By Ashley Reyes

Love Lontoc, brand manager associate at KW automotive North America Inc., is this week’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Get to know what Lontoc enjoys about the industry in her interview with SEMA below.  

SEMA: What do you enjoy most about working at your current company?

Love Lontoc: I enjoy being around other car enthusiasts, working on a variety of projects and the freedom of creativity.

SEMA: What is the most challenging part of your job?

LL: In my new role as the brand manager associate, the most challenging part is communication. There are many channels and time zones that the brand management department has to keep in mind, and it is important that information is translated correctly to others.

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry, and what was your first industry job?

LL: I started working in the industry in 2016 as a journeyman technician intern at Chevron. During my last college semester in 2019, I interned as a marketing assistant at KW automotive North America and have been here since!

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?

LL: Adaptability, integrity and dependability. I grew up as a Navy brat and had to move every few years, and that lifestyle helped me become comfortable with changes. I value integrity because “doing what is right even when no one is watching” is very important, and I strive to be dependable because I believe that is a key component to having a great team.

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?

LL: One of the biggest challenges is having to work much harder to show that I am capable of doing just as much as a male counterpart.

In the Automotive Technology Program, I was the only female during the first semester and one of two in the second. At first, I was intimidated by everyone and felt that no one would want to work with me. After a short period of time, I was able to prove that “I can do this,” and a lot of people were asking for my help. I ended up becoming one of two automotive tutors during the second semester.  

Since then, I have been fortunate to meet people who want to help me grow in this industry and have given me the respect that is not given so easily to women in this industry. Thanks to the amazing support of my family and peers, people in the industry have learned that I am of great value and I'm able to help them.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?

LL: In the beginning of my career, it was Mr. Guzman, Mr. Garza and Mr. Nelson from the Automotive Technology Program. There were times when I had one-on-one sessions with them to make sure I understood the material and was not getting overshadowed by other classmates. This is where I got my “push” to be in the industry, and without them I wouldn’t be in pursuing a career in automotive.

Currently, it would have to be my boss Kelleigh Ash and brand managers Frank Vasquez and Matt Behrnes. I appreciate how much they want me to succeed, and they challenge me with different projects that help me learn more about the industry and think about everything from different perspectives.

Ongoing, it’s all the women in the industry. It’s a great feeling to see them succeeding in a male-dominated field.

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

LL: “It's not a race, it’s a marathon.” I have to remind myself that although healthy competition is okay and motivating, I have to take a step back and realize I am on my own path doing things on my own time. I will get there.

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

LL: Honestly, no. If you had asked me years ago where I saw myself in five or 10 years, automotive was not one of the answers. I was curious about cars during high school because of all the movies featuring fast cars and whatnot. A few years after, a group of friends I had at the time were into cars, and I decided to take a few summer courses to understand what they were talking about. Turns out, I enjoy learning about cars and getting my hands dirty. In 2015, I decided to take the plunge and enroll in the Automotive Technology Program.  

What keeps me in this industry is the camaraderie, seeing what builds are made and wondering what is the “next big thing.” It’s enjoyable to see how much passion people have for their vehicles. They appear to be on another level of happiness.

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?

LL: My parents. The amount of support, patience and guidance they have provided throughout my life does not go unappreciated.

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 News and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

By Ashley Reyes

The specialty-equipment industry continues to experience strong growth and demand as the United States puts COVID-19 in the rearview mirror. According to SEMA’s new “State of the Industry—Spring 2022” report, 75% of manufacturers, 68% of distributors and 53% of retailers/installers report that sales are currently above where they were prior to the pandemic, and consumer demand is equally higher for most companies than in 2019.

According to SEMA’s new “State of the Industry—Spring 2022” report, 75% of manufacturers, 68% of distributors and 53% of retailers/installers report that sales are currently above where they were prior to the pandemic, and consumer demand is equally higher for most companies than in 2019.

However, despite strong industry growth, concerns remain due to ongoing supply-chain issues, inflation, economic uncertainty and the war in Ukraine.

The report, which includes 70 pages of new industry data, helps companies make better business decisions by highlighting current industry trends, business metrics and estimates on how sales have changed over the last year, and provides a look into the ongoing supply disruption and a pulse check of consumers as they navigate economic uncertainty and higher prices.

Additional key findings from the report include:

• More than half of companies expect sales to continue to grow in the coming year.
• Supply-chain issues remain a challenge for more than 90% of the industry, and most don’t see things returning to normal until at least 2023.
• The current inflation rate of 8.5% is the highest it has been in 40 years, yet consumers continue to spend.
• Despite gas prices being up more than 40% on average from where they were last year, 80% of Americans still plan on taking a road trip this summer.
• Amid record consumer demand, 70% of manufacturers, 56% of distributors and 45% of retail installers have had difficulty filling open positions due to a shortage of qualified applicants to hire.

The complete SEMA “State of the Industry—Spring 2022” report is available to download for free at www.sema.org/research.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive engineers, programmers, and product developers will discover what the next generation has planned during the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network’s (ETTN) Student Competition Facebook and Instagram live chat on April 27 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)/3:00 p.m. (EDT).

Viewers will watch a recap video from the SEMA/SAE staging event that took place the week before in which students showcased and shared details about current racing and performance projects for on- and off-road applications.

Ian Lehn, founder of Boostane, will moderate the discussion, as he is joined by SEMA’s Director of Vehicle Technology Luis Morales,  a representative from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and Cal Poly Pomona Formula SAE students Marvin Sevilla and Isaac Haynes.

Viewers will watch a recap video from the SEMA/SAE staging event that took place the week before in which students showcased and shared details about current racing and performance projects for on- and off-road applications. Viewers will also discover opportunities and best practices for mentoring, hiring and collaborating with the future generation, and take part in an open Q&A with the live chat hosts.

Live chat location: ETTN Facebook page and Instagram (ettn_sema)

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) published a second modification to its proposed amendments to the Proposition 65 short-form warning regulations first issued in January 2021 and revised in December 2021.

Although the amendments include some welcomed changes, SEMA and many other companies and organizations continue to oppose the overall proposal since it would require companies to revise their short-form labels, catalogs and websites. Among other considerations, the new regulations would mandate that at least one chemical associated with cancer and/or one chemical known to be a carcinogen be identified on the short form.

The current short-form warning does not identify a specific chemical(s) while the long-form warning requires identification of a specific chemical(s):

• Short-Form: WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm—www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
• Long-Form:  WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals, including [name one or more chemicals], which is (are) known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

The initial OEHHA proposal in January 2021 was met with overwhelming objections from SEMA and other organizations, as it would have limited the availability for companies to put the short-form warning on their products. OEHHA issued a modified proposal in December 2021, and the second modification on April 5, 2022. Of note, the modifications removed label-size and packaging-shape limitations when using short-form warning, the proposed font type size requirement was removed, and the date for businesses to comply with the regulation was extended to two years instead of one. While these are positive changes, SEMA continues to oppose the overall measure since companies would still be required to revise their existing short-form labels and update catalogs and websites to identify at least one chemical associated with cancer or reproductive harm.

The business community worked with the agency for several years to develop the original Prop 65 regulations that took full effect in September 2018. Companies subsequently invested significant resources in updating product labels, websites and catalogs, and instructing others in the product chain about their obligations. OEHHA’s proposed short-form warning changes would negate those efforts for many companies.

Prop 65 was a ballot initiative enacted by California voters in 1986. It requires warning labels on products containing chemicals listed as known to cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. There are more than 1,100 chemicals currently on the list. Prop 65 doesn’t stop anyone from selling their products regardless of what chemicals they contain; it is simply a law that requires consumer warning labels under certain circumstances.  

The current 2018 regulation provides the short-form warning option as an acceptable alternative to the revised requirements for consumer product exposure warnings. Many companies use this option since the warning fits more easily on product packaging and in advertising materials and the company does not have to identify at least one chemical listed under Prop 65 that triggers the warning. In proposing the change, OEHHA expressed concerns about an overuse of the short-form warning label. OEHHA will now review public comments and decide whether it will implement the proposed short form changes.

SEMA’s comments can be found here.

Additional information on Prop 65 can be found here.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org.

By Rachel Tatum

Sana Dadabhoy (@ladyzla_) will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything,” Tuesday, April 26, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).

Dadabhoy is a mechanic turned chemical engineer with a passion for race cars, and is the proud owner of a ’15 Nissan GT-R called “Ladyzla.” Over the years, she has built her GT-R into a nine-second stock motor streetcar. Dadabhoy shares her adventures of tuning, power mods and drag racing on her social channels. SEMA has partnered with her on key industry initiatives including the RPM Act, SEMA Individual Membership and SEMA Garage Measuring Sessions. Tune in to learn more about GT-Rs, drag racing and working with SEMA!

SEMA continues to actively recruit automotive influencers for the SEMA Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA council and network select committees consist of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to help develop meaningful programs for members. Volunteers are critical to the councils’ and the industry’s success. In return, volunteers gain a lot through the process.

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) select committee.

Applications are now available at www.sema.org/volunteer, where employees of SEMA-member companies can apply for a seat on a council or network select committee.

There are nine councils and networks that represent different segments of the automotive aftermarket—from auto restoration, restyling, emerging trends and technology, truck and off-road and more.

Here are just a few benefits members get by volunteering on a SEMA Council or Network select committee:

• Understand the industry at large. It’s always beneficial to meet others in your same market niche who you can talk to about the state of the industry, its challenges and opportunities. Working with other select committee members really allows you to get a sense of how the industry at large is doing. As you’re helping to better the industry, you’re also able to come up with new ideas and understand where the opportunities are for your business.
• Make valuable business connections. Chances are you may meet some of your most trusted, go-to colleagues in the industry or perhaps even a mentor, while serving on the select committee. You’ll find that the select committee consists of some of the brightest, most innovative individuals in the industry, and they just might be individuals who you turn to when you need business advice or want to bounce ideas off.
• Develop personal friendships. You’ll meet individuals who have common interests and share a passion for the industry that you love as well. It’s not uncommon for select committee members to make life-long friendships while serving the council.
• Gain hands-on experience. As a leader in the industry, you will receive leadership training and guide the council and the industry in new programs and services.
• Boost brand awareness. Both the volunteer and the company gain great visibility. You and your company are highlighted, quoted and featured or mentioned as programs are developed.
• Address challenges and opportunities most important to you or your company. As a select committee member, you’re able to prioritize the issues that you see as most important and have a voice at the table. You’re able to make a difference in the areas that matter most.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) select committee.

If you want to apply for a seat on a select committee, or would like to recommend someone who you think would be great in this role, you are invited and encouraged to fill out the form at www.sema.org/volunteer by the April 22 deadline. The ideal candidate will be able to commit 5–10 volunteer hours a month, have strong strategic planning skills, significant aftermarket knowledge and a passion for giving back to the industry.

If you are interested in volunteering at a different level, or on a subcommittee or task force for a council or network, please contact Council Director Denise Waddingham at Deniselw@sema.org for more information.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Aircooled VW/Porsche Technician
EMPI Inc. is hiring an aircooled VW/Porsche Technician to maintain the EMPI fleet of vehicles, including show cars and test vehicles used to prototype new products in conjunction with its R&D Department; assemble, disassemble, diagnose and test VW and Porsche systems and components; collect data, monitor test performance, document observations and communicate project status and results to R&D engineers and marketing; maintain engine dyno and garage equipment; support engineering staff in building and testing prototypes; and provide information and data to engineers as requested.

Suspension Installer/Technician
Function and Form is hiring a suspension installer/technician for its La Mirada, California, location. Applicants must have knowledge of suspension components; an understanding of wheels, tires and alignments; and one year of experience working in a professional automotive or powersports service/repair shop or automotive parts/supplies shop.

IT Director
National Performance Warehouse is hiring an IT director to oversee IT operations; manage information technology and computer systems; develop strategy as it relates to the organization's IT infrastructure; develop, manage and track the IT department's annual budget; consult senior-level stakeholders across the entire organization to identify business and technology needs and to optimize the use of information technology; and ensure smooth delivery and operation of IT services by monitoring systems performance. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, information systems or a related field, and more than eight years of experience working in IT operations, supervising technology teams and overseeing large information technology projects.

Indiana lawmakers (left to right) Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and Reps. Greg Pence (R-IN), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Jim Banks (R-IN), Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Victoria Spartz (R-IN).

Indiana and Ohio will hold their 2022 primary elections on Tuesday, May 3, and it’s important to know which candidates support racing when going to the polls or voting early. For information on voting in the primary (including absentee and early voting), registering to vote, and identifying your lawmakers and the candidates running in 2022, visit SEMA’s vote racing page.

The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), H.R. 3281 and S. 2736, enjoys strong support from Indiana and Ohio members of Congress. The bipartisan RPM Act guarantees the right to modify street cars, trucks and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles and safeguards the industry’s right to offer parts that enable racers to compete. For more information on the RPM Act, click here.

Ohio lawmakers (top row) Reps. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Bob Latta (R-OH), David Joyce (R-OH), and Jim Jordan (R-OH). (Bottom row) Tim Ryan (D-OH), Troy Balderson (R-OH) and Warren Davidson (R-OH).

Below is a list of federal lawmakers who have co-sponsored the RPM Act in the 2021–2022 session of Congress and are running for re-election or other federal offices in 2022.

Indiana:

• Sen. Todd Young (R-IN)
• Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN)
• Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN)
• Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN)
• Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN)
• Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN)

Ohio:

• Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH)
• Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH)
• Rep. David Joyce (R-OH)
• Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH)
• Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH)
• Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH)
• Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH)

For more information, visit performanceracing.com/rpm-act.

Pit+Paddock Celebrates Its Year Anniversary and Expands Services as a Creative Marketing and Athlete Management Agency

In its first year, Pit+Paddock has ventured beyond traditional media and brought together and inspired enthusiasts and industry partners through its Cars+Coffee and Drivers Project series and activations at the 2021 SEMA Show.

Pit+Paddock celebrated its first anniversary in the month of April. Initially established in 2015 as Front Street Media, the online magazine was relaunched seven years later as Pit+Paddock, a redefined media outlet and lifestyle brand focused on performance car culture. Its goal was to venture beyond traditional media and bring together and inspire enthusiasts and industry partners through engaging experiences. In its first year, the brand has accomplished just that through its Cars+Coffee and Drivers Project series and activations at the 2021 SEMA Show.

As Pit+Paddock turns one year old, it continues to evolve, announcing that it will expand its operations as a full-service agency with athlete management, video production and event coordination. Athlete management is a new endeavor for Pit+Paddock, and the brand will announcethe signing of its first client in the coming weeks.

Video production is also a new service at Pit+Paddock. Clients will be able to select from a wide range of video offerings, from promotional and product-focused to lifestyle and feature films. Event coordination continues to be a growing sector for Pit+Paddock. The next chapter in the brand’s event strategy includes exciting new industry collaborations and pop-ups slated to take place in car culture-heavy regions across the United States, including Texas and the Pacific Northwest.

PFC Brakes Promotes Luis Maurel to Director of Global Motorsports

PFC Brakes, the women-owned brakes manufacturer based in Clover, South Carolina, has announced the promotion of Luis Maurel to the role of director of global motorsports. Maurel will manage the company’s race department and help expand into sports cars and other professional motorsports segments across the world, the company stated. He will also manage PFC Brakes’ involvement as providers for series, including the NTT IndyCar Series, Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), and Renault Sport Series. Maurel began with PFC Brakes as motorsport sales manager for Europe and Asia in 2019. Prior, he worked with PJH Brands (PJ1 and VHT) and Galfer Auto. He was also an avid motorbike racer, capturing several titles throughout Europe.

Penske Entertainment Announces NFT Deal With Autograph

Autograph, the Web3 brand co-founded by Tom Brady, has announced a deal with Penske Entertainment and Team Penske to leverage three globally relevant racing brands: the NTT IndyCar Series; the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS); and Team Penske, with more than 600 race wins, including 18 Indy 500 victories and three Daytona 500 wins. The multi-year partnership will see an NFT collection drop in conjunction with the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29, on NBC. For more information, visit indycar.com and autograph.io.

Three Receive 2022 Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund Award

The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) has announced the ninth annual Wendi Allen Scholarship Fund recipients. Named and established by the family of Wendi Allen, the scholarship honors the multi-time Solo National Champion who supported SCCA’s autocross community. Maia Kirk (Cal Club region), Layne Lindemann (Atlanta region), and Chelsea Tattershall (Colorado region) will each receive a $1,500 scholarship to assist with travel to Tire Rack National Solo events and the Tire Rack SCCA Solo National Championships. Additionally, all will receive free entries to any Tire Rack National Solo events throughout the 2022 season.

A committee of champion women autocrossers selected the winners from a host of submissions. The annual scholarship is supported by Mazda Motorsports and the SCCA Foundation. For more information, visit scca.com.

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.