By Chad Simon

More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry professionals attended the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

Themed “You: Leading Our Future,” the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, held Thursday, November 2, at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, celebrated the specialty-equipment market’s contributors and innovators. Guided by emcees Jarod DeAnda and Jessi Combs, the evening also featured live music from legendary rock n’ roll musicians Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony, who were backed by Vaughan’s Tilt-A-Whirl band.

More than 3,000 automotive aftermarket industry attendees paid tribute to the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame—industry pioneers, volunteers and personalities who helped to pave the way and shape a specialty automotive marketplace that is now $42 billion strong. The 2017 Hall of Fame inductees were GiGi Carleton, Doug Evans and Barry Meguiar.

The annual celebration included an awards program in which SEMA's Person of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award, Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year and WD of the Year honors were presented. The winners were:

• Person of the Year – John Johnson, The Spartan Group
• Manufacturer of the Year – MagnaFlow
• GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award – Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating
• Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year – Considine Sales & Marketing
• WD of the Year – Meyer Distributing

“I am honored to receive the Person of the Year recognition and humbled being in the company of predecessor recipients,” said John Johnson of The Spartan Group. “My involvement in SEMA has always been a labor of love and a means to return in some small measure the many benefits I and my firm have received. The staff and my fellow Board members have been wonderful to work with. I encourage other executives serving the industry to participate in the SEMA organization.”

Jessi Combs and Jarod DeAnda emceed the 2017 SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, themed “You: Leading Our Future.”	Backed by the Tilt-A-Whirl band, (L-R): Billy F Gibbons, Jimmie Vaughan and Michael Anthony rocked the house, providing musical entertainment to those in attendance.
SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting welcomed guests to the industry-wide gathering and paid tribute to the icons who passed in 2017.	SEMA Chairman of the Board Wade Kawasaki stressed the importance of replenishing the automotive specialty-equipment industry with young talent and outlined SEMA’s youth initiatives.
John Johnson of The Spartan Group was honored as the 2017 SEMA Person of the Year.	Doug Evans (center), SEMA immediate past chairman and 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, was recognized for his SEMA youth and political outreach initiatives. He was named SEMA Person of the Year in 2009.
2017 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee GiGi Carleton (center) spent 50 years working for Petersen Publishing Company and the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation as a special events coordinator and party planner for trade-show exhibitors and advertisers. She helped promote the inaugural SEMA Show at Dodger Stadium in 1967.	Barry Meguiar (left), third-generation president of Meguiar’s car-care products, was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame class of 2017. Noted for his passion, he transformed the small family business with a dozen employees into a global company offering up hundreds of products in 120 countries. Through his radio show “Car Crazy,” Meguiar has helped to popularize the specialty automotive market.
MagnaFlow won the Manufacturer of the Year award.	Pete Gonzales, Darkside Scientific, creators of LumiLor Light Emitting Coating, accepted the GEN-III Innovator of the Year Award.
Meyer Distributing was named WD of the Year.	Considine Sales & Marketing was presented with the Manufacturers’ Rep Agency of the Year award.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• 2017 PRI Trade Show, December 7–9, 2017, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

• MPMC Media Trade Conference, January 23–25, 2018, Embassy Suites Orange County Airport North, Santa Ana, California

• 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program, April 3–8, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program, May 24–28, 2018, Melbourne, Australia

• Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD), July 13, 2018

• 2018 SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, 2018, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

By Linda Spencer

Four SEMA member companies received Export Achievement Awards at the 2017 SEMA Show from the U.S. Department of Commerce. All have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business development trips this year in Australia, the Middle East and/or China. The recipients were presented the award in recognition of their significant export sales abroad.    

Exhibitor registration for the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program (April 3–8) and 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program (May 24–28) are now open. U.S. government grants are available for qualified companies.

For more information, view the SEMA Middle East Exhibitor Flyer, SEMA Australia Exhibitor Flyer, or email Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call to discuss trip details and whether it may be a good fit for your company. 

(L-R): Freddie Turza, technical director, VP Racing Fuels; Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.	Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc. (third from the right); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect (second from the right); and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce (right).
(L-R): Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC (left); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.	(L-R): Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs; Brennan Scully, sales manager, Baja Designs; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Participating in the SEMA trips has given us the platform to grow both our export sales and our brand awareness in markets that we were not overly familiar with. SEMA continues to provide its members with the tools to be successful and the opportunities to build relationships in the export markets. We can attribute a portion of our export success directly to our recent involvement in the SEMA trips. Every company interested in exporting should be utilizing [SEMA].” 

—Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels

“Without the help of SEMA and the Department of Commerce, this wouldn’t be possible. This SEMA [overseas business-development program] helps businesses to make vital connections globally.”

—Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc.

“McLeod is very proud that our relationship with SEMA and our participation in its international trips have been so successful that the Department of Commerce has chosen to recognize our accomplishments.”

—Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC

“SEMA played a big part in our growth in the international market, specifically in Australia and the Middle East. Not only did they make it affordable to travel overseas, but they also made the entire process as worry-free as possible. SEMA brought the customers to us. In less than a week, we were able to have more quality conversations and make quality contacts than we could have on our own.”

—Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs

By Linda Spencer

Four SEMA member companies received Export Achievement Awards at the 2017 SEMA Show from the U.S. Department of Commerce. All have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business development trips this year in Australia, the Middle East and/or China. The recipients were presented the award in recognition of their significant export sales abroad.    

Exhibitor registration for the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program (April 3–8) and 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program (May 24–28) are now open. U.S. government grants are available for qualified companies.

For more information, view the SEMA Middle East Exhibitor Flyer, SEMA Australia Exhibitor Flyer, or email Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call to discuss trip details and whether it may be a good fit for your company. 

(L-R): Freddie Turza, technical director, VP Racing Fuels; Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.	Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc. (third from the right); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect (second from the right); and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce (right).
(L-R): Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC (left); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.	(L-R): Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs; Brennan Scully, sales manager, Baja Designs; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Participating in the SEMA trips has given us the platform to grow both our export sales and our brand awareness in markets that we were not overly familiar with. SEMA continues to provide its members with the tools to be successful and the opportunities to build relationships in the export markets. We can attribute a portion of our export success directly to our recent involvement in the SEMA trips. Every company interested in exporting should be utilizing [SEMA].” 

—Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels

“Without the help of SEMA and the Department of Commerce, this wouldn’t be possible. This SEMA [overseas business-development program] helps businesses to make vital connections globally.”

—Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc.

“McLeod is very proud that our relationship with SEMA and our participation in its international trips have been so successful that the Department of Commerce has chosen to recognize our accomplishments.”

—Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC

“SEMA played a big part in our growth in the international market, specifically in Australia and the Middle East. Not only did they make it affordable to travel overseas, but they also made the entire process as worry-free as possible. SEMA brought the customers to us. In less than a week, we were able to have more quality conversations and make quality contacts than we could have on our own.”

—Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs

By Linda Spencer

Four SEMA member companies received Export Achievement Awards at the 2017 SEMA Show from the U.S. Department of Commerce. All have participated in at least one of SEMA’s business development trips this year in Australia, the Middle East and/or China. The recipients were presented the award in recognition of their significant export sales abroad.    

Exhibitor registration for the 2018 SEMA Middle East Business Development Program (April 3–8) and 2018 SEMA Australia Business Development Program (May 24–28) are now open. U.S. government grants are available for qualified companies.

For more information, view the SEMA Middle East Exhibitor Flyer, SEMA Australia Exhibitor Flyer, or email Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to schedule a call to discuss trip details and whether it may be a good fit for your company. 

(L-R): Freddie Turza, technical director, VP Racing Fuels; Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.	Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc. (third from the right); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect (second from the right); and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce (right).
(L-R): Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC (left); Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.	(L-R): Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs; Brennan Scully, sales manager, Baja Designs; Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect; and Michael Rosales, global team leader, automotive and transportation team, U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Participating in the SEMA trips has given us the platform to grow both our export sales and our brand awareness in markets that we were not overly familiar with. SEMA continues to provide its members with the tools to be successful and the opportunities to build relationships in the export markets. We can attribute a portion of our export success directly to our recent involvement in the SEMA trips. Every company interested in exporting should be utilizing [SEMA].” 

—Marc Wesler, international sales manager, VP Racing Fuels

“Without the help of SEMA and the Department of Commerce, this wouldn’t be possible. This SEMA [overseas business-development program] helps businesses to make vital connections globally.”

—Allison Blackstein, COO, Dynocom Industries Inc.

“McLeod is very proud that our relationship with SEMA and our participation in its international trips have been so successful that the Department of Commerce has chosen to recognize our accomplishments.”

—Robert Scheid, director of business development, McLeod Racing LLC

“SEMA played a big part in our growth in the international market, specifically in Australia and the Middle East. Not only did they make it affordable to travel overseas, but they also made the entire process as worry-free as possible. SEMA brought the customers to us. In less than a week, we were able to have more quality conversations and make quality contacts than we could have on our own.”

—Pauline Scully, office manager, Baja Designs

By Linda Spencer

(L-R): Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs; Kevin Floody, director of international sales, aFe Power; and Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect.

Kevin Floody, director of international sales for California-based aFe Power, was honored with the SEMA International Ambassador Award. The award is presented to individuals who have both enjoyed exporting success and have paid it forward by assisting other SEMA members seeking to develop their overseas business. 

Floody received the award at the annual SEMA Show International Happy Hour in front of 1,000 buyers, international media and exhibitors. The following are comments from just a few of the companies Floody has assisted:

“Whenever I have reached out to Kevin Floody, he has always been more than willing to share his experience with me, and has always given great advice. In fact, I bet if you looked up industry ambassador in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Kevin Floody!”

—Jeff Jenkins, president, Fidanza

“Kevin is someone I have looked up to since meeting [on the SEMA Middle East trip]. Kevin’s mentorship and friendship are invaluable, and I can’t thank him enough for that.” 

—AJ Dudon, founder and CEO, All-Fit Automotive

“Kevin was one of the first people I met when I began in this industry, and he was always willing to offer his endless wisdom and advice to help me find my way. He is truly deserving of this award, and I can only offer my sincerest thank you to Kevin for helping me to grow as a professional.”

—Jack Tese, international and business development manager, Kook’s Headers & Exhaust.  

The SEMA overseas business development programs provide a great way to explore promising markets. More information is available at www.sema.org/international or by contacting SEMA’s Senior Director of International and Government Affairs Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

(L-R): Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs; Kevin Floody, director of international sales, aFe Power; and Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect.

Kevin Floody, director of international sales for California-based aFe Power, was honored with the SEMA International Ambassador Award. The award is presented to individuals who have both enjoyed exporting success and have paid it forward by assisting other SEMA members seeking to develop their overseas business. 

Floody received the award at the annual SEMA Show International Happy Hour in front of 1,000 buyers, international media and exhibitors. The following are comments from just a few of the companies Floody has assisted:

“Whenever I have reached out to Kevin Floody, he has always been more than willing to share his experience with me, and has always given great advice. In fact, I bet if you looked up industry ambassador in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Kevin Floody!”

—Jeff Jenkins, president, Fidanza

“Kevin is someone I have looked up to since meeting [on the SEMA Middle East trip]. Kevin’s mentorship and friendship are invaluable, and I can’t thank him enough for that.” 

—AJ Dudon, founder and CEO, All-Fit Automotive

“Kevin was one of the first people I met when I began in this industry, and he was always willing to offer his endless wisdom and advice to help me find my way. He is truly deserving of this award, and I can only offer my sincerest thank you to Kevin for helping me to grow as a professional.”

—Jack Tese, international and business development manager, Kook’s Headers & Exhaust.  

The SEMA overseas business development programs provide a great way to explore promising markets. More information is available at www.sema.org/international or by contacting SEMA’s Senior Director of International and Government Affairs Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Linda Spencer

(L-R): Linda Spencer, SEMA senior director of international and government affairs; Kevin Floody, director of international sales, aFe Power; and Tim Martin, K&N Engineering and SEMA chair-elect.

Kevin Floody, director of international sales for California-based aFe Power, was honored with the SEMA International Ambassador Award. The award is presented to individuals who have both enjoyed exporting success and have paid it forward by assisting other SEMA members seeking to develop their overseas business. 

Floody received the award at the annual SEMA Show International Happy Hour in front of 1,000 buyers, international media and exhibitors. The following are comments from just a few of the companies Floody has assisted:

“Whenever I have reached out to Kevin Floody, he has always been more than willing to share his experience with me, and has always given great advice. In fact, I bet if you looked up industry ambassador in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Kevin Floody!”

—Jeff Jenkins, president, Fidanza

“Kevin is someone I have looked up to since meeting [on the SEMA Middle East trip]. Kevin’s mentorship and friendship are invaluable, and I can’t thank him enough for that.” 

—AJ Dudon, founder and CEO, All-Fit Automotive

“Kevin was one of the first people I met when I began in this industry, and he was always willing to offer his endless wisdom and advice to help me find my way. He is truly deserving of this award, and I can only offer my sincerest thank you to Kevin for helping me to grow as a professional.”

—Jack Tese, international and business development manager, Kook’s Headers & Exhaust.  

The SEMA overseas business development programs provide a great way to explore promising markets. More information is available at www.sema.org/international or by contacting SEMA’s Senior Director of International and Government Affairs Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

With his ’29 Ford Model-A Tudor sedan, Troy Trepanier was named the winner of the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition last week during SEMA Ignited.

Troy Trepanier was announced as the winner of the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—held at the conclusion of the 2017 SEMA Show.

Trepanier’s ’29 Ford Model-A Tudor sedan edged out the builds of fellow top-three finalists Alan Johnson (’32 Ford Tudor) and Troy Ladd (’36 Packard roadster) for the title. The three builders will be featured along with many other SEMA Show builders in a new episode of the TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” which will premiere on the Velocity Channel, Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 10:00 p.m. (PST/EST).

This year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders competition began with nearly 300 applications from builders representing an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special, visit www.sema.org/botb.

By SEMA Editors

With his ’29 Ford Model-A Tudor sedan, Troy Trepanier was named the winner of the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition last week during SEMA Ignited.

Troy Trepanier was announced as the winner of the 2017 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition during SEMA Ignited—the official SEMA Show after-party—held at the conclusion of the 2017 SEMA Show.

Trepanier’s ’29 Ford Model-A Tudor sedan edged out the builds of fellow top-three finalists Alan Johnson (’32 Ford Tudor) and Troy Ladd (’36 Packard roadster) for the title. The three builders will be featured along with many other SEMA Show builders in a new episode of the TV special “SEMA: Battle of the Builders,” which will premiere on the Velocity Channel, Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 10:00 p.m. (PST/EST).

This year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders competition began with nearly 300 applications from builders representing an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

For more details about SEMA Battle of the Builders and the TV special, visit www.sema.org/botb.