This is the ’17 Chevy Camaro ZL1 convertible, caught while cold-weather testing in Northern Michigan.

Hot on the heels of the new Camaro itself, this ZL1 version should be able to make the most of its new, lighter and smaller platform in both coupe and convertible versions.

A Camaro ZL1 is expected to be powered by the supercharged 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, tuned to somewhere near 640 hp—a substantial boost over the old ZL1’s 550 horses. A six-speed manual is expected to be offered, but an automatic could also be available this time.

The ZL1 should appear around the same time as the announcement of a convertible version of the new Camaro, which will benefit even more from the car's weight reduction.

Expect the new cars to be on sale in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’17 Chevy Camaro ZL1 convertible, caught while cold-weather testing in Northern Michigan.

Hot on the heels of the new Camaro itself, this ZL1 version should be able to make the most of its new, lighter and smaller platform in both coupe and convertible versions.

A Camaro ZL1 is expected to be powered by the supercharged 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, tuned to somewhere near 640 hp—a substantial boost over the old ZL1’s 550 horses. A six-speed manual is expected to be offered, but an automatic could also be available this time.

The ZL1 should appear around the same time as the announcement of a convertible version of the new Camaro, which will benefit even more from the car's weight reduction.

Expect the new cars to be on sale in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’17 Chevy Camaro ZL1 convertible, caught while cold-weather testing in Northern Michigan.

Hot on the heels of the new Camaro itself, this ZL1 version should be able to make the most of its new, lighter and smaller platform in both coupe and convertible versions.

A Camaro ZL1 is expected to be powered by the supercharged 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, tuned to somewhere near 640 hp—a substantial boost over the old ZL1’s 550 horses. A six-speed manual is expected to be offered, but an automatic could also be available this time.

The ZL1 should appear around the same time as the announcement of a convertible version of the new Camaro, which will benefit even more from the car's weight reduction.

Expect the new cars to be on sale in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’17 Chevy Camaro ZL1 convertible, caught while cold-weather testing in Northern Michigan.

Hot on the heels of the new Camaro itself, this ZL1 version should be able to make the most of its new, lighter and smaller platform in both coupe and convertible versions.

A Camaro ZL1 is expected to be powered by the supercharged 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, tuned to somewhere near 640 hp—a substantial boost over the old ZL1’s 550 horses. A six-speed manual is expected to be offered, but an automatic could also be available this time.

The ZL1 should appear around the same time as the announcement of a convertible version of the new Camaro, which will benefit even more from the car's weight reduction.

Expect the new cars to be on sale in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’17 Chevy Camaro ZL1 convertible, caught while cold-weather testing in Northern Michigan.

Hot on the heels of the new Camaro itself, this ZL1 version should be able to make the most of its new, lighter and smaller platform in both coupe and convertible versions.

A Camaro ZL1 is expected to be powered by the supercharged 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, tuned to somewhere near 640 hp—a substantial boost over the old ZL1’s 550 horses. A six-speed manual is expected to be offered, but an automatic could also be available this time.

The ZL1 should appear around the same time as the announcement of a convertible version of the new Camaro, which will benefit even more from the car's weight reduction.

Expect the new cars to be on sale in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is the ’17 Chevy Camaro ZL1 convertible, caught while cold-weather testing in Northern Michigan.

Hot on the heels of the new Camaro itself, this ZL1 version should be able to make the most of its new, lighter and smaller platform in both coupe and convertible versions.

A Camaro ZL1 is expected to be powered by the supercharged 6.2L V8 from the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, tuned to somewhere near 640 hp—a substantial boost over the old ZL1’s 550 horses. A six-speed manual is expected to be offered, but an automatic could also be available this time.

The ZL1 should appear around the same time as the announcement of a convertible version of the new Camaro, which will benefit even more from the car's weight reduction.

Expect the new cars to be on sale in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Compiled by SEMA Editors

VP Racing Fuels Appoints Jeff Mitchell as Director of Supply

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the appointment of Jeff Mitchell as director of supply. Based at the company’s plant in Elmendorf, Texas, Mitchell will be responsible for procurement of materials for all VP divisions and supply-chain management. Mitchell has broad experience in the automotive, oil and gas, petrochemical and technology markets among others. During 18 years at 3M, Mitchell acquired extensive background in consumer and industrial products, chemicals, films and adhesives in both plant and headquarters locations across the United States. Skilled in construction, MRO purchasing and management as well as KPI development, Mitchell also has experience as strategic sourcing/procurement manager, ISO internal auditor and six sigma green belt.

(L-R): SEMA WTC Chairman Joe Findeis of The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide, TIA Vice President Tom Formanek of Stellar Industries, CTDA President Carol Dellabalma, Mike Russell of Federated Insurance, Billy Eordekian of 1-800EveryRim – OEM Wheels, and Matt Burrows of Yokohama Tire.

Standing Room Only at CTDA – 1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon

It was standing room only as 77 dealers and vendors representing 48 companies attended the CTDA – 1-800EveryRim New Year Luncheon held January 21. Co-gold sponsors were Yokohama Tire and Federated Insurance. Pirelli was a Silver sponsor with 1-800EveryRim – OEM Wheels serving as luncheon host. TIA Vice President and Regional Sales Manager of Stellar Industries Tom Formanek spoke on the importance of TIA as the tire industry’s voice in Washington, D.C., and emphasized mandatory tire registration as a pressing issue. Formanek also spoke on other topics, including TIA training programs and consumer education videos. SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) Chairman Joe Findeis of The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide talked about the WTC Ride Guide as it assists dealers with data on tire sizing related to vehicle performance. Mike Russell of Federated Insurance spoke as CTDA’s official liability Insurance vendor and CTDA President Carol Dellabalma served as emcee. Door prizes were provided by Coker Tire, Freedom Tire, GT Radial, Lakin Tire, Schrader International, Tires Warehouse, The Ultimate Wheel & Tire Plus Sizing Guide and Voxx Wheel.

Roadwire Leather Relocates to State-of-the-Art Facility

Roadwire Leather Interiors has announced the company has relocated its Los Angeles-area operation to a state-of-the-art facility in Santa Fe Springs, California. The new facility, situated in the same city as Roadwire’s previous but outdated location, has been completely revamped in a strategic move to create a customer-focused and employee-centric work environment. The refurbished stand-alone building houses office space, work stations and other features designed to facilitate more effective and streamlined interaction with customers—including a new state-of-the-art phone system to function with its new CRM.

Meyer Distributing Announces Grand Rapids, Michigan, Location; Partners With WHRZT!

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its Grand Rapids, Michigan, location. The cross-dock will have a direct feed from Meyer's Jasper, Indiana, distribution hub, which houses one of the largest inventories of automotive accessories and RV parts in the country.

In addition, Meyer Distributing has partnered with WHRZT!—a leader in GPS and trailer tracking security solutions—to distribute WHRZT!'s first utility trailer tracking unit, providing existing dealers and new customers device hardware through Meyer's distribution network. WHRZT! has developed a family of security solutions and GPS devices geared toward utility trailer owners. Their first device on the market, the WBB-100, will fit most battery breakaway boxes on standard dual-axle trailers and will be distributed by Meyer Distributing.

Dana Holding Corp. Acquires Magnum Gaskets Business

Dana Holding Corp. has completed the acquisition of Magnum Gaskets—a U.S.-based supplier of aftermarket gaskets and sealing products for automotive and commercial-vehicle applications. Magnum Gaskets will enhance Dana's sealing product offerings and complement the company's Victor Reinz and Glaser global sealing brands. Distribution of Magnum Gaskets to existing customers will not be disrupted as a result of the acquisition. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Suzan Joyce

Suzan Joyce Named COO of Global Parts Network

Suzan Joyce has been named chief operating officer for Global Parts Network (GPN), a wholly owned subsidiary of VIPAR Heavy Duty. GPN operates parts distribution centers and brake manufacturing production centers providing seamless service and support exclusively to the VIPAR Heavy Duty family of companies to satisfy the replacement parts needs of commercial vehicle operators and maintenance facilities. Joyce will continue in her role as chief financial officer for the VIPAR Heavy Duty family of companies. She joined VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2004 and was named CFO in 2008.

JMPR Public Relations Signs Foose Design Inc.

JMPR Public Relations has been named agency of record for Huntington Beach, California’s Foose Design Inc., led by famed designer and builder Chip Foose. Foose has penned some of the most iconic hot-rod and custom vehicles ever created and is widely known for his starring role in making dreams come true for auto aficionados on TLC’s “Overhaulin’” over the past 10 years. Throughout his career, Foose has helped develop paint schemes and graphic treatments for Disney Pixar’s Cars and Cars 2 films, and served as creative counsel for Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure theme park in Anaheim. Foose also assisted in the design of Detroit’s MotorCity Casino and has designed consumer products in numerous categories. JMPR will handle media relations for Foose Design and offer strategic brand-building counsel. JMPR will also assist with the development and elevation of Foose’s expert awareness among the automotive, lifestyle and design communities.

Tub O’Towels Signs on as National Sponsor of Barrett-Jackson Auctions

Tub O’Towels has signed on as national sponsor of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company, and will be prominently showcased at four Barrett-Jackson events in 2016, including last month’s WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as events at South Florida Expo Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, April 8–10, at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut, June 23–25, and at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, October 6–8.

Wegmann Automotive Wins Global Volvo Quality Excellence Award

Wegmann Automotive was honored this past month with the Volvo Quality Excellence Award (VQE) in Gothenburg/Sweden for its exceptional performance as a top global supplier of wheel balance weights to the Volvo Cars Group. Every year, the Volvo Cars Group presents the VQE award to its best partners and suppliers worldwide with that award going to those companies that best fulfill their high demands in terms of quality standards and outstanding services. Wegmann automotive was recognized for its outstanding performance in 12 categories, such as lean production and logistics, high-quality standards, world-class customer service and continuous delivery reliability.

Classic Soft Trim Celebrates Three Decades of Serving New-Vehicle Dealers Nationwide

Classic Soft Trim is celebrating 30 years of specializing in direct sales and installation of leather interiors, sunroofs, mobile electronics and related aftermarket accessories to automotive dealerships. The company, which operates in 26 major metropolitan markets, began operations in Los Angeles in 1984, and was the first to pioneer and install aftermarket replacement leather interiors in cloth-equipped new vehicles. Over the years, Classic Soft Trim has focused on the early development of OEM-driven dealership programs to rapidly upgrade existing dealer inventories with leather interiors, and led the way with FMVSS testing and validation of aftermarket leather interiors. The company also broke new ground as a Tier-One supplier of OEM leather interiors, and supplyed port-of-entry and OEM distribution center programs.

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.

SEMA News—February 2016

PEOPLE

By Mike Imlay

Kathryn Reinhardt

SEMA Person of the Year

Motor Media’s Joe Sebergandio interviews Kathryn Reinhardt, marketing communications manager for MagnaFlow, backstage at the 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet, where she was named SEMA Person of the Year.

It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business. Even more so to grow an entire industry. Yet to help its members succeed and prosper, SEMA relies on individuals from every industry segment to step forward and bring their own vision and initiative. Consequently, it seems only fitting once a year to celebrate an individual whose contributions best embody this SEMA mission. For 2015, that individual is Kathryn Reinhardt of MagnaFlow, who found herself named SEMA Person of the Year at the recent 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet in Las Vegas.

The award is among the trade association’s highest honors and recognizes the recipient’s outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a yearlong period. For consideration, an honoree must work in a SEMA-member company and exhibit professionalism, service and integrity as well as an ethic that helps propel the industry forward.

“If you want to better yourself, you have to better your surroundings, and that’s how I feel about the industry,” reflected Reinhardt after receiving the award. “I can’t grow unless I help the industry grow, too. Being an advocate for this industry is easy because it’s something I love dearly. It’s a part of me that I can’t tune out.

“Honestly, I am so honored and humbled. I know this award isn’t given out lightly. There are so many amazing, powerful, hardworking, dynamic people in this industry who deserve this award. For me to be considered, and now a recipient? That is truly something I cherish.”

“SEMA is proud to honor Kathryn Reinhardt as our 2015 Person of the Year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Through her tireless volunteerism and advocacy for so many industry causes, she exemplifies the passion at the heart of our industry. The energy, leadership, professionalism and sheer enthusiasm she has brought to numerous SEMA councils and their initiatives is a model for how to make both our association and our industry stronger. She is a true inspiration within the aftermarket.”

As with so many others, it was personal fervor that first attracted Reinhardt to the specialty-equipment industry, starting with showcasing her own vehicle modifications at local car events in her native Georgia.

“It seems like forever ago, but I remember hanging out in parking lots on the weekends back in Atlanta showing off what new mods I had made to my Honda Civic Si,” she said. “I didn’t actually know back then that I could make a career out of the aftermarket industry. I was just having fun with the hobby.”

Kathryn Reinhardt, SEMA’s 2015 Person of the Year, accepted her award before an audience of more than 3,000 Show attendees at the annual SEMA Show Industry Banquet in Las Vegas. “Being an advocate for this industry is easy because it’s something I love dearly,” she recently reflected.

Then, 13 years ago, she attended the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas as a first-time builder—and suddenly, something clicked.

“I realized then that if I had any chance of working in the industry, I needed to seriously consider moving from Atlanta to California and leave everything I had behind,” she said. “I moved two months after that Show and landed my first industry job at CEC Wheels. I was hooked.”

After her stint at CEC Wheels, Reinhardt went on to specialize in marketing for Spectre Performance, Advanstar Communications and GoRhino. She currently holds the position of marketing communications manager at MagnaFlow.

“Today, I am excited and proud to work in an industry that evolves and changes daily,” Reinhardt said. “I love going to events and seeing new vehicles, meeting new people and creating new products. I love that we are expanding into international markets and pushing new distribution globally, sharing our hobby with people everywhere.”

As for her volunteerism on behalf of SEMA, Reinhardt currently serves as the chair-elect of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and is a highly involved member of both the Young Executives Network (YEN) and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). This past year, she was further honored with the YEN Vanguard Award and was a recipient of the TORA Chairman’s Award in 2014, along with the SBN Athena Woman of the Year award.

Over the last year, Reinhardt also visited the United Arab Emirates as part of a SEMA international team, and she participated in numerous other SEMA open houses and events. She credits her husband Craig and her family for their encouragement and support of her many activities, not to mention MagnaFlow President Dan Paolone and the entire team at the company, which prides itself on industry involvement.

For these and her many other leadership qualities, Reinhardt was applauded by more than 3,000 attendees at the 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet. Afterward, she confessed to “complete shock” as she heard Dave McClelland, the voice of SEMA, announce her name as Person of the Year and invite her to the stage, where she thanked family, friends, mentors and colleagues who have supported her professional zeal.

“I’m just glad I didn’t trip or pass out!” she quipped.

Reflecting back on 2015, Reinhardt said, “It’s been a full year of non-stop go. I’ve had people tell me I need to slow down and that I can’t last at this pace. I think about them when I’m having a hard day and use that as motivation to push myself further. My favorite challenge is when someone tells me ‘no.’ To me, no means maybe, maybe means yes, and yes means I shouldn’t have bothered to ask.”

Nor does she have any plans to slow down in the coming year, as she strives to help build an industry that continues to attract young enthusiasts.

“Being a second-time new mom this year, I see more now than ever how important it is to propel youth into the aftermarket industry,” she observed. “The industry needs engineers, sales, marketing, accounting and data people who share our hobby. I think there is still a lot of cultivating that needs to happen with this next generation. I would like to work closely with some of the high schools, colleges and career programs to motivate youth and advise them that this industry is worth pursuing. I want to tell them that you can actually make a living with your hobby.

“I was told a long time ago that if you do something you love for your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s the people in our industry.”

SEMA News—February 2016

PEOPLE

By Mike Imlay

Kathryn Reinhardt

SEMA Person of the Year

Motor Media’s Joe Sebergandio interviews Kathryn Reinhardt, marketing communications manager for MagnaFlow, backstage at the 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet, where she was named SEMA Person of the Year.

It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business. Even more so to grow an entire industry. Yet to help its members succeed and prosper, SEMA relies on individuals from every industry segment to step forward and bring their own vision and initiative. Consequently, it seems only fitting once a year to celebrate an individual whose contributions best embody this SEMA mission. For 2015, that individual is Kathryn Reinhardt of MagnaFlow, who found herself named SEMA Person of the Year at the recent 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet in Las Vegas.

The award is among the trade association’s highest honors and recognizes the recipient’s outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a yearlong period. For consideration, an honoree must work in a SEMA-member company and exhibit professionalism, service and integrity as well as an ethic that helps propel the industry forward.

“If you want to better yourself, you have to better your surroundings, and that’s how I feel about the industry,” reflected Reinhardt after receiving the award. “I can’t grow unless I help the industry grow, too. Being an advocate for this industry is easy because it’s something I love dearly. It’s a part of me that I can’t tune out.

“Honestly, I am so honored and humbled. I know this award isn’t given out lightly. There are so many amazing, powerful, hardworking, dynamic people in this industry who deserve this award. For me to be considered, and now a recipient? That is truly something I cherish.”

“SEMA is proud to honor Kathryn Reinhardt as our 2015 Person of the Year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Through her tireless volunteerism and advocacy for so many industry causes, she exemplifies the passion at the heart of our industry. The energy, leadership, professionalism and sheer enthusiasm she has brought to numerous SEMA councils and their initiatives is a model for how to make both our association and our industry stronger. She is a true inspiration within the aftermarket.”

As with so many others, it was personal fervor that first attracted Reinhardt to the specialty-equipment industry, starting with showcasing her own vehicle modifications at local car events in her native Georgia.

“It seems like forever ago, but I remember hanging out in parking lots on the weekends back in Atlanta showing off what new mods I had made to my Honda Civic Si,” she said. “I didn’t actually know back then that I could make a career out of the aftermarket industry. I was just having fun with the hobby.”

Kathryn Reinhardt, SEMA’s 2015 Person of the Year, accepted her award before an audience of more than 3,000 Show attendees at the annual SEMA Show Industry Banquet in Las Vegas. “Being an advocate for this industry is easy because it’s something I love dearly,” she recently reflected.

Then, 13 years ago, she attended the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas as a first-time builder—and suddenly, something clicked.

“I realized then that if I had any chance of working in the industry, I needed to seriously consider moving from Atlanta to California and leave everything I had behind,” she said. “I moved two months after that Show and landed my first industry job at CEC Wheels. I was hooked.”

After her stint at CEC Wheels, Reinhardt went on to specialize in marketing for Spectre Performance, Advanstar Communications and GoRhino. She currently holds the position of marketing communications manager at MagnaFlow.

“Today, I am excited and proud to work in an industry that evolves and changes daily,” Reinhardt said. “I love going to events and seeing new vehicles, meeting new people and creating new products. I love that we are expanding into international markets and pushing new distribution globally, sharing our hobby with people everywhere.”

As for her volunteerism on behalf of SEMA, Reinhardt currently serves as the chair-elect of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and is a highly involved member of both the Young Executives Network (YEN) and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). This past year, she was further honored with the YEN Vanguard Award and was a recipient of the TORA Chairman’s Award in 2014, along with the SBN Athena Woman of the Year award.

Over the last year, Reinhardt also visited the United Arab Emirates as part of a SEMA international team, and she participated in numerous other SEMA open houses and events. She credits her husband Craig and her family for their encouragement and support of her many activities, not to mention MagnaFlow President Dan Paolone and the entire team at the company, which prides itself on industry involvement.

For these and her many other leadership qualities, Reinhardt was applauded by more than 3,000 attendees at the 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet. Afterward, she confessed to “complete shock” as she heard Dave McClelland, the voice of SEMA, announce her name as Person of the Year and invite her to the stage, where she thanked family, friends, mentors and colleagues who have supported her professional zeal.

“I’m just glad I didn’t trip or pass out!” she quipped.

Reflecting back on 2015, Reinhardt said, “It’s been a full year of non-stop go. I’ve had people tell me I need to slow down and that I can’t last at this pace. I think about them when I’m having a hard day and use that as motivation to push myself further. My favorite challenge is when someone tells me ‘no.’ To me, no means maybe, maybe means yes, and yes means I shouldn’t have bothered to ask.”

Nor does she have any plans to slow down in the coming year, as she strives to help build an industry that continues to attract young enthusiasts.

“Being a second-time new mom this year, I see more now than ever how important it is to propel youth into the aftermarket industry,” she observed. “The industry needs engineers, sales, marketing, accounting and data people who share our hobby. I think there is still a lot of cultivating that needs to happen with this next generation. I would like to work closely with some of the high schools, colleges and career programs to motivate youth and advise them that this industry is worth pursuing. I want to tell them that you can actually make a living with your hobby.

“I was told a long time ago that if you do something you love for your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s the people in our industry.”

SEMA News—February 2016

PEOPLE

By Mike Imlay

Kathryn Reinhardt

SEMA Person of the Year

Motor Media’s Joe Sebergandio interviews Kathryn Reinhardt, marketing communications manager for MagnaFlow, backstage at the 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet, where she was named SEMA Person of the Year.

It takes dedication, hard work and drive to build and grow an automotive specialty-equipment business. Even more so to grow an entire industry. Yet to help its members succeed and prosper, SEMA relies on individuals from every industry segment to step forward and bring their own vision and initiative. Consequently, it seems only fitting once a year to celebrate an individual whose contributions best embody this SEMA mission. For 2015, that individual is Kathryn Reinhardt of MagnaFlow, who found herself named SEMA Person of the Year at the recent 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet in Las Vegas.

The award is among the trade association’s highest honors and recognizes the recipient’s outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a yearlong period. For consideration, an honoree must work in a SEMA-member company and exhibit professionalism, service and integrity as well as an ethic that helps propel the industry forward.

“If you want to better yourself, you have to better your surroundings, and that’s how I feel about the industry,” reflected Reinhardt after receiving the award. “I can’t grow unless I help the industry grow, too. Being an advocate for this industry is easy because it’s something I love dearly. It’s a part of me that I can’t tune out.

“Honestly, I am so honored and humbled. I know this award isn’t given out lightly. There are so many amazing, powerful, hardworking, dynamic people in this industry who deserve this award. For me to be considered, and now a recipient? That is truly something I cherish.”

“SEMA is proud to honor Kathryn Reinhardt as our 2015 Person of the Year,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Through her tireless volunteerism and advocacy for so many industry causes, she exemplifies the passion at the heart of our industry. The energy, leadership, professionalism and sheer enthusiasm she has brought to numerous SEMA councils and their initiatives is a model for how to make both our association and our industry stronger. She is a true inspiration within the aftermarket.”

As with so many others, it was personal fervor that first attracted Reinhardt to the specialty-equipment industry, starting with showcasing her own vehicle modifications at local car events in her native Georgia.

“It seems like forever ago, but I remember hanging out in parking lots on the weekends back in Atlanta showing off what new mods I had made to my Honda Civic Si,” she said. “I didn’t actually know back then that I could make a career out of the aftermarket industry. I was just having fun with the hobby.”

Kathryn Reinhardt, SEMA’s 2015 Person of the Year, accepted her award before an audience of more than 3,000 Show attendees at the annual SEMA Show Industry Banquet in Las Vegas. “Being an advocate for this industry is easy because it’s something I love dearly,” she recently reflected.

Then, 13 years ago, she attended the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas as a first-time builder—and suddenly, something clicked.

“I realized then that if I had any chance of working in the industry, I needed to seriously consider moving from Atlanta to California and leave everything I had behind,” she said. “I moved two months after that Show and landed my first industry job at CEC Wheels. I was hooked.”

After her stint at CEC Wheels, Reinhardt went on to specialize in marketing for Spectre Performance, Advanstar Communications and GoRhino. She currently holds the position of marketing communications manager at MagnaFlow.

“Today, I am excited and proud to work in an industry that evolves and changes daily,” Reinhardt said. “I love going to events and seeing new vehicles, meeting new people and creating new products. I love that we are expanding into international markets and pushing new distribution globally, sharing our hobby with people everywhere.”

As for her volunteerism on behalf of SEMA, Reinhardt currently serves as the chair-elect of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and is a highly involved member of both the Young Executives Network (YEN) and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN). This past year, she was further honored with the YEN Vanguard Award and was a recipient of the TORA Chairman’s Award in 2014, along with the SBN Athena Woman of the Year award.

Over the last year, Reinhardt also visited the United Arab Emirates as part of a SEMA international team, and she participated in numerous other SEMA open houses and events. She credits her husband Craig and her family for their encouragement and support of her many activities, not to mention MagnaFlow President Dan Paolone and the entire team at the company, which prides itself on industry involvement.

For these and her many other leadership qualities, Reinhardt was applauded by more than 3,000 attendees at the 2015 SEMA Show Industry Banquet. Afterward, she confessed to “complete shock” as she heard Dave McClelland, the voice of SEMA, announce her name as Person of the Year and invite her to the stage, where she thanked family, friends, mentors and colleagues who have supported her professional zeal.

“I’m just glad I didn’t trip or pass out!” she quipped.

Reflecting back on 2015, Reinhardt said, “It’s been a full year of non-stop go. I’ve had people tell me I need to slow down and that I can’t last at this pace. I think about them when I’m having a hard day and use that as motivation to push myself further. My favorite challenge is when someone tells me ‘no.’ To me, no means maybe, maybe means yes, and yes means I shouldn’t have bothered to ask.”

Nor does she have any plans to slow down in the coming year, as she strives to help build an industry that continues to attract young enthusiasts.

“Being a second-time new mom this year, I see more now than ever how important it is to propel youth into the aftermarket industry,” she observed. “The industry needs engineers, sales, marketing, accounting and data people who share our hobby. I think there is still a lot of cultivating that needs to happen with this next generation. I would like to work closely with some of the high schools, colleges and career programs to motivate youth and advise them that this industry is worth pursuing. I want to tell them that you can actually make a living with your hobby.

“I was told a long time ago that if you do something you love for your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s the people in our industry.”