Performance reviews play a critical aspect in the role of a manager. It is not a time to grade performance, but a time to give honest feedback that can have a significant impact on an individual’s career. This allows employees to improve in smaller time frames and can help determine their advancement opportunities and career path.
Automotive aftermarket managers will learn how to conduct a successful performance review by joining the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) for a live webinar on February 17, at 11:00 a.m. (PST).
During the webinar, attendees will learn:
The importance of reviews and setting targets for an employee’s professional growth.
How to have an honest and productive conversation that points to specific examples of achievements and what is expected moving forward.
Tips for providing and receiving feedback from the employee that identifies training and development needs.
This webinar is designed specifically for automotive aftermarket managers and includes a live Q&A and breakout-session. Register here.
Brad Mandell is the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest spotlight volunteer. Mandell is the owner of 4 Wheel Super Store, a Jeep and truck store for lift kits, wheels and tires, bumpers, lighting and tops.
Learn about Mandell in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?
Brad Mandell: I have been a Jeep owner since high school, which was 30 years ago.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?
BM: I want to give back to the industry that has given so much to me.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
BM: This is the type of industry where it’s a labor of love. You need to ask yourself if you are committed to the meticulous detail it takes to really excel. If so, go for it 100% and you will never look back.
SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
BM: My dream vehicle is the next one we are going to build. On the weekend, you can find me driving my Jeep to the beach with a surfboard strapped on top.
Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA eNews and future TORA member updates.
The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.
JMS FuelMAX
FuelMAX features exclusive JMS digital technology that provides up to an 85% increase in fuel delivery from your OEM fuel pump. Providing the highest continuous voltage and amperage output without the noise, safely supporting up to 1000 hp. Plug-and-play installation connects directly to your fuel pump driver module and activates via monitoring the pedal position sensor, minimizing install time. User-adjustable voltage ramp-in/ramp-out rate allows elimination of fuel pressure spikes for maximum control. FuelMAX kits are shipped complete with everything you need for installation and are compatible with all 12- and 16-volt battery systems. FuelMAX units are backed by a lifetime warranty, designed and assembled in the United States.
TI Automotive is an OE supplier to the major automotive manufacturers around the world. Our industry-leading, award-winning fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology helps global automakers improve fuel economy, performance and emissions. TI Automotive has operations in 29 countries across six continents to serve our automotive customers. In fact, two-thirds of vehicles produced around the world contain products from TI Automotive. Our proven technology, built on nearly 100 years of experience enables us to develop world-class fuel systems. You may not be familiar with the TI Automotive brand for stock replacement parts as we’ve been supplying product to the most popular name brands in the market for decades with a strong legacy of reliability, performance and first-time fit. TI Automotive brings the same level of innovation, quality and performance to the aftermarket, providing OE-quality fuel pump and module technology for gasoline, diesel and flex-fuel applications in a broad and expanding range of vehicles. TI fuel modules are complete drop-in assemblies with a high-quality turbine or gerotor pump depending on the application requirements. Many of TI Automotive fuel modules utilize the award-winning DCSS 39/50 turbine pump for powerful, quiet operation. Proudly union made in TI Automotive’s Caro, Michigan plant across five fuel pump and 14 modules assembly lines. Our fuel pumps and modules are never manufactured or assembled by a third party or sourced from an outside company. Fluid Thinking shapes the mindset of TI Automotive.
Features:
Complete fuel pump module assembly includes level sender and float arm.
Drop-in installation designed for in-tank use only.
SuperSprings for Dodge Dakota, Nissan D21, Toyota T100
SuperSprings are a unique and patented self-adjusting suspension stabilizing system for vehicles with rear leaf springs, designed to level loads and reduce body roll. SuperSprings provide users extra load support and reduce body roll without compromising ride quality. They are manufactured using a variety of different sized springs to support multiple applications. All SuperSprings are manufactured in the United States from SAE5160H high-grade, shot-peened steel.
Goodyear Car Accessories CLIM ART Tape-On Window Deflectors Extra Durable
Love to keep the windows open but the noisy wind, rain and snow make driving around in your car an awful experience? Presenting CLIM ART car window shields that are specially designed to deflect rain, wind, sunshine and snow to make car rides a more enjoyable experience for you and your family. CLIM ART car window guards—keeping windows open while driving at high speeds is a daunting task as the wind and rains can cause discomfort to the passengers inside. The special streamlined design of the window shields deflects environmental elements away by altering the vehicle’s aerodynamical wind flow pattern. Allows fresh air to circulate into the car preventing the need for air conditioning and thereby saving fuel. Tape-style outside mounting (door and above the windows) with 3M tape for a stronghold. Comes in a dark color for added sun protection while also adding to the appearance of your precious car. The stickable logo comes in the package and is not attached to the product. The user can choose to stick it or not. Window rain guards are car wash friendly. Package includes two front deflectors, two rear deflectors, installation instruction, mounting kit and degrease wipes. Compatible with Toyota Corolla ’09–’13. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Should our product fail to please you, we will either replace the product or offer you a full refund, with no questions asked. So, why think twice? Order now and get our window rain guards right away!
Features:
Quality Promise: Car wind deflectors come with a limited lifetime warranty so that you can buy without a sliver of worry or doubt! We are, however, quite sure that our car window visors will not fail to please you!
Make car rides more enjoyable: Open the windows and enjoy the breeze as you cruise around, without worrying about the noisy wind, chilly snow, annoying rain sprays/splashes or the blazing sunshine with CLIM ART side window deflectors.
Incredibly durable and cool: Our tough, hardy and shatterproof dark-colored premium PC plastic window rain guards feature a streamlined flexible design that will not bend, break or crack, while its smart design adds to the look of your car!
All tools included: These rain guards feature a mounting with 3M VHB tape for extra-strong grip. The mounting kit includes all the necessary tools and comprehensive instruction for a successful installation. No drilling is needed!
Gain a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque with a K&N cold air intake system featuring a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube. Each system is paired with a washable, reusable high-flow air filter featuring oiled cotton filter media. The oversized, conical filter design allows you to go up to 100,000 miles between filter services under normal highway driving conditions. A custom heat shield or air box helps protect intake air from the high temperature of your engine bay, and the entire system can typically be installed in less than 90 minutes. Some intakes are not legal for sale or use on any pollution-controlled motor vehicle in California. See the product specifications for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.
Features:
Guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque.
Mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube paired with oversized oiled cotton air filter.
Engineered to provide high airflow and exceptional filtration.
Replaces factory air filter and intake tube.
Filter only requires cleaning every 100,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions.
Typical installation can be completed in 90 minutes or less with simple hand tools.
Auto Ventshade with Stainless Steel Finish, Two-Piece Set for ’53–’55 Ford F-100
AVS Ventshade is the original Auto ventshade product. Offered for many classic vehicles it is the standard that created the side window-deflector industry. Its ledge profile that is mounted in the window channel combined with its stainless-steel construction makes Ventshades the standard by which all others are measured.
Features:
Ledge profile that is mounted in the window channel for a secure mount.
Keeps rain out and lets fresh air in.
Manufactured from high-quality steel.
Available in polished stainless and black finishes.
AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Boards for ’06–’09 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500, Mega Cab
Getting into your truck shouldn’t feel like climbing Mount Everest. That’s why AMP Research invented the patented PowerStep, the automatic, electric-powered running board that instantly extends when you open your door, and retracts out of sight when the doors close for improved ground clearance, aerodynamics and appearance. Its sleek design, all-weather performance and legendary reliability set the industry standard.
Features:
Low-profile integrated LED light system—standard.
High-strength, die-cast aluminum alloy components with an anodized and PTFE-coated, military-spec finish to resist corrosion.
Precision stainless-steel pivot pins for rock-solid stability.
Maintenance-free self-lubricating bushings for all-weather performance.
As one of just five young adults who was recently recognized as “On the Radar” by Drag Illustrated magazine’s 30 Under 30 Program, Autumn Schwalbe is a rising star who is turning her passion for automobiles into a thriving career.
Schwalbe is a 23-year-old who was born in a drag-racing family, started drag racing at age 15 and hasn’t stopped since. Her passion for automotive led her to obtaining a BBA in automotive aftermarket marketing and management from Northwood University, and landing her current role as a marketing specialist with Ford Motor Company on the Global Ford Performance Motorsports team.
SEMA members are invited to hear from Schwalbe as she shares tips for identifying a desired career in the auto industry during the next SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), formerly SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) live chat, February 9, at 12:00 p.m. (PST). Participants will hear applicable steps for landing their dream job—from education, experience, internships and applying—and have the opportunity to ask Schwalbe questions live.
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting the first-ever three-day comprehensive leadership training designed specifically for women in the automotive aftermarket.
By bringing women together for focused leadership training, the event will educate, inspire and support women to thrive in the workplace. The three-day program includes presentations and workshops from top trainers and experts, including Dale Carnegie. Participants are able to choose from various personal development tracks on dealing with difficult people or creating a drama-free workplace, as well as leadership tracks for building strong teams that deliver proven results.
Experts will also share insights on how emotional intelligence plays a role in the office, and what women can do to amplify their careers through their physical and emotional presence. The entire event is designed to be inspiring and provide participants with confidence and knowledge that will make a meaningful impact.
The forum will take place March 16–18, at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California, and help SBN members and women in the industry:
Create and build skill sets through education, mentorship and small group discussions.
Participate in sessions with expert speakers, several that are led by the world-renown Dale Carnegie trainers.
Grow and expand their tribe of women allies through daily networking activities.
Express challenges and wins with other women in the automotive industry knowing that the common goal is to advance all females.
Attend two keynote sessions that will move them to become their best self in both their personal and professional life.
Participants are able to choose from either a personal development track on dealing with difficult people and creating a drama-free workplace, or a leadership track for building strong teams that deliver proven results.
Online registration is open through March 15. SBN members can register at a reduced rate of $499, compared to non-SEMA members at $699. Participants must make their own travel arrangements.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a new national strategy for addressing roadway safety, saying it has an “ambitious long-term goal of zero roadway fatalities.” The National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) is a five-pronged approach to safety focused on safer people, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and post-crash care. Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg maintains that the NRSS is a first, noting that it is a “comprehensive plan to significantly reduce injuries and deaths on America’s roadways.” In the first half of 2021, roadway deaths were up 18.4% compared to the first six months of 2020, which was likely integral in DOT’s creation of the NRSS.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an agency within the DOT, will play a vital role in ensuring the NRSS is successful. To address vehicle safety, the NRSS incorporates safety provisions already required by the infrastructure law passed in 2021. This includes a directive that NHTSA update the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) to include newer safety technologies within the five-star rating program such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. These advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) help prevent or mitigate the impact of crashes. SEMA will continue to monitor these updates and promote consumers’ ability to modify their vehicles that have ADAS equipment installed. The agency is also scheduled to begin a rulemaking by 2024 to require installation of automatic emergency braking systems as standard equipment on new vehicles to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. NHTSA will also consider ways in which alcohol-detection systems, and systems to detect distracted driving may be installed on new motor vehicles. As NHTSA moves forward with these regulatory actions, SEMA will closely participate in the rulemaking process.
For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.
As part of the 2022 SEMA Motorsports Part Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, MPMC members recently spent three days connecting with 140-plus media outlets, including several social-media influencers who reach millions of enthusiasts and consumers on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok. MPMC recognized the value and benefits that social-media influencers bring to manufacturers, and the council made a concerted effort over the years to open the event up to new media. As a result, the number of social-media influencers at this year’s event reached a record high of 33 SEMA Social Media Correspondents (SMC) taking part in 520 individual meetings.
While these meetings will result in increased awareness, brand exposure and partnerships for many MPMC members, others are just discovering the potential that influencers can bring. To help all manufacturers better understand what social influencers can do, MPMC hosted a webinar for the entire industry prior to the Media Trade Conference.
In the webinar, available here, experts explained the value of working with influencers and how to create successful partnerships. Presented by Driveshop, the webinar included examples of successful partnerships and offered tips for avoiding pitfalls. Driveshop also worked on a pilot initiative to provide select manufacturers at the MPMC Media Trade Conference with a custom campaign dashboard. Participants will be able to review their social partnerships from the event by tracking content posted, get live reporting on content performance and see insights on audience demographics.
“The MPMC Media Trade Conference was developed on the foundation of relationships and collaboration amongst our manufacturers and media partners,” said Melissa Scoles, MPMC chair. “We’re excited we had a solid virtual option to keep the meetings effective and continue the connections with one another.”
To learn more about the SEMA Social Media Correspondent Program or how manufacturers can collaborate with influencers, contact Lisa Cabalquinto from Driveshop at lisa@driveshop.com.
As the vehicle landscape continues to evolve, it’s important for industry members to stay up-to-date on how electric vehicles and alternative power will impact the future. While the new “SEMA Emerging Trends: Electrification, Alternative Power and Advanced Technology” report includes detailed information about aftermarket EV performance, members will be able to better understand the findings and get their questions answered during a live Facebook and Instagram chat on February 8, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).
Participants will engage live with Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, as he answers questions from the audience on aftermarket EV performance and what part it might play in advancing EVs into the marketplace. He’ll also share SEMA’s prediction for how the industry will adapt to EV, and what industry members can learn by downloading the report.
AWE has placed Belinda Tschorn as its new head of human resources to support the growth of the organization. As human resources director, Tschorn will oversee all areas of organizational development, training, employee relations, benefits, recruiting and HRIS, as well as building out the HR department at AWE to support future growth. Prior to joining AWE, Tschorn has held executive and management positions at Piramal Pharma Solutions, Omni Cable and Scala. She graduated from Villanova University with a B.A. in economics and a certificate in human resources management and services and also participated in strategic human resources leadership at Cornell University. She is also credentialed in SHRM-CP and PHR.
SEMA WTC Select Committee member
Steve Swanson
California Luncheon Features SEMA WTC, TIA, Hall of Fame
The ninth annual CTDA/1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon on January 20 featured the establishment of the California Tire Dealers Association Hall of Fame and speeches by representatives from SEMA and The Tire Industry Association. (TIA). Two of the inductees were former directors of CTDA-N (North) and CTDA-S (South), with the combined associations becoming the California Tire Dealers Association (CTDA) in 2010.
The late Eddie Cohn was a CTDA-S director and had previously operated Cohn Tire Sales in Los Angeles.
Jay Goldberg has been a board member of the CTDA since the ’60s. He operated Anderson Tire, Semperit Pacific and later became a principal at Globe Tire. Goldberg was also heavily involved with the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association (NTDRA).
The late Tom Hanlon, a past CTDA-N president, also ran Hanlon’s Tire Service in San Bruno, California.
The late Ed King, who helped establish CTDA-N’s insurance services, was a past executive director of CTDA and prior to that was a CTDA-N board member.
Don Zavattero, former secretary, treasurer, and board member of the CTDA-N and CTDA, is the founder of Tech Supply in Hayward California.
The Hall of Fame inductees were announced by CTDA Executive Director Marc Connerly and CTDA board member Chris Barry of the Independent Tire Dealer Group (ITDG) served as the luncheon’s emcee. Speakers touched on topics important to the industry:
SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) select committee member and former SEMA board member Steve Swanson of The Carlstar Group engaged attendees regarding the benefits of WTC membership.
Retired TIA CEO Roy Littlefield, and now a part time lobbyist for the association, reviewed legislative issues including the infrastructure bill and funding.
TIA President Mason Hess, of Purcell Tire, stressed the continuing impact of the labor shortage and talked about TIA’s role in employee training and the importance of manager engagement with new hires.
Pat Infantino
LEED Brakes Adds Pat Infantino as Wholesale Sales Manager
LEED Brakes is growing its sales team by adding 30+ year industry veteran and Buffalo native Pat Infantino to the position of wholesale sales manager. Infantino’s longtime industry experience includes 15 years as a manufacturer’s rep, 3½ years as national sales manager at Castle Chemical, followed by 8½ years as sales manager at Stainless Steel Brakes. Most recently, he spent 6½ years with Covercraft Industries as eastern director of sales. Infantino brings with him to LEED Brakes a plethora of experience in dealing with a wide variety of types of customers, including wholesale distribution, jobbers, automotive chains, online and big-box retailers and experience with the RV aftermarket
The Media Movers, Shakers and Story Breakers Behind Power Automedia’s Digital Magazines
In celebrating 15 years of digital media, Power Automedia launched its “Media Movers, Shakers, and Story Breakers” campaign. The “Media Movers” campaign features an interview with each member of the editorial division, highlighting the uniquely passionate people which have been the driving force behind Power Automedia’s successful magazines. The Media Movers and Shakers are a dedicated group of unique personalities banded together to bring readers everything from how-to articles, automotive news and event coverage. It is through the words of the magazines’ editors that enthusiasts can find community, achieve their dreams and share in the passions of the automotive hobby.
Power Automedia’s group of Story Breakers encompasses more than just an expert team of writers. Helping to shape both the future of the industry, and the digital content of the company is Chief Operating Officer Scott Parker, Creative Operations Director Andrew Almazan and Managing Editor Amanda Bourne. Each member of editorial leadership contributes to fine-tuning the department’s mission of crafting the most innovative automotive content possible. Watch each Media Movers campaign spotlight here.
SRO Motorsports America Announces Staff Promotions, Additions
SRO Motorsports America has announced staff promotions and additions to strengthen its growth in North America. Effective immediately, Brian Hughes was promoted to vice president, operations. He is recognized as a leading logistics and operations professional within both motorsports and corporate settings. Prior to joining SRO America, Hughes had extensive experience with ChampCar, IMSA, and NZR Consulting. Staci Langham was promoted to general manager, and will oversee Team Relations, GT World Challenge America and GT America. Langham has been a member of the World Challenge organization for over a decade.
Robbie Montinola was promoted to vice president, marketing communications and business development, and will oversee several new hires in his department. Montinola enters his fifth season with SRO after many years in the tech media and entertainment space. Susan Dunklau was promoted to CFO. Dunklau has been with the series since 2011, most recently serving as the senior series administrator. Dean Case, meanwhile, joins as press officer. Case has previously worked for Ford Racing, NISMO, and Mazdaspeed and will lead efforts to tell the multitude of stories from within the SRO paddock.
Natasha Masterson will join as the manager for marketing and business development. Masterson has worked extensively in IndyCar, Formula One, WEC, IMSA and with brands such as McLaren and Lamborghini. Kenzie Manning and Raymond Fong join team relations. Manning has a diverse motorsports background ranging from pit crew work to hospitality. Fong is an experienced sports marketing and events professional having most recently worked for the Golden State Warriors. Mitchell Mefford will join the SRO engineering team. Mefford is well known in the paddock, having served as a part of the weekend SRO technical staff since 2019.
Brian Banks
CRP Automotive Names Brian Banks 2021 Canadian Sales Representative of the Year
CRP Automotive has named Brian Banks as its 2021 Canadian Sales Representative of the Year. Banks is the President of BRB Sales and Marketing Inc., and represents CRP Automotive’s AAE, Ajusa, Pentosin and Rein brands in the Ontario province. 2021 marked Banks’ first full year as a sales representative for CRP Automotive. The award was presented by CRP Automotive Canadian National Sales Manager Patrick Hébert. Banks founded BRB Sales and Marketing Inc. in 2019, as an independent manufacturer’s representative providing sales, marketing and service for the automotive aftermarket, heavy-duty, and industrial channels in Ontario, Canada. Originally the company was a partner agent with Kanmar Inc. until March 2020. Prior to founding BRB, Banks served as a manufacturer’s representative in the Ontario automotive aftermarket for 28 years.
Peter Dobrowolski
Continental Names Peter Dobrowolski as Product Manager for Diagnostics and Services
Continental has named Peter Dobrowolski as the new product manager for diagnostics and services - North America. In his new role, Dobrowolski will be responsible for managing the portfolio of diagnostics products that include the Autodiagnos Pro Automotive Diagnostic System, Autodiagnos TPMS Tools and the Autodiagnos Drive Connected Vehicle Data Solution.
Dobrowolski is a long-time employee of Continental, serving in several capacities during the past 10 years. He was a senior product manager for the Tachographs, Telematics and Services group, where he managed a start-up compliance product for the heavy-duty trucking industry and oversaw the entire product lifecycle from concept through to market deployment in both the United States and Canada. Dobrowolski was also the health, safety and facilities manager for Continental’s Allentown, Pennsylvania, facility. Prior to joining Continental, Dobrowolski was employed by Saab Automotive AB as assistant manager – parts technical services and worked on the operations support staff for Logistics Services at Caterpillar Inc.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
SEMA has introduced a new program to make it possible for automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers to meet the legal requirement for emissions compliance under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tampering Policy. The program, called SEMA Certified-Emissions (SC-E), gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria and is therefore legal for sale in 49 states.
The new SEMA Certified-Emissions program gives manufacturers the ability to verify that a product meets the EPA’s “reasonable basis” criteria for sale in 49 states.
For the first time ever, manufacturers have a clear, accelerated path to compliance and can begin selling products legally in 49 states prior to receiving a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO), which is still a requirement for selling products in all 50 states.
“It’s now easier than ever for manufacturers to demonstrate emissions compliance,” said Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development programs. “SEMA Certified-Emissions is a major accomplishment in accelerating a manufacturer’s ability to get products to market, and it paves the path to obtaining emissions compliance in all 50 states.”
Since 2014, the SEMA Garage has been instrumental in helping automotive aftermarket parts manufacturers obtain CARB EOs. With state-of-the-art CARB-recognized testing equipment and dedicated expert staff conducting tests and assisting with the process, the SEMA Garage has helped secure more than 500 CARB EOs—more than half of all performance parts EOs issued by CARB.
The new SC-E program is comparable to CARB EO requirements and was developed in response to the EPA’s Tampering Policy. SEMA staff will assess manufacturers’ needs and advise as to the most appropriate path forward, whether that includes applying for a CARB EO or SEMA emissions certification. SC-E may help manufacturers get to market about three months before obtaining a CARB EO. SC-E is also ideal for products that may not have a clear path in the CARB EO process (such as Flex-Fuel modifications, HCT equipped intakes and engine packages).
“SC-E gives manufacturers much greater options and opportunities,” said Peter Treydte, SEMA director of emissions compliance. “This is a significant milestone in the industry’s ability to provide products to consumers. We look forward to working with members and helping them go to market with SEMA Certified-Emissions products.”