By Ashley Reyes

In “Shifting Gears: Back to Business,” SEMA members will learn how to build customer confidence, learn new cash-flow tactics specifically for post-COVID-19 growth, discover how to build a larger audience of quality connections and understand workplace best practices that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees during times of uncertainty.

SEMA Education is kicking off a new series of webinars focused on helping aftermarket businesses reopen with confidence. Beginning August 5, the four-part special will concentrate on tactics and concepts that will help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

In “Shifting Gears: Back to Business,” SEMA members will learn how to build customer confidence, learn new cash-flow tactics specifically for post-COVID-19 growth, discover how to build a larger audience of quality connections and understand workplace best practices that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees during times of uncertainty. The webinars run from August 5 through September 2.

Webinar 1: Wednesday, August 5
Building Customer Confidence  

One of the key factors to balancing safety and operating a profitable business is building confidence with customers and teams. In this webinar, leadership development expert Bob Coakley will share best practices and resources that can help build confidence, while operating a business during a pandemic. Coakley will share practical advice, resources and examples that can be applied immediately to instill confidence with customers and teams.

Register now.

Webinar 2: Wednesday, August 12
Cash-Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry to Position Your Company for Post-COVID Growth

In this unprecedented economic downturn, intelligent cash flow management has never been more important. Join CPA and journalist Gene Marks who will discuss the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.

Register now.

Webinar 3: Wednesday, August 19
Digital Do’s and Don’ts During Times of Uncertainty

In this virtual workshop, nationally recognized social media expert Corey Perlman will share specific action that can be taken to build trust, credibility and thought leadership with local communities during times of uncertainty. Participants will learn how to build a larger audience of quality connections, fix online issues that may damage credibility and create a content plan to navigate today’s uncertainty and plan for getting back to business.  

Register now.

Webinar 4: Wednesday, September 2
Beyond the Pandemic

Many business owners have been faced with obstacles that have not only impacted their current cash flow, but their longer-term strategies for growth. During this webinar, Gene Marks will provide an update on government, state, and local grant and lending programs, along with the latest and pending legislation for helping businesses overcome the pandemic. Marks will provide best practices and legislation that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees, and provide a current analysis of the presidential election and how each candidate’s economic policies will impact businesses over the next two years.

Register now.

More details about the webinars, and additional resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.  

By Ashley Reyes

In “Shifting Gears: Back to Business,” SEMA members will learn how to build customer confidence, learn new cash-flow tactics specifically for post-COVID-19 growth, discover how to build a larger audience of quality connections and understand workplace best practices that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees during times of uncertainty.

SEMA Education is kicking off a new series of webinars focused on helping aftermarket businesses reopen with confidence. Beginning August 5, the four-part special will concentrate on tactics and concepts that will help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

In “Shifting Gears: Back to Business,” SEMA members will learn how to build customer confidence, learn new cash-flow tactics specifically for post-COVID-19 growth, discover how to build a larger audience of quality connections and understand workplace best practices that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees during times of uncertainty. The webinars run from August 5 through September 2.

Webinar 1: Wednesday, August 5
Building Customer Confidence  

One of the key factors to balancing safety and operating a profitable business is building confidence with customers and teams. In this webinar, leadership development expert Bob Coakley will share best practices and resources that can help build confidence, while operating a business during a pandemic. Coakley will share practical advice, resources and examples that can be applied immediately to instill confidence with customers and teams.

Register now.

Webinar 2: Wednesday, August 12
Cash-Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry to Position Your Company for Post-COVID Growth

In this unprecedented economic downturn, intelligent cash flow management has never been more important. Join CPA and journalist Gene Marks who will discuss the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.

Register now.

Webinar 3: Wednesday, August 19
Digital Do’s and Don’ts During Times of Uncertainty

In this virtual workshop, nationally recognized social media expert Corey Perlman will share specific action that can be taken to build trust, credibility and thought leadership with local communities during times of uncertainty. Participants will learn how to build a larger audience of quality connections, fix online issues that may damage credibility and create a content plan to navigate today’s uncertainty and plan for getting back to business.  

Register now.

Webinar 4: Wednesday, September 2
Beyond the Pandemic

Many business owners have been faced with obstacles that have not only impacted their current cash flow, but their longer-term strategies for growth. During this webinar, Gene Marks will provide an update on government, state, and local grant and lending programs, along with the latest and pending legislation for helping businesses overcome the pandemic. Marks will provide best practices and legislation that smart leaders are implementing to navigate their companies and employees, and provide a current analysis of the presidential election and how each candidate’s economic policies will impact businesses over the next two years.

Register now.

More details about the webinars, and additional resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.  

FCA is on a mission to keep the ’21 Jeep Wrangler on top of the off-road market despite a new threat from the upcoming ’21 Ford Bronco. Recently, the Jeep brand showed off a concept that shows that V8 power will come to the iconic off-roader. The Jeep brand introduced the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept—a four-door version of the Wrangler powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 making 450 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque and capable of a 0–60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Now, a pre-production prototype has been caught on the street. Expect the production model to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and stay true to the concept.

While it looks like a standard Rubicon model, this one features a similar ram-air scoop to the concept shown only a few days ago. A pair of Beadlock wheels also show that this prototype stays true to the concept. It looks like this vehicle could be coming to production sometime in 2021. It will join a lineup with the V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, diesel and the upcoming electrified 4xe model that is scheduled to debut later this year.

A 6.4L HEMI Wrangler would mark the first time that the off-road manufacturer would offer a V8 option since the ’81 Jeep CJ.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

FCA is on a mission to keep the ’21 Jeep Wrangler on top of the off-road market despite a new threat from the upcoming ’21 Ford Bronco. Recently, the Jeep brand showed off a concept that shows that V8 power will come to the iconic off-roader. The Jeep brand introduced the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept—a four-door version of the Wrangler powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 making 450 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque and capable of a 0–60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Now, a pre-production prototype has been caught on the street. Expect the production model to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and stay true to the concept.

While it looks like a standard Rubicon model, this one features a similar ram-air scoop to the concept shown only a few days ago. A pair of Beadlock wheels also show that this prototype stays true to the concept. It looks like this vehicle could be coming to production sometime in 2021. It will join a lineup with the V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, diesel and the upcoming electrified 4xe model that is scheduled to debut later this year.

A 6.4L HEMI Wrangler would mark the first time that the off-road manufacturer would offer a V8 option since the ’81 Jeep CJ.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

FCA is on a mission to keep the ’21 Jeep Wrangler on top of the off-road market despite a new threat from the upcoming ’21 Ford Bronco. Recently, the Jeep brand showed off a concept that shows that V8 power will come to the iconic off-roader. The Jeep brand introduced the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept—a four-door version of the Wrangler powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 making 450 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque and capable of a 0–60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Now, a pre-production prototype has been caught on the street. Expect the production model to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and stay true to the concept.

While it looks like a standard Rubicon model, this one features a similar ram-air scoop to the concept shown only a few days ago. A pair of Beadlock wheels also show that this prototype stays true to the concept. It looks like this vehicle could be coming to production sometime in 2021. It will join a lineup with the V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, diesel and the upcoming electrified 4xe model that is scheduled to debut later this year.

A 6.4L HEMI Wrangler would mark the first time that the off-road manufacturer would offer a V8 option since the ’81 Jeep CJ.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

FCA is on a mission to keep the ’21 Jeep Wrangler on top of the off-road market despite a new threat from the upcoming ’21 Ford Bronco. Recently, the Jeep brand showed off a concept that shows that V8 power will come to the iconic off-roader. The Jeep brand introduced the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept—a four-door version of the Wrangler powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 making 450 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque and capable of a 0–60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Now, a pre-production prototype has been caught on the street. Expect the production model to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and stay true to the concept.

While it looks like a standard Rubicon model, this one features a similar ram-air scoop to the concept shown only a few days ago. A pair of Beadlock wheels also show that this prototype stays true to the concept. It looks like this vehicle could be coming to production sometime in 2021. It will join a lineup with the V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, diesel and the upcoming electrified 4xe model that is scheduled to debut later this year.

A 6.4L HEMI Wrangler would mark the first time that the off-road manufacturer would offer a V8 option since the ’81 Jeep CJ.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

FCA is on a mission to keep the ’21 Jeep Wrangler on top of the off-road market despite a new threat from the upcoming ’21 Ford Bronco. Recently, the Jeep brand showed off a concept that shows that V8 power will come to the iconic off-roader. The Jeep brand introduced the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept—a four-door version of the Wrangler powered by the 6.4L HEMI V8 making 450 hp and 450 lb.-ft. of torque and capable of a 0–60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Now, a pre-production prototype has been caught on the street. Expect the production model to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and stay true to the concept.

While it looks like a standard Rubicon model, this one features a similar ram-air scoop to the concept shown only a few days ago. A pair of Beadlock wheels also show that this prototype stays true to the concept. It looks like this vehicle could be coming to production sometime in 2021. It will join a lineup with the V6, turbocharged four-cylinder, diesel and the upcoming electrified 4xe model that is scheduled to debut later this year.

A 6.4L HEMI Wrangler would mark the first time that the off-road manufacturer would offer a V8 option since the ’81 Jeep CJ.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Ashley Reyes

Classic Restorations’ '70 Fastback Mustang.

Classic Restorations of Southern Indiana LLC has been named as this week’s SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s (HRIA) council spotlight member. In HRIA’s recent interview with company partner Dustin Foust, Foust answers questions about Classic Restorations’ current and upcoming vehicle projects, their ’70 Fastback Mustang that made national headlines, and offers advice to aspiring professionals in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your business? How did you start?

Dustin Foust: We opened January 1, 1991. My dad (Pat) started and previously had worked at collision shops and a couple of restoration shops. He determined that he was tired of doing the work for someone else. He started a project for a customer on the side and the customer had a vacant building; He entered into a rent and never looked back. I worked part-time through high school and college and joined full-time in 2010 and became equal partners in the business in 2011. Today, Classic Restorations has three full-time employees and two part-time.   

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

DF: We were always busy, but the build that probably put us on the national stage was a ’70 Fastback Mustang. We did a complete Resto Mod/Big Block, five-speed, and so on, and took the car to several shows in 2009. The car was featured on the cover of Modified Mustang & Ford magazine and won several Best of Show awards. From there we were getting work from all over.   

Classic Restorations of Southern Indiana LLC.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2020.   

DF: We’ve had a big build ongoing for the past six years, which I can’t provide any pictures. This is a big job for us. We have the following that are just wrapping up:

• ’71 Ford Torino Ground Up Resto Mod—everything but paint—just delivered.
• ’65 Mustang Coupe—targeting this one for the Builder’s Showcase at Street Rod Nationals in August—provided they still have it.
• ’30 Model A Sedan—customer in her 70s—original—had it in her family since it was purchased new. Doing a safety evaluation/road ready so she can drive it around town.
• ’66 Corvette Coupe Ground Up NCRS Restoration.
• ’34 Ford 5 Window coupe—rewire and detail—327 Small block, 39 Lincoln three-speed.

SEMA: What changes are you seeing in the industry?

A '65 Corvette restored by Classic Restorations, which won the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) Top Flight Award.

DF: New technology, one-off parts are easier to find and produce. Parts are more available, and the cost is dropping with 3D printing technology.  

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

DF: There is no substitute for hard work. Listen, learn and get your hands dirty. The elders in the business can offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most are more than willing to share. This will keep our industry strong.

By Ashley Reyes

Classic Restorations’ '70 Fastback Mustang.

Classic Restorations of Southern Indiana LLC has been named as this week’s SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance’s (HRIA) council spotlight member. In HRIA’s recent interview with company partner Dustin Foust, Foust answers questions about Classic Restorations’ current and upcoming vehicle projects, their ’70 Fastback Mustang that made national headlines, and offers advice to aspiring professionals in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your business? How did you start?

Dustin Foust: We opened January 1, 1991. My dad (Pat) started and previously had worked at collision shops and a couple of restoration shops. He determined that he was tired of doing the work for someone else. He started a project for a customer on the side and the customer had a vacant building; He entered into a rent and never looked back. I worked part-time through high school and college and joined full-time in 2010 and became equal partners in the business in 2011. Today, Classic Restorations has three full-time employees and two part-time.   

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

DF: We were always busy, but the build that probably put us on the national stage was a ’70 Fastback Mustang. We did a complete Resto Mod/Big Block, five-speed, and so on, and took the car to several shows in 2009. The car was featured on the cover of Modified Mustang & Ford magazine and won several Best of Show awards. From there we were getting work from all over.   

Classic Restorations of Southern Indiana LLC.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2020.   

DF: We’ve had a big build ongoing for the past six years, which I can’t provide any pictures. This is a big job for us. We have the following that are just wrapping up:

• ’71 Ford Torino Ground Up Resto Mod—everything but paint—just delivered.
• ’65 Mustang Coupe—targeting this one for the Builder’s Showcase at Street Rod Nationals in August—provided they still have it.
• ’30 Model A Sedan—customer in her 70s—original—had it in her family since it was purchased new. Doing a safety evaluation/road ready so she can drive it around town.
• ’66 Corvette Coupe Ground Up NCRS Restoration.
• ’34 Ford 5 Window coupe—rewire and detail—327 Small block, 39 Lincoln three-speed.

SEMA: What changes are you seeing in the industry?

A '65 Corvette restored by Classic Restorations, which won the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) Top Flight Award.

DF: New technology, one-off parts are easier to find and produce. Parts are more available, and the cost is dropping with 3D printing technology.  

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?    

DF: There is no substitute for hard work. Listen, learn and get your hands dirty. The elders in the business can offer a wealth of knowledge and experience. Most are more than willing to share. This will keep our industry strong.

By Ashley Reyes

Rod Emory

Product development is one of the industry’s greatest challenges, and one that evolves constantly. Learn how to add value to your core product by joining the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) for a Facebook Live Chat featuring Rod Emory of Emory Motorsports, July 30, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

In 1996, Emory and his wife Amy started Emory Motorsports with the goal of building the most iconic, yet personalized, Porche 356s on the road, while delivering a customer experience unlike any other in the Porsche marketplace. Since then, they have built dozens of vintage-class race cars while coaching owners to race competitively. In an industry where there is great competition, their unique niche differentiated them from many other builders.

During this live chat, Emory will discuss how component development and innovation happen organically within the niche vintage Porsche marketplace, and how Emory Motorsports uses a traditional product development process to add value to its larger product, the finished vehicle, through the use of vintage and modern technology. All ETTN members interested in tapping into Emory’s expertise are encouraged to participate in this live Q&A.

Visit ETTN’s Facebook page on July 30.