By Douglas McColloch

While the automotive aftermarket is largely driven by changes in technology, it’s important to remember that the basics of business management are equally crucial to your company’s continued success. The everyday tasks of managing assets, allocating credit, improving efficiencies and monitoring cash flow are arguably more important to your business’s long-term financial prospects than simply keeping up with the latest parts and products.

“There are a lot of dealers who think that success in their business requires having more technical knowledge than business knowledge,” said Tom Shay of Profits Plus, a consultancy specializing in small-business applications. In his experience mentoring dozens of automotive suppliers, retailers and trade groups, Shay observed that “failure is generally due to a lack of business knowledge.” With that in mind, SEMA Show Education Days has a program to help you streamline your business practices.

Be sure not to miss these sessions for 2017:

Tom Shay

What Your Accountant Is Not Telling You (FO1)

To the uninitiated, the language of accounting can seem bewildering. This session aims to “translate” what your accounting staff tells you into profit-generating strategies. Presenters will provide an overview of the owner/accountant relationship, and suggest how it can provide opportunities to make smarter business decisions.

Presented by: Tom Shay, Profits Plus Solutions
Time: Monday, October 30, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N252

Mobile Monster 101: 3 Key Mobile Solutions (FO2)

Bring your mobile-compatible device and connect to the Exposition Hall Wi-Fi before the session begins because this hands-on workshop will outline the steps needed to adapt mobility to your business. The effects of mobility on accounting, document storage, payroll and time management will be reviewed. You’ll then implement three key mobile technologies on your own device, with instructions on how to leverage them to improve efficiencies and optimize profitability.

Presented by: Dawn Brolin, Powerful Accounting LLC
Time: Tuesday, October 31, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N256

Maximize Cash Flow and Manage Risk: Secrets of Credit Management Revealed (FO3)

Mike Mitchell

Revenue rules but cash is king. If your business sells to other businesses on open credit terms, what is your credit department doing to encourage sales while protecting your company’s assets? This session shows you how to get to “yes” on a credit sale while keeping cash flowing at the same time. You’ll learn how to properly assess risk, determine credit lines, manage current accounts, and collect past due debt—in short, what every business owner needs to know about business credit.

Presented by: Mike Mitchell, Credit Management Association
Time: Thursday, November 2, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N256

Profit First: How to Make Your Business Permanently Profitable (KC2)

Inefficiencies in the workplace can assume many forms, including your company’s accounting methodologies. This session will examine the behavioral flaw in traditional bookkeeping that actually hinders profitability, and explains a simple fix that puts profit first without altering your business model. You’ll learn to master a super-simple cash-management system to monitor your company’s financials. Finally, you’ll learn how to leverage Parkinson's Law of Management to increase productivity and maximize profits.

Presented by: Mike Michalowicz, Profit First Professionals
Time: Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N259

Improve Your Sales and Customer Loyalty in 30 Seconds (MS6)

This session will focus on practical techniques that can immediately impact sales and customer-service outcomes. The session is 90% interactive and gives participants the chance to build customized call tracks, share best practices, and review techniques that can be put into practice immediately. You’ll discover what the best companies are doing to retain and grow their customer bases, and learn how to create exceptional customer experiences.

Presented by: Robert Coakley and Stuart Chant, Upgrade Performance Inc.
Time: Wednesday, November 1, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N254

Click HERE to see the complete lineup of education sessions.

By Douglas McColloch

While the automotive aftermarket is largely driven by changes in technology, it’s important to remember that the basics of business management are equally crucial to your company’s continued success. The everyday tasks of managing assets, allocating credit, improving efficiencies and monitoring cash flow are arguably more important to your business’s long-term financial prospects than simply keeping up with the latest parts and products.

“There are a lot of dealers who think that success in their business requires having more technical knowledge than business knowledge,” said Tom Shay of Profits Plus, a consultancy specializing in small-business applications. In his experience mentoring dozens of automotive suppliers, retailers and trade groups, Shay observed that “failure is generally due to a lack of business knowledge.” With that in mind, SEMA Show Education Days has a program to help you streamline your business practices.

Be sure not to miss these sessions for 2017:

Tom Shay

What Your Accountant Is Not Telling You (FO1)

To the uninitiated, the language of accounting can seem bewildering. This session aims to “translate” what your accounting staff tells you into profit-generating strategies. Presenters will provide an overview of the owner/accountant relationship, and suggest how it can provide opportunities to make smarter business decisions.

Presented by: Tom Shay, Profits Plus Solutions
Time: Monday, October 30, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N252

Mobile Monster 101: 3 Key Mobile Solutions (FO2)

Bring your mobile-compatible device and connect to the Exposition Hall Wi-Fi before the session begins because this hands-on workshop will outline the steps needed to adapt mobility to your business. The effects of mobility on accounting, document storage, payroll and time management will be reviewed. You’ll then implement three key mobile technologies on your own device, with instructions on how to leverage them to improve efficiencies and optimize profitability.

Presented by: Dawn Brolin, Powerful Accounting LLC
Time: Tuesday, October 31, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N256

Maximize Cash Flow and Manage Risk: Secrets of Credit Management Revealed (FO3)

Mike Mitchell

Revenue rules but cash is king. If your business sells to other businesses on open credit terms, what is your credit department doing to encourage sales while protecting your company’s assets? This session shows you how to get to “yes” on a credit sale while keeping cash flowing at the same time. You’ll learn how to properly assess risk, determine credit lines, manage current accounts, and collect past due debt—in short, what every business owner needs to know about business credit.

Presented by: Mike Mitchell, Credit Management Association
Time: Thursday, November 2, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N256

Profit First: How to Make Your Business Permanently Profitable (KC2)

Inefficiencies in the workplace can assume many forms, including your company’s accounting methodologies. This session will examine the behavioral flaw in traditional bookkeeping that actually hinders profitability, and explains a simple fix that puts profit first without altering your business model. You’ll learn to master a super-simple cash-management system to monitor your company’s financials. Finally, you’ll learn how to leverage Parkinson's Law of Management to increase productivity and maximize profits.

Presented by: Mike Michalowicz, Profit First Professionals
Time: Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N259

Improve Your Sales and Customer Loyalty in 30 Seconds (MS6)

This session will focus on practical techniques that can immediately impact sales and customer-service outcomes. The session is 90% interactive and gives participants the chance to build customized call tracks, share best practices, and review techniques that can be put into practice immediately. You’ll discover what the best companies are doing to retain and grow their customer bases, and learn how to create exceptional customer experiences.

Presented by: Robert Coakley and Stuart Chant, Upgrade Performance Inc.
Time: Wednesday, November 1, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N254

Click HERE to see the complete lineup of education sessions.

By Douglas McColloch

While the automotive aftermarket is largely driven by changes in technology, it’s important to remember that the basics of business management are equally crucial to your company’s continued success. The everyday tasks of managing assets, allocating credit, improving efficiencies and monitoring cash flow are arguably more important to your business’s long-term financial prospects than simply keeping up with the latest parts and products.

“There are a lot of dealers who think that success in their business requires having more technical knowledge than business knowledge,” said Tom Shay of Profits Plus, a consultancy specializing in small-business applications. In his experience mentoring dozens of automotive suppliers, retailers and trade groups, Shay observed that “failure is generally due to a lack of business knowledge.” With that in mind, SEMA Show Education Days has a program to help you streamline your business practices.

Be sure not to miss these sessions for 2017:

Tom Shay

What Your Accountant Is Not Telling You (FO1)

To the uninitiated, the language of accounting can seem bewildering. This session aims to “translate” what your accounting staff tells you into profit-generating strategies. Presenters will provide an overview of the owner/accountant relationship, and suggest how it can provide opportunities to make smarter business decisions.

Presented by: Tom Shay, Profits Plus Solutions
Time: Monday, October 30, 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N252

Mobile Monster 101: 3 Key Mobile Solutions (FO2)

Bring your mobile-compatible device and connect to the Exposition Hall Wi-Fi before the session begins because this hands-on workshop will outline the steps needed to adapt mobility to your business. The effects of mobility on accounting, document storage, payroll and time management will be reviewed. You’ll then implement three key mobile technologies on your own device, with instructions on how to leverage them to improve efficiencies and optimize profitability.

Presented by: Dawn Brolin, Powerful Accounting LLC
Time: Tuesday, October 31, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N256

Maximize Cash Flow and Manage Risk: Secrets of Credit Management Revealed (FO3)

Mike Mitchell

Revenue rules but cash is king. If your business sells to other businesses on open credit terms, what is your credit department doing to encourage sales while protecting your company’s assets? This session shows you how to get to “yes” on a credit sale while keeping cash flowing at the same time. You’ll learn how to properly assess risk, determine credit lines, manage current accounts, and collect past due debt—in short, what every business owner needs to know about business credit.

Presented by: Mike Mitchell, Credit Management Association
Time: Thursday, November 2, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N256

Profit First: How to Make Your Business Permanently Profitable (KC2)

Inefficiencies in the workplace can assume many forms, including your company’s accounting methodologies. This session will examine the behavioral flaw in traditional bookkeeping that actually hinders profitability, and explains a simple fix that puts profit first without altering your business model. You’ll learn to master a super-simple cash-management system to monitor your company’s financials. Finally, you’ll learn how to leverage Parkinson's Law of Management to increase productivity and maximize profits.

Presented by: Mike Michalowicz, Profit First Professionals
Time: Friday, November 3, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N259

Improve Your Sales and Customer Loyalty in 30 Seconds (MS6)

This session will focus on practical techniques that can immediately impact sales and customer-service outcomes. The session is 90% interactive and gives participants the chance to build customized call tracks, share best practices, and review techniques that can be put into practice immediately. You’ll discover what the best companies are doing to retain and grow their customer bases, and learn how to create exceptional customer experiences.

Presented by: Robert Coakley and Stuart Chant, Upgrade Performance Inc.
Time: Wednesday, November 1, 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Where: Upper North Hall, N254

Click HERE to see the complete lineup of education sessions.

By Katie Carson

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has announced the trucks and off-road builds that will be displayed at the 2017 SEMA Show as part of the council’s Feature Vehicle program. In total, six vehicles will display the TORA Feature Vehicle tag on their dashes. Five TORA vehicles will be displayed outside of South Hall, while one vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth #34177, located in the Upper South Hall.

Here is a sneak peak of the 2017 TORA Feature Vehicles:

Builder: AutoFab LLC – Dallas
Provided by: Bodyguard Bumbers
Vehicle: ’12 Dodge 3500 HD non-dually 4x4
Build includes custom chrome plating, hand engraving and powder-coat accents; custom 25 air-ride suspension.

Builder: Blair Summers – Wichita, Kansas
Provided by: BOLT Lock
Vehicle: ’14 GMC Sierra
This ’14 GMC Sierra has been lifted and painted dark blue. It features a wireframe-type graphic on the side of the truck, giving it a bit of a techy feel.

Builder: Ryan Arnold – New Braunfels, Texas
Provided by: BOLT Lock
Vehicle: ’15 Ford F-350
The lifted truck is a Ford F-350 dually, featuring a wrap that incorporates the idea of the American worker. It depicts images of blue-collar workers doing the jobs that helped to create our country.

Builder: LGE/CTS Motorsports – San Dimas, California
Provided by: Hellwig Products
Vehicle: ’16 Nissan Titan XD
Hellwig’s Rule Breaker is a ’16 Nissan Titan XD Pro4X that is paired with a camper and built to be the ultimate overland vehicle. The idea of this build is to show what the consumer can build by purchasing off-the-shelf items from aftermarket manufacturers. The Rule Breaker is a go-anywhere, rugged, on- and off-road vehicle that allows you to live in luxury while taking the unbeaten path.

Builder: Envy Motorsports LLC – Tucson, Arizona
Provided by: Envy Motorsports LLC
Vehicle: ’01 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Envy Motorsports’ ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport is a fully built and lifted Jeep TJ featuring 4.0L bored and stroked to 5.0L with a M90 1500cc supercharger, an Envy Motorsports/Haltech tuning solution and a custom paint job.

Builder: Shaun Lewis – Montclair, California
Provided by: Roadwire
Vehicle: ’16 GMC Sierra 1500
This build features a 5/7 Belltech drop kit, Toyo tires, Lexani wheels, a Roadwire custom interior, a Bullydog tune, an SR Designs custom grille, a Magnaflow exhaust, a Ride Rite rear air setup, BedRug, an Undercover Tonneau cover, R1 Concepts brakes and rotors with MPG caliper covers, and a Soundstream custom audio.

AutoFab LLC’s ’12 Dodge 3500 HD non-dually 4x4	Blair Summers’ ’14 GMC Sierra
Ryan Arnold’s ’14 GMC Sierra	LGE/CTS Motorsports’ ’16 Nissan Titan XD
Envy Motorsports LLC’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler Sport	Shaun Lewis’ ’16 GMC Sierra 1500

By Katie Carson

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has announced the trucks and off-road builds that will be displayed at the 2017 SEMA Show as part of the council’s Feature Vehicle program. In total, six vehicles will display the TORA Feature Vehicle tag on their dashes. Five TORA vehicles will be displayed outside of South Hall, while one vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth #34177, located in the Upper South Hall.

Here is a sneak peak of the 2017 TORA Feature Vehicles:

Builder: AutoFab LLC – Dallas
Provided by: Bodyguard Bumbers
Vehicle: ’12 Dodge 3500 HD non-dually 4x4
Build includes custom chrome plating, hand engraving and powder-coat accents; custom 25 air-ride suspension.

Builder: Blair Summers – Wichita, Kansas
Provided by: BOLT Lock
Vehicle: ’14 GMC Sierra
This ’14 GMC Sierra has been lifted and painted dark blue. It features a wireframe-type graphic on the side of the truck, giving it a bit of a techy feel.

Builder: Ryan Arnold – New Braunfels, Texas
Provided by: BOLT Lock
Vehicle: ’15 Ford F-350
The lifted truck is a Ford F-350 dually, featuring a wrap that incorporates the idea of the American worker. It depicts images of blue-collar workers doing the jobs that helped to create our country.

Builder: LGE/CTS Motorsports – San Dimas, California
Provided by: Hellwig Products
Vehicle: ’16 Nissan Titan XD
Hellwig’s Rule Breaker is a ’16 Nissan Titan XD Pro4X that is paired with a camper and built to be the ultimate overland vehicle. The idea of this build is to show what the consumer can build by purchasing off-the-shelf items from aftermarket manufacturers. The Rule Breaker is a go-anywhere, rugged, on- and off-road vehicle that allows you to live in luxury while taking the unbeaten path.

Builder: Envy Motorsports LLC – Tucson, Arizona
Provided by: Envy Motorsports LLC
Vehicle: ’01 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Envy Motorsports’ ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport is a fully built and lifted Jeep TJ featuring 4.0L bored and stroked to 5.0L with a M90 1500cc supercharger, an Envy Motorsports/Haltech tuning solution and a custom paint job.

Builder: Shaun Lewis – Montclair, California
Provided by: Roadwire
Vehicle: ’16 GMC Sierra 1500
This build features a 5/7 Belltech drop kit, Toyo tires, Lexani wheels, a Roadwire custom interior, a Bullydog tune, an SR Designs custom grille, a Magnaflow exhaust, a Ride Rite rear air setup, BedRug, an Undercover Tonneau cover, R1 Concepts brakes and rotors with MPG caliper covers, and a Soundstream custom audio.

AutoFab LLC’s ’12 Dodge 3500 HD non-dually 4x4	Blair Summers’ ’14 GMC Sierra
Ryan Arnold’s ’14 GMC Sierra	LGE/CTS Motorsports’ ’16 Nissan Titan XD
Envy Motorsports LLC’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler Sport	Shaun Lewis’ ’16 GMC Sierra 1500

By Katie Carson

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has announced the trucks and off-road builds that will be displayed at the 2017 SEMA Show as part of the council’s Feature Vehicle program. In total, six vehicles will display the TORA Feature Vehicle tag on their dashes. Five TORA vehicles will be displayed outside of South Hall, while one vehicle will be displayed in the TORA booth #34177, located in the Upper South Hall.

Here is a sneak peak of the 2017 TORA Feature Vehicles:

Builder: AutoFab LLC – Dallas
Provided by: Bodyguard Bumbers
Vehicle: ’12 Dodge 3500 HD non-dually 4x4
Build includes custom chrome plating, hand engraving and powder-coat accents; custom 25 air-ride suspension.

Builder: Blair Summers – Wichita, Kansas
Provided by: BOLT Lock
Vehicle: ’14 GMC Sierra
This ’14 GMC Sierra has been lifted and painted dark blue. It features a wireframe-type graphic on the side of the truck, giving it a bit of a techy feel.

Builder: Ryan Arnold – New Braunfels, Texas
Provided by: BOLT Lock
Vehicle: ’15 Ford F-350
The lifted truck is a Ford F-350 dually, featuring a wrap that incorporates the idea of the American worker. It depicts images of blue-collar workers doing the jobs that helped to create our country.

Builder: LGE/CTS Motorsports – San Dimas, California
Provided by: Hellwig Products
Vehicle: ’16 Nissan Titan XD
Hellwig’s Rule Breaker is a ’16 Nissan Titan XD Pro4X that is paired with a camper and built to be the ultimate overland vehicle. The idea of this build is to show what the consumer can build by purchasing off-the-shelf items from aftermarket manufacturers. The Rule Breaker is a go-anywhere, rugged, on- and off-road vehicle that allows you to live in luxury while taking the unbeaten path.

Builder: Envy Motorsports LLC – Tucson, Arizona
Provided by: Envy Motorsports LLC
Vehicle: ’01 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Envy Motorsports’ ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport is a fully built and lifted Jeep TJ featuring 4.0L bored and stroked to 5.0L with a M90 1500cc supercharger, an Envy Motorsports/Haltech tuning solution and a custom paint job.

Builder: Shaun Lewis – Montclair, California
Provided by: Roadwire
Vehicle: ’16 GMC Sierra 1500
This build features a 5/7 Belltech drop kit, Toyo tires, Lexani wheels, a Roadwire custom interior, a Bullydog tune, an SR Designs custom grille, a Magnaflow exhaust, a Ride Rite rear air setup, BedRug, an Undercover Tonneau cover, R1 Concepts brakes and rotors with MPG caliper covers, and a Soundstream custom audio.

AutoFab LLC’s ’12 Dodge 3500 HD non-dually 4x4	Blair Summers’ ’14 GMC Sierra
Ryan Arnold’s ’14 GMC Sierra	LGE/CTS Motorsports’ ’16 Nissan Titan XD
Envy Motorsports LLC’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler Sport	Shaun Lewis’ ’16 GMC Sierra 1500

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

Exhibitors and attendees who have not yet secured hotels for the 2017 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available at www.SEMAShow.com/travel that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service, other than OnPeak, that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or APPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

Exhibitors and attendees who have not yet secured hotels for the 2017 SEMA Show can take advantage of the guaranteed low rates offered at www.SEMAShow.com/travel. SEMA Show management works with one official hotel provider, OnPeak, to ensure that all Showgoers receive guaranteed low rates and an extra level of service.

There are still several properties available at www.SEMAShow.com/travel that accommodate the style and budget of all business types making the trip to Vegas for the Show.

Visit www.SEMAShow.com/travel to book rooms now—space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.

SEMA Show management encourages exhibitors, attendees and media to be vigilant if approached by any company or service, other than OnPeak, that claims to be a housing provider for the SEMA Show or APPEX. Leading up to the Show, Showgoers might be contacted by other travel agencies or housing companies to book guest rooms. SEMA has no affiliation with these organizations and cannot vouch for their services in any way.

For booking assistance, contact OnPeak at 866-611-8831, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Companies with existing reservations need to have their OnPeak Attendance/Group ID number handy.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Suspected counterfeit products are seized from vendors’ booths at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photo credit: Omix-ADA

A U.S. District Court ruled that several off-shore companies violated patents and trademarks owned by Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge, and had participated in the manufacture of counterfeit products. Omix-ADA is a manufacturer and wholesale distributor for aftermarket replacement Jeep Parts and Jeep Accessories, among other products. The infringement was brought to light when the vendors in question exhibited at the 2016 SEMA and AAPEX Shows in Las Vegas. Based on claims filed with the court, U.S. Marshalls executed search and seizure operations at the shows and placed a temporary halt to the alleged illegal activity.

Some of the infringing companies have entered into undisclosed settlement agreements with guidelines for protecting Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge’s intellectual property moving forward. The court issues an injunction ordering companies without settlement terms to immediately cease manufacturing, importing and selling the infringing products in the United States. Additionally, the court ordered all marketing materials, catalogs and product inventory to be destroyed and manufacturers tooling surrendered immediately.

SEMA maintains a strict policy on intellectual property rights and protection of such rights. For additional information, visit the SEMA Show website.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Suspected counterfeit products are seized from vendors’ booths at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Photo credit: Omix-ADA

A U.S. District Court ruled that several off-shore companies violated patents and trademarks owned by Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge, and had participated in the manufacture of counterfeit products. Omix-ADA is a manufacturer and wholesale distributor for aftermarket replacement Jeep Parts and Jeep Accessories, among other products. The infringement was brought to light when the vendors in question exhibited at the 2016 SEMA and AAPEX Shows in Las Vegas. Based on claims filed with the court, U.S. Marshalls executed search and seizure operations at the shows and placed a temporary halt to the alleged illegal activity.

Some of the infringing companies have entered into undisclosed settlement agreements with guidelines for protecting Omix-Ada/Rugged Ridge’s intellectual property moving forward. The court issues an injunction ordering companies without settlement terms to immediately cease manufacturing, importing and selling the infringing products in the United States. Additionally, the court ordered all marketing materials, catalogs and product inventory to be destroyed and manufacturers tooling surrendered immediately.

SEMA maintains a strict policy on intellectual property rights and protection of such rights. For additional information, visit the SEMA Show website.