By SEMA Editors

(L-R): Joel Ayres, Dennis Gage and Jim Bingham were inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2015.

It’s that time of year for SEMA Hall of Fame nominations. As a SEMA member, you have the opportunity to nominate a person for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame—an award established to honor outstanding persons in the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose creativity, dignity, integrity, industriousness and accomplishments on a national basis have enhanced the stature of, and significantly contributed to, the industry’s growth.

A rule of thumb to qualify could be to ask yourself the following question: “If this person had never existed, how would SEMA and the industry be different?”

Please take a moment to review the SEMA Hall of Fame website, SEMA Hall of Fame criteria and listings of past inductees. In order to assist the Hall of Fame Committee in making their selection, please provide a brief statement, including accomplishments and comments as to why, based on the award criteria, the individual is deserving of this honor. Your completed nomination form is confidential and vital to helping the Hall of Fame Committee make their selection for the 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame.

Please submit your 2016 SEMA Hall of Fame form by March 11.

If you have any questions, contact Marcela Ortega at marcelao@sema.org or 909-978-6744.

By SEMA Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The “Positions Available” section in the SEMA Member Classifieds lists more than 50 job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest classifieds posted to the website.

Sales Manager

Covercraft Industries is hiring a sales manager to represent the Western region. The successful candidate will supervise and develop reps on Covercraft product lines. There will be scheduled trips into territories, seeing existing accounts and maximizing potential with them while looking for new business opportunities, tracking sales trends, finding new avenues of distribution and setting goals to increase sales in territory. Good communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Catalog Data Specialist

AAM USA Inc. is hiring a catalog data specialist to categorize PIES file data into its taxonomy using a provided template and recommend changes/additions to taxonomy due to missing sub-categories. The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of automotive products, be highly capable in Microsoft Excel and deliver accurate data inputs.

Outside Salesperson

Engine Parts Warehouse has an immediate opening for an outside sales representative. This territory will include Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Northern Virginia. Applicants should have good communication skills and knowledge of internal engine parts.

Phone Salesperson

Erson Cams has an immediate opening for an experienced phone salesperson. This person will be responsible for helping customers select camshaft profiles to match their needs. Applicants should have engine-building or camshaft technical experience.

Social & Online Community Coordinator

Rigid Industries is hiring a social and online community coordinator responsible for creating, editing, distributing and optimizing relevant, contextual and personalized content across social media, online blogs and communities to attract, engage and retain consumers. This role requires excellent strategy and creative and communications skills—both written and visual. Responsibilities also include constructing and executing email marketing campaigns.

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

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Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top

Strengthen Your Company Through Community

No matter what niche you're in—rods, restoration, racing, restyling, reps, trucks or wheels and tires—there's a SEMA council or professional network that's right for your company. SEMA councils and networks offer members a variety of market-specific programs and activities designed to provide educational and networking opportunities while promoting their particular industry segment.

Attend WTC General Membership Meeting

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion Wednesday, February 10, in Diamond Bar, California.

SEMA's Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host its annual long-range planning meeting and industry discussion on Wednesday, February 10, at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. This event is a chance for WTC members to work with council members to determine the focus and direction of the group for this year and beyond.

On the agenda are discussions of upcoming retailer education and consumer engagement resources in development by the council, as well as new sources of vehicle technical information available through SEMA. There will also be an open discussion on other challenges and opportunities in the wheel and tire industry.

The meeting will include a continental breakfast and networking lunch for attendees. All employees of WTC member companies and any wheel and tire professionals interested in learning more about SEMA and the WTC are invited to attend the event. Remote members are invited to participate in the discussion through our GoToMeeting portal.

RSVP to save your seat and submit discussion topics: click here.

For more information on WTC, contact Council Liaison Clayton Drescher at 909-978-6696 or claytond@sema.org.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website

Audrey Zavodsky

SBN Member Profile: Audrey Zavodsky, Ford Motor Co.

What is your position?  

Leadership and professional development manager.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Helping people gain insights through information and the use of tools during their leadership journey.

How long have you been involved with the aftermarket industry?

I have been with Ford Motor Co. since 1993.

What brought you to the industry?    

I love helping people and building great products.

What are your major professional accomplishments?

I have a PhD in human and organizational development. I'm a certified professional executive coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I'm a Sports Faith International Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee and an inaugural race winner in the women’s Global GT Series.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

I serve on the Arizona Myeloma Network Board of Directors. I'm a member of the Central Michigan University President’s and 1100 Club; Sigma Theta Tau. I'm a certified occupational health nurse and case manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nursing; a certified nurse administrator; and I serve on the National American Arab Nurses Association Board of Directors.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Learn from every leader…what works and what doesn’t work.

What would someone meeting you for the first time be surprised to learn?

I am a professional race-car driver.

What is your dream car?

The Mustang 350R, Ford GT.

What is your favorite pastime?

Racing, spending time with my family, playing the piano, gardening and having fun!

Back to Top