By SEMA Editors

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

Co-hosted by the SEMA Garage and SEMA’s Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), the Southern California Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is staging an event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., to showcase its students in front of the local industry.

This event will provide a great networking opportunity between SEMA-member companies, additional industry professionals and university students who are part of Formula and Baja SAE competition teams. It will include a career fair, allowing companies to recruit upcoming graduates. Students will also have an opportunity to gain feedback from industry professionals on their engineering and business presentations as preparation ahead of their upcoming competition.

SEMA staff will provide facility tours and showcase product-development services utilized by automotive aftermarket companies. Lunch will be provided.  

Register here.

This event will provide a great networking opportunity between SEMA-member companies, additional industry professionals and university students who are part of Formula and Baja SAE competition teams.

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.

Marketing Manager
Hitachi Astemo is hiring a marketing manager. Working under the direct supervision of the vice president, America's Aftermarket Division, this position will research and analyze the current marketplace in order to accurately propose long-term marketing strategies that maximize return on investment and support overall organizational objectives. Additional responsibilities include overseeing the execution and measurement of promotions, publicity, advertising activities and product launches.

Cylinder Head Production Manager
Speedmaster is hiring a skilled assembly lead to connect automotive parts into specific components. This position will ensure all parts fit correctly and are suitable for the final product. Candidates must have good technical knowledge and possess the skills to coordinate task for the day via the company’s WMS. There are a number of staff that make up the assembly team and a key part of this role is the allocation and coordination of tasks each day to ensure our assembly team meet the production requirements of each shift.

Sales Representative
Monster Performance Group is looking for an experienced sales representative. Applicants must possess superior phone communication skills. All equipment and training will be provided to the candidate upon hire. The ideal candidate would like to be part of a small team that works in a dynamic environment. The candidate should be a “people person” who likes to interact with customers and grow within their role and take on additional responsibilities as the company expands.

The September 2022 issue of SEMA News magazine will again highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger.

If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2022—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you by May 1. In addition, for the first time ever, self-nominations are also allowed this year. (Those nominating themselves must provide an industry reference.)

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young entrepreneurs and professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could also be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process.

We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2022 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 1.

By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio and Carr Winn

The new GR 86 is looking to be a solid platform bur for driver in @Formula DRIFT they need more. Jhonnattan Castro decided to beef up his GR 86 with a B58 engine and some other goodies.

By Ashley Reyes

As America’s workforce evolves and more employees continue to work remotely, workers are burning out and struggling. Resignations are at an all-time high and employees are seeking better work-life balance. Discover how the busiest people avoid burning out and ways to create an environment of calmness in the workplace by taking part in the newest offering from the SBN Virtual Education Webinar Series, “Creating a Work Life Balance,” April 21, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Ann Swayka of AirPro Diagnostics will serve as moderator as she is joined by Lee Jordon, chief people officer with DataBrains, who is also an adjunct professor of kinesiology and integrative wellness, and a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach.

Attendees will learn:

• Why work-life balance is essential to both employees and employers.
• How to instill a culture of work-life balance in your company. 
• How to keep balance when stress increases.
• How to become a role model.

Attendees will engage in a Q&A with the speaker and participate in virtual breakouts to share how they reinforce work-life balance in their own careers. 

Register here. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA councils and networks host a variety of programs and activities for different market segments in the industry. The programs are guided by industry experts and leaders who volunteer their knowledge and time to ensure there is tremendous value and impact for members and the industry.

L–R: Todd Steen (WTC Chair), Mike Lusso (WTC Chair Elect) and Tyson Boyer (WTC Immediate past chair).

Applications are now available at www.sema.org/volunteer for a seat on a council or network select committee, which are small groups of volunteers who guide the council or network they represent. Each select committee meets throughout the year to develop programs, events, education opportunities and other resources that will be of value to its council or network membership.

In addition to sharing expertise with the industry, volunteers find that being on a select committee is a meaningful opportunity to contribute and to be a part of something bigger.

Sara Morosan of LGE-CTS Motorsports, who was named 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, has been volunteering for SEMA committees and councils for the last 10 years. She saw the value and difference that she was making for the industry and felt it was important to give back.

“The connection and friends that I have met by volunteering is one of the best rewards I have received from my volunteer time,” said Morosan. “I have a whole network of other people in the industry that I can now reach out to for help, support and mentorship that I would have never received otherwise. I have grown as a person, a leader and my business has grown as well from learning more than I would have if I never decided to step outside the bubble. I encourage everyone to volunteer at some level that want to help make a difference.”

Bryan Aldridge of The Right Stuff Detailing, who is a select committee volunteer for the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO), says, “I reach out to SEMA members who may be interested in joining ARMO, but most of my time is reaching out to existing ARMO companies—hoping they spread the word to friends and get everything out of ARMO/SEMA that they can. It’s rewarding work that when things are crazy in regular life can be pushed back a week if need be, but most of the time it’s a pleasant distraction. You also have a team around you with similar goals, and they are always there to help.”

The SBN select committee.

Mike Lusso of Hennessey Industries and chair-elect of the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) also commented on his experience: “Being part of SEMA has given me a different perspective on the industry. This has also allowed me to work closely with peers and customers in solving industry needs and supporting educational efforts. The networking with my customers and peers is rewarding knowing that we have a council or voice that will support the industry for many years.”

The ideal candidate will be able to commit 5-10 volunteer hours per month, have strong strategic planning skills, significant aftermarket knowledge and a passion for giving back to the industry. Apply to volunteer, or recommend someone who’s expertise would help elevate the industry by April 22 at www.sema.org/volunteer.

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 Ashley Reyes

Bids are now being accepted for the ’37 Ford Panel Van custom-built by Gas Monkey Garage. All proceeds from the sale will go towards benefiting children in need at Victory Junction—a SEMA Cares charity.

The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges.

Individuals can bid on the vehicle, which was featured on the television show “Fast N’ Loud” (Season 7, Episode 14), by visiting the Hemmings website until Monday, April 18.  

The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges. Lebaron Bonney Co. products were used for upholstery, including seats in gray wool broadcloth with graphite-insight patterned cloth installed over a Glide Engineering seat frame, door panels with gray wool broadcloth and gray square weave carpet, which is carried throughout the floor, and dark gray napped-cotton headliner.

“Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs. “We applaud Gas Monkey Garage for what is truly a unique build that will go to a great cause.”

The vehicle is available for bidding until April 18 here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is accepting renderings for its 2022 All-Female Build, where an entirely female crew will modify a Ford Bronco 4-door Wildtrak provided by Bronco Brand.

Women will modify all aspects of the car, including the engine, chassis, drivetrain, interior, sound system, exterior and paint.

The project will highlight women in the automotive industry while supporting females pursuing careers in the field. Women will modify all aspects of the car, including the engine, chassis, drivetrain, interior, sound system, exterior and paint.

Renderings may be submitted by a female in the automotive industry or a female student. This is a great opportunity for female designers to showcase their work and have their build idea featured at the 2022 SEMA Show.

All applicable submissions will be voted on by visitors of SBN’s Facebook and Instagram pages, April 20–24.

The deadline to submit renderings is April 15 here.

By Ashley Reyes

The world has changed, but how much has it changed, and how is it impacting the automotive aftermarket?  

SEMA members can get details on the state of the automotive specialty-equipment market in the new report, “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2022.” Filled with new data on the industry, the report will be available for download on April 21, and the SEMA Market Research team will go through the new findings during a webinar on April 27 at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).  

During the webinar, participants will hear from Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research, and Kyle Cheng, SEMA Market Research manager, as they share:

• Overall data on how the industry is doing.   
• If sales and demand are up or down year-over year.  
• How your business compares to the overall industry.  
• What the trends tell us about the future, including for consumers.  
• Changes that can impact future decisions.  
• The outlook for 2022 and beyond.  

Webinar participants will have an opportunity to ask questions about the data. Learn more and register here.