By SEMA News Editors
 

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.
 

AWE

Inventory Materials Supervisor in Horsham, Pennsylvania

AWE seeks someone with a passion for operational excellence, precision in inventory management, and a knack for leading a high-performing team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Westin Automotive Products

Product Development Engineer in San Dimas, California

The person who assumes the role of product engineer will manage the entire process, from conception to release.

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | DC Studio

By SEMA News Editors

S&W Performance Group to Cease Operations

Longtime chassis and suspension manufacturer S&W Performance Group will close following months of operational and fulfillment challenges. The company said it will continue working through remaining customer orders and processing outstanding refunds during this final stage, while preparing to wind down operations and conduct a final inventory sale in the coming weeks.

S&W Performance made the following announcement in an email to industry members:

For many months now, we have been aware of the challenges our customers have faced when trying to reach us, the delays on orders, and the frustrations surrounding communication and fulfillment. We have listened to the concerns shared across emails, phone calls, forums and social media, and we recognize that we have not met the standard that our community has expected from us. With that in mind, and after a great deal of reflection and planning, we have made the difficult decision to formally announce the closure of S&W Performance Group.

S&W has been a household name in the drag-racing community for decades, especially throughout the Eastern Pennsylvania scene and beyond. From full chassis and roll cages to suspension components, engine mounting solutions and countless custom applications, our parts have been used to build cars, win races, and support grassroots motorsports across the country. None of that would have been possible without the customers, fabricators, and supporters who stood behind this brand through every era of its existence. The loyalty shown to S&W over the years, even during our most difficult periods, is something we will always be deeply grateful for, and it is exactly why we owe everyone a transparent explanation of how we arrived at this point.

Several months ago, we issued a public apology regarding delays, pending orders and outstanding refunds...

We want to be absolutely clear on one critical point: all pending orders are still being actively worked on and fulfilled to the best of our ability. Refunds owed to customers with canceled orders are also being processed as we work through our records and outstanding requests. We sincerely appreciate the patience that many of you have shown during this time and we remain committed to resolving all open orders and financial obligations. If there are any changes, delays, or required updates regarding a specific order, customers will be contacted directly as we continue working through the queue.

Closing S&W is not a decision we take lightly...

As we begin this transition, we will be organizing a final inventory sale over the coming weeks. Remaining inventory will be offered at approximately 40% off to allow customers, shops and racers the opportunity to stock up on parts that may become difficult to source in the future. A continuously updated inventory list will be posted on the homepage of our website and we encourage those interested to check back regularly as availability will change on a daily basis while supplies last.

To everyone who has supported S&W Performance Group over the years—thank you. Thank you for your business, your loyalty, your patience and even your honest criticism when we fell short. We are truly grateful to have been part of your builds, your race programs, and your shops for so long. We kindly ask for your continued patience as we work through remaining orders and refunds during this final stage. Serving this community has been an honor, and while this chapter is coming to a close, we will always be proud of the legacy S&W leaves behind.

Due to our phone system not being operational due to the transition of building ownership with the new tenants, please feel free to reach us at support@swracecars.com or 484-239-7939 if you have any requests, inquiries or questions.

RANDYS Worldwide Appoints Nick DiBlasi as Vice President of Product Management

RANDYS Worldwide has appointed Nick DiBlasi as vice president of product management, effective March 9, 2026.

DiBlasi brings extensive experience in product management and strategy within the automotive and specialty-equipment markets. He will lead product development across RANDYS' family of brands--including Yukon Gear & Axle, USA Standard Gear, Zumbrota Drivetrain, ICON Vehicle Dynamics, Carli Suspension, Cognito Motorsports, Dynatrac, Van Compass and BulletProof Hitches--with a mandate to accelerate innovation and meet evolving customer needs.

"The opportunity to accelerate product development to expand our relationships with our customers' is real, and Nick is exactly the kind of leader who will answer that call," said Kevin Kaestner, president and CEO of RANDYS Worldwide. "Nick brings deep product management expertise and a track record of delivering results in complex, multi-brand environments. We are proud to add this level of talent to the RANDYS team as we continue to grow and serve our customers."

"RANDYS has built something genuinely rare in this industry--a family of high-quality brands that installers and enthusiasts trust implicitly," said DiBlasi. "The opportunity to drive product development across this platform, backed by a passionate team is exactly the opportunity I came here for. We have significant runway ahead, and I'm excited to get started."

DiBlasi most recently served as vice president of product management at Race Winning Brands. He has a track record of building high-performing product teams, launching category-defining products and scaling development capabilities within complex, multi-brand organizations.

DENSO Names Lisa Michler Marketing and Communications Manager

DENSO Products and Services Americas, a subsidiary of DENSO Corp., has promoted Lisa Michler to marketing and communications manager. She will lead brand strategy and integrated marketing initiatives across the company's aftermarket automotive products and services, as well as its MovinCool and Robotics divisions.

Michler brings 24 years of experience at DENSO and extensive automotive marketing expertise. She will oversee brand positioning, customer engagement and communications strategy, while leading a cross-functional team supporting advertising, digital marketing, trade shows, sales promotions, sponsorships and corporate communications.

"Lisa's leadership, market insight and ability to translate complex product portfolios into compelling customer value make her a strong fit for this role," said Kelly Dickens, senior manager of national accounts and marketing. "Her experience and strategic mindset will be instrumental as we continue to expand our presence across both traditional and emerging markets."

Michler assumed the role February 23, succeeding Daniel Muramoto, who retired in December.

I-CAR Hosts 2026 Volunteer and Instructor Conference

I-CAR hosted its 2026 Volunteer & Instructor Conference in Orlando, bringing together collision repair instructors, volunteers, partners and council members for three days of education, collaboration and recognition.

Programming addressed grading alignment, event execution, digital tools, legislative updates impacting CREF fundraisers, the Registered Apprenticeship Program and the launch of a new CREF Donation Exchange Portal.

The conference also featured a presentation of the NABC Recycled Rides program. Since 2007, the initiative has donated more than 3,750 vehicles valued at approximately $67 million to individuals and families in need.

The event concluded with a Recognition Dinner honoring instructors and volunteers for excellence in 2025.

The Lon Baudoux Instructor of the Year Award recognized educators who have consistently delivered high-quality training experiences across the country:

• Northeast: Evan Bieber
• North Central: Ken Kempfer
• South Central: Calvin Cornehl
• Southwest: Gary Lutz
• Northwest: Jeffery "Jeff" Chillemi

The Johnny Dickerson Welding Award, recognizing instructors who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the craft, was presented to:

• Northeast: Nick Saltamanikas
• South Central: Garry Briscoe
• Southwest: Joe Velasquez
• Northwest: Josh Van Heel

Additional honors were presented to those who have made exceptional contributions to I-CAR's mission:

• Horizon Award: Todd Bonecutter, recognized for his emerging I-CAR leadership and dedication to advancing the industry
• Circle of Excellence Award: Gary Opferman, representing the pinnacle of instructional excellence across all regions
• Founder's Ring: John Melendez, honored for his outstanding and enduring contributions to I-CAR and the collision-repair industry

By Ashley Reyes

As part of its mission to empower emerging leaders in the automotive aftermarket through networking and education, the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) is hosting its Professional Development Program (PDP) at the SEMA Garage Detroit, May 14-15, 2026.

The program, hosted in partnership with the globally recognized corporate training organization, Dale Carnegie Training, equips professionals with the skills to communicate effectively, lead confidently, and build stronger business relationships. Registration is open to all SEMA members at sema.org/fln-pdp.

"The Professional Development Program is part of FLN's commitment to the ongoing success of the aftermarket’s future leaders," said FLN Director Denise Waddingham. "We recognize the vital role that professional development plays in driving success, and we are thrilled to partner with Dale Carnegie to empower members to reach their full potential."

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics that are essential to improving organizational performance. At the end of the course, students will have the tools and knowledge to:

• Communicate confidently and professionally in business situations.
• Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening.
• Build quality relationships and deal with people in a multitude of scenarios.
• Gain willing cooperation from bosses and colleagues.
• Use emotional controls to sustain success.

"For more than a century, Dale Carnegie's methodologies have helped professionals and businesses reach new levels of success. We are excited to welcome Brett Campbell as this year's certified Dale Carnegie instructor for the fifth year in a row," added Waddingham. "Brett is highly regarded by past participants for his high-quality instruction and high-energy classes that emphasize real-world scenarios."

Through short, focused learning modules, attendees will learn the principles outlined in Dale Carnegie's book, "How to Win and Influence People," and take part in interactive breakouts and public speaking exercises that empower students to fine-tune their skills.

Additionally, the program offers dedicated time for quality networking and targeted conversation, enabling participants to engage with peers in the industry who have similar passions and goals.

Invest in Your Career

NEW FOR 2026: ALL SEMA members are eligible to register and attend FLN's Professional Development Program. The program is limited to only 25 SEMA members, with a discounted rate available to FLN members. FLN members can register at $960, and SEMA members can register at $1,060. The cost includes the training program, a certificate of completion, three nights' hotel accommodation (March 13-15), and food and beverage during the training.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY)-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here's the latest: 

In Nebraska, the legislature's Judiciary Committee heard testimony last week on Legislative Bill (LB) 943, sponsored by Senator Myron Dorn.

• LB 943 is built around a straightforward principle: when a racing facility existed before surrounding land use, or occupancy changed--and it would not have been a nuisance before that change--it should not be treated as a public or private nuisance simply because the area around it evolved over time.

Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, testified in support of LB 943, underscoring that race tracks are community institutions and small businesses that bring fans into local economies, and that nuisance litigation can create costly uncertainty that threatens long‑running venues, even when operators are working to do things the right way.

During the hearing, Tommy Denton, the director of competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway--a dirt track in Gage County, Nebraska--also provided comments, adding a track operator's perspective on why predictability matters for venues that serve their communities year after year.

Left image, from left to right: Trevor Baker, race car driver; Tommy Denton, director of Competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway; Nebraska State Senator Myron Dorn (R-30); and Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for PRI. Right image: Nebraska Governor Pillen, left, met with Muñoz, right, to discuss support for the Right-to-Race bill in the state.
 

SEMA and PRI continue to support state-level "Right-to-Race" efforts that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor.

Learn more about the Right-to-Race campaign: SEMA.org/right-to-race.

For more information, including how your race track or motorsports business can help the Right-to-Race campaign, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Lead image of Beatrice Speedway by Brandon Anderson Photography. Courtesy of Beatrice Speedway/Facebook.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY)-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here's the latest: 

In Nebraska, the legislature's Judiciary Committee heard testimony last week on Legislative Bill (LB) 943, sponsored by Senator Myron Dorn.

• LB 943 is built around a straightforward principle: when a racing facility existed before surrounding land use, or occupancy changed--and it would not have been a nuisance before that change--it should not be treated as a public or private nuisance simply because the area around it evolved over time.

Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, testified in support of LB 943, underscoring that race tracks are community institutions and small businesses that bring fans into local economies, and that nuisance litigation can create costly uncertainty that threatens long‑running venues, even when operators are working to do things the right way.

During the hearing, Tommy Denton, the director of competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway--a dirt track in Gage County, Nebraska--also provided comments, adding a track operator's perspective on why predictability matters for venues that serve their communities year after year.

Left image, from left to right: Trevor Baker, race car driver; Tommy Denton, director of Competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway; Nebraska State Senator Myron Dorn (R-30); and Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for PRI. Right image: Nebraska Governor Pillen, left, met with Muñoz, right, to discuss support for the Right-to-Race bill in the state.
 

SEMA and PRI continue to support state-level "Right-to-Race" efforts that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor.

Learn more about the Right-to-Race campaign: SEMA.org/right-to-race.

For more information, including how your race track or motorsports business can help the Right-to-Race campaign, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Lead image of Beatrice Speedway by Brandon Anderson Photography. Courtesy of Beatrice Speedway/Facebook.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA and PRI are leading a national effort to protect race tracks from "Not in My Backyard" (NIMBY)-generated nuisance complaints and lawsuits. Here's the latest: 

In Nebraska, the legislature's Judiciary Committee heard testimony last week on Legislative Bill (LB) 943, sponsored by Senator Myron Dorn.

• LB 943 is built around a straightforward principle: when a racing facility existed before surrounding land use, or occupancy changed--and it would not have been a nuisance before that change--it should not be treated as a public or private nuisance simply because the area around it evolved over time.

Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for SEMA and PRI, testified in support of LB 943, underscoring that race tracks are community institutions and small businesses that bring fans into local economies, and that nuisance litigation can create costly uncertainty that threatens long‑running venues, even when operators are working to do things the right way.

During the hearing, Tommy Denton, the director of competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway--a dirt track in Gage County, Nebraska--also provided comments, adding a track operator's perspective on why predictability matters for venues that serve their communities year after year.

Left image, from left to right: Trevor Baker, race car driver; Tommy Denton, director of Competition and promoter at Beatrice Speedway; Nebraska State Senator Myron Dorn (R-30); and Victor Muñoz, senior manager of state government affairs for PRI. Right image: Nebraska Governor Pillen, left, met with Muñoz, right, to discuss support for the Right-to-Race bill in the state.
 

SEMA and PRI continue to support state-level "Right-to-Race" efforts that help ensure properly established racing facilities can continue operating responsibly while communities retain the local traditions, weekend commerce and small-business activity that racing venues often anchor.

Learn more about the Right-to-Race campaign: SEMA.org/right-to-race.

For more information, including how your race track or motorsports business can help the Right-to-Race campaign, contact Muñoz at victorm@sema.org.

Lead image of Beatrice Speedway by Brandon Anderson Photography. Courtesy of Beatrice Speedway/Facebook.

By Ashley Reyes

As deadlines pile up and priorities compete for attention, it's often a challenge to know what to focus on first.

To help professionals in the automotive aftermarket move past the feeling of being overwhelmed to make real progress on their goals, SEMA's Councils & Networks have teamed up to host a virtual education session on Tuesday, March 10, at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET focused on "The Maven Mindset."

During this session, seasoned entrepreneur, brand strategist and creator of a leadership philosophy called The Maven Mindset, Jeni Bukolt, will help attendees break out of the cycle of feeling "busy and stuck" and gain clarity, confidence and momentum on professional and personal goals.

Attendees will learn:

• Why motivation alone isn’t enough to achieve meaningful goals.
• How curiosity and values alignment can unlock clarity and execution.
• How to break free from "busy but stuck" patterns.
• How to turn long-term vision into short-term, achievable action.
• How to re-energize through mindset shifts and accountability.

Whether balancing multiple commitments or striving towards a new goal, this session will offer guidance to reset and refocus in order to make real progress.

RSVP for the free webinar below:

This webinar is backed by the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), Future Leaders Network (FLN), Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC).

To view recordings of past SBN virtual education sessions, click here.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA-supported nominee to run the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has cleared an important hurdle in the U.S. Senate.
 

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has voted 11 to 9 to advance the nomination of former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce to serve as the BLM director. Pearce's nomination now heads for a full Senate vote, which requires a simple majority. 
 

SEMA has sent a letter to the committee in support of Mr. Pearce's nomination prior to his confirmation hearing.
 

• In its letter of support for Pearce, SEMA highlighted “[he] understands that conservation and recreation are not mutually exclusive. Through collaborative land-use planning, meaningful stakeholder input, and science-based decision-making, the BLM can protect sensitive resources while preserving appropriate access for responsible motorized recreation and other multiple uses consistent with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.” 

Pearce, a former seven-term congressman from New Mexico and Vietnam War veteran, during his Feb. 25 confirmation hearing outlined his vision for BLM, which oversees roughly 245 million acres of public land and is a central player in recreation and conservation policy. 
 

In his opening statement, Pearce described his personal connection to the land, from growing up on a small New Mexico farm to years of backpacking in wilderness areas and pledged to bring local engagement and adherence to the law to the BLM's work. He emphasized the importance of partnering with states, tribes, local communities and stakeholders on land management decisions, saying that "local input" is critical and that federal land decisions should reflect the needs of the people who live near and use these lands. 
 

Pearce also addressed concerns raised by committee members about his prior support for public land sales, reiterating that under current federal law, large-scale sales of public land are not allowable through the BLM itself, and he said he does not envision pursuing broad selloffs if confirmed.  

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager of federal government affairs, at JuanM@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on March 5, 2026.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA-supported nominee to run the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has cleared an important hurdle in the U.S. Senate.
 

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has voted 11 to 9 to advance the nomination of former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce to serve as the BLM director. Pearce's nomination now heads for a full Senate vote, which requires a simple majority. 
 

SEMA has sent a letter to the committee in support of Mr. Pearce's nomination prior to his confirmation hearing.
 

• In its letter of support for Pearce, SEMA highlighted “[he] understands that conservation and recreation are not mutually exclusive. Through collaborative land-use planning, meaningful stakeholder input, and science-based decision-making, the BLM can protect sensitive resources while preserving appropriate access for responsible motorized recreation and other multiple uses consistent with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act.” 

Pearce, a former seven-term congressman from New Mexico and Vietnam War veteran, during his Feb. 25 confirmation hearing outlined his vision for BLM, which oversees roughly 245 million acres of public land and is a central player in recreation and conservation policy. 
 

In his opening statement, Pearce described his personal connection to the land, from growing up on a small New Mexico farm to years of backpacking in wilderness areas and pledged to bring local engagement and adherence to the law to the BLM's work. He emphasized the importance of partnering with states, tribes, local communities and stakeholders on land management decisions, saying that "local input" is critical and that federal land decisions should reflect the needs of the people who live near and use these lands. 
 

Pearce also addressed concerns raised by committee members about his prior support for public land sales, reiterating that under current federal law, large-scale sales of public land are not allowable through the BLM itself, and he said he does not envision pursuing broad selloffs if confirmed.  

Questions? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's senior manager of federal government affairs, at JuanM@sema.org. 

This story was originally published on March 5, 2026.

From SEMA Market Research

Despite years of economic disruption, from pandemic shutdowns to tariffs and inflation, the U.S. consumer continues to power forward. Now in March 2026, SEMA's Market Research team has provided the following Q1 update to industry members:

The last several years have brought severe economic challenges--from COVID lockdowns, supply-chain constraints, inflation and tariffs. These successive shocks sowed uncertainty in the market and increased prices for consumers. Despite this, the U.S. consumer has been resilient, and spending has continued to climb. Personal consumption expenditures have shot up 20% from 2019 levels, adding nearly $10 trillion into the economy.

As we push into 2026, the economy is expected to continue to see some growth, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

The U.S. economy is expected to continue to grow, with about a 2.2% rise in GDP over the next two years.

Consumers continue to spend as disposable personal income rose by 15% over the last five years. Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow over the next couple of years. The unemployment rate has dropped into the "normal" range at 4.3% across the economy--and there was stronger-than-expected January job growth to start 2026.

The challenges for consumers continue to be prices and interest rates. Inflation has slowed to a forecast 2.4% rate, and price hikes in many core categories appear to be leveling off. But many prices remain high. For example, the average price of a new passenger vehicle is now >$50,000, a nearly 30% jump from pre-COVID levels. In addition, interest rates remain elevated when compared to the long streak of very low rates in the early 2010s.

The Federal Reserve System (Fed) has remained cautious in slowly reducing the prime rate, though a leadership change may accelerate rate cuts later in the year. High vehicle prices and interest rates put a strain on consumers, which may result in less disposable income for automobile customization. Although total U.S. debt balances have increased, incomes have risen, keeping consumer debt ratios aligned with historical norms. New-car sales in 2025 posted another gain to >16 million units, with consumers purchasing more crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) and shying away from electric vehicles (EVs).

Both personal income and consumer spending are forecast to grow.

On the business front, cost pressures are expected to ease as the Producer Price Index is projected to fall below 2% this year. An industry study in late 2025 showed that tariffs and the economy are the biggest concerns on executives' minds.

Tariffs are expected to be less volatile in 2026, which would create price stability and foster easier inventory planning. The recently announced U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down tariffs authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act opens new uncertainty. As publish date, tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, steel and aluminum remain in effect as they fall under separate authorities. It is unclear if the government will provide refunds and if the administration will reinstall tariffs under a different authority.   

The stock market continues to grow, with the Dow Jones hitting all-time highs during the week of February 16 at over 50,000. The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs. While day-to-day volatility remains, the index continues to show confidence in the market.

The Dow has doubled since the start of 2019, despite COVID, supply chain shocks and tariffs.

While some volatility will remain across the economy, the forecast is for GDP and consumer spending to continue climbing and employment to remain strong. In our recent industry survey, 85% of manufacturers had some confidence in specialty-equipment market growth over the next two to three years. Unless these indicators take a sudden turn, we expect to see the industry returning toward the steady growth we experienced throughout the 2010s.

Get deeper insights into the trends shaping your business at the SEMA Market Research Center. Visit sites.sema.org/market-research/ to access the latest reports and tools to help you make smarter business decisions in 2026 and beyond.