Compiled by SEMA Editors

Papadakis Racing Returns to Formula Drift With Rockstar Energy Drink

Last week, Papadakis Racing and driver Fredric Aasbo unveiled the new yellow, black and gray color scheme on their 800-plus-hp ’15 Rockstar Energy Drink/Hankook Tire Scion tC. The 2015 Formula Drift season starts this weekend with the Streets of Long Beach competition, April 10–11. Driver Aasbo enters the 2015 season as an early favorite for the title. Runner-up in the 2014 Formula Drift championship, he earned the "Top Gun" award for having the highest battle win rate, and the "Ace Driver" nod for having the best overall winning percentage. The Norwegian driver campaigns a full international competition calendar and also won the Formula Drift Asia championship last year. The seven-round Formula Drift championship begins with qualifying on Friday, April 10 in Long Beach, California, followed by Saturday's main event.

VP Racing Fuels and Road Atlanta Announce Multi-Year Partnership; VP Named Official Fuel for DRO Nostalgia Nitro Challenge

VP Racing Fuels Inc. and Road Atlanta have announced a multi-year partnership that will make VP the new official fuel of the road-racing circuit in Braselton, Georgia. As the Official Fuel of Road Atlanta, the track’s fuel station and gas pumps located in the north paddock dispense VP’s C9, VP110 and C12 race fuel blends. These fuels will be accessible year-long to the many competitors and car clubs that visit Road Atlanta.

VP has also been named the “Official Fuel of the DRO Nostalgia Nitro Challenge” for this season. Under the agreement, VP will deliver nitromethane and alcohol fuels to competitors at all six events on the Hedman Husler Hedders DragRacingOnline.com Nostalgia Nitro Challenge presented by Comp Cams 2015 schedule.

	After trail riding at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, Justin Pawlak will compete in the Streets of Long Beach this weekend.

WELD Drift Series Driver Justin Pawlak to Open the Season on the Streets of Long Beach

WELD’s new partnership with Justin Pawlak for the 2015 race season will take the professional Formula Drift series driver from the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, to the streets of Long Beach for the season’s first race. At the Streets of Long Beach this weekend, Pawlak will pilot a ’14 Ford Mustang. He changed the car's color scheme this year to a satin black and what he describes as more of an old hot-rod or “rat-rod” look.

Lucas Oil Named Official Oil of the 2015 Festival of Speed

Lucas Oil Products Inc. will be a major event sponsor, and has been named the official oil of the 2015 Festival of Speed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, April 11–12. The two-day California Festival of Speed is the Porsche and exotic car enthusiasts' dream weekend.

Formula DRIFT Announces Gumout Sponsorship for 2015 Season

Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro has announced a sponsorship with Gumout for the 2015 Pro Championship season. Gumout will launch the “You Get My Drift” sweepstakes at Round 1: Streets of Long Beach; the winner will take home a brand-new custom ’15 Ford Mustang RTR. Gumout supports the 2010 Formula DRIFT champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. and will increase their presence on Gittin’s Ford Mustang RTR.

Falken Tire Launches Extensive Motorsports Program

From local SCCA autocross events to the highest levels of North American road racing and off-road competition, Falken Tire has launched its most diverse and extensive motorsports program in the history of the company. The racing action will continue with the addition of several new initiatives targeted especially at grassroots motorsports enthusiasts. At the heart of Falken’s motorsports programs are the Falken AZENIS line of ultra-high performance tires and the Falken WILDPEAK line of light truck tires.

Falken Tire’s 2015 motorsports program includes:

• IMSA United SportsCar Series (TUSC)
• Formula DRIFT
• Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
• Pro Touring
• Ultra 4 Series
• SCORE International
• Best in the Desert
• W.E. Rock Crawling Championship
• Rally Aicha Des Gazelles du Muroc 

	The 15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals is returning to Budds Creek, Maryland, May 1–3.

World's Fastest Fords Take Over Maryland, May 1–3

The 15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals, presented by SVTperformance.com is coming back to Budds Creek, Maryland, May 1–3, and will feature an all-Ford car show, vendor midway, swap meet and burnout contests. The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals has classes for all levels of racers from 200+ mph VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaws to tire-burning Edelbrock Renegade and ProCharger Coyote Modified. The street-legal HP Tuners True Street class, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, gives everyone a chance to test their car's quarter-mile speeds no matter their level of racing prowess. There will be an SVT-only event during the 3rd Annual SVT Shootout presented by SVTperformance.com. VMP Superchargers has stepped up once again to sponsor the Terminator/GT500 Shootout class that brings together some of the quickest Cobras and GT500s in the country for a winner-take-all format. The final goal is to make it to the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle.

Yokohama Tire Corp. Goes Drifting for Fourth Consecutive Season

Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) is returning for the fourth consecutive Formula Drift season, which starts April 10–11 in Long Beach, California. YTC is partnering with three drivers this year, including 2013 Formula Drift champion Michael Essa, along with Masashi Yokoi and Matt Field.

Essa will pilot a new car this season: Street Legal Performance’s Chevrolet Camaro, which has a 750-plus-hp, supercharged V8 engine. Yokoi, who competed last season in Formula D Japan events, will drive the Nissan D-MAX Racing Silvia S15, which has a 1,000hp Toyota 2JZ engine. Field, a Formula Drift podium winner, will be in the Drift Cave Nissan 240SX (S14), powered by a 1,000-hp Vortech supercharged Chevrolet V8 engine. In the six overall years YTC has been involved with Formula Drift, they have won three championships.

Tanner Foust's ’15 Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat.

Tanner Foust Debuts Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat

Two-time drift champion Tanner Foust has unveiled the brand-new Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat drift machine that he will drive this weekend in his return to Formula Drift. The rear-wheel-drive converted Volkswagen Passat from Tanner Foust Racing will produce some 900 nitrous-boosted hp from a V8 engine. The driver, who has won two Global Rallycross championship titles since he shifted focus from drifting to rallycross after the 2010 season, said he wanted to bring that level of creativity to the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat.

The car features a four-speed dog-engagement transmission, a Tilton clutch, AEM Infinity-10 fuel injection, RS-R suspension and an extroverted APR Performance swan-mount wing. Its distinctive supercar exhaust note comes from a specially designed eight into one sequential collector. It rides on KMC wheels wrapped in Nitto tires.

Foust's first of three select rounds of the Formula Drift championship will take place at the season opener, Streets of Long Beach, April 10–11. He will also compete at the Road to the Championship round in Braselton, Georgia (May 8–9) and the season-ending Final Fight in Irwindale, California, October 9–10.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Papadakis Racing Returns to Formula Drift With Rockstar Energy Drink

Last week, Papadakis Racing and driver Fredric Aasbo unveiled the new yellow, black and gray color scheme on their 800-plus-hp ’15 Rockstar Energy Drink/Hankook Tire Scion tC. The 2015 Formula Drift season starts this weekend with the Streets of Long Beach competition, April 10–11. Driver Aasbo enters the 2015 season as an early favorite for the title. Runner-up in the 2014 Formula Drift championship, he earned the "Top Gun" award for having the highest battle win rate, and the "Ace Driver" nod for having the best overall winning percentage. The Norwegian driver campaigns a full international competition calendar and also won the Formula Drift Asia championship last year. The seven-round Formula Drift championship begins with qualifying on Friday, April 10 in Long Beach, California, followed by Saturday's main event.

VP Racing Fuels and Road Atlanta Announce Multi-Year Partnership; VP Named Official Fuel for DRO Nostalgia Nitro Challenge

VP Racing Fuels Inc. and Road Atlanta have announced a multi-year partnership that will make VP the new official fuel of the road-racing circuit in Braselton, Georgia. As the Official Fuel of Road Atlanta, the track’s fuel station and gas pumps located in the north paddock dispense VP’s C9, VP110 and C12 race fuel blends. These fuels will be accessible year-long to the many competitors and car clubs that visit Road Atlanta.

VP has also been named the “Official Fuel of the DRO Nostalgia Nitro Challenge” for this season. Under the agreement, VP will deliver nitromethane and alcohol fuels to competitors at all six events on the Hedman Husler Hedders DragRacingOnline.com Nostalgia Nitro Challenge presented by Comp Cams 2015 schedule.

	After trail riding at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, Justin Pawlak will compete in the Streets of Long Beach this weekend.

WELD Drift Series Driver Justin Pawlak to Open the Season on the Streets of Long Beach

WELD’s new partnership with Justin Pawlak for the 2015 race season will take the professional Formula Drift series driver from the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, to the streets of Long Beach for the season’s first race. At the Streets of Long Beach this weekend, Pawlak will pilot a ’14 Ford Mustang. He changed the car's color scheme this year to a satin black and what he describes as more of an old hot-rod or “rat-rod” look.

Lucas Oil Named Official Oil of the 2015 Festival of Speed

Lucas Oil Products Inc. will be a major event sponsor, and has been named the official oil of the 2015 Festival of Speed at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, April 11–12. The two-day California Festival of Speed is the Porsche and exotic car enthusiasts' dream weekend.

Formula DRIFT Announces Gumout Sponsorship for 2015 Season

Formula DRIFT presented by GoPro has announced a sponsorship with Gumout for the 2015 Pro Championship season. Gumout will launch the “You Get My Drift” sweepstakes at Round 1: Streets of Long Beach; the winner will take home a brand-new custom ’15 Ford Mustang RTR. Gumout supports the 2010 Formula DRIFT champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. and will increase their presence on Gittin’s Ford Mustang RTR.

Falken Tire Launches Extensive Motorsports Program

From local SCCA autocross events to the highest levels of North American road racing and off-road competition, Falken Tire has launched its most diverse and extensive motorsports program in the history of the company. The racing action will continue with the addition of several new initiatives targeted especially at grassroots motorsports enthusiasts. At the heart of Falken’s motorsports programs are the Falken AZENIS line of ultra-high performance tires and the Falken WILDPEAK line of light truck tires.

Falken Tire’s 2015 motorsports program includes:

• IMSA United SportsCar Series (TUSC)
• Formula DRIFT
• Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)
• Pro Touring
• Ultra 4 Series
• SCORE International
• Best in the Desert
• W.E. Rock Crawling Championship
• Rally Aicha Des Gazelles du Muroc 

	The 15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals is returning to Budds Creek, Maryland, May 1–3.

World's Fastest Fords Take Over Maryland, May 1–3

The 15th Annual SCT NMRA Ford Nationals, presented by SVTperformance.com is coming back to Budds Creek, Maryland, May 1–3, and will feature an all-Ford car show, vendor midway, swap meet and burnout contests. The NMRA Keystone Automotive Ford Nationals has classes for all levels of racers from 200+ mph VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaws to tire-burning Edelbrock Renegade and ProCharger Coyote Modified. The street-legal HP Tuners True Street class, presented by Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords, gives everyone a chance to test their car's quarter-mile speeds no matter their level of racing prowess. There will be an SVT-only event during the 3rd Annual SVT Shootout presented by SVTperformance.com. VMP Superchargers has stepped up once again to sponsor the Terminator/GT500 Shootout class that brings together some of the quickest Cobras and GT500s in the country for a winner-take-all format. The final goal is to make it to the Aerospace Components Winner's Circle.

Yokohama Tire Corp. Goes Drifting for Fourth Consecutive Season

Yokohama Tire Corp. (YTC) is returning for the fourth consecutive Formula Drift season, which starts April 10–11 in Long Beach, California. YTC is partnering with three drivers this year, including 2013 Formula Drift champion Michael Essa, along with Masashi Yokoi and Matt Field.

Essa will pilot a new car this season: Street Legal Performance’s Chevrolet Camaro, which has a 750-plus-hp, supercharged V8 engine. Yokoi, who competed last season in Formula D Japan events, will drive the Nissan D-MAX Racing Silvia S15, which has a 1,000hp Toyota 2JZ engine. Field, a Formula Drift podium winner, will be in the Drift Cave Nissan 240SX (S14), powered by a 1,000-hp Vortech supercharged Chevrolet V8 engine. In the six overall years YTC has been involved with Formula Drift, they have won three championships.

Tanner Foust's ’15 Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat.

Tanner Foust Debuts Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat

Two-time drift champion Tanner Foust has unveiled the brand-new Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat drift machine that he will drive this weekend in his return to Formula Drift. The rear-wheel-drive converted Volkswagen Passat from Tanner Foust Racing will produce some 900 nitrous-boosted hp from a V8 engine. The driver, who has won two Global Rallycross championship titles since he shifted focus from drifting to rallycross after the 2010 season, said he wanted to bring that level of creativity to the 2015 Rockstar Energy Drink/Nitto Tire Volkswagen Passat.

The car features a four-speed dog-engagement transmission, a Tilton clutch, AEM Infinity-10 fuel injection, RS-R suspension and an extroverted APR Performance swan-mount wing. Its distinctive supercar exhaust note comes from a specially designed eight into one sequential collector. It rides on KMC wheels wrapped in Nitto tires.

Foust's first of three select rounds of the Formula Drift championship will take place at the season opener, Streets of Long Beach, April 10–11. He will also compete at the Road to the Championship round in Braselton, Georgia (May 8–9) and the season-ending Final Fight in Irwindale, California, October 9–10.

By SEMA Editors

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election.

Voting will take place online between May 13–June 9, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

2015 SEMA Board of Director Candidates

Jim Bingham	Susan Carpenter	Laurel Dasher	Donnie Eatherly
Dave Edmondson	Nick Gramelspacher	Dan Kahn	Wade Kawasaki
Clint Sly	Parley Valora	David Ziozios

Voting Categories and Seats Open

Chairman-Elect Category (one open seat)

• Donnie Eatherly – President and CEO, P&E Distributors
• Wade Kawasaki – President and COO, Coker Group

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Susan Carpenter – President, JR Products
• Laurel Dasher – Northeast Sales Manager, Powerteq
• Dave Edmondson – Senior Vice President, Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category (two open seats)

• Jim Bingham (Incumbent) – President and CEO, Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom
• Nick Gramelspacher (Incumbent) – Vice President Sales & Marketing, Meyer Distributing
• Parley Valora – Vice President, Premier Performance
• David Ziozios – CEO, Motovicity Distribution

Services Category (one open seat)

• Dan Kahn – President, Kahn Media
• Clint Sly – Chief Marketing Officer, Hagerty Insurance Co.

For more information about the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

The candidates have been announced for the 2015 SEMA Board election.

Voting will take place online between May 13–June 9, and is open to current SEMA-member companies. Votes must be cast by each company’s primary contact. Details with ballots and links will be sent to the member company’s designated primary contact in May.

2015 SEMA Board of Director Candidates

Jim Bingham	Susan Carpenter	Laurel Dasher	Donnie Eatherly
Dave Edmondson	Nick Gramelspacher	Dan Kahn	Wade Kawasaki
Clint Sly	Parley Valora	David Ziozios

Voting Categories and Seats Open

Chairman-Elect Category (one open seat)

• Donnie Eatherly – President and CEO, P&E Distributors
• Wade Kawasaki – President and COO, Coker Group

Manufacturers Category (two open seats)

• Susan Carpenter – President, JR Products
• Laurel Dasher – Northeast Sales Manager, Powerteq
• Dave Edmondson – Senior Vice President, Roadwire

Distributor/Retailer Category (two open seats)

• Jim Bingham (Incumbent) – President and CEO, Winner’s Circle Speed & Custom
• Nick Gramelspacher (Incumbent) – Vice President Sales & Marketing, Meyer Distributing
• Parley Valora – Vice President, Premier Performance
• David Ziozios – CEO, Motovicity Distribution

Services Category (one open seat)

• Dan Kahn – President, Kahn Media
• Clint Sly – Chief Marketing Officer, Hagerty Insurance Co.

For more information about the 2015 SEMA Board of Directors election, contact Judi Ritchie at 909-978-6671 or judir@sema.org.

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.

• SEMA, located in Diamond Bar, California, is hiring an emissons lab manager responsible for the day-to-day operation of an automotive emissions lab for the purpose of completing chassis dyno certification testing for SEMA members, including iterative testing for product design purposes and those required for CARB Executive Orders. Candidates must have familiarity with all forms of standardized testing, including FTP, US06 and SC03 cycles. Advanced familiarity with onboard vehicle emissions systems is required.

• PRI, located in Laguna Beach, California, is hiring an art director responsible for the design and creation of promotional and onsite support materials and assisting with monthly magazine production. The successful candidate must be a team player with 2–3 years’ experience in both print and digital production. Exceptional design skills and a solid working knowledge of Adobe CS on Mac OS are required.

• JE Pistons, located in Irvine, California, is hiring a motorsports racing tech support and salesperson. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of internal combustion engines, primarily dealing with domestic V8s—’60s to present, a background in racing/high-performance automotive engine-building fundamentals and be proficient in mathematical formulas associated with pistons, such as compression ratio.

• USA Performance Parts, located in Mooresville, North Carolina, is hiring a salesperson with extensive experience in performance engine building to provide customer sales support of custom performance engine assembly kits. Experience with custom racing engines is required. Knowledge of NO2, Blown and Turbo race engines is a plus.

View more listings from SEMA's Automotive Classifieds listings.

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.

Visit TORA's website.

	The PRO Sales Training Manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling cars dealer direct.

TORA and PRO Collaborate on Accessory Sales Tool

By Amanda Gubbins

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) recently partnered with the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) on a revised edition of the PRO Sales Training Manual. The manual is designed to help restylers, trimmers and accessory retailers build more successful dealer-direct sales strategies, and TORA members enjoy a special discount on the resource.

“We’re always looking to do some cross-collaboration with other councils because of the overlap in our membership and additional areas of expertise they can provide for their sections of the market,” PRO Chair-elect Scott Wolin said of the project.

Beginning with an overview of the key elements of a sales marketing strategy, the manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling directly to car dealers. From understanding how to make an effective sales presentation to the importance of product knowledge, the manual offers hints for the daily business operations of accessory retailers.

Seeing from the dealer’s point of view is key to building trust and gaining respect, but profit is a great motivator. The fact is that many dealers make more money on the accessories installed on a vehicle than on the sale of the base vehicle, and the manual helps salespeople effectively communicate that value. When used by sales teams as a training and reference tool, the manual can help drive sales.

The PRO Sales Training Manual is available as a hard copy, bound in a three-ring binder, or, for the first time, in electronic format for easy use on a tablet. While it can be purchased by anyone for $149.95, TORA members receive a discounted price of $24.95 for the new edition.

The manual can now be ordered online at www.sema.org/pro. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher.

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Visit ARMO's website.

	ARMO's Hot Products Showcase will take place April 23–25, 2015, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Register Your Restoration Parts for the Hot Products Showcase

• Be the product of an ARMO-member company.
• Be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

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Visit SBN's website.

	Amanda Matusek

SBN Member of the Month: Amanda Matusek, Aeromotive

Amanda Matusek, sales and marketing coordinator at Aeromotive in Lenexa, Kansas, is SBN’s Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

We make fuel systems for cars.

What is your position?

Sales and marketing coordinator.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

I have opportunities to collaborate, get creative and work in an industry I love.

How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?

I grew up in the industry, but I’ve only been at this job for a couple months.

What brought you to the industry?

The opportunities.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

SEMA’s Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

My dad.

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

The best thing to invest in is yourself.

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

Usually people are surprised that I drag race.

What is your dream car?

A ’64 Mustang with white exterior and red interior. Or a Camaro from the ’60s. Of course, it’d have to have an Aeromotive fuel system on it.

What is your favorite pastime?

It’s a three-way tie between racing, reading and photography.

Visit YEN's website

	YEN will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience.

Apply for YEN’s Highest Rated Member Benefit

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience. Not only will participants enjoy tour access, but they will also each receive an impressive prize package.

YEN Power Tour participants will receive a grant from SEMA to help cover tour expenses. Five individuals will drive their own vehicles and receive $1,750, while the five other passengers will receive $500. Each participant will also receive:

• Hotel accommodations
• Free VIP entry into the Power Tour
• Ticket to the opening night hospitality party
• Premier parking location in the YEN corral
• Long hauler gifts
• SEMA swag items

(Please note that all benefits received are considered taxable income.)

The participating network members will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market. They will interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers and engage the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour. Applications will be accepted through April 10. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

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.

Visit TORA's website.

	The PRO Sales Training Manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling cars dealer direct.

TORA and PRO Collaborate on Accessory Sales Tool

By Amanda Gubbins

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) recently partnered with the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) on a revised edition of the PRO Sales Training Manual. The manual is designed to help restylers, trimmers and accessory retailers build more successful dealer-direct sales strategies, and TORA members enjoy a special discount on the resource.

“We’re always looking to do some cross-collaboration with other councils because of the overlap in our membership and additional areas of expertise they can provide for their sections of the market,” PRO Chair-elect Scott Wolin said of the project.

Beginning with an overview of the key elements of a sales marketing strategy, the manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling directly to car dealers. From understanding how to make an effective sales presentation to the importance of product knowledge, the manual offers hints for the daily business operations of accessory retailers.

Seeing from the dealer’s point of view is key to building trust and gaining respect, but profit is a great motivator. The fact is that many dealers make more money on the accessories installed on a vehicle than on the sale of the base vehicle, and the manual helps salespeople effectively communicate that value. When used by sales teams as a training and reference tool, the manual can help drive sales.

The PRO Sales Training Manual is available as a hard copy, bound in a three-ring binder, or, for the first time, in electronic format for easy use on a tablet. While it can be purchased by anyone for $149.95, TORA members receive a discounted price of $24.95 for the new edition.

The manual can now be ordered online at www.sema.org/pro. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher.

Back to Top

Visit ARMO's website.

	ARMO's Hot Products Showcase will take place April 23–25, 2015, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Register Your Restoration Parts for the Hot Products Showcase

• Be the product of an ARMO-member company.
• Be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website.

	Amanda Matusek

SBN Member of the Month: Amanda Matusek, Aeromotive

Amanda Matusek, sales and marketing coordinator at Aeromotive in Lenexa, Kansas, is SBN’s Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

We make fuel systems for cars.

What is your position?

Sales and marketing coordinator.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

I have opportunities to collaborate, get creative and work in an industry I love.

How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?

I grew up in the industry, but I’ve only been at this job for a couple months.

What brought you to the industry?

The opportunities.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

SEMA’s Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

My dad.

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

The best thing to invest in is yourself.

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

Usually people are surprised that I drag race.

What is your dream car?

A ’64 Mustang with white exterior and red interior. Or a Camaro from the ’60s. Of course, it’d have to have an Aeromotive fuel system on it.

What is your favorite pastime?

It’s a three-way tie between racing, reading and photography.

Visit YEN's website

	YEN will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience.

Apply for YEN’s Highest Rated Member Benefit

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience. Not only will participants enjoy tour access, but they will also each receive an impressive prize package.

YEN Power Tour participants will receive a grant from SEMA to help cover tour expenses. Five individuals will drive their own vehicles and receive $1,750, while the five other passengers will receive $500. Each participant will also receive:

• Hotel accommodations
• Free VIP entry into the Power Tour
• Ticket to the opening night hospitality party
• Premier parking location in the YEN corral
• Long hauler gifts
• SEMA swag items

(Please note that all benefits received are considered taxable income.)

The participating network members will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market. They will interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers and engage the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour. Applications will be accepted through April 10. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

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.

Visit TORA's website.

	The PRO Sales Training Manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling cars dealer direct.

TORA and PRO Collaborate on Accessory Sales Tool

By Amanda Gubbins

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) recently partnered with the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) on a revised edition of the PRO Sales Training Manual. The manual is designed to help restylers, trimmers and accessory retailers build more successful dealer-direct sales strategies, and TORA members enjoy a special discount on the resource.

“We’re always looking to do some cross-collaboration with other councils because of the overlap in our membership and additional areas of expertise they can provide for their sections of the market,” PRO Chair-elect Scott Wolin said of the project.

Beginning with an overview of the key elements of a sales marketing strategy, the manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling directly to car dealers. From understanding how to make an effective sales presentation to the importance of product knowledge, the manual offers hints for the daily business operations of accessory retailers.

Seeing from the dealer’s point of view is key to building trust and gaining respect, but profit is a great motivator. The fact is that many dealers make more money on the accessories installed on a vehicle than on the sale of the base vehicle, and the manual helps salespeople effectively communicate that value. When used by sales teams as a training and reference tool, the manual can help drive sales.

The PRO Sales Training Manual is available as a hard copy, bound in a three-ring binder, or, for the first time, in electronic format for easy use on a tablet. While it can be purchased by anyone for $149.95, TORA members receive a discounted price of $24.95 for the new edition.

The manual can now be ordered online at www.sema.org/pro. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher.

Back to Top

Visit ARMO's website.

	ARMO's Hot Products Showcase will take place April 23–25, 2015, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Register Your Restoration Parts for the Hot Products Showcase

• Be the product of an ARMO-member company.
• Be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website.

	Amanda Matusek

SBN Member of the Month: Amanda Matusek, Aeromotive

Amanda Matusek, sales and marketing coordinator at Aeromotive in Lenexa, Kansas, is SBN’s Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

We make fuel systems for cars.

What is your position?

Sales and marketing coordinator.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

I have opportunities to collaborate, get creative and work in an industry I love.

How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?

I grew up in the industry, but I’ve only been at this job for a couple months.

What brought you to the industry?

The opportunities.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

SEMA’s Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

My dad.

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

The best thing to invest in is yourself.

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

Usually people are surprised that I drag race.

What is your dream car?

A ’64 Mustang with white exterior and red interior. Or a Camaro from the ’60s. Of course, it’d have to have an Aeromotive fuel system on it.

What is your favorite pastime?

It’s a three-way tie between racing, reading and photography.

Visit YEN's website

	YEN will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience.

Apply for YEN’s Highest Rated Member Benefit

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience. Not only will participants enjoy tour access, but they will also each receive an impressive prize package.

YEN Power Tour participants will receive a grant from SEMA to help cover tour expenses. Five individuals will drive their own vehicles and receive $1,750, while the five other passengers will receive $500. Each participant will also receive:

• Hotel accommodations
• Free VIP entry into the Power Tour
• Ticket to the opening night hospitality party
• Premier parking location in the YEN corral
• Long hauler gifts
• SEMA swag items

(Please note that all benefits received are considered taxable income.)

The participating network members will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market. They will interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers and engage the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour. Applications will be accepted through April 10. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

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.

Visit TORA's website.

	The PRO Sales Training Manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling cars dealer direct.

TORA and PRO Collaborate on Accessory Sales Tool

By Amanda Gubbins

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) recently partnered with the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) on a revised edition of the PRO Sales Training Manual. The manual is designed to help restylers, trimmers and accessory retailers build more successful dealer-direct sales strategies, and TORA members enjoy a special discount on the resource.

“We’re always looking to do some cross-collaboration with other councils because of the overlap in our membership and additional areas of expertise they can provide for their sections of the market,” PRO Chair-elect Scott Wolin said of the project.

Beginning with an overview of the key elements of a sales marketing strategy, the manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling directly to car dealers. From understanding how to make an effective sales presentation to the importance of product knowledge, the manual offers hints for the daily business operations of accessory retailers.

Seeing from the dealer’s point of view is key to building trust and gaining respect, but profit is a great motivator. The fact is that many dealers make more money on the accessories installed on a vehicle than on the sale of the base vehicle, and the manual helps salespeople effectively communicate that value. When used by sales teams as a training and reference tool, the manual can help drive sales.

The PRO Sales Training Manual is available as a hard copy, bound in a three-ring binder, or, for the first time, in electronic format for easy use on a tablet. While it can be purchased by anyone for $149.95, TORA members receive a discounted price of $24.95 for the new edition.

The manual can now be ordered online at www.sema.org/pro. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher.

Back to Top

Visit ARMO's website.

	ARMO's Hot Products Showcase will take place April 23–25, 2015, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Register Your Restoration Parts for the Hot Products Showcase

• Be the product of an ARMO-member company.
• Be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website.

	Amanda Matusek

SBN Member of the Month: Amanda Matusek, Aeromotive

Amanda Matusek, sales and marketing coordinator at Aeromotive in Lenexa, Kansas, is SBN’s Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

We make fuel systems for cars.

What is your position?

Sales and marketing coordinator.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

I have opportunities to collaborate, get creative and work in an industry I love.

How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?

I grew up in the industry, but I’ve only been at this job for a couple months.

What brought you to the industry?

The opportunities.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

SEMA’s Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

My dad.

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

The best thing to invest in is yourself.

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

Usually people are surprised that I drag race.

What is your dream car?

A ’64 Mustang with white exterior and red interior. Or a Camaro from the ’60s. Of course, it’d have to have an Aeromotive fuel system on it.

What is your favorite pastime?

It’s a three-way tie between racing, reading and photography.

Visit YEN's website

	YEN will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience.

Apply for YEN’s Highest Rated Member Benefit

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience. Not only will participants enjoy tour access, but they will also each receive an impressive prize package.

YEN Power Tour participants will receive a grant from SEMA to help cover tour expenses. Five individuals will drive their own vehicles and receive $1,750, while the five other passengers will receive $500. Each participant will also receive:

• Hotel accommodations
• Free VIP entry into the Power Tour
• Ticket to the opening night hospitality party
• Premier parking location in the YEN corral
• Long hauler gifts
• SEMA swag items

(Please note that all benefits received are considered taxable income.)

The participating network members will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market. They will interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers and engage the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour. Applications will be accepted through April 10. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

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.

Visit TORA's website.

	The PRO Sales Training Manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling cars dealer direct.

TORA and PRO Collaborate on Accessory Sales Tool

By Amanda Gubbins

The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) recently partnered with the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) on a revised edition of the PRO Sales Training Manual. The manual is designed to help restylers, trimmers and accessory retailers build more successful dealer-direct sales strategies, and TORA members enjoy a special discount on the resource.

“We’re always looking to do some cross-collaboration with other councils because of the overlap in our membership and additional areas of expertise they can provide for their sections of the market,” PRO Chair-elect Scott Wolin said of the project.

Beginning with an overview of the key elements of a sales marketing strategy, the manual contains a chapter-by-chapter outline of what it takes to affect a more professional approach to selling directly to car dealers. From understanding how to make an effective sales presentation to the importance of product knowledge, the manual offers hints for the daily business operations of accessory retailers.

Seeing from the dealer’s point of view is key to building trust and gaining respect, but profit is a great motivator. The fact is that many dealers make more money on the accessories installed on a vehicle than on the sale of the base vehicle, and the manual helps salespeople effectively communicate that value. When used by sales teams as a training and reference tool, the manual can help drive sales.

The PRO Sales Training Manual is available as a hard copy, bound in a three-ring binder, or, for the first time, in electronic format for easy use on a tablet. While it can be purchased by anyone for $149.95, TORA members receive a discounted price of $24.95 for the new edition.

The manual can now be ordered online at www.sema.org/pro. For more information, contact Clayton Drescher.

Back to Top

Visit ARMO's website.

	ARMO's Hot Products Showcase will take place April 23–25, 2015, at Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Register Your Restoration Parts for the Hot Products Showcase

• Be the product of an ARMO-member company.
• Be available for sale (market-ready) by the opening of the Showcase, April 23.
• Demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a benefit to the restoration industry.

Back to Top

Visit SBN's website.

	Amanda Matusek

SBN Member of the Month: Amanda Matusek, Aeromotive

Amanda Matusek, sales and marketing coordinator at Aeromotive in Lenexa, Kansas, is SBN’s Member of the Month.

What does your company do?

We make fuel systems for cars.

What is your position?

Sales and marketing coordinator.

What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?

I have opportunities to collaborate, get creative and work in an industry I love.

How long have you been with the aftermarket industry?

I grew up in the industry, but I’ve only been at this job for a couple months.

What brought you to the industry?

The opportunities.

Are you a member of any other organizations?

SEMA’s Young Executives Network.

Who is your industry mentor?

My dad.

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

The best thing to invest in is yourself.

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

Usually people are surprised that I drag race.

What is your dream car?

A ’64 Mustang with white exterior and red interior. Or a Camaro from the ’60s. Of course, it’d have to have an Aeromotive fuel system on it.

What is your favorite pastime?

It’s a three-way tie between racing, reading and photography.

Visit YEN's website

	YEN will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience.

Apply for YEN’s Highest Rated Member Benefit

SEMA’s Young Executives Network (YEN) will send 10 network members on the Hot Rod Power Tour again this summer to share their industry experience. Not only will participants enjoy tour access, but they will also each receive an impressive prize package.

YEN Power Tour participants will receive a grant from SEMA to help cover tour expenses. Five individuals will drive their own vehicles and receive $1,750, while the five other passengers will receive $500. Each participant will also receive:

• Hotel accommodations
• Free VIP entry into the Power Tour
• Ticket to the opening night hospitality party
• Premier parking location in the YEN corral
• Long hauler gifts
• SEMA swag items

(Please note that all benefits received are considered taxable income.)

The participating network members will represent different niches in the specialty-equipment market. They will interact with tour attendees and visit schools along the seven-city, seven-day journey to share about their careers and engage the next generation of industry executives. The participants will also take the tour online through the YEN Facebook page, Twitter and other social media outlets.

Learn more and apply today to join the YEN Power Tour. Applications will be accepted through April 10. All members of YEN are eligible to apply. Not yet a member? Join today.

	During last year's competition, Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, introduced a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers.

Let SEMA Help Launch Your Business

By Amanda Gubbins

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 SEMA Launch Pad, Presented by YEN. The competition, now entering its third year, gives automotive innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform for their budding businesses.

Roger Peterson, founder and CEO of MG Research LLC, was a contestant in the 2014 competition. He and his concept—a mobile app that engages enthusiasts and collects useful market information for specialty-equipment manufacturers—made it all the way to the final stage of the competition, where he gave a live presentation to a panel of respected industry leaders during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

“As I look at the experience overall, I have to say that as a very, very young company, it did a tremendous amount of good for us in the sense that we went from being a concept, an untested idea, and we were forced to mature to our best capacity,” Peterson reflected. “We were forced to ripen as best that we could. It taught us about ourselves, our will, our desire to see this through and it brought out the best in our team. It definitely brought out the best in me.”

Launch Pad applicants are evaluated based on their video submissions by a task force, which will select the top 10. The top five candidates are narrowed down via a Facebook voting campaign. These finalists will each pitch their business plan at the 2015 SEMA Show, where the judging panel will select the winner, who will receive a prize package designed to fuel the next steps of his or her business.

Peterson explained that each of the finalists gained a certain amount of validation, which made the experience valuable. For MG Research, the feedback and exposure was a catalyst for much of the growth the company has experienced over the past months.

“We no longer have to strain ourselves trying to make this vision visible to other people. It’s now plastered all over the SEMA website, and it’s represented well. It has taken us from being one of a million young companies trying to come out of the woodwork, to one of a few that actually has accomplished something. As we are moving along now to our funding activities, we are going to find out exactly what the strength of the SEMA Launch Pad experience is.”

The bottom line, according the Peterson?

“We were all winners in the sense that we all walked away with what we needed to go to the next stage [of business],” he said.

Applications are due July 3, 2015. Find out what Launch Pad can do for your business. For more information, and to fill out the application, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad. If you have questions, contact Bryan Harrison.

Back to Top