By SEMA Editors

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

By Ashley Reyes

At Steve Cook Creations, Steve Cook doesn’t just restyle cars beyond recognition, he finesses them to perfection, pays homage to the past and redefines every vehicle to have a unique look.   

A new video featuring Cook, who is the owner and founder of the well-known hot-rod and auto-restoration customization shop, is now available from SEMA Virtual Education. The video is the second episode of the ARMO Builder Series that brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.

Hosted by Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars, the video features Cook at his shop sitting down for a personal, intimate interview on the story of his company’s legacy, his passion for combining engineering with creativity, the importance of having the right team and more.  

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews and ARMO social media for Episode Three “Heroes in the Shadows,” scheduled to debut on August 19. 

Here’s a rather peculiar mule of the Ford GT supercar undergoing testing near Ford’s Allen Park test laboratory in Metro Detroit. The sighting is very curious since Ford is said to discontinue the GT in the near future (2022), and the fact that we haven’t seen a mule in about five years. This mule showing up at a facility where they do EPA testing seems to indicate that the Ford GT program is far from over.

Even more noteworthy is that the mule features an oil cap that has been moved from under the glass to where the current trunk sits, suggesting that the mid-engine supercar could feature a new powerplant under its mid-ship engine cover. Currently, it’s unclear what exactly is taking place under the hood, but a source familiar with blue oval has hinted at the possibility of the 7.3 Godzilla mated to a couple of turbos. Interestingly, the 3.5 Ecoboost and the 7.3 Godzilla occupy about the same amount of space, mainly because the 7.3 is a pushrod V8 and the 3.5 has a DOHC.

By Ashley Reyes

The 2021 SEMA Show will include more than 100 industry-leading seminars designed to help businesses and employees succeed and advance their careers. Through the SEMA Show Education Program, SEMA Showgoers have an easy and cost-effective way to learn about new trends and topics, hear from top experts and presenters and gain new skills and ideas, while discovering new products, seeing custom vehicles and meeting with business partners at the 2021 SEMA Show, November 2–5, in Las Vegas.  

“Attending the SEMA Show is an investment—particularly for small businesses that close up shop while they are away,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “We work hard to provide Showgoers with the greatest possible return on their investment, and we are excited about this year’s SEMA Show Educational Program.”

Among the 2021 SEMA Show Education Program are tracks focused on, or targeted to, Automotive Electronics, Vehicle Builders, CEOs, Digital Marketing and International Exports. This year’s program also includes a new Leadership track sponsored by the world-renowned Dale Carnegie Program, and the return of popular market segment-specific tracks presented in partnerships with Industry Conference of Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

The SEMA Show Education Program makes it easy for Showgoers to participate and still have time to see new products and connect on the Show floor. Sessions begin on November 1, the day before the SEMA Show officially opens, and includes offerings through Friday, November 5.

The SEMA Show Education Program builds upon and brings a live, in-person element to the SEMA Virtual Education Program, which has seen thousands of SEMA members participating since the pandemic began.

“For more than a year, the SEMA Virtual Education Program fueled the industry with great content and information, helping many through what may be the most challenging time in the industry,” said Gattuso. “The live, in-person education program builds upon the success we’ve seen through SEMA Virtual Education, and features some of the most entertaining and knowledgeable industry experts.”

Featuring industry icons, celebrities and top subject-matter experts, the SEMA Show Education Program is specifically developed for those working in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Regardless of business type or job function, the seminars will help participants identify opportunities in the $47.89 billion dollar industry.  

View the entire 2021 SEMA Show Education program, which begins the day before the official opening of the SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Building cars is more than just assembling panels and applying paint. For Steve Cook of Steve Cook Creations, it’s a passion.

The owner of the well-known hot-rod and auto-restoration customization shop sits down with Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars for a personal, intimate video interview, debuting August 12. The two talk shop as Cook shares the story of his company’s legacy, his passion for combining engineering with creativity, the importance of having the right team and more.

The video is the second episode of the ARMO Builder Series that brings viewers stories from some of the industry’s most passionate and creative builders.

The first episode is available to watch on demand below, and features Bob Smith, legendary builder and founder of Coachworks who is sometimes dubbed as “The Ferrari King,” providing his unique and entertaining perspective on auto restoration.

Stay tuned to SEMA eNews next week for Cook’s full-length video and keep an eye out for additional episodes in the coming weeks. The Builder Series videos support and will culminate with a live ARMO Builders Panel at the 2021 SEMA Show.

By Ashley Reyes

Manufacturers and sole-exclusive distributors invest considerable time, money and effort to bring products to market and establish brand awareness. The investment takes an incredible amount of energy and resources, which can easily erode when resellers undercut pricing.  

Through a new three-part webinar series, SEMA members will learn the basics of pricing policies, how to implement a pricing policy that works, why their current pricing policy might not be working and identify solutions.

Rich Barsamian, vice president of sales and marketing for Advanced Clutch Technology, will share common mistakes and pitfalls of writing, implementing and executing pricing policies in the automotive aftermarket. As live, interactive webinars, participants will be able to ask questions and get the information they need most.

Learn more about each session and register below.

Pricing Policies 101: The Truth About Pricing Policies (Part One)
Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 11:00 a.m. (PDT)
Register here.

Pricing Policies 201: Implementing a Pricing Policy That Works (Part Two)
Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 11:00 a.m. (PDT)
Cost: $25
Register here.

Pricing Policies 301: Why Isn’t My Pricing Policy Working? (Part Three)
Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 11:00 a.m. (PDT)
Cost: $25
Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Frank Vasquez, Brand Manager at KW automotive North America Inc., has been named the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council’s (MPMC) first-ever volunteer spotlight member.

Get to know Vasquez in his interview with SEMA below, as he shares details on his career and what he feels are the biggest challenges facing the motorsports industry today.  

SEMA: What is your current job? What do you do and how long have you been doing it?

Frank Vasquez: I am the North American Brand Manager for KW suspensions & ST suspensions. I’ve been working in the automotive industry for 17 years and spent the last six years in my current position with KW automotive.

SEMA: How long have you been volunteering for MPMC, what inspired you to volunteer, and how has it impacted you?

FV: I just recently joined MPMC and look forward to getting to know everyone!

SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry, and what made you choose automotive manufacturing?

FV: The gravity and excitement of the automotive and aftermarket industry sucked me in at a young age. I never intended on landing in the position I am in now, but I was extremely grateful when the opportunity to work for such a fantastic company presented itself.

SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the motorsports industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years?

FV: I think there are a few major areas of concern, but the most important would be to get the next generation engaged at a young age. Without the desire and passion from fans of the next generation to keep the motorsports events alive, it could become difficult in the future to justify the costs involved.

In the next five years I believe we’ll see a strong shift toward making racing more sustainable. Whether that is environmentally friendly fuels or a shift toward electric vehicles, that is no doubt the way forward.

SEMA: What’s your favorite car-related movie, and what is it that you like about that movie?

FV: Oh boy, that’s a tough one because there are so many legendary classics. It’s difficult not to default to The Fast and the Furious, just based on the sheer fact that at any given moment around the office or at a car show you can belt out a quote from it and nine times out of 10 times someone will join in on the quote before you even finish the line. You’ve just got to love it for what it is and enjoy the absurdity of it all.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

FV: If I’m not out at an event for work, I can usually be found wandering out in the mountains somewhere or working on projects around the house.

Fill out an MPMC member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the motorsports industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on MPMC’s social media, SEMA eNews and future MPMC member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) named Courtney Pahlke as the council’s latest volunteer spotlight member. Pahlke is a PRO select committee volunteer and the owner of Top Coverage Ltd., a family-owned automotive restyling business.

Get to know Pahlke in her interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?

Courtney Pahlke: After graduating from the University of Iowa with psychology and English under my belt, I began working for my dad’s company, Top Coverage, doing sales in order to pay for grad school. I was planning on pursuing my master’s degree in forensic psychology at the Chicago Institute of Professional Psychology, but decided to grow my dad’s business instead.
Every dealership I would visit, I would hear stories about my dad Henry. Some were funny, some crazy—many about how he was there for them during hard times in their lives. Most importantly, I heard stories of how our team in Illinois would go above and beyond to take care of every customer of ours, especially when there was an issue with an install. I felt proud of my dad and our long-term staff every time I’d walk into each of our accounts, and I knew that I had to keep my dad’s empire growing the right way over time.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?

CP: I feel restylers need to come together now more than ever as technology and the overall automotive industry is evolving at a rapid pace. I’d like to help restylers around the world adapt to these changes and overcome some of the challenges that I see already occurring. I feel I’ve become more well-rounded at this point in my career, and I’m ready to contribute my time and ideas to this team.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

CP: Adaptation is going to be one of the biggest components and challenges in today’s market for social media, technology, safety and the people you choose to hire (these are only a few things). Also, know your own market and implement what you learn while integrating in a way that works in your own market.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

CP: I’m a Jeeper. You can find me driving to go hiking or rock climbing in my Jeep.

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

CP: How you take care and service your customers should be your number-one priority.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

CP: I work for my dad’s 46-year-old business, and I guess it’s just embedded in me to keep adapting and growing it.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

CP: You can find me writing, rock climbing, hiking—pretty much any sport.

Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA eNews and future PRO-member updates.

By Luis Morales

The Stratasys Mobile Showroom is making a stop at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, Friday, August 27, between 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., to meet with our technical experts about the benefits of additive manufacturing.

Attendees will get a first-hand look at the new Origin One and F770 printers as well as the J55, F370 and Makerbot series, along with dozens of interesting sample parts. After visiting the truck, grab some refreshments and catch a tour of the SEMA Garage.

This is a free event and it is open to all SEMA members.

Register now!

For more information, contact Steve Rebensdorf at 714-815-3300 or steve.rebensdorf@stratasys.com.

By Richard Hail

SEMA’s support for young, up-and-coming vehicle builders continues, as the Young Guns category of the 2021 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition kicks off with the Eastern U.S. regional qualifier on August 14, 2021.

With three qualifier events in this year’s Young Guns program, the events are divided by regions—Eastern, Midwest and Pacific, taking place August 14, 21, and 28, respectively. Selected participants will be interviewed and judged remotely via video chat.

Top prize for one young vehicle builder (age 27 and under) at each qualifier event is an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the trade-only SEMA Show in Las Vegas, in November. The prize includes transportation of the winner’s vehicle, a designated feature vehicle spot at the Show and entry into the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

First introduced into the Battle of the Builders competition in 2017, the Young Guns category provides exposure for rising young builders who may not otherwise be able to qualify for the competition due to certain requirements.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is the automotive industry’s premier vehicle competition, with participants featured at the SEMA Show, online, in magazines and on television.

“We’re seeing great innovation from our young builders”, said Ira Gabriel, SEMA vice president of marketing, PR and communications. “We are beyond excited to welcome our Young Guns back to a live SEMA Show this year.”

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.