SEMA Member News—July 2021

On the Road With TORA

Leading up to 2020, the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) planned to host regional events at enthusiast and trade shows. Though TORA held a networking reception at the January 2020 King of the Hammers event in Johnson Valley, California—and an informal gathering at the Detroit 4Fest in mid-September—the pandemic put the kibosh on other plans.

With restrictions loosening and a yearning for the great outdoors, TORA is hitting the trail. For starters, TORA teamed with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the Young Executives Network (YEN) to co-host a mixer at the Keystone Big Show in Dallas. As the first aftermarket trade venue since the pandemic onset, the event was highly anticipated.

“The show was good,” said Troy Wirtz, incoming TORA chair. “Attendance was reduced, but we expected that. Canadians couldn’t come, which made a big difference, but the conversations we had were good—lots of optimism in the air. As an exhibitor, it was definitely worth being there.”

Partnering with the SBN and YEN was also worthwhile.

“The reception was great, very well received,” Wirtz added. “Turnout was great. There were 85 attendees. Everyone loved the idea of being together in person.”

To connect with buyers during show hours, TORA had a booth staffed by SEMA Council Director Denise Waddingham and select committee members.

“It gave us an opportunity talk to jobbers and create awareness about TORA, to let them know we’re their voice within SEMA,” said Wirtz, and it paid off. “We got three new members, but even if we hadn’t, it would’ve been worthwhile.”

The Road Ahead

Next up was the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The council organized a trail ride and hosted a reception at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive, which held an off-road show in lieu of the cancelled Vendor Expo.

Other events under consideration include the Northwest Overland Rally, slated for mid-June in Plain, Washington, and the Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona, in September.

“Our goal is to have six regional events this year, some still in the planning stages,” Wirtz said. “Being able to host these events is a great way to bring our community together, whether it’s new people who want to learn more about our council or our members who are there to network and support TORA.”

TORA council members met with SBN and YEN network members at a mixer during the Keystone Big Show in Dallas.

SEMA Member News—July 2021

YEN Pushing Forward With Networking and Leadership Programs

Much is happening within the Young Executives Network (YEN). In March, YEN hosted a joint reception with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the Truck & Off-Road Alliance during the Keystone Big Show.

“This was the first time YEN was part of a networking event at the Big Show,” said Kirstin Stone, YEN immediate past chair. “Being the first trade show since everything shut down, it was exciting. Turnout was amazing. I’ve never seen such enthusiasm. For a group as community-focused as YEN, we were sorely missing the camaraderie.”

In other news, the SEMA Launch Pad competition, powered by YEN, has undergone significant changes, including a prize package now valued up to $92,000. Eligibility has been opened to anyone 18 or older, eliminating the age-40 cutoff. All but the finale will be prerecorded, much like SEMA360.

“This is a much bigger deal than it’s ever been,” Stone said. “With changes to the prize package and eligibility, it’s our hope that the program attracts a much broader pool of applicants. We’re excited that the finale will take place live at the SEMA Show.”

For more details, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

Partnering With Dale Carnegie

A year ago, Nick Caloroso was hired by The Retrofit Source. His boss promptly enrolled him in a two-week professional-development course presented by Dale Carnegie, renowned for professional and leadership training. It was a life-changing experience.

“I was inspired by the course,” said Caloroso, the newly installed YEN chair. “To have someone invest in my professional development was huge.” He thought it could fall in line with a leadership-development concept the select committee was considering. The members agreed, and YEN’s proposal to team up with Dale Carnegie gained traction with the SEMA Board and staff. YEN hosted a Focus Group in April, providing SEMA staff, Board members, YEN select committee members and YEN members at-large an opportunity to experience the value of the Dale Carnegie program firsthand.

Participants took part in practice exercises and discussed the priorities they would like to offer YEN members through a leadership and professional development program. With input from participants, Dale Carnegie developed a proposed Leadership/Professional Development program for YEN members. YEN and SEMA staff are now reviewing the information and preparing a proposal for a YEN Professional Development program to be reviewed by the SEMA Board of Directors.

Pending approval, the program will open applications for up to 25 YEN members to participate, and focus on providing them with leadership abilities, tools for communication and skills for success.

By SEMA Editors

Kevan Morris, executive vice president for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. and consumer-electronics industry veteran passed away on Saturday, June 26.

A well-respected and cherished member of the Pioneer family, Kevan’s affiliation with Pioneer began in 1984.  While working at Pacific Stereo selling car stereo components directly to consumers, he was recruited into the role of Product Specialist at NLS Marketing, a rep firm in Bellevue, Washington, selling Pioneer car electronics to retailers throughout Washington state.

In August 1986, Kevan officially joined Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. as a District Sales Manager covering car electronics in the Pacific Northwest territory.  In the 35 years since, Kevan quickly ascended the ranks of Pioneer and held numerous sales and management positions related to Pioneer’s car electronics, home electronics, and television businesses, culminating as executive vice president, a position in which he served with distinction since May 2011.   

The entire Pioneer global family mourns the loss of such an outstanding leader, teammate, and friend. 

By Ashley Reyes

Register now for the following upcoming live webinars, and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming live and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit httpshttps://www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, July 7 - SBN Live Chat featuring Shannon Welch

Track: Industry Talks

Stop worrying if you are good enough or smart enough, and focus instead on being valuable. Join Shannon Welch during this Facebook Live Chat hosted by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, when Welch shares her personal career journey that will inspire and motivate others to discover their value. As former communications director at ULTRA4 Racing and founder of “Hey Shannon Quick Question,” Welch has firsthand experience about the path to success.

Location: SBN Facebook page

Wednesday, July 14 – ADAS Technologies: How to Navigate Product Development

Series: ADAS Webinar Series

Hear about real-world situations and case studies from leading aftermarket manufacturers that have successfully developed and launched products for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Participants will learn the steps companies have taken to understand ADAS and how to design compatible parts and validate the functionality of all OEM features. This is a great opportunity to learn from companies that have firsthand ADAS experience.

Register here.

Newly Added: Tuesday, July 20 – 2021 Market Report Webinar

Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series

During this live webinar, the SEMA Market Research team will present highlights from the recently released 2021 SEMA Market Report. The presentation will feature key trends and insights on industry sales, consumer behavior, trends, and more, and offer information on the specialty-equipment market that can help businesses understand how 2020 affected the industry and where the current opportunities are.

Register here.

Wednesday, July 21 – YEN Live Chat featuring Jim Liaw

Track: Industry Talks

Here’s your chance to chat with Jim Liaw, co-founder of Formula Drift. During this Live Chat presented by the SEMA Young Executives Network, attendees will be able to ask about how the premier United States drifting series came to be, what other motorsports events he’s helped organize, and what he was thinking when the first Formula Drift event debuted to a sell-out crowd of 10,000 in 2003—causing traffic jams on the streets outside the track and culture shock to those in the stands. You’ll also be able to find out what he has planned for 2021 and why he supports the RPM Act.

Location: YEN Facebook page

Thursday, July 22 – How to Keep Productivity at a Maximum

Series: Team Management Series, powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Having a long to-do list can feel overwhelming, and oftentimes, it can be a struggle to even know where to start. During this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, managers and supervisors will learn solid tips and habits for increasing productivity throughout the day, how to identify and avoid challenges that impede productivity, and various goal-setting methods for effectively managing time.

Register here.

Tuesday, July 27 – Effectively Managing Conflict

Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Knowing how to manage conflict can save a team from unnecessary work disruptions, decreased productivity, project failure, and even termination. During this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, employees and managers will learn common methods for how to manage challenging situations, whether it be manager to employee, employee to employee, manager to manager, or manager to supervisor.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA member SATA, the German spray company, is making it possible for pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their families to take part in an exciting vehicle build. Through the Austin Hatcher Foundation (a SEMA Cares charity), patients and families in the STEM-based Industrial Arts Education/Therapy program take part in hands-on “shop-style” classes as a way to improve their quality of life.

SATA is funding a Factory Five Daytona Coupe that will be customized by the patients and their families, then displayed at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, before being auctioned to raise funds for the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares unites the industry in its efforts to support organizations making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. SEMA Cares raises funds throughout the year and donates to approved charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

To learn more about the SEMA Cares mission and how to get involved, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares.

By Ashley Reyes

Available when you need them, where you need them; SEMA’s On-Demand Virtual Education library includes dozens of recorded sessions that SEMA members can access anytime, anywhere.  

Below are newly added and popular recordings that are available. For a complete list of sessions and registration information for upcoming webinars, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Industry Talks Track

SBN Live Chat featuring Alex Parker

As CMO and executive vice president of Redline Detection, Alex Parker utilizes her professional background in psychology, digital marketing, and publishing to generate great brand buzz around her company with authenticity and transparency. Watch a recording of her Facebook Live Chat as she shares tips for getting your brand noticed. Watch on-demand.

YEN Live Chat featuring Eric Snyder and Dan Ingber

Find out why the motorsports industry is in jeopardy and how the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act) is necessary to the industry’s future. In this Facebook Live Chat recording, Dan Ingber and Eric Snyder from the SEMA Washington, DC, team discuss how the bill is protecting Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete. Watch on-demand.

SEMA Industry Insights Series

State of the Industry: Where are we now?

Learn about current state of the specialty-equipment industry and information on where the market is headed. Presented by SEMA Market Research, this webinar recording features new stats on how the industry weathered the pandemic, current industry trends and sales performance, and projections for 2021 and beyond. Watch on-demand.

ADAS Webinar Series

ADAS Technologies: Real-World Systems and Trends

As Part 1 of the 3-Part SEMA ADAS webinar series geared toward SEMA members who manufacture and install products for ADAS equipped vehicles, this webinar features industry experts providing a high-level look at current ADAS systems' function, technology and trends. Watch on-demand.

Wheel and Tire Industry Insights, powered by WTC

Wheel Knowledge 301: Did you know?

Listen in as wheel and tire technical experts explain simple yet confusing topics surrounding wheels and tires that are often misunderstood and can be difficult to learn about. Key discussion topics include wheel width and its effect handling, contact patch sizes, P-metric vs LT fitment, DOT codes, the slope of road on Dualies and wheel evolution. Watch on-demand.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 292 (S. Res. 292) at the request of SEMA recognizing July 9, 2021 as “Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD).” A similar resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H. Res. 491). The date marks the 12th commemoration of what has become an annual event to celebrate and raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.

The two resolutions were introduced by co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. S. Res. 292 was sponsored by Senate Co-Chairs Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) while House Co-Chairs Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) and Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) sponsored H. Res. 491. These Congressional leaders are strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C. The Caucus is an informal, non-partisan member organization that pays tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports.

Automotive businesses and enthusiasts are encouraged to take part in this year’s CCAD celebration by planning or participating in events in their community. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) maintains the official event list to commemorate the day, which includes car shows, cruise-ins and parades nationwide. If you or someone you know is hosting a vehicle-related gathering in July—whether public or private—submit the details on the SAN website if you haven't done so already! Those planning live gatherings and virtual celebrations (online event, livestream, digital gallery, etc.) are welcome to provide details for official inclusion.

Check out the video PSA featuring TV personality Courtney Hansen. Please share it using the following link: https://youtu.be/_W09BQ6T19Q.

Download the official logo and flyer from the CCAD homepage and help promote this special day. Post on social media using the hashtag #CCAD and tag the celebration's Facebook fan page (@CollectorCarAppreciationDayCCAD).

CELEBRATE THE HOBBY YOUR WAY!

ATTEND an official vehicle-inspired event or web-based celebration.
HOST your own safety-minded gathering, club meeting or online gallery.
Promote a HOLIDAY SALE at your business in-store or online.
INVITE partnerships with nearby enthusiast-related groups if possible.
DRIVE your special ride—new or old—whatever the destination.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Support for the bipartisan Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2021 (RPM Act), H.R. 3281, continues to expand each day as members of Congress receive an outpouring of support for the bill from racers and the motorsports parts industry.

Over the past few weeks, 12 House members have agreed to cosponsor the bill, including U.S. Representatives David McKinley (R-WV), Robert Latta (R-OH), Ann Kuster (D-NH), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), David Kustoff (R-TN), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Carol Miller (R-WV), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Trent Kelly (R-MS), and Jared Golden (D-ME).

Rep. McKinley’s support for the RPM Act is particularly noteworthy. Rep. McKinley serves as the Ranking Member of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, which has jurisdiction over the legislation. The Congressman cosponsored the RPM Act bill as a result of the strong support that his constituents voiced for the legislation and the importance of the bill to the racing community in West Virginia and motorsports parts businesses. Rep. McKinley also cosponsored the RPM Act during the 2019-2020 session of Congress.

The RPM Act must be enacted into law to guarantee your right to modify street cars, trucks, and motorcycles into dedicated race vehicles, and ensure that industry can offer parts that enable racers to compete. It is imperative that lawmakers continue to be reminded of the importance of passing the RPM Act. Currently, 77 members of the House have cosponsored the bill. Click here to see the current list of RPM Act cosponsors, and don’t forget to send a letter to your U.S. Representative asking them to support the bill and fight for it to become law.

For details, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

TC Olsen is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Olsen is the director of talent acquisition at LKQ Corporation, a provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles. Get to know what keeps him in the industry in his interview with SEMA, below.

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

TC Olsen: It's more of a guiding principle: "Good, Better, Best. Don't ever let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best." I've whispered that saying to myself thousands of times, especially when facing adversity.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

TO: I grew up in an automotive family that consisted of many "backyard mechanics." I have a level of respect for the automotive industry as a whole, which stems from many childhood memories under a hood, climbing through a salvaged vehicle and running through the pits of dirt tracks.

I see the generational gap growing as more automotive professionals are pulled into other industries due to the lack of education, awareness, and support. I feel we need to protect the future of the industry by driving awareness and involvement during the early education of our youth.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

TO: You can find me coaching. I have a passion for coaching youth sports. I've been coaching youth sports for almost 10 years.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

TO: I research, plan, establish visuals, rehearse, and execute.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

TO: I would go to lunch with Elon Musk. I'd be interested to hear his strategy on revolutionizing the industry and understand where he sees it going in the next 5-10 years.

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Dennis Michael is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

Michael is the owner of Holeshot Brandworks, an branding agency that works with aftermarket companies.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Dennis Michael: It has given us time to write our book The Automotive Branding Guide.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?

DM: We have leaned on social media and zoom. 

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

DM: Membership and subscription sites are growing in popularity. Finding greater meaning and belonging is being sought after not only by consumers but business owners as well. Quality over quantity is trending in consumer buying habits. Social media is being leaned on quite a bit for marketing. Authentic voices and content are being developed.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

DM: Remote working or hybrid models will become normal. Zoom meetings between client and contractor are now perfectly ok to conduct. Listening will need to be relearned by many as well as basic social skills.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.