though my wife threatens to divorce me if I keep responding to it at dinner.

It’s easier to maintain a relationship with people we see and work with everyday. What do you feel is the best way to keep in touch with old contacts that you don’t see or talk to as frequently?

I still like picking up the phone and calling. Shows and events are a great way to see them in person and reconnect. Bottom line, regardless of the channel you choose to communicate, you must make the effort and find the time to do so. You never know how those old contacts could factor into your future.

What benefit has your current company received from the network of contacts that you have created over the years?

Information—it is nice to be able to get a perspective from someone not within your own company. Industry contacts/friends can give you general information on what they see is happening in the aftermarket. What are the new trends and what are they doing to address them?

What advice would you offer to other YENsters looking to grow and maintain their contact network as they progress through the industry?

Getting involved with SEMA is a great way to meet new industry contacts. Get to know one of the SEMA Hall of Fame members and stay in touch with them. They have achieved a lifetime of industry know-how. More often than not they are willing to share their wisdom with you.

Are there any specific advantages that you feel the younger people in our industry may have when creating and maintaining contacts? Any disadvantages?

Younger people tend to be more on the cutting edge of technology. They use social media more and are open to new ideas. And for disadvantages, well, social media. Those who rely on it for communication may miss the opportunities for face-to-face conversations.

Learn more about how to boost your career through the YEN.

	John Marshall

SEMA YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

John Marshall, Power Slot

This month’s interview is with John Marshall, national sales manager for Power Slot, a performance brakes company.

Marshall is a graduate of Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois. He is a first-time father with a daughter born early last year. He has worked at several well-known manufacturers within the specialty-parts industry over a period of 17 years and has great insight into a subject that is critical for young automotive aftermarket executives—building industry contacts throughout various career transitions.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. How long have you worked in the industry and what other companies have you worked for? What positions have you held as you progressed to your current position?

I am the national sales manager for Power Slot. I started in the industry in 1995 with Auto Meter Products. In 2000, I accepted a position with K&N Engineering as the eastern regional sales manager. In 2007, I accepted the position of director of sales with Power Slot. That same year Centric Parts acquired Power Slot, and my title changed to national sales manager.

Undoubtedly, you’ve met a lot of people and made many contacts over the years. How important would you say that it’s been to maintain those connections as you changed positions/companies? Why?

Our industry is small. We see each other at various shows and events every year. Maintaining those relationships is probably one of the most important aspects of developing a successful career. I still have friends at each company that I have worked for.

What were some of the challenges you faced when it came to maintaining those contacts?

Time. We are all busy, so reaching out is sometimes a challenge.

Transitions from one job to the next within the same industry or even the same company can be difficult. Do you have any tips for young aspiring industry executives on how to handle these situations?

Whether you’re let go or decide to move on, always do so with dignity. Stay connected with past managers/bosses at shows, stop by and say hello. What’s new at the company? How have they been?

Today’s digital world provides a variety of tools to help us communicate and stay in touch. Do you use any social media or digital programs, such as MySEMA, Facebook and LinkedIn, or, do you have any devices that you couldn’t live without?

In person is always best, but again, that time factor comes into play. Social media is good and bad. Used correctly, it is a great tool to stay in touch. I am on Facebook, which I use more for friends and family. I do have some business contacts on there, whom I regard as friends. LinkedIn is more catered to your business contacts. I keep getting requests, but have not signed up yet. I guess I should at this point. As for devices, I can’t live without my Blackberry, though my wife threatens to divorce me if I keep responding to it at dinner.

It’s easier to maintain a relationship with people we see and work with everyday. What do you feel is the best way to keep in touch with old contacts that you don’t see or talk to as frequently?

I still like picking up the phone and calling. Shows and events are a great way to see them in person and reconnect. Bottom line, regardless of the channel you choose to communicate, you must make the effort and find the time to do so. You never know how those old contacts could factor into your future.

What benefit has your current company received from the network of contacts that you have created over the years?

Information—it is nice to be able to get a perspective from someone not within your own company. Industry contacts/friends can give you general information on what they see is happening in the aftermarket. What are the new trends and what are they doing to address them?

What advice would you offer to other YENsters looking to grow and maintain their contact network as they progress through the industry?

Getting involved with SEMA is a great way to meet new industry contacts. Get to know one of the SEMA Hall of Fame members and stay in touch with them. They have achieved a lifetime of industry know-how. More often than not they are willing to share their wisdom with you.

Are there any specific advantages that you feel the younger people in our industry may have when creating and maintaining contacts? Any disadvantages?

Younger people tend to be more on the cutting edge of technology. They use social media more and are open to new ideas. And for disadvantages, well, social media. Those who rely on it for communication may miss the opportunities for face-to-face conversations.

Learn more about how to boost your career through the YEN.

	John Marshall

SEMA YEN Member of the Month Spotlight

John Marshall, Power Slot

This month’s interview is with John Marshall, national sales manager for Power Slot, a performance brakes company.

Marshall is a graduate of Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois. He is a first-time father with a daughter born early last year. He has worked at several well-known manufacturers within the specialty-parts industry over a period of 17 years and has great insight into a subject that is critical for young automotive aftermarket executives—building industry contacts throughout various career transitions.

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do. How long have you worked in the industry and what other companies have you worked for? What positions have you held as you progressed to your current position?

I am the national sales manager for Power Slot. I started in the industry in 1995 with Auto Meter Products. In 2000, I accepted a position with K&N Engineering as the eastern regional sales manager. In 2007, I accepted the position of director of sales with Power Slot. That same year Centric Parts acquired Power Slot, and my title changed to national sales manager.

Undoubtedly, you’ve met a lot of people and made many contacts over the years. How important would you say that it’s been to maintain those connections as you changed positions/companies? Why?

Our industry is small. We see each other at various shows and events every year. Maintaining those relationships is probably one of the most important aspects of developing a successful career. I still have friends at each company that I have worked for.

What were some of the challenges you faced when it came to maintaining those contacts?

Time. We are all busy, so reaching out is sometimes a challenge.

Transitions from one job to the next within the same industry or even the same company can be difficult. Do you have any tips for young aspiring industry executives on how to handle these situations?

Whether you’re let go or decide to move on, always do so with dignity. Stay connected with past managers/bosses at shows, stop by and say hello. What’s new at the company? How have they been?

Today’s digital world provides a variety of tools to help us communicate and stay in touch. Do you use any social media or digital programs, such as MySEMA, Facebook and LinkedIn, or, do you have any devices that you couldn’t live without?

In person is always best, but again, that time factor comes into play. Social media is good and bad. Used correctly, it is a great tool to stay in touch. I am on Facebook, which I use more for friends and family. I do have some business contacts on there, whom I regard as friends. LinkedIn is more catered to your business contacts. I keep getting requests, but have not signed up yet. I guess I should at this point. As for devices, I can’t live without my Blackberry, though my wife threatens to divorce me if I keep responding to it at dinner.

It’s easier to maintain a relationship with people we see and work with everyday. What do you feel is the best way to keep in touch with old contacts that you don’t see or talk to as frequently?

I still like picking up the phone and calling. Shows and events are a great way to see them in person and reconnect. Bottom line, regardless of the channel you choose to communicate, you must make the effort and find the time to do so. You never know how those old contacts could factor into your future.

What benefit has your current company received from the network of contacts that you have created over the years?

Information—it is nice to be able to get a perspective from someone not within your own company. Industry contacts/friends can give you general information on what they see is happening in the aftermarket. What are the new trends and what are they doing to address them?

What advice would you offer to other YENsters looking to grow and maintain their contact network as they progress through the industry?

Getting involved with SEMA is a great way to meet new industry contacts. Get to know one of the SEMA Hall of Fame members and stay in touch with them. They have achieved a lifetime of industry know-how. More often than not they are willing to share their wisdom with you.

Are there any specific advantages that you feel the younger people in our industry may have when creating and maintaining contacts? Any disadvantages?

Younger people tend to be more on the cutting edge of technology. They use social media more and are open to new ideas. And for disadvantages, well, social media. Those who rely on it for communication may miss the opportunities for face-to-face conversations.

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