This is a mule for the next Ford Mustang Mach 1, according to some well-placed sources.

The Mustang Mach 1 Mule has a quad exhaust setup as seen on the GT350, a beefier rear axle and a front splitter. These additions suggest that this Mustang is packing more than the 435 hp of the GT. A Mach 1 was last offered in 2003 and 2004, where it got a 30hp upgrade over the GT, along with special styling changes recalling the Mach 1s of the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Automotive News stated that “for the ’18 model year, the standard-issue Mustang may get a new front fascia and a 10-speed automatic transmission. A source said Ford will offer a Mach 1 edition around the same time.”

In keeping with Ford’s product plan for the Mustang, special editions will be rolled out on a yearly basis, sometimes with performance upgrades, in order to keep the latest model fresh against newer versions of the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger.

Expect to see more special-edition Mustangs in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a mule for the next Ford Mustang Mach 1, according to some well-placed sources.

The Mustang Mach 1 Mule has a quad exhaust setup as seen on the GT350, a beefier rear axle and a front splitter. These additions suggest that this Mustang is packing more than the 435 hp of the GT. A Mach 1 was last offered in 2003 and 2004, where it got a 30hp upgrade over the GT, along with special styling changes recalling the Mach 1s of the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Automotive News stated that “for the ’18 model year, the standard-issue Mustang may get a new front fascia and a 10-speed automatic transmission. A source said Ford will offer a Mach 1 edition around the same time.”

In keeping with Ford’s product plan for the Mustang, special editions will be rolled out on a yearly basis, sometimes with performance upgrades, in order to keep the latest model fresh against newer versions of the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger.

Expect to see more special-edition Mustangs in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

This is a mule for the next Ford Mustang Mach 1, according to some well-placed sources.

The Mustang Mach 1 Mule has a quad exhaust setup as seen on the GT350, a beefier rear axle and a front splitter. These additions suggest that this Mustang is packing more than the 435 hp of the GT. A Mach 1 was last offered in 2003 and 2004, where it got a 30hp upgrade over the GT, along with special styling changes recalling the Mach 1s of the late ’60s and early ’70s.

Automotive News stated that “for the ’18 model year, the standard-issue Mustang may get a new front fascia and a 10-speed automatic transmission. A source said Ford will offer a Mach 1 edition around the same time.”

In keeping with Ford’s product plan for the Mustang, special editions will be rolled out on a yearly basis, sometimes with performance upgrades, in order to keep the latest model fresh against newer versions of the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger.

Expect to see more special-edition Mustangs in time for the ’17 model year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Tiffanie Hartenstein. At 30, Hartenstein is already the director of operations at Oracle Lighting.

Tiffanie Hartenstein, 30, Director of Operations—Oracle Lighting

Tiffanie Hartenstein directly manages the day-to-day operations of Oracle Lighting, with a staff of 25 working under her. During Hartenstein’s 10 years at the helm, Oracle has more than doubled its annual revenue and offers more than 8,000 product SKUs, ranging from LED replacement bulbs and halo kits to LED off-road lighting. “We are seeing large growth in our market segment,” she said. “The truck accessory market and the Jeep accessory market are growing rapidly, and both have high demand for quality lighting products. The economy has rebounded, and we have seen a sharp increase in sales over the past few years. The only challenge we can foresee is the possibility of additional regulations or restrictions on automotive aftermarket parts.” Hartenstein was drawn to the industry after visiting her first SEMA Show 10 years ago. “Seeing the Show for the first time was a great experience and made me want to be involved in the automotive aftermarket,” she said. “Being at Oracle allows me to work in a fun and creative environment with an amazing team.” In her briefcase: “Although I use my iPhone for most things, I still carry a pen and paper. I can take notes much quicker that way. I also always have business cards and the newest Oracle catalog.”

Do you have a friend or colleague who deserves to be recognized? If so, please contact the editorial team at SEMA News and submit a nomination for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016. Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Tiffanie Hartenstein. At 30, Hartenstein is already the director of operations at Oracle Lighting.

Tiffanie Hartenstein, 30, Director of Operations—Oracle Lighting

Tiffanie Hartenstein directly manages the day-to-day operations of Oracle Lighting, with a staff of 25 working under her. During Hartenstein’s 10 years at the helm, Oracle has more than doubled its annual revenue and offers more than 8,000 product SKUs, ranging from LED replacement bulbs and halo kits to LED off-road lighting. “We are seeing large growth in our market segment,” she said. “The truck accessory market and the Jeep accessory market are growing rapidly, and both have high demand for quality lighting products. The economy has rebounded, and we have seen a sharp increase in sales over the past few years. The only challenge we can foresee is the possibility of additional regulations or restrictions on automotive aftermarket parts.” Hartenstein was drawn to the industry after visiting her first SEMA Show 10 years ago. “Seeing the Show for the first time was a great experience and made me want to be involved in the automotive aftermarket,” she said. “Being at Oracle allows me to work in a fun and creative environment with an amazing team.” In her briefcase: “Although I use my iPhone for most things, I still carry a pen and paper. I can take notes much quicker that way. I also always have business cards and the newest Oracle catalog.”

Do you have a friend or colleague who deserves to be recognized? If so, please contact the editorial team at SEMA News and submit a nomination for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016. Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Tiffanie Hartenstein. At 30, Hartenstein is already the director of operations at Oracle Lighting.

Tiffanie Hartenstein, 30, Director of Operations—Oracle Lighting

Tiffanie Hartenstein directly manages the day-to-day operations of Oracle Lighting, with a staff of 25 working under her. During Hartenstein’s 10 years at the helm, Oracle has more than doubled its annual revenue and offers more than 8,000 product SKUs, ranging from LED replacement bulbs and halo kits to LED off-road lighting. “We are seeing large growth in our market segment,” she said. “The truck accessory market and the Jeep accessory market are growing rapidly, and both have high demand for quality lighting products. The economy has rebounded, and we have seen a sharp increase in sales over the past few years. The only challenge we can foresee is the possibility of additional regulations or restrictions on automotive aftermarket parts.” Hartenstein was drawn to the industry after visiting her first SEMA Show 10 years ago. “Seeing the Show for the first time was a great experience and made me want to be involved in the automotive aftermarket,” she said. “Being at Oracle allows me to work in a fun and creative environment with an amazing team.” In her briefcase: “Although I use my iPhone for most things, I still carry a pen and paper. I can take notes much quicker that way. I also always have business cards and the newest Oracle catalog.”

Do you have a friend or colleague who deserves to be recognized? If so, please contact the editorial team at SEMA News and submit a nomination for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016. Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

By Carr Winn

SEMA News is looking to highlight top-tier talent in the automotive aftermarket industry who are under the age of 35 through its 35 Under 35 program. We need your input. If you know of a leader who is under 35—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

The following is a short profile on one of last year's 35 Under 35 winners—Tiffanie Hartenstein. At 30, Hartenstein is already the director of operations at Oracle Lighting.

Tiffanie Hartenstein, 30, Director of Operations—Oracle Lighting

Tiffanie Hartenstein directly manages the day-to-day operations of Oracle Lighting, with a staff of 25 working under her. During Hartenstein’s 10 years at the helm, Oracle has more than doubled its annual revenue and offers more than 8,000 product SKUs, ranging from LED replacement bulbs and halo kits to LED off-road lighting. “We are seeing large growth in our market segment,” she said. “The truck accessory market and the Jeep accessory market are growing rapidly, and both have high demand for quality lighting products. The economy has rebounded, and we have seen a sharp increase in sales over the past few years. The only challenge we can foresee is the possibility of additional regulations or restrictions on automotive aftermarket parts.” Hartenstein was drawn to the industry after visiting her first SEMA Show 10 years ago. “Seeing the Show for the first time was a great experience and made me want to be involved in the automotive aftermarket,” she said. “Being at Oracle allows me to work in a fun and creative environment with an amazing team.” In her briefcase: “Although I use my iPhone for most things, I still carry a pen and paper. I can take notes much quicker that way. I also always have business cards and the newest Oracle catalog.”

Do you have a friend or colleague who deserves to be recognized? If so, please contact the editorial team at SEMA News and submit a nomination for the 2016 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31, 2016. Winners will be chosen based on their business success, contribution to their organization, industry knowledge and community involvement. We'll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

For more details on the 35 Under 35 program and complete details on all of last year's winners, read through this article taken from the September 2015 issue of SEMA News.

SEMA News—May 2016

BUSINESS

By Clint Simone

Retail Spotlight

Cap World Celebrates 30 Years of Growth and Service

This showroom, located at Cap World’s location in Sarasota, Florida, offers a wide range of name-brand truck, van and SUV products.

Cap World is a SEMA-member company specializing in truck caps, truck trailers and other truck accessories—or, as the company’s website proclaims, “everything but the truck.” Alongside a recent 30-year anniversary milestone came recognition from the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), as Cap World was named Retailer of the Year for 2015. Each of those accomplishments explains how Cap World has stood out as a retail success story.

The story of Cap World is one of organic growth—a store-by-store expansion that has seen the highs and lows of the industry over the course of its existence. Beginning in Massachusetts, Cap World now offers 12 locations along the East Coast. The company’s catalog of parts and services now encompasses virtually the entire truck, van and SUV markets. SEMA News spoke with the president of Cap World, Charley Holden, who outlined the company’s distinct history with SEMA while also pointing out a few tips on retail success in the process.

SEMA News: 2015 was a good year for you. Cap World won the TORA Retailer of the Year award, and the company celebrated 30 years in business. Can you explain your feelings after such tremendous accomplishments?

Charley Holden: I speak for everyone at Cap World when I say just how excited we are to have won this award. It is a great testament to our company and how we operate. In 2014, Cap World was honored by TORA at the SEMA Show by winning the Ron Webster award for engineering. This award was granted to us because three Cap World employees—Ron DiVincenzo, Mike Wismer and Mike Ford—invented the seven-way interface harness. This invention made it possible to wire a brake light and dome light on a cap without splicing any wires. This year, as you pointed out, Cap World was also honored by TORA at the SEMA Show by being selected National Retailer of the Year. Both of these awards are a credit to our first-rate, dedicated team of hard-working employees, our biggest asset.

SN: Explain what 30 years of growth looks like and how you have reached where you are now.

Each of Cap World’s 12 East Coast locations offers truck accessories and trailers in addition to a full installation center.

CH: We started with one location on Route 1 in Saugus, Massachusetts, in 1984. Two years later, we opened our second store in Norwood, Massachusetts. Today, we have 12 retail locations in four states—Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland and Florida—along with our corporate office in Melrose, Massachusetts. We currently have 69 employees. Additionally, we purchase products from 68 vendors. These vendors are made up of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.

In the early years, truck caps were our main product. Thus, the name Cap World. If we were naming the company today, it probably would not be called Cap World because of our current diverse product line. Today, we sell utility and cargo trailers, bed protection, snow plows, tonneau covers, steps, lights and everything that goes on a pickup truck, SUV or van. Our motto is “everything but the truck.”

SN: What do you believe sets Cap World apart as a truck-accessory retailer?

CH: Not to sound redundant, but I feel that it is our great group of employees that sets us apart. Cap World employees truly are our biggest asset. We represent the best and strongest name manufacturers. In many cases, we are like a partnership with key manufacturers. We are a company of “systems.”

Training all employees is a continuing process. It takes time to develop and learn the systems that make us run. Our webpage, www.capworld.com, is a vital link to our success. Search-engine optimization gives us important information about our customers and drives them to our brick-and-mortar stores. We also do customer surveys. If we find dissatisfied customers, we try to turn them into “raving fans” of Cap World.

SN: With 30 years under your belt, what does the future look like for the company?

CH: We have certainly seen our industry’s ups and downs. Presently, business has never been better, and I believe that the future looks bright. Pickup sales are at a record high, and gas prices continue to drop. New trucks, such as the GM Colorado and Canyon, are selling like hotcakes. Toyota has updated its Tacoma, and Honda has developed a new Ridgeline pickup. The Ford F-150 continues to lead in sales, while Ford is also talking about a new Ranger model. Lastly, other players such as Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz talk about introducing new pickups into the market, which could bring a new customer base. To date, Cap World has had an amazing run, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

SN: How has being a SEMA member or TORA council member contributed to Cap World’s growth?

CH: SEMA has played a big part in Cap World’s success. We have been very active in the TORA council. I served as president of the Truck Cap & Accessory Alliance [TCAA, precursor to TORA] when it was a stand-alone trade organization. At that point in time, we ran our own trade show. I remained chairman of TORA for one year when our organization was transitioning into SEMA.

There is no doubt in my mind that the old TCAA would have not been able to sustain itself. SEMA was a lifesaver. A few years later, Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World’s general manager, worked his way up the ladder to become chairman. I know of no other company that has had two people do this. As Cap World gave to SEMA, SEMA gave to Cap World.

SN: Lastly, what advice would you offer retailers looking to hone their businesses?

CH: You know, one of our biggest challenges has been finding quality new employees. Learning what makes Millennials tick has also been a challenge. Seminars at the SEMA Show have been enlightening in that regard. Apart from that, I truly believe that getting involved with SEMA is the single best thing Cap World has done. We have a network of dealers all over the United States and Canada.

Go to the SEMA Show! Attend seminars and get involved. Each of these things will help to build a company in the right direction.

To learn more about Cap World and the products it offers, visit www.capworld.com.

SEMA News—May 2016

BUSINESS

By Clint Simone

Retail Spotlight

Cap World Celebrates 30 Years of Growth and Service

This showroom, located at Cap World’s location in Sarasota, Florida, offers a wide range of name-brand truck, van and SUV products.

Cap World is a SEMA-member company specializing in truck caps, truck trailers and other truck accessories—or, as the company’s website proclaims, “everything but the truck.” Alongside a recent 30-year anniversary milestone came recognition from the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), as Cap World was named Retailer of the Year for 2015. Each of those accomplishments explains how Cap World has stood out as a retail success story.

The story of Cap World is one of organic growth—a store-by-store expansion that has seen the highs and lows of the industry over the course of its existence. Beginning in Massachusetts, Cap World now offers 12 locations along the East Coast. The company’s catalog of parts and services now encompasses virtually the entire truck, van and SUV markets. SEMA News spoke with the president of Cap World, Charley Holden, who outlined the company’s distinct history with SEMA while also pointing out a few tips on retail success in the process.

SEMA News: 2015 was a good year for you. Cap World won the TORA Retailer of the Year award, and the company celebrated 30 years in business. Can you explain your feelings after such tremendous accomplishments?

Charley Holden: I speak for everyone at Cap World when I say just how excited we are to have won this award. It is a great testament to our company and how we operate. In 2014, Cap World was honored by TORA at the SEMA Show by winning the Ron Webster award for engineering. This award was granted to us because three Cap World employees—Ron DiVincenzo, Mike Wismer and Mike Ford—invented the seven-way interface harness. This invention made it possible to wire a brake light and dome light on a cap without splicing any wires. This year, as you pointed out, Cap World was also honored by TORA at the SEMA Show by being selected National Retailer of the Year. Both of these awards are a credit to our first-rate, dedicated team of hard-working employees, our biggest asset.

SN: Explain what 30 years of growth looks like and how you have reached where you are now.

Each of Cap World’s 12 East Coast locations offers truck accessories and trailers in addition to a full installation center.

CH: We started with one location on Route 1 in Saugus, Massachusetts, in 1984. Two years later, we opened our second store in Norwood, Massachusetts. Today, we have 12 retail locations in four states—Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland and Florida—along with our corporate office in Melrose, Massachusetts. We currently have 69 employees. Additionally, we purchase products from 68 vendors. These vendors are made up of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.

In the early years, truck caps were our main product. Thus, the name Cap World. If we were naming the company today, it probably would not be called Cap World because of our current diverse product line. Today, we sell utility and cargo trailers, bed protection, snow plows, tonneau covers, steps, lights and everything that goes on a pickup truck, SUV or van. Our motto is “everything but the truck.”

SN: What do you believe sets Cap World apart as a truck-accessory retailer?

CH: Not to sound redundant, but I feel that it is our great group of employees that sets us apart. Cap World employees truly are our biggest asset. We represent the best and strongest name manufacturers. In many cases, we are like a partnership with key manufacturers. We are a company of “systems.”

Training all employees is a continuing process. It takes time to develop and learn the systems that make us run. Our webpage, www.capworld.com, is a vital link to our success. Search-engine optimization gives us important information about our customers and drives them to our brick-and-mortar stores. We also do customer surveys. If we find dissatisfied customers, we try to turn them into “raving fans” of Cap World.

SN: With 30 years under your belt, what does the future look like for the company?

CH: We have certainly seen our industry’s ups and downs. Presently, business has never been better, and I believe that the future looks bright. Pickup sales are at a record high, and gas prices continue to drop. New trucks, such as the GM Colorado and Canyon, are selling like hotcakes. Toyota has updated its Tacoma, and Honda has developed a new Ridgeline pickup. The Ford F-150 continues to lead in sales, while Ford is also talking about a new Ranger model. Lastly, other players such as Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz talk about introducing new pickups into the market, which could bring a new customer base. To date, Cap World has had an amazing run, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

SN: How has being a SEMA member or TORA council member contributed to Cap World’s growth?

CH: SEMA has played a big part in Cap World’s success. We have been very active in the TORA council. I served as president of the Truck Cap & Accessory Alliance [TCAA, precursor to TORA] when it was a stand-alone trade organization. At that point in time, we ran our own trade show. I remained chairman of TORA for one year when our organization was transitioning into SEMA.

There is no doubt in my mind that the old TCAA would have not been able to sustain itself. SEMA was a lifesaver. A few years later, Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World’s general manager, worked his way up the ladder to become chairman. I know of no other company that has had two people do this. As Cap World gave to SEMA, SEMA gave to Cap World.

SN: Lastly, what advice would you offer retailers looking to hone their businesses?

CH: You know, one of our biggest challenges has been finding quality new employees. Learning what makes Millennials tick has also been a challenge. Seminars at the SEMA Show have been enlightening in that regard. Apart from that, I truly believe that getting involved with SEMA is the single best thing Cap World has done. We have a network of dealers all over the United States and Canada.

Go to the SEMA Show! Attend seminars and get involved. Each of these things will help to build a company in the right direction.

To learn more about Cap World and the products it offers, visit www.capworld.com.

SEMA News—May 2016

BUSINESS

By Clint Simone

Retail Spotlight

Cap World Celebrates 30 Years of Growth and Service

This showroom, located at Cap World’s location in Sarasota, Florida, offers a wide range of name-brand truck, van and SUV products.

Cap World is a SEMA-member company specializing in truck caps, truck trailers and other truck accessories—or, as the company’s website proclaims, “everything but the truck.” Alongside a recent 30-year anniversary milestone came recognition from the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), as Cap World was named Retailer of the Year for 2015. Each of those accomplishments explains how Cap World has stood out as a retail success story.

The story of Cap World is one of organic growth—a store-by-store expansion that has seen the highs and lows of the industry over the course of its existence. Beginning in Massachusetts, Cap World now offers 12 locations along the East Coast. The company’s catalog of parts and services now encompasses virtually the entire truck, van and SUV markets. SEMA News spoke with the president of Cap World, Charley Holden, who outlined the company’s distinct history with SEMA while also pointing out a few tips on retail success in the process.

SEMA News: 2015 was a good year for you. Cap World won the TORA Retailer of the Year award, and the company celebrated 30 years in business. Can you explain your feelings after such tremendous accomplishments?

Charley Holden: I speak for everyone at Cap World when I say just how excited we are to have won this award. It is a great testament to our company and how we operate. In 2014, Cap World was honored by TORA at the SEMA Show by winning the Ron Webster award for engineering. This award was granted to us because three Cap World employees—Ron DiVincenzo, Mike Wismer and Mike Ford—invented the seven-way interface harness. This invention made it possible to wire a brake light and dome light on a cap without splicing any wires. This year, as you pointed out, Cap World was also honored by TORA at the SEMA Show by being selected National Retailer of the Year. Both of these awards are a credit to our first-rate, dedicated team of hard-working employees, our biggest asset.

SN: Explain what 30 years of growth looks like and how you have reached where you are now.

Each of Cap World’s 12 East Coast locations offers truck accessories and trailers in addition to a full installation center.

CH: We started with one location on Route 1 in Saugus, Massachusetts, in 1984. Two years later, we opened our second store in Norwood, Massachusetts. Today, we have 12 retail locations in four states—Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maryland and Florida—along with our corporate office in Melrose, Massachusetts. We currently have 69 employees. Additionally, we purchase products from 68 vendors. These vendors are made up of manufacturers, suppliers and distributors.

In the early years, truck caps were our main product. Thus, the name Cap World. If we were naming the company today, it probably would not be called Cap World because of our current diverse product line. Today, we sell utility and cargo trailers, bed protection, snow plows, tonneau covers, steps, lights and everything that goes on a pickup truck, SUV or van. Our motto is “everything but the truck.”

SN: What do you believe sets Cap World apart as a truck-accessory retailer?

CH: Not to sound redundant, but I feel that it is our great group of employees that sets us apart. Cap World employees truly are our biggest asset. We represent the best and strongest name manufacturers. In many cases, we are like a partnership with key manufacturers. We are a company of “systems.”

Training all employees is a continuing process. It takes time to develop and learn the systems that make us run. Our webpage, www.capworld.com, is a vital link to our success. Search-engine optimization gives us important information about our customers and drives them to our brick-and-mortar stores. We also do customer surveys. If we find dissatisfied customers, we try to turn them into “raving fans” of Cap World.

SN: With 30 years under your belt, what does the future look like for the company?

CH: We have certainly seen our industry’s ups and downs. Presently, business has never been better, and I believe that the future looks bright. Pickup sales are at a record high, and gas prices continue to drop. New trucks, such as the GM Colorado and Canyon, are selling like hotcakes. Toyota has updated its Tacoma, and Honda has developed a new Ridgeline pickup. The Ford F-150 continues to lead in sales, while Ford is also talking about a new Ranger model. Lastly, other players such as Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz talk about introducing new pickups into the market, which could bring a new customer base. To date, Cap World has had an amazing run, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

SN: How has being a SEMA member or TORA council member contributed to Cap World’s growth?

CH: SEMA has played a big part in Cap World’s success. We have been very active in the TORA council. I served as president of the Truck Cap & Accessory Alliance [TCAA, precursor to TORA] when it was a stand-alone trade organization. At that point in time, we ran our own trade show. I remained chairman of TORA for one year when our organization was transitioning into SEMA.

There is no doubt in my mind that the old TCAA would have not been able to sustain itself. SEMA was a lifesaver. A few years later, Ron DiVincenzo, Cap World’s general manager, worked his way up the ladder to become chairman. I know of no other company that has had two people do this. As Cap World gave to SEMA, SEMA gave to Cap World.

SN: Lastly, what advice would you offer retailers looking to hone their businesses?

CH: You know, one of our biggest challenges has been finding quality new employees. Learning what makes Millennials tick has also been a challenge. Seminars at the SEMA Show have been enlightening in that regard. Apart from that, I truly believe that getting involved with SEMA is the single best thing Cap World has done. We have a network of dealers all over the United States and Canada.

Go to the SEMA Show! Attend seminars and get involved. Each of these things will help to build a company in the right direction.

To learn more about Cap World and the products it offers, visit www.capworld.com.