SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Members Plan for PRO’s Future at Annual Long-Range Planning Meeting

PRO members and leadership heard from SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak about the future of automotive accessories.

Each year, members and volunteer leaders of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) gather to discuss council priorities and strategic goals at an annual long-range planning meeting. This year, more than two dozen members participated in the meeting, which was held on June 18 and 19 near Detroit, Michigan.

Members spent a day reviewing council activities, learning about the future of automotive accessories technology with SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak, and working in break-out groups to set goals for future PRO initiatives. The groups identified several topics of key importance to the council, including industry-specific sales training, keeping on the cutting edge of new-vehicle technology, next-generation employment challenges and increasing the value of membership, which includes making member communications more accurate, effective and efficient.

As with any SEMA event, it wasn’t all work and no play. Members gathered for a fun and friendly dinner at the MGM Grand in downtown Detroit on Thursday evening and spent Friday morning as guests of the GM Heritage Center, exploring the amazing display. As one of the leading historical automotive collections in the world, the Heritage Center preserves and displays some of the most successful and inspirational General Motors automobiles from the beginning of the 20th Century to today.

	Attendees from PRO’s long-range planning meeting were also treated to a tour of the GM Heritage Center.

The PRO select committee will be creating task forces to examine and evaluate appropriate next steps for each project discussed in Detroit this year. If you would like to contribute to those or other council projects and activities, you are invited to reach out to the select committee leadership or SEMA staff to find out how to get more involved.

Restylers, Meet Your New Representatives

At the beginning of July, PRO welcomed aboard four new select committee members. Carol Walsh has been president of Southside Trim and Glass, a family company, for 34 years. Roger Tibbetts is vice president of sales for the United States and Canada for Husky Liners and previously served on the PRO select committee. Jeffrey Amegod is president of Pacific Dealership Services. Dino Perfetti is sales manager for Automotive Concepts.

SEMA Member News caught up with Walsh, Tibbetts and Amegod to learn more about what motivates them to serve the council.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it is important to serve on the select committee?

Roger Tibbetts: Helping our industry—and specifically the restyling industry—reach new levels of consumer awareness is a key factor. Although we all want to believe that consumers are fully aware of what is possible for their vehicle, it’s the dreamers and motivators of our industry who keep things alive. It’s up to groups like PRO to help keep consumers and dealers informed.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about the council?

Jeffrey Amegod: Being able to contribute to a much-needed avenue of growth and future success.

SMN: What are your goals, and how might your experience benefit the council?

Carol Walsh: To make sure that aftermarket companies are certified and knowledgeable about the products that are being installed in vehicles. Making sure that companies understand the liability factors of our work.

While not available for an interview, Perfetti indicated that he looks forward to the challenge of helping businesses navigate the fast-paced changes of today’s vehicle connectivity through his service to PRO. He has served his entire 29-year career in the automotive aftermarket industry and is currently leading a team of sales professionals in restyling vehicles for midwestern dealers at Automotive Concepts. Perfetti believes that staying abreast of industry changes and the continuing increase of consumer awareness is most important in today’s market, and he looks forward to assisting the council in this area.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

Members Plan for PRO’s Future at Annual Long-Range Planning Meeting

PRO members and leadership heard from SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak about the future of automotive accessories.

Each year, members and volunteer leaders of the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) gather to discuss council priorities and strategic goals at an annual long-range planning meeting. This year, more than two dozen members participated in the meeting, which was held on June 18 and 19 near Detroit, Michigan.

Members spent a day reviewing council activities, learning about the future of automotive accessories technology with SEMA Vice President of Vehicle Technology John Waraniak, and working in break-out groups to set goals for future PRO initiatives. The groups identified several topics of key importance to the council, including industry-specific sales training, keeping on the cutting edge of new-vehicle technology, next-generation employment challenges and increasing the value of membership, which includes making member communications more accurate, effective and efficient.

As with any SEMA event, it wasn’t all work and no play. Members gathered for a fun and friendly dinner at the MGM Grand in downtown Detroit on Thursday evening and spent Friday morning as guests of the GM Heritage Center, exploring the amazing display. As one of the leading historical automotive collections in the world, the Heritage Center preserves and displays some of the most successful and inspirational General Motors automobiles from the beginning of the 20th Century to today.

	Attendees from PRO’s long-range planning meeting were also treated to a tour of the GM Heritage Center.

The PRO select committee will be creating task forces to examine and evaluate appropriate next steps for each project discussed in Detroit this year. If you would like to contribute to those or other council projects and activities, you are invited to reach out to the select committee leadership or SEMA staff to find out how to get more involved.

Restylers, Meet Your New Representatives

At the beginning of July, PRO welcomed aboard four new select committee members. Carol Walsh has been president of Southside Trim and Glass, a family company, for 34 years. Roger Tibbetts is vice president of sales for the United States and Canada for Husky Liners and previously served on the PRO select committee. Jeffrey Amegod is president of Pacific Dealership Services. Dino Perfetti is sales manager for Automotive Concepts.

SEMA Member News caught up with Walsh, Tibbetts and Amegod to learn more about what motivates them to serve the council.

SEMA Member News: Why do you feel that it is important to serve on the select committee?

Roger Tibbetts: Helping our industry—and specifically the restyling industry—reach new levels of consumer awareness is a key factor. Although we all want to believe that consumers are fully aware of what is possible for their vehicle, it’s the dreamers and motivators of our industry who keep things alive. It’s up to groups like PRO to help keep consumers and dealers informed.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about the council?

Jeffrey Amegod: Being able to contribute to a much-needed avenue of growth and future success.

SMN: What are your goals, and how might your experience benefit the council?

Carol Walsh: To make sure that aftermarket companies are certified and knowledgeable about the products that are being installed in vehicles. Making sure that companies understand the liability factors of our work.

While not available for an interview, Perfetti indicated that he looks forward to the challenge of helping businesses navigate the fast-paced changes of today’s vehicle connectivity through his service to PRO. He has served his entire 29-year career in the automotive aftermarket industry and is currently leading a team of sales professionals in restyling vehicles for midwestern dealers at Automotive Concepts. Perfetti believes that staying abreast of industry changes and the continuing increase of consumer awareness is most important in today’s market, and he looks forward to assisting the council in this area.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

MPMC Open Meeting at the SEMA Garage

The MPMC select committee holds regular meetings to seek solutions to emerging industry challenges.

On May 28, 2015, the MPMC hosted its open general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage. The half-day event provided a venue for local members and the select committee to connect face-to-face about SEMA’s Board initiatives and the hot-button issues faced by motorsports parts manufacturers. Members gathered for breakfast and an introduction by MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian, who gave local members a fantastic primer on how to get involved in the MPMC and stressed the potential of the member connection to SEMA.

Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, was present to review SEMA’s board initiatives. Kersting highlighted the push for next-generation involvement, the Board’s efforts to be abreast of trends in technology, consumer awareness and the effort to do more outside of the industry to promote growth. Attending members had an exclusive opportunity to then have an open question-and-answer session with Kersting, which was valuable for SEMA staff, the general membership attendees and the select committee.

The next event on the agenda was a Garage tour with Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. Spagnola gave a comprehensive overview of the Garage and all its current efforts to be an open resource to all members. Attendees toured the photo coves, the installation center and the emissions lab, and they saw the 3D printing tools provided by the Garage. Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte followed up with an introduction on the state of emissions in the industry and how the SEMA Garage is making an effort to make the emissions-testing process less painful and more efficient than ever before.

After the tour, Barsamian and Chair-Elect Chris Douglas gave the attendees an overview of MPMC activities and projects, including council events at the SEMA Show and the importance of continued outreach to prospective members. Barsamian and Douglas thanked everyone for their volunteerism and closed their discussion by noting how active participation makes the council, SEMA and the motorsports manufacturing industry operate at their absolute best.

Data was a notably hot topic over the course of the morning, coming up in nearly every agenda topic. Gavin Knapp, SEMA’s senior manager of market research, was present to give a presentation on the market research department and extended himself to the membership as the point person for all data and market research concerns. Allen Horwitz of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) presented the data issues facing manufacturers and discussed how the SDC is available to help member companies standardize their data process to expand their impact in the industry and increase sales.

The open general membership meeting closed after lunch that afternoon, and all the members who participated left with insights on SEMA and the efforts of the MPMC. The event gave attending members a firsthand look at what it means to be a council member and the opportunity to have their concerns addressed, ideas heard and the chance to network with other member companies and the industry leaders on the select committee.

For more information on the next MPMC general membership meeting, please visit www.SEMA.org/mpmc, and stay tuned for more opportunities to connect.

Introducing Three New Leaders

SEMA Member News had the opportunity to reach out to new MPMC members to hear their insight on what it means to be a part of the MPMC. Here are some excerpts from their interviews, which give their perspectives on council membership.

SEMA Member News: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved?

Ben Knaus, Hellwig Products: The biggest piece of advice is just to talk to other people who are involved. Everyone I have met in MPMC has always been more than helpful with advice and knowledge. I realized by jumping into conversations and asking questions that you learn a ton that can help you and your company.

SMN: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

Sean Crawford, Performance Motorsports International: Motorsports parts manufacturers face regular challenges with sanctioning-body rules, government regulations and an always-changing business landscape. It’s important that those of us who are involved and passionate about this industry coordinate our efforts to keep the motorsports industry moving in a positive direction.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about MPMC?

Ed “Blake” Burgy, Flaming River: There are two key things that I truly enjoy about serving on a council: the great networking opportunities and the feeling that you are giving back to the industry as a whole and contributing to something greater than yourself or even your company.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

MPMC Open Meeting at the SEMA Garage

The MPMC select committee holds regular meetings to seek solutions to emerging industry challenges.

On May 28, 2015, the MPMC hosted its open general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage. The half-day event provided a venue for local members and the select committee to connect face-to-face about SEMA’s Board initiatives and the hot-button issues faced by motorsports parts manufacturers. Members gathered for breakfast and an introduction by MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian, who gave local members a fantastic primer on how to get involved in the MPMC and stressed the potential of the member connection to SEMA.

Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, was present to review SEMA’s board initiatives. Kersting highlighted the push for next-generation involvement, the Board’s efforts to be abreast of trends in technology, consumer awareness and the effort to do more outside of the industry to promote growth. Attending members had an exclusive opportunity to then have an open question-and-answer session with Kersting, which was valuable for SEMA staff, the general membership attendees and the select committee.

The next event on the agenda was a Garage tour with Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. Spagnola gave a comprehensive overview of the Garage and all its current efforts to be an open resource to all members. Attendees toured the photo coves, the installation center and the emissions lab, and they saw the 3D printing tools provided by the Garage. Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte followed up with an introduction on the state of emissions in the industry and how the SEMA Garage is making an effort to make the emissions-testing process less painful and more efficient than ever before.

After the tour, Barsamian and Chair-Elect Chris Douglas gave the attendees an overview of MPMC activities and projects, including council events at the SEMA Show and the importance of continued outreach to prospective members. Barsamian and Douglas thanked everyone for their volunteerism and closed their discussion by noting how active participation makes the council, SEMA and the motorsports manufacturing industry operate at their absolute best.

Data was a notably hot topic over the course of the morning, coming up in nearly every agenda topic. Gavin Knapp, SEMA’s senior manager of market research, was present to give a presentation on the market research department and extended himself to the membership as the point person for all data and market research concerns. Allen Horwitz of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) presented the data issues facing manufacturers and discussed how the SDC is available to help member companies standardize their data process to expand their impact in the industry and increase sales.

The open general membership meeting closed after lunch that afternoon, and all the members who participated left with insights on SEMA and the efforts of the MPMC. The event gave attending members a firsthand look at what it means to be a council member and the opportunity to have their concerns addressed, ideas heard and the chance to network with other member companies and the industry leaders on the select committee.

For more information on the next MPMC general membership meeting, please visit www.SEMA.org/mpmc, and stay tuned for more opportunities to connect.

Introducing Three New Leaders

SEMA Member News had the opportunity to reach out to new MPMC members to hear their insight on what it means to be a part of the MPMC. Here are some excerpts from their interviews, which give their perspectives on council membership.

SEMA Member News: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved?

Ben Knaus, Hellwig Products: The biggest piece of advice is just to talk to other people who are involved. Everyone I have met in MPMC has always been more than helpful with advice and knowledge. I realized by jumping into conversations and asking questions that you learn a ton that can help you and your company.

SMN: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

Sean Crawford, Performance Motorsports International: Motorsports parts manufacturers face regular challenges with sanctioning-body rules, government regulations and an always-changing business landscape. It’s important that those of us who are involved and passionate about this industry coordinate our efforts to keep the motorsports industry moving in a positive direction.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about MPMC?

Ed “Blake” Burgy, Flaming River: There are two key things that I truly enjoy about serving on a council: the great networking opportunities and the feeling that you are giving back to the industry as a whole and contributing to something greater than yourself or even your company.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

MPMC Open Meeting at the SEMA Garage

The MPMC select committee holds regular meetings to seek solutions to emerging industry challenges.

On May 28, 2015, the MPMC hosted its open general membership meeting at the SEMA Garage. The half-day event provided a venue for local members and the select committee to connect face-to-face about SEMA’s Board initiatives and the hot-button issues faced by motorsports parts manufacturers. Members gathered for breakfast and an introduction by MPMC Chair Rich Barsamian, who gave local members a fantastic primer on how to get involved in the MPMC and stressed the potential of the member connection to SEMA.

Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO, was present to review SEMA’s board initiatives. Kersting highlighted the push for next-generation involvement, the Board’s efforts to be abreast of trends in technology, consumer awareness and the effort to do more outside of the industry to promote growth. Attending members had an exclusive opportunity to then have an open question-and-answer session with Kersting, which was valuable for SEMA staff, the general membership attendees and the select committee.

The next event on the agenda was a Garage tour with Mike Spagnola, SEMA vice president of OEM and product development. Spagnola gave a comprehensive overview of the Garage and all its current efforts to be an open resource to all members. Attendees toured the photo coves, the installation center and the emissions lab, and they saw the 3D printing tools provided by the Garage. Compliance Center Manager Peter Treydte followed up with an introduction on the state of emissions in the industry and how the SEMA Garage is making an effort to make the emissions-testing process less painful and more efficient than ever before.

After the tour, Barsamian and Chair-Elect Chris Douglas gave the attendees an overview of MPMC activities and projects, including council events at the SEMA Show and the importance of continued outreach to prospective members. Barsamian and Douglas thanked everyone for their volunteerism and closed their discussion by noting how active participation makes the council, SEMA and the motorsports manufacturing industry operate at their absolute best.

Data was a notably hot topic over the course of the morning, coming up in nearly every agenda topic. Gavin Knapp, SEMA’s senior manager of market research, was present to give a presentation on the market research department and extended himself to the membership as the point person for all data and market research concerns. Allen Horwitz of the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) presented the data issues facing manufacturers and discussed how the SDC is available to help member companies standardize their data process to expand their impact in the industry and increase sales.

The open general membership meeting closed after lunch that afternoon, and all the members who participated left with insights on SEMA and the efforts of the MPMC. The event gave attending members a firsthand look at what it means to be a council member and the opportunity to have their concerns addressed, ideas heard and the chance to network with other member companies and the industry leaders on the select committee.

For more information on the next MPMC general membership meeting, please visit www.SEMA.org/mpmc, and stay tuned for more opportunities to connect.

Introducing Three New Leaders

SEMA Member News had the opportunity to reach out to new MPMC members to hear their insight on what it means to be a part of the MPMC. Here are some excerpts from their interviews, which give their perspectives on council membership.

SEMA Member News: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved?

Ben Knaus, Hellwig Products: The biggest piece of advice is just to talk to other people who are involved. Everyone I have met in MPMC has always been more than helpful with advice and knowledge. I realized by jumping into conversations and asking questions that you learn a ton that can help you and your company.

SMN: Why do you feel that it’s important to serve on the select committee?

Sean Crawford, Performance Motorsports International: Motorsports parts manufacturers face regular challenges with sanctioning-body rules, government regulations and an always-changing business landscape. It’s important that those of us who are involved and passionate about this industry coordinate our efforts to keep the motorsports industry moving in a positive direction.

SMN: What is most exciting to you about MPMC?

Ed “Blake” Burgy, Flaming River: There are two key things that I truly enjoy about serving on a council: the great networking opportunities and the feeling that you are giving back to the industry as a whole and contributing to something greater than yourself or even your company.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

SEMA Middle East Program Expands Horizons for TORA Members

TORA select committee member Brant Combs (right) speaks with a buyer at Custom Show Emirates.

This past spring, 41 SEMA-member companies participated in SEMA’s four-day Middle East program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The program featured an all-day measuring session with commonly customized vehicles not sold in the United States as well as a chance for participants to exhibit at the trade-only section of the Custom Show Emirates, network with international buyers and explore local shops. Among the participants were several active Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, who shared a few of their takeaways from the experience.

SEMA Member News: How did this program help you expand your global network?

Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow: This trip can open new doors to distributors you never knew existed. It can give you firsthand visibility of the consumer market and see the vehicles in action. It can also give you the confidence you need to export into a part of the world that you may not have thought you could reach.

Troy Wirtz, Dee Zee Inc: This was Dee Zee’s third year of participation. I’m confident that the shows and efforts from the SEMA staff are why Dee Zee is experiencing the success it is in the Middle East. Each year has brought on new prospects, but I’m particularly happy with how our existing relationships have grown. When you are partnering with someone on the other side of the world, trust has to be established for both parties. Global expansion is important to Dee Zee, and SEMA is a great organization to help meet these efforts!

SMN: What’s your take on the truck and off-road market in this region?

Brant Combs, ATC Truck Covers: We discovered that there is a significant American truck market for the 4x4 and off-road segment, and a couple of our products would work well there. The SEMA Middle East Conference set up introductions to the best buyers in the area for those products.

SMN: Were there any cultural challenges for doing business in the Middle East?

Brandon Seadorf, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Allow USA: This was my first trip to the Middle East, and it was interesting how easy it was to work with customers and prospects there. The people are extremely nice and welcoming. The cities were safe, and it seems that the consumers and businesses embrace American products. Almost everyone I communicated with spoke great English, so there were no communication barriers at all.

Melanie White, Hellwig Products: There were a few social norms I had to change. I typically reach out to shake a hand, and there was once where a gentleman held his hand back and I caught the cue before I held out my hand. Other than that, it really was like doing business in the United States as a woman. If you have the answers to their questions or can take care of their business needs, being male or female isn’t an issue.

SMN: What do you think is a key for success in the Middle Eastern market?

Ruby Stratz, Keystone Automotive Operations: Based on my experience, the relationship with our customers is the key to success in this region. The Middle East is a fast-moving market with great opportunity for our industry.

SMN: What was the most beneficial part of your experience?

Erika Garcia, Bolt Locks: The SEMA team did a great job of organizing a schedule that allowed us to learn more about the Middle East market. The jobber visits were my favorite part. They helped us understand how there are a lot of businesses that are hungry for finding the latest technologies and high-quality, American-made products. The measuring session was also very important for us, as we can expand our product offering to include vehicles that are not offered in America.

Robert Park, Rigid Industries: Participating in SEMA’s international shows allows us to meet a lot of the local distributors and dealers all in one place. It helps us ensure we are aligning ourselves with the
right partners.

SMN: Would you recommend this program to other members?

Brad Otoupalik, K&N Engineering: The SEMA Middle East trip and show in Abu Dhabi exceeded my expectations once again. Linda Spencer and SEMA have created a really unique vehicle to help U.S. companies, regardless if they are new to the market or are experienced. For those that are not taking advantage of the unique opportunity provided—you are being passed by competitors who are!

Next year’s Middle East trip will take place March 29–April 2, 2016. Registration for manufacturers will open in November 2015. For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

SEMA Middle East Program Expands Horizons for TORA Members

TORA select committee member Brant Combs (right) speaks with a buyer at Custom Show Emirates.

This past spring, 41 SEMA-member companies participated in SEMA’s four-day Middle East program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The program featured an all-day measuring session with commonly customized vehicles not sold in the United States as well as a chance for participants to exhibit at the trade-only section of the Custom Show Emirates, network with international buyers and explore local shops. Among the participants were several active Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, who shared a few of their takeaways from the experience.

SEMA Member News: How did this program help you expand your global network?

Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow: This trip can open new doors to distributors you never knew existed. It can give you firsthand visibility of the consumer market and see the vehicles in action. It can also give you the confidence you need to export into a part of the world that you may not have thought you could reach.

Troy Wirtz, Dee Zee Inc: This was Dee Zee’s third year of participation. I’m confident that the shows and efforts from the SEMA staff are why Dee Zee is experiencing the success it is in the Middle East. Each year has brought on new prospects, but I’m particularly happy with how our existing relationships have grown. When you are partnering with someone on the other side of the world, trust has to be established for both parties. Global expansion is important to Dee Zee, and SEMA is a great organization to help meet these efforts!

SMN: What’s your take on the truck and off-road market in this region?

Brant Combs, ATC Truck Covers: We discovered that there is a significant American truck market for the 4x4 and off-road segment, and a couple of our products would work well there. The SEMA Middle East Conference set up introductions to the best buyers in the area for those products.

SMN: Were there any cultural challenges for doing business in the Middle East?

Brandon Seadorf, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Allow USA: This was my first trip to the Middle East, and it was interesting how easy it was to work with customers and prospects there. The people are extremely nice and welcoming. The cities were safe, and it seems that the consumers and businesses embrace American products. Almost everyone I communicated with spoke great English, so there were no communication barriers at all.

Melanie White, Hellwig Products: There were a few social norms I had to change. I typically reach out to shake a hand, and there was once where a gentleman held his hand back and I caught the cue before I held out my hand. Other than that, it really was like doing business in the United States as a woman. If you have the answers to their questions or can take care of their business needs, being male or female isn’t an issue.

SMN: What do you think is a key for success in the Middle Eastern market?

Ruby Stratz, Keystone Automotive Operations: Based on my experience, the relationship with our customers is the key to success in this region. The Middle East is a fast-moving market with great opportunity for our industry.

SMN: What was the most beneficial part of your experience?

Erika Garcia, Bolt Locks: The SEMA team did a great job of organizing a schedule that allowed us to learn more about the Middle East market. The jobber visits were my favorite part. They helped us understand how there are a lot of businesses that are hungry for finding the latest technologies and high-quality, American-made products. The measuring session was also very important for us, as we can expand our product offering to include vehicles that are not offered in America.

Robert Park, Rigid Industries: Participating in SEMA’s international shows allows us to meet a lot of the local distributors and dealers all in one place. It helps us ensure we are aligning ourselves with the
right partners.

SMN: Would you recommend this program to other members?

Brad Otoupalik, K&N Engineering: The SEMA Middle East trip and show in Abu Dhabi exceeded my expectations once again. Linda Spencer and SEMA have created a really unique vehicle to help U.S. companies, regardless if they are new to the market or are experienced. For those that are not taking advantage of the unique opportunity provided—you are being passed by competitors who are!

Next year’s Middle East trip will take place March 29–April 2, 2016. Registration for manufacturers will open in November 2015. For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

SEMA Middle East Program Expands Horizons for TORA Members

TORA select committee member Brant Combs (right) speaks with a buyer at Custom Show Emirates.

This past spring, 41 SEMA-member companies participated in SEMA’s four-day Middle East program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The program featured an all-day measuring session with commonly customized vehicles not sold in the United States as well as a chance for participants to exhibit at the trade-only section of the Custom Show Emirates, network with international buyers and explore local shops. Among the participants were several active Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, who shared a few of their takeaways from the experience.

SEMA Member News: How did this program help you expand your global network?

Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow: This trip can open new doors to distributors you never knew existed. It can give you firsthand visibility of the consumer market and see the vehicles in action. It can also give you the confidence you need to export into a part of the world that you may not have thought you could reach.

Troy Wirtz, Dee Zee Inc: This was Dee Zee’s third year of participation. I’m confident that the shows and efforts from the SEMA staff are why Dee Zee is experiencing the success it is in the Middle East. Each year has brought on new prospects, but I’m particularly happy with how our existing relationships have grown. When you are partnering with someone on the other side of the world, trust has to be established for both parties. Global expansion is important to Dee Zee, and SEMA is a great organization to help meet these efforts!

SMN: What’s your take on the truck and off-road market in this region?

Brant Combs, ATC Truck Covers: We discovered that there is a significant American truck market for the 4x4 and off-road segment, and a couple of our products would work well there. The SEMA Middle East Conference set up introductions to the best buyers in the area for those products.

SMN: Were there any cultural challenges for doing business in the Middle East?

Brandon Seadorf, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Allow USA: This was my first trip to the Middle East, and it was interesting how easy it was to work with customers and prospects there. The people are extremely nice and welcoming. The cities were safe, and it seems that the consumers and businesses embrace American products. Almost everyone I communicated with spoke great English, so there were no communication barriers at all.

Melanie White, Hellwig Products: There were a few social norms I had to change. I typically reach out to shake a hand, and there was once where a gentleman held his hand back and I caught the cue before I held out my hand. Other than that, it really was like doing business in the United States as a woman. If you have the answers to their questions or can take care of their business needs, being male or female isn’t an issue.

SMN: What do you think is a key for success in the Middle Eastern market?

Ruby Stratz, Keystone Automotive Operations: Based on my experience, the relationship with our customers is the key to success in this region. The Middle East is a fast-moving market with great opportunity for our industry.

SMN: What was the most beneficial part of your experience?

Erika Garcia, Bolt Locks: The SEMA team did a great job of organizing a schedule that allowed us to learn more about the Middle East market. The jobber visits were my favorite part. They helped us understand how there are a lot of businesses that are hungry for finding the latest technologies and high-quality, American-made products. The measuring session was also very important for us, as we can expand our product offering to include vehicles that are not offered in America.

Robert Park, Rigid Industries: Participating in SEMA’s international shows allows us to meet a lot of the local distributors and dealers all in one place. It helps us ensure we are aligning ourselves with the
right partners.

SMN: Would you recommend this program to other members?

Brad Otoupalik, K&N Engineering: The SEMA Middle East trip and show in Abu Dhabi exceeded my expectations once again. Linda Spencer and SEMA have created a really unique vehicle to help U.S. companies, regardless if they are new to the market or are experienced. For those that are not taking advantage of the unique opportunity provided—you are being passed by competitors who are!

Next year’s Middle East trip will take place March 29–April 2, 2016. Registration for manufacturers will open in November 2015. For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

HRIA Cruises Through Summer

Carmen Bélanger-Martin is the president of AM Hot Rod Glass.

This summer was a busy one for the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), with the usual council events plus a few changes.

The new select committee terms began on July 1. In this year’s election, HRIA welcomed back four incumbents: Scott Bowers (Ron Francis Wiring), B.J. Elmore (Ridetech), Jeff Major (Bed Wood and Parts) and Angela Schoof (TEN: The Enthusiast Network). In addition to these veteran HRIA leaders, Carmen Bélanger-Martin of AM Hot Rod Glass joined the team. Before jumping into her first meeting, Bélanger-Martin took a few minutes to catch up with SEMA Member News.

SEMA Member News: Tell us something about your industry experience.

Carmen Bélanger-Martin: In 2006, I started Aero Marine in a 5,800-sq.-ft. building with one customer, Skater Powerboats. I focused on building optically clear, 3/4-in. acrylic windshields with a vision of drivers being able to visually navigate the waters at 150 mph or greater. In 2007, I was approached to build custom-car windshields and roof panels by Ryan Friedlinghaus, Galpin and John Fraizer of FXperts as well as Sony/Paramount and Disney studios for TV and motion pictures. As Aero Marine grew, I launched AM Hot Rod Glass—windshields for hot rods, Bonneville land-speed cars, automotive prototyping and weight reduction.

I am a fabricator. My hands still touch/build every product we produce. I am strong and persistent, with a progressive perspective on the automotive industry that’s respected by my clients. After nine years of dedicated work, my goal to become the first female acrylic/polycarbonate Department of Transportation glazer in the United States was becoming a real possibility.

SMN: Why do you feel it’s important to serve on the select committee?

CBM: I want to bring a different perspective to the committee and communicate with my HRIA peers and committee members, to become a voice for them and advocate for developing issues that are related to our manufacturing processes.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CBM: Do it! Do it! Take the chance and figure out how to make it work within your already-filled schedule. This is very necessary and important to your growth within the industry. I see more and more of my client builders taking a serious look at the HRIA and wanting to become more active within the association.

HRIA Open General Membership Meetings

The annual HRIA open general membership meeting at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, took place on July 9 and gave attendees a chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Members who attended got a first look at the council’s newly released annual report and offered feedback about their own challenges and opportunities, which gave the council leadership some direction for future discussions and initiatives.

This July 24 featured SEMA’s yearly Installation Gala, when the new Board of Directors members formally took their positions and the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge cars made their debut. Members look forward to this event each year for the networking opportunities and the pinewood drag races that benefit SEMA Cares charities. The event was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

The annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge showcases the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders and also raises money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Child Help and Victory Junction facilities. Invited participants build small-scale pinewood cars to be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. Hot-rod builders, being who they are, are not your typical pinewood racers. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that the auction proceeds go toward helping children, or perhaps they just want to build the best car they can, regardless of the scale. Whatever their motivation, the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge seems to bring out their best. This year, upward of 20 builders competed.

While the pinewood cars were displayed at the Installation Gala, the actual race took place for the first time at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, during the first week of August. The next stop for the vehicles will be the SEMA Show, where they will be showcased in the HRIA booth in Hot Rod Alley and will then be auctioned off for charity at the HRIA industry awards reception on Wednesday, November 4.

The next chance for HRIA members to connect will be at the SEMA Show. Details about the booth location and reception will be available soon. Don’t miss these community-building opportunities. For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

HRIA Cruises Through Summer

Carmen Bélanger-Martin is the president of AM Hot Rod Glass.

This summer was a busy one for the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), with the usual council events plus a few changes.

The new select committee terms began on July 1. In this year’s election, HRIA welcomed back four incumbents: Scott Bowers (Ron Francis Wiring), B.J. Elmore (Ridetech), Jeff Major (Bed Wood and Parts) and Angela Schoof (TEN: The Enthusiast Network). In addition to these veteran HRIA leaders, Carmen Bélanger-Martin of AM Hot Rod Glass joined the team. Before jumping into her first meeting, Bélanger-Martin took a few minutes to catch up with SEMA Member News.

SEMA Member News: Tell us something about your industry experience.

Carmen Bélanger-Martin: In 2006, I started Aero Marine in a 5,800-sq.-ft. building with one customer, Skater Powerboats. I focused on building optically clear, 3/4-in. acrylic windshields with a vision of drivers being able to visually navigate the waters at 150 mph or greater. In 2007, I was approached to build custom-car windshields and roof panels by Ryan Friedlinghaus, Galpin and John Fraizer of FXperts as well as Sony/Paramount and Disney studios for TV and motion pictures. As Aero Marine grew, I launched AM Hot Rod Glass—windshields for hot rods, Bonneville land-speed cars, automotive prototyping and weight reduction.

I am a fabricator. My hands still touch/build every product we produce. I am strong and persistent, with a progressive perspective on the automotive industry that’s respected by my clients. After nine years of dedicated work, my goal to become the first female acrylic/polycarbonate Department of Transportation glazer in the United States was becoming a real possibility.

SMN: Why do you feel it’s important to serve on the select committee?

CBM: I want to bring a different perspective to the committee and communicate with my HRIA peers and committee members, to become a voice for them and advocate for developing issues that are related to our manufacturing processes.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CBM: Do it! Do it! Take the chance and figure out how to make it work within your already-filled schedule. This is very necessary and important to your growth within the industry. I see more and more of my client builders taking a serious look at the HRIA and wanting to become more active within the association.

HRIA Open General Membership Meetings

The annual HRIA open general membership meeting at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, took place on July 9 and gave attendees a chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Members who attended got a first look at the council’s newly released annual report and offered feedback about their own challenges and opportunities, which gave the council leadership some direction for future discussions and initiatives.

This July 24 featured SEMA’s yearly Installation Gala, when the new Board of Directors members formally took their positions and the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge cars made their debut. Members look forward to this event each year for the networking opportunities and the pinewood drag races that benefit SEMA Cares charities. The event was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

The annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge showcases the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders and also raises money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Child Help and Victory Junction facilities. Invited participants build small-scale pinewood cars to be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. Hot-rod builders, being who they are, are not your typical pinewood racers. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that the auction proceeds go toward helping children, or perhaps they just want to build the best car they can, regardless of the scale. Whatever their motivation, the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge seems to bring out their best. This year, upward of 20 builders competed.

While the pinewood cars were displayed at the Installation Gala, the actual race took place for the first time at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, during the first week of August. The next stop for the vehicles will be the SEMA Show, where they will be showcased in the HRIA booth in Hot Rod Alley and will then be auctioned off for charity at the HRIA industry awards reception on Wednesday, November 4.

The next chance for HRIA members to connect will be at the SEMA Show. Details about the booth location and reception will be available soon. Don’t miss these community-building opportunities. For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.