Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:54

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. 

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

 

 

 

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:54

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. 

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

 

 

 

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:54

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. 

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

 

 

 

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:54

By Becca Butler

Reminder: The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. Watch as hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne Janic take fans behind the scenes of the exclusive trade-only SEMA Show and the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.

The new SEMA Battle of the Builders TV special premieres nationwide Monday, February 1, 2016, at 10:00 p.m. (EST) on Velocity. 

Viewers will meet top builders and hear personal stories about how they started in the industry, details about their 2015 SEMA Show project vehicles and watch as the ultimate winner is announced in front of thousands at SEMA Ignited. It’s the ultimate SEMA Show builders competition!

Visit www.semaignited.com for more information and join the conversation using #SEMABOTB.

 

 

 

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:25

Compiled by SEMA Editors

korda
Ivan Korda

Ivan Korda Joins Xceleration Media Group as Sales Director

The Xceleration Media team continues to grow with the addition of Ivan Korda as a dedicated sales director for all XM print and digital properties. He comes to Xceleration Media from COMP Cams, where he worked in the technical services department. He will work to provide a variety of marketing and advertising opportunities for partners in titles including OneDirt, Drag Racing Scene, Power & Performance News, Street Rod Life and Gearheads4Life.

Saleen Opens New Showroom in Shanghai

The Saleen brand opened its first international showroom in Shanghai, China. The showroom is located in the upscale Jing An District in Shanghai. Saleen is planning that the location will  assist in broadening the Saleen experience and further the brand. The opening is the result of an agreement between Saleen and Saleen Motors International (“SMI”), an affiliate of GreenTech Automotive and licensee of the Saleen brand in Asia. The store will have Saleen vehicles, parts and accessories on the showroom floor, which will allow potential buyers to see, touch and buy Saleen.

New Owner of Erik Buell Racing Says the Firm Could Make a Comeback

The sale of Erik Buell Racing (EBR) was approved last week in Walworth County Circuit Court with Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Liquid Asset Partners as the winning bidder. (EBR) is an East Troy, Wisconsin, motorcycle manufacturer that ceased operations in April 2015. EBR was involved in a venture in 2014 with Hero MotoCorp Ltd., which ended in a settlement in July 2015. EBR was founded by Erik Buell in 2010 after Harley-Davidson closed the Buell Motorcycle Company in 2009. Liquid Asset Partners was successful in purchasing the assets after an eight-month process by the court receiver.

adler
Greg Adler goes undercover on “Undercover Boss,” airing February 5, at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.

Greg Adler Goes to Be Featured on “Undercover Boss” February 5

Greg Adler, president and CEO of 4 Wheel Parts will go undercover to meet the employees who keep his company on the right track, on “Undercover Boss,” Friday, February 5, at 8:00 p.m. on CBS. During the boss’ undercover mission, the pressure rises when he is tasked with mounting massive tires on a Jeep.

Drake Automotive Group Announces New Partnership

Drake Automotive Group LLC has announced that it has entered into a partnership with Detroit-based Huron Capital Partners LLC. This new partnership will support the continued growth of the Drake brands through investment in new products, technology and acquisitions.

andres
Eric Andres

Eric Andres Joins Wilwood; Attending King of The Hammers 2016

Wilwood Disc Brakes has announced Eric Andres has joined the Wilwood sales and technical team, and will attend King of The Hammers 2016. Andres brings to Wilwood more than two decades of experience in the off-road market with various companies, including Jackson Racing, Sway-A-Way and The Brake Man. Andres will attend his first event of the year this week at King of The Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. Wilwood attends each year to help educate drivers on the best braking applications for their budget, experience level and suspension setup. Technical representatives are available throughout the week to provide hands-on support and to answer questions.  Wilwood’s exhibit space is #41A and will be on the lakebed February 1–6.

sather
Matt Sather

RealTruck Announces Creation of Merchandising Manager Position

RealTruck.com’s rapid growth and expansion has led to new position additions to better manage growing departments. In the newly created merchandising manager position, Matt Sather will oversee the brands team in its efforts to grow brand and category offerings and onboard new products. Sather began working for RealTruck in 2013 as a customer service representative, and he later transferred into the brands department as a brand manager assistant. He was then promoted to the brand manager position in November 2013. Sather will report directly to Business Development Director Shawn Herrick.

ITW to Acquire ZF TRW Engineered Fasteners and Components Business

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Engineered Fasteners and Components business from ZF TRW for approximately $450 million. EF&C, a global supplier of engineered fastening systems and interior technical components to the automotive OEM market, generated revenues of approximately $470 million in 2015. Headquartered in Germany, the company operates 13 manufacturing facilities globally and employs approximately 3,500 people.

Pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2016.

vipar
Mark Iasiello

Mark Iasiello Named General Manager of Power Heavy Duty

At its annual member meeting during Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) 2016, Power Heavy Duty announced the appointment of Mark Iasiello as the organization’s new general manager. During the past four years, Iasiello served as director of business development, national accounts for VIPAR Heavy Duty. In his new role, Iasiello will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Power Heavy Duty, including member development. Iasiello spent more than 20 years at Dayco Products LLC, where he served in a variety of sales management positions before becoming the company's heavy-duty national sales manager. He also spent five years at the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association as vice president of member development for commercial vehicle suppliers. He received the Northwood University Management Education Award in 2009. Brett Upton will continue in his business-development role with the organization.  

Omix-ADA Announces Year-Long Consumer and Jobber Rebate Program

Omix-ADA has announced that it is continuing its Year-Long Customer Rebate Program for 2016, and for the first time ever, is extending its rebate program to jobbers. From January 1–December 31, 2016, both consumers and jobbers can submit a mail-in rebate to Omix-ADA when they purchase $149.99 or more of Rugged Ridge, Omix-ADA, Alloy USA, Outland or Precision Gear products from a qualified retailer or wholesale distributor on a single invoice. For every eligible purchase, consumers and jobbers will receive a cash rebate equal to 5% of the retail purchase price, with a maximum of a $200 rebate per invoice. Complete instructions are available on the Omix-ADA website.

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.

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:23

By SEMA Editors

hof
(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

 

 

 

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:23

By SEMA Editors

hof
(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

 

 

 

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:19

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Sales Manager

Covercraft Industries is hiring a sales manager to represent the Western region. The successful candidate will supervise and develop reps on Covercraft product lines. There will be scheduled trips into territories, seeing existing accounts and maximizing potential with them while looking for new business opportunities, tracking sales trends, finding new avenues of distribution and setting goals to increase sales in territory. Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Catalog Data Specialist

AAM USA Inc. is hiring a catalog data specialist to categorize PIES file data into its taxonomy using a provided template and recommend changes/additions to taxonomy due to missing sub-categories. The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of automotive products, be highly capable in Microsoft Excel and deliver accurate data inputs.

Outside Salesperson

Engine Parts Warehouse has an immediate opening for an outside sales representative. This territory will include Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Northern Virginia. Applicants should have good communication skills and knowledge of internal engine parts.

Phone Salesperson

Erson Cams has an immediate opening for an experienced phone salesperson. This person will be responsible for helping customers select camshaft profiles to match their needs. Applicants should have engine-building or camshaft technical experience.

Social & Online Community Coordinator

Rigid Industries is hiring a social and online community coordinator responsible for creating, editing, distributing and optimizing relevant, contextual and personalized content across social media, online blogs and communities to attract, engage and retain consumers. This role requires excellent strategy and creative and communications skills—both written and visual. Responsibilities also include constructing and executing email marketing campaigns.

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:06

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.


 

WTC Logo

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

WTC Meeting
SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

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SBN Logo
Visit SBN's website
sbn
Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Thu, 01/28/2016 - 13:06

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.


 

WTC Logo

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

WTC Meeting
SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top


SBN Logo
Visit SBN's website
sbn
Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top