Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:05

By Ashley Reyes

Fifteen top young entrepreneurs are seeking votes to help launch their new products and innovations into the marketplace. All SEMA members are invited to participate and cast their votes, which have the potential to change the life of a young industry innovator. The semifinalists in the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad competition include a wide array of products and creations for the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket industry. Vote for one of the following contestants:

  • Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
  • Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
  • Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
  • Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse–Emergency Brake Light
  • Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
  • Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
  • Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
  • Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
  • Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
  • Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
  • Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
  • Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
  • Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
  • Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
  • Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: GTe-413 Universal Plug

Individuals may cast their votes up until September 11. Five competitors will go on to compete for a grand prize designed to boost the status of his or her growing young business.

Interested in learning about a new product that could benefit your company or the specialty-equipment aftermarket as a whole? Meet this year’s semifinalists, learn about his or her new product or service and vote today.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:05

By Ashley Reyes

Fifteen top young entrepreneurs are seeking votes to help launch their new products and innovations into the marketplace. All SEMA members are invited to participate and cast their votes, which have the potential to change the life of a young industry innovator. The semifinalists in the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad competition include a wide array of products and creations for the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket industry. Vote for one of the following contestants:

  • Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
  • Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
  • Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
  • Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse–Emergency Brake Light
  • Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
  • Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
  • Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
  • Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
  • Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
  • Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
  • Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
  • Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
  • Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
  • Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
  • Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: GTe-413 Universal Plug

Individuals may cast their votes up until September 11. Five competitors will go on to compete for a grand prize designed to boost the status of his or her growing young business.

Interested in learning about a new product that could benefit your company or the specialty-equipment aftermarket as a whole? Meet this year’s semifinalists, learn about his or her new product or service and vote today.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:05

By Ashley Reyes

Fifteen top young entrepreneurs are seeking votes to help launch their new products and innovations into the marketplace. All SEMA members are invited to participate and cast their votes, which have the potential to change the life of a young industry innovator. The semifinalists in the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad competition include a wide array of products and creations for the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket industry. Vote for one of the following contestants:

  • Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
  • Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
  • Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
  • Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse–Emergency Brake Light
  • Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
  • Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
  • Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
  • Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
  • Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
  • Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
  • Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
  • Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
  • Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
  • Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
  • Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: GTe-413 Universal Plug

Individuals may cast their votes up until September 11. Five competitors will go on to compete for a grand prize designed to boost the status of his or her growing young business.

Interested in learning about a new product that could benefit your company or the specialty-equipment aftermarket as a whole? Meet this year’s semifinalists, learn about his or her new product or service and vote today.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:57

By Ashley Reyes

Jeffrey Banyas

Former race-car driver turned attorney Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law LLC, has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Banyas, who works at a leading patent/trademark firm and has served as legal counselor to many SEMA members, is a newly elected volunteer on the YEN Select Committee. He was recognized in 2018 as one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” young business leaders. Learn more about his involvement in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA YEN.

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

Jeffrey Banyas: During an internship prior to law school, my supervisor told me to start smiling more. It is amazing how people's perceptions of you change for the better when you appear outwardly happy and confident.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JB: I was born and raised in this industry. My family still owns a high-performance engine shop to this day, and I grew up around racetracks either as a spectator, crew member or driver. I don't think I could get away from it even if I wanted to (which I don’t).

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

JB: With any luck, you’ll find me at an oval track race somewhere in Ohio.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?    

JB: I try to be as prepared as I can for anything that may come my way. I've always said that I can live with the outcome of any meeting or any situation so long as I went into it feeling like I was as prepared as I possibly could be.

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

JB: Smokey Yunick. I consider him one of the great innovators of the high-performance industry.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:57

By Ashley Reyes

Jeffrey Banyas

Former race-car driver turned attorney Jeffrey Banyas of Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law LLC, has been named the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest Spotlight member. Banyas, who works at a leading patent/trademark firm and has served as legal counselor to many SEMA members, is a newly elected volunteer on the YEN Select Committee. He was recognized in 2018 as one of SEMA’s “35 Under 35” young business leaders. Learn more about his involvement in the industry in his Q&A with SEMA YEN.

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

Jeffrey Banyas: During an internship prior to law school, my supervisor told me to start smiling more. It is amazing how people's perceptions of you change for the better when you appear outwardly happy and confident.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

JB: I was born and raised in this industry. My family still owns a high-performance engine shop to this day, and I grew up around racetracks either as a spectator, crew member or driver. I don't think I could get away from it even if I wanted to (which I don’t).

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

JB: With any luck, you’ll find me at an oval track race somewhere in Ohio.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?    

JB: I try to be as prepared as I can for anything that may come my way. I've always said that I can live with the outcome of any meeting or any situation so long as I went into it feeling like I was as prepared as I possibly could be.

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

JB: Smokey Yunick. I consider him one of the great innovators of the high-performance industry.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 10:45

By Ashley Reyes

Independent retail stores gain online visibility on par with the big brands with the help of Tirescanner. In a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show Stage, Tirescanner’s President and CEO Michael Welch shares how his company is utilizing eCommerce to help independent retailers acquire more traffic, enhance their online user experience, and increase sales.  

“We’re very engaged with manufacturers. They love the fact that we can engage retailers and showcase their product because they want to support that, because that means they can replenish more product into store,” said Welch. “So, I think we’ve got a role to play to facilitate a much more even spread of eCommerce across retailers. At the moment, it’s all going into the hands of the big guys who are affording to pay silly amounts of money for the market, and our job is to make it affordable, de-risk it and bring it back to the independent online.”


Additional topics include Welch’s insight on the key to the best eCommerce, the difference between eCommerce in the United States and Europe, and his experience building and selling his first business from scratch.

Check out Welch’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 09:58

Compiled by SEMA Editors

2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show Gets New Dates: March 26–April 4

The 2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show will now be open to the public from Friday, March 26 through Sunday, April 4, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The 2021 version of the show had been scheduled to be open from Friday, January 29 through Sunday, February 7.

“We believe this scheduling change is in the best interests of our attendees, our partnering auto manufacturers and the District of Columbia,” said Washington, D.C. Auto Show CEO John O'Donnell. “Our top priority is to ensure the safety of all involved in this show, and we believe strongly that a two-month delay will better allow us to produce the type of well-rounded and immersive show that our attendees are accustomed to.”

Under the new schedule, the 2021 Washington, D.C., Auto Show's Public Policy Day, featuring a host of public policy and auto industry-focused events, will be held Thursday, March 25—the day before the show opens to the general public. The show will not be holding a pre-show MobilityTalks International conference in 2021. Further details about the auto show's programming, including participating manufacturers, media and industry-related events and more will be announced in the coming months. The Washington, D.C. Auto Show's organizers are also working on a health and safety plan that will prioritize consumer and staff safety and cleanliness, while reflecting the best practices and guidelines that remain in effect in late March of 2021. For more information on The Washington, D.C. Auto Show, visit www.washingtonautoshow.com.

APC
Charlie Kirkland, vice president, program group sales, APC Automotive Technologies, with 2020 Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award.

APC Automotive Technologies Receives Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award From The Automotive Parts Services Group

APC Automotive Technologies LLC has been named as “Outstanding Vendor of the Year” by The Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group). The announcement was made during The Group’s 2020 “Together Towards Tomorrow” National Member Conference & Expo last week. This award recognizes APC Automotive Technologies as the organization’s most preferred vendor and was voted on by all Pronto and Federated members. It is the highest supplier-partner award given annually by The Group. The Automotive Parts Services Group purchases all undercar product categories from APC Automotive Technologies (both brake and emissions components), with Centric Parts being the largest overall supplier by volume.

McLeod Racing Launches New Website

McLeod Racing has announced the launch of its new and improved website. McLeod enlisted Admark to provide a technology-driven fresh look for its online presence. Celebrating 50 years of business in 2021, www.McLeodRacing.com was ready for a total overhaul to better showcase all of the products McLeod carries, including the many new lines we have added. The new site provides a Make, Model and Year search; Dealer Locator; product reviews; wish list and more. This new website fully encompasses McLeod Racing as the leader in the drivetrain market and is very mobile friendly.

AACF Prepares to Aid Aftermarket Natural Disaster Victims

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) is making preparations to aid aftermarket families affected by Hurricane Laura and the California fires.

"It is very early in the process, but our intention is to explore every avenue to identify aftermarket families that will need our help recovering from these natural disasters happening during a pandemic already causing untold hardship and stress for so many," said AACF President, Lynn Parker.

"Although AACF doesn't claim to be a disaster relief service, we will do our best to identify and assist those industry families that have immediate and unmet needs in keeping with our mission to support aftermarket families facing catastrophic circumstances," said Joel Ayres, executive director of AACF.

AACF is asking for tax-deductible donations to help provide needed funding. Donations can be made online at aacfi.org/donate-today, by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.

Kurt Hansen

Kurt Hansen Joins Pikes Peak International Hillclimb Broadcast Team

Long-time Denver-based Race Central Television and ESPN Radio Host Kurt Hansen will join the broadcast team covering of the annual “Race to the Clouds” at Pikes Peak, August 30. Hansen will be heard live on KRDO NewsRadio https://krdo.com beginning at 7:00 a.m. (MT) until the conclusion of the race tentatively around 4:00 p.m. (MT). Due to the pandemic fans will not be allowed to attend the unique event making the broadcast team a vital element to the success of the race.

Hansen, an honorary member of the Colorado Hill Climb Association and Former Pikes Peak International Board Member said, “Our host KRDO Radio has assembled a great team of broadcasters to call the event. I’m looking forward to join the team, it’s always an exciting event, so be sure to tune in!”

Magnuson Superchargers Partners With R&R Marketing Consultants in the Automotive and Marine Aftermarkets

R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) has been chosen by Magnuson Products LLC (MPC) to provide sales and marketing services for the Marine Aftermarket for North America. RRMCI will also represent Magnuson in 10 states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Dakota and South Dakota, and for all locations of Atech Motorsports/Summit Racing.

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.