Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Mechanical Engineer
AMS Performance

AMS Performance is hiring a mechanical engineer to design new products for current and future vehicle platforms. This position is responsible for creating a well-scoped product charter and, once approved, create CAD parts, assemblies and drawings. Utilizing in-house rapid prototyping and computational simulation resources, you will validate that fit, form and function are aligned with the project intent. With the design work largely complete, you will work with vendors to produce sample and production components. Engineering support continues after the product is released via design revisions, vendor resourcing, and cost-save initiatives. The ideal candidate must be self-driven, hardworking and have a good understanding of mechanical systems. They must also have the ability to work efficiently and effectively to ensure all details are accounted for during the development process.

Salesperson
Wheel-1

Wheel-1 is hiring an aftermarket wheel and tire salesperson with a proven history of “hunting” for new customers. Candidates must thrive in a fast-paced environment and communicate positively with customers and the sales team. Candidates must have experience in the automotive aftermarket wheel industry and be willing to travel. Bilingual (Spanish/English) is preferred.

Director of Operations
Hellwig

Hellwig is hiring a director of operations to oversee management of all operations to produce products in the most cost-effective manner within quality standards. Responsibilities include overseeing maximum efficiency in design and production, ensuring inventory and deliverables operate at levels that meet customers’ needs and established financial benchmarks, formulating and recommending policies and programs that guide the company in maintaining and improving its competitive position and the profitability of the operation, and directing activities so that approved deliverables are completed on schedule and within quality standards and cost objectives. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related major or equivalent combination of education and experience; an extensive and diversified background with at least five years of industry experience; and knowledge of the industry, human resources laws and regulations and employee relations skills.

By SEMA Editors

Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

By Drew Hardin

The young man on the floor, Speed Graphic camera in hand, is Robert E. Petersen, circa 1946–1947. Barely in his 20s, Petersen had returned to Los Angeles after serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He wanted to get his job back at MGM Studios, where he had worked in the publicity department. But with so many veterans looking to do the same, MGM couldn’t employ them all, and Petersen was caught up in a round of layoffs. He and another vet in the same situation, Robert Lindsay, decided to form their own PR agency, the Hollywood Publicity Associates. Among their first clients was the Southern California Timing Association.

Formed in 1937 to organize speed trials on Southern California’s dry lakes, the SCTA was facing a crisis: While their members were earnest young men and women in the quest for speed in organized competition, the media at the time were painting a lurid picture of the “Hot Rod Menace:” wheeled delinquents in souped-up jalopies wreaking havoc on public roads. In these newspaper accounts, hot rodders and hoodlums were synonymous terms. The SCTA needed a way to shift public opinion to something far more positive.

Association members came up with an idea to display their race cars in a show as a way to demonstrate that their motivations were far from the outlaw crowd the papers wrote about. They asked the HPA to promote the show, which would take place at the National Guard Armory in Los Angeles in January 1948.

Among the HPA’s tasks was the production of a show program, and Petersen took on the job of selling ads for the program. He called on the parts manufacturers and speed shops that made up the young speed-equipment industry, from Vic Edelbrock, Phil Weiand and Barney Navarro to Blair’s Auto Parts, Bell Auto Parts and SO-CAL Speed Shop. While getting to know those performance pioneers, Petersen saw an opportunity to promote this growing movement with a magazine. He knew cars—he had spent a lot of his youth helping his father, a mechanic for the Department of Water and Power—and he knew photography, thanks to Uncle Sam and his aerial reconnaissance photo training. His HPA partner Lindsay provided the publishing connections, as his father was the founder of the Tailwaggers dog club and produced the club’s magazine.

Petersen and Lindsay considered several titles for their publication, but decided to call it Hot Rod, despite the term’s negative meaning at the time. There was no use dancing around the topic, they felt. The magazine was about hot rods and hot rodding, so the title should be direct and to the point.

The first issue was published in January 1948. In their Editor’s Column, Petersen and Lindsay wrote that “Hot Rod is designed to inform and entertain those interested in automobiles whose engines and bodies have been rebuilt for better performance and appearance.” Those words have remained the guiding principle for Hot Rod editors, writers and photographers for 75 years.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Internal Revenue Service has set the standard business-mileage deduction at 65.5 cents per mile for 2023, up 3 cents from the previous midyear increase, which set the rate for the second half of 2022. The mileage calculation includes the cost of fuel, along with other vehicle fixed and variable operating expenses, such as depreciation, insurance, tires etc. These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles.

Companies and individuals who use their automobiles (including vans, pickups, and panel trucks) for business have the option of using the standard rate in lieu of keeping records of their actual expenses.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA-supported bipartisan retirement plan legislation was enacted into law as part of the FY 2023 omnibus spending package. Referred to as the SECURE Act 2.0, the provisions expand the SECURE Act 1.0 reforms enacted in 2019. The revisions include:

• Automatic Enrollment: starting in 2025, any 401(k) or 403(b) plans established after December 29, 2022 will be required to automatically enroll workers at between 3% and 10% of pay, unless the employee chooses to opt-out. The savings rate will then increase by 1 percentage point a year until it hits 10% to 15%. The intent of the provision is to expand retirement plan participation.
• Catch-Up Contributions: Catch-up limits for workers contributing to their 401(k) accounts who are 50 years and older will rise in 2023 to an extra $7,500 a year. The limit will rise to at least $10,000 a year for people 60 to 63 starting in 2025. The catch-up limits are also subject to inflation adjustments.
• Tax Credits for Small Employers: Starting in 2023, employers with 50 or fewer employees, can qualify for a start-up tax credit of 100%, which was previously 50%.
• Required Withdrawal: the age at which people must start withdrawing money from a retirement account has been raised from 72 to 73 starting on January 1, 2023, and to 75 starting on Jan. 1, 2033.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

When the 2017 tax law was enacted, it allowed companies to amortize certain tax deductions over one year, but the benefit was only temporary. The business community urged Congress to extend the provisions in 2022; however, despite widespread support in Congress, lawmakers did not enact the extensions. Of particular interest:

Until 2021, companies could take a 100% tax deduction for research and development spending in the year it occurred. Starting in 2022, companies have to deduct their R&D expenses over a five-year time period.

Under the 2017 law, a company could expense 100% of the cost of any Section 179 property (includes equipment, vehicles, and software) and deduct it in the year the property was placed in service between Sept. 28, 2017 and December 31, 2022. The law increased the maximum deduction to $1 million and increased the phase-out threshold to $2.5 million, adjusted for inflation. The Section 179 deduction now phases out over the next four years: 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025, and 20% in 2026. Unless the law is changed by 2027, the bonus deduction will disappear and companies will have to go back to spreading-out the depreciation over many years.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

When the 2017 tax law was enacted, it allowed companies to amortize certain tax deductions over one year, but the benefit was only temporary. The business community urged Congress to extend the provisions in 2022; however, despite widespread support in Congress, lawmakers did not enact the extensions. Of particular interest:

Until 2021, companies could take a 100% tax deduction for research and development spending in the year it occurred. Starting in 2022, companies have to deduct their R&D expenses over a five-year time period.

Under the 2017 law, a company could expense 100% of the cost of any Section 179 property (includes equipment, vehicles, and software) and deduct it in the year the property was placed in service between Sept. 28, 2017 and December 31, 2022. The law increased the maximum deduction to $1 million and increased the phase-out threshold to $2.5 million, adjusted for inflation. The Section 179 deduction now phases out over the next four years: 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025, and 20% in 2026. Unless the law is changed by 2027, the bonus deduction will disappear and companies will have to go back to spreading-out the depreciation over many years.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Washington, D.C., Staff

The SEMA-supported INFORM Consumers Act became law as part of the FY 2023 omnibus spending package. This bipartisan law is critical in helping law enforcement, manufacturers, retailers, and online marketplaces of all sizes work together to protect consumers from bad actors peddling counterfeit and stolen goods. The INFORM Consumers Act increases transparency and accountability by requiring sensible verification and disclosure requirements designed to disrupt the sale of illicit goods. Below are key provisions of the INFORM Consumers Act:

Requires online marketplaces to verify certain information about high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products, which is defined as sellers who make 200 or more discrete sales or transactions totaling at least $5,000 during any continuous 12-month period in the last 24 months, including the seller’s bank account number, business tax identification number or a taxpayer identification number, and contact information.

High-volume third-party sellers with $20,000 in annual gross revenue through an online marketplace will have to disclose to consumers the full name of the seller or company, business address, and contact info (current working email address, phone number, or other direct electronic messaging for the seller) after each sale.

Empowers online marketplaces to suspend high-volume third-party sellers of consumer products who do not provide the required information within 10 days of the request from the online marketplace.

For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Members of the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA), Wheel & Tire Council (WTC), SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and Future Leaders Network (FLN) are invited to a cross-council mixer on Thursday, February 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at King of the Hammers.

Located inside the VIP tent, the event provides the ideal atmosphere for members to make new contacts and strengthen existing connections. It’s the ideal spot to watch the short-course race taking place that evening, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.

King of the Hammers attendees who are not current TORA, WTC, SBN or FLN members but are interested in getting more involved are invited to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn about what SEMA Councils and Networks have to offer.

Registration is requested so that event organizers can plan accordingly. RSVP now.

  SEMA News—January 2023

SEMA Member News

By SEMA Editors

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

ARMO Tips Its Hat to the Industry

For members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and classic-car aficionados, the SEMA Show is an ideal setting to showcase and shop for products and services which drive the restoration market.

It is also the place to eyeball the vehicles in ARMO’s exhibit, jointly shared with the Hot Rod Industry Alliance on the Show floor. Likewise, it’s equally important for council members to connect with likeminded peers and celebrate a vibrant industry segment.

The Business of the Year Award went to Carlisle Events for its long-standing support of, and vested interest in, the Hot Products Showcase.

Cool Cars, Council Celebration

ARMO kicked off events on Tuesday morning with the unveiling of three crowd-pleasing restorations representative of current market trends, from vintage to restomod, including Cool Hand Customs’ 1974 Plymouth Duster and a ’34 Chevy Roadster built by Devlin Rod and Customs. Ryan’s Rod & Custom’s candi-green ’66 Corvette rounded out the trio.

On Tuesday evening, ARMO members were treated to a walk down memory lane at the council’s ’70s-themed awards reception. The event, held at the Westgate Resort & Casino, conjured up memories of iconic musclecars and street machines as members enjoyed a night of good fellowship and an awards ceremony.

The festivities began with announcing the new-product award winners. The awards were previously determined during ARMO’s Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle. Honorees included Dakota Digital, Flaming River, Retro Manufacturing, AMD and Magnuson Superchargers, also named People’s Choice.

ARMO next presented four awards. Person of the Year honors went to Joe Improta, founder of The Parts Place, in recognition of his decades-long support of the restoration industry. The IPC Award honored Immediate Past Chair Ben Tucker for his passion, dedication and vision to transform the ARMO Awards Reception into a premier-theme-style event.

ARMO kicked off events on Tuesday morning with the unveiling of three crowd-pleasing restorations representative of current market trends like this candi green ’66 Corvette by Ryan’s Rod & Custom.

The Business of the Year Award went to Carlisle Events for its long-standing support of and vested interest in the Hot Products Showcase. Jeff Broadus, Carlisle sponsorship development specialist, was inducted into the ARMO Hall of Fame. Among his contributions as a volunteer member, Broadus crafted the proposal for what is now Car Collector Appreciation Day, celebrated annually in the United States and Canada.

“On behalf of ARMO, we thank our award winners for their time, efforts and sacrifices as members of the select committee or as members-at-large to help ARMO succeed and grow,” said Chair Randall Bates.

ARMO Eyes Education

Helping members expand their knowledge of key issues is top of mind for ARMO. To this end, ARMO assembled an impressive slate of four interactive webinars.

The one-hour webinars are presented quarterly. Prior to the SEMA Show, ARMO hosted “Social Media Basics: Introduction to the 3 Cs” to help members maximize their social media marketing activities with a focus on content, community and commerce.

The next session, “Supply Chain: Facing Domestic and International Challenges,” is slated for the first quarter of this year. “Sponsorship Tips: Making Sponsorships Meet Your Expectations” is on tap for the Spring, to be followed in the third quarter by “What Can ARMO do for Your Business: Overview of Membership Features and Benefits.”

“We have a subcommittee that works very hard to bring in top-tier presenters, experts in their field to talk about specific topics, such as the social media aspects of growing a business or the supply chain issues that everybody across the board is facing,” said ARMO Chair Randall Bates.

“These webinars are very well thought out and very relevant to all ARMO members, and it’s a great way to stay up to date on what’s happening in the industry.”

On a side note, Bates said there is no time like the present for ARMO-member manufacturers to express their interest in participating in the 2023 Hot Products Showcase at Spring Carlisle. “It’s an excellent way to get your company’s products in front of thousands of enthusiasts.”

For more information, contact SEMA Council Director Marcy Yanus at marcyy@sema.org.

Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)

ETTN Symposium Earns High Marks

Automotive technology is evolving at breakneck speed. So, it’s imperative for SEMA-member companies to have access to resources that allow the continued development of innovative aftermarket products. This is especially true for those on the front lines of product development, who often lack opportunities to access needed resources.

Engineers at the N.E.R.D Symposium partaking in networking with product and service
providers.

To help fill the gap, the Emerging Trends & Technology Network hosted the first-ever ETTN N.E.R.D. Symposium at the SEMA Garage in Detroit. The Symposium—whose acronym stands for Networking, Education, Resources and Development—linked engineers, product developers and programmers with service providers and top-tier presenters.

The event included a firsthand look at tools and resources available at the Garage, in-depth education sessions, informal gatherings to encourage networking, one-on-one meetings between attendees and service providers, and concluded with the Grand Opening of the Garage.

“It was the first time we have ever done this. We didn’t know what to expect, but it was a great event,” said ETTN Chair Rob Simons. “The feedback from attendees has been phenomenal. People were grateful to have been included and felt it was 100% worthwhile.”

Education, Meetings Deliver Results

The first day featured a deep dive into tech-centered topics aimed at helping attendees improve skillsets and product-development processes. Topics included ADAS, emissions calibration and compliance, diagnostics and simulations.

The next day, attendees met with service and product providers. The 30-min. sessions emulated the MPMC Media Trade Conference’s speed-dating format. In between structured activities, participants gathered in informal settings to share ideas, talk tech and forge new
relationships.

“The event provided an opportunity to grow our business and learn from others’ backgrounds and knowledge in a low-key, open environment,” said engineer Joshua Sally. “It was a good blend of networking with open discussion and structured meetings with a good setting.”

Tim Michaliszyn of Performance Electronics said the Symposium offered an opportunity to network with other SEMA members, discover new technologies and learn about resources at the new Garage.

“As a service provider in the industry, the majority of our customers are other SEMA members. This was the perfect environment for us to convey what we do and how we can help other companies. The N.E.R.D. Symposium was just as beneficial to attend as the SEMA Show and provided a more direct and focused experience for manufacturers like us. It was the perfect venue for us to attend.”

Future Leaders Network (FLN)

FLN Honors Volunteer Leaders, Renews Partnership With Dale Carnegie

For members of the Future Leaders Network (FLN), the annual FLN Reception is a time to reconnect and engage with colleagues and celebrate the accomplishments of young professionals who have made significant contributions to the network’s growth and progress.

The after-hours event took place Tuesday at the Renaissance Hotel Rooftop. Complete with drinks, appetizers and a car show, FLN capped off the evening with an awards ceremony. The FLN Vanguard Award was presented to Tayler Edwards of PDM Automotive. Trim Illusion COO Evan Cook was named FLN Professional of the Year. The Chairman’s Award honors went to Emily Boden with Lodestone.

The FLN Vanguard Award was presented to Tayler Edwards of PDM Automotive at the FLN Reception at the 2022 SEMA Show.

In acknowledging their contributions, Chair Nick Caloroso noted that each honoree demonstrated exceptional support for FLN and its Professional Development Program. “It’s important,” he said, “to recognize the actions of FLN members who have consistently gone above and beyond to encourage involvement in the Future Leaders Network.”

Sharpen Skills to Advance Careers

Building on the success of its inaugural Professional Development Program, FLN is again teaming with world-renown Dale Carnegie to present a second training event at the new SEMA Detroit Garage in Plymouth, Michigan. The two-day, interactive program is on tap for Thursday and Friday, May 11–12.

The FLN Reception after-hours event took place Tuesday at the Renaissance Hotel Rooftop at the 2022 SEMA Show.

The in-person event is open exclusively to FLN members at a significant discount. Sessions led by Dale Carnegie trainers will center on improving individual and professional growth and development, as well as networking opportunities. To help attendees master essential skills to grow their personal and business proficiencies, core learnings will address such key topics as sharpening communication skills and confidence building as well as strengthening relationships and building rapport.

“Last year’s inaugural event was very successful and we’re excited to again provide this value-added resource to our members,” said Caloroso. “Not only is this an opportunity to experience the new SEMA Garage, it’s also strategic. The new location opens up the opportunity to those who are in the Midwest or eastern parts of the country. FLN is committed to offering resources and learning opportunities to help our members advance their careers.”

Program details are pending. For more information, or to be placed on a contact list once applications open, contact SEMA Council Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

HRIA in the Limelight

Eye candy is virtually everywhere at the SEMA Show. And nowhere does the spotlight shine brighter on street rods than in the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) exhibit.

As Showgoers know, HRIA shares space in Central Hall with the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO). Each council showcases three vehicles representative of their respective markets.

The Evolution of Hot Rodding award celebrated a vehicle that pushed the boundaries of tradition and embodied evolving trends, and was won by Goolsby Customs with a ’69 A108 Dodge Van.

This year’s crop consisted of modified Chevrolets: Ringbrothers’ off-road interpretation of a ’72 K5 Blazer, a custom-fabricated ’85 Camaro built by the Greening Auto Company, and a bespoke ’67 Chevelle built by BBT Fabrications.

The rods chosen for the display not only represented the best of the best, but they also spotlighted the talented builders who created them and helped raise the profile of HRIA-member products and the hot-rod industry.

Lauding Leaders

HRIA hosted its popular industry reception on Wednesday evening at the Westgate. The gathering brought together hundreds of hot rodders for a night of celebration and good fellowship that began with an honor guard trooping of the colors and the national anthem.

The Industry Recognition Award was presented to Jeanette Ladina, CEO and president of Flaming River.

As guests mingled and ogled an array of rods drawn from HRIA’s outdoor vehicle display, emcee Tim Strange, Strange Motion and Custom, kicked off the awards program.

The Industry Recognition Award was presented to Jeanette Ladina, CEO and president of Flaming River. The HRIA Business of the Year title was bestowed on QA1. Hot-rod aficionado and land-speed racer George Poteet was inducted into the HRIA Hall of Fame.

Two new awards were also announced. The Design & Innovation Award recognized a builder or business that pushed the limits of creativity and innovation, and the winners were the Ringbrothers with their ’48 Loadmaster. The Evolution of Hot Rodding celebrated a vehicle that pushed the boundaries of tradition and embodied evolving trends, and was won by Goolsby Customs with a ’69 A108 Dodge Van.

Becoming a Builder

The Hot Rod Builders’ Panel, powered by HRIA took place on Thursday morning. The interactive session, known for its lineup of top-tier builders, was moderated by Vintage Air President Rick Love.

HRIA hosted its popular industry reception Wednesday evening at the SEMA Show and brought together hundreds of hot-rodders for a night of celebration and good fellowship.

Panelists included Bobby Alloway, Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop; Kyle Tucker, Detroit Speed & Engineering; Jim and Mike Ring, Ringbrothers; Art Morrison, Art Morrison Engineering; and veteran journalist Brian Brennan, In the Garage Media.

Discussion centered on the state of the hot-rod segment, affording the audience of aspiring hot rodders a chance to soak up stories and insider tips, learn about trends and interact with the experts.

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

MPMC Hosts Media Conference, Webinars

Following two years of a virtual format, the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) is hosting a newly refreshed in-person Media Trade Conference, January 24–26, at a newer, more modern Embassy Suites in Anaheim, California.

“People tend to think of MPMC as being just the media conference. We’re the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council. We want to center attention on the manufacturing and business side of being in motorsports, apart from the media, marketing and advertising.”—Melissa Scoles, MPMC Chair

The event brings together editors, print and online journalists, content creators and other media types in one-on-one meetings with exhibiting MPMC-member manufacturers.

According to MPMC Chair Melissa Scoles, the hotel’s upgraded facilities are ideal for the event’s speed-dating-style format. “It’s still the same format, but the newer hotel offers better meeting space and guest rooms and faster internet service, which has been a concern.”

Based on positive responses to post-event surveys, she said, “People are anxious to get together in person and reconnect with colleagues.” To help facilitate engagement, instead of casual buffet luncheons and an evening reception, dining arrangements are designed to foster networking and relationship building.

One luncheon will group participants at separate tables, where preset topics are aimed at sparking conversations and networking. Another luncheon features a panel presentation with journalist and NHRA broadcaster Brian Lohnes as the moderator.

“People have missed personal connections, to be able touch the product and get to know others on a one-one basis,” said Scoles. “We’ve planned events that will allow manufacturers to network and collaborate. As we bring in new types of media, collaboration is also key. So, there will be opportunities for the media to get to know one another.

“This will be a fun year. We’re excited to be back in person and move to a new venue.”

Manufacturer-Centric Education

In 2018, MPMC released an updated version of its “Business Guidelines Manual.” The rebadged “SEMA Business Guidelines Manual, presented by MPMC” contains business practices and procedures, terms and information to help member manufacturers improve their businesses.

While hailing the manual as a significant accomplishment, Scoles noted that MPMC as a stand-alone entity has been overshadowed by the trade conference. “People tend to think of MPMC as being just the media conference,” said Scoles. “We’re the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council. We want to center attention on the manufacturing and business side of being in motorsports, apart from the media, marketing and advertising.”

This led to quarterly manufacturer-centric webinars on product liability insurance and working with social media. Future webinars will focus on emissions compliance and product prototyping. Dates and additional topics to be announced.

“We’re going through the manual to identify relevant topics and go more in depth in each webinar,” said Scoles. “We want to be the go-to resource for motorsports parts manufacturers and other companies that would want to join MPMC.”

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

PRO Prioritizes Training, Recognizes Excellence

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) hosted its second annual Installer Training and General Membership Meeting at Auto Image in Plainwell, Michigan. The daylong event drew 38 PRO members who participated in sales strategy sessions and installer training.

Former SEMA Board member BJ Leanse (center), who served multiple terms on the PRO select committee, including a stint as chair, received the prestigious Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award during the council’s awards reception.

Hands-on instruction was provided by Llumar, Champion Automotive Systems, VOXX, Brandmotion and Katzkin Leather. Manufacturers also shared tactics for upselling accessories to car dealers.

“The manufacturers provided in-person training and also offered great information on the sales side,” noted PRO Chair Josh Poulson. “They did a fantastic job.”

Poulson also said PRO plans to build on the event’s success, perhaps expanding to a multi-day format. “The meeting was very well received. But we want to keep improving and give our members the biggest bang for their buck.”

Saluting Achievement

PRO began Show Week with its annual awards reception. Held on the West Hall third-floor terrace on Tuesday evening, the venue gave everyone a chance to hobnob with colleagues and salute industry luminaries.

Hannah Coulter with Automotion Customs, Inc. won the 2022 PRO Cup Challenge with a ’22 Toyota RAV4 XLE build package at the 2022 SEMA Show.

Top Coverage earned recognition as PRO Restyler of the Year. Champion Automotive Systems was awarded PRO Manufacturer of the Year.

Kevin Gillis was named Nat Danas Person of the Year. The award honors the late founder of Auto Trim & Restyling News.

BJ Leanse of The AAM Group received the Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award, named in remembrance of the late PRO chair and SEMA Hall of Famer.

“The PRO awards are our industry’s highest honors. We’re proud to recognize the achievements of our award winners,” said Poulson.

Real-World Opportunities

The PRO Cup Challenge also highlighted members’ accomplishments. Designed to raise awareness of vehicle accessorizing, the Challenge pitted restylers against one another as their customized vehicles vied for a trophy.

The third annual event, held in PRO’s West Hall booth, featured seven vehicles: Ford Mustang Mach E, Cadillac Escalade Sport, Toyota RAV4 XLE, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Sierra 2500, and two Ford F-150 Lightnings. The PRO Cup Challenge winner was Automotion Customs Inc.’s ’22 Toyota RAV4 XLE, and the PRO Cup Fan Favorite was awarded to Top Coverage Ltd.’s ’22 Ford F-150 Lightning.

Eligible builds must be suitable for dealership display, be marketable and appealing to a range of customers and easily replicated by other restylers, ultimately generating profit for restylers and their dealer clientele.

“PRO always tries to bring value to our members,” noted Poulson. “It’s about restylers coming to the Show and going home with seven fresh ideas they can immediately implement over and over in their local market using member-manufacturers’ parts. It’s one of the few programs that actually helps our membership make money.”

Other activities included PRO Happy Hour on Wednesday afternoon, where members networked while awaiting results of the PRO Cup Challenge, plus two council-powered seminars.

At Lunch with the PROs on Thursday, members talked about the state of the industry. “Lunch with the PROs is about meeting in person with our members, talking about what PRO is doing and finding out about our members’ needs and concerns,” said Poulson. “That’s where we take the time to listen to our members.”

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

SBN Champions Engagement, Leadership

From Gear-Up Girl to an evening reception and educational offerings, the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) championed opportunities for engagement and career growth throughout Show Week.

Gear-Up Girl, exclusive to women, gave female students and young women an opportunity to connect with industry veterans, learn about career pathways and expand their networks at the 2022 SEMA Show.

The well-attended Gear-Up Girl event, exclusive to women, gave female students and young women an opportunity to connect with industry veterans, learn about career pathways and expand their networks.

“Gear-Up Girl is an excellent networking opportunity for young women and female students,” said SBN Chair Cathy Clark. “It’s a chance to make connections with successful professional women, ask questions and sharpen networking skills.”

Lana Chrisman (right), SBN past chair, was named #SheisSEMA Woman of the Year.

Women were also recognized for their accomplishments. Rachel Garrett, SBN scholarship awardee and University of Northwestern Ohio student, received the Jessi Combs Rising Star Award. The award recognizes a woman under 30 who is advancing her career and paving the way for her peers.

Lana Chrisman, executive director of Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum and SBN past chair, was named #SheisSEMA Woman of the Year. The award honored Chrisman for her dedication to SBN and the aftermarket industry.

The SBN Reception immediately followed. The event was open to men and women. “We welcome everyone at our reception,” said Clark. “It’s a great opportunity to network with our select committee and other council and network leaders.”

Listen and Learn

SBN rounded out its schedule with two women-centric seminars. “Women Who Build” featured a team of SBN women volunteers who built a modified Ford Bronco Wildtrak, provided by Ford’s Bronco brand. Participants shared how teamwork and collaboration empowered the team to successfully accomplish its vision.

SBN rounded out its schedule with two women-centric seminars. “Women Who Build” featured a team of SBN women volunteers who built a modified Ford Bronco Wildtrak, provided by Ford’s Bronco brand.

During “Engaging the Next Generation of Women in Motorsports,” a panel of leading ladies in racing revealed how they have overcome adversity to achieve success and offered insights and advice on career pathways in motorsports.

Sharpen Skillsets

Mark your calendars. SBN is gearing up for its Women’s Leadership Forum, March 1–3, at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California.

The Forum, which debuted last year, is designed to help industry women advance their careers through focused leadership training. The three-day program—which fittingly occurs during National Women’s History Month—includes workshops and presentations. Sessions led by experts and top trainers, including Dale Carnegie, focus on building skills sets through education, mentorship and group discussions.

“Last year’s event was impactful, meaningful and inspiring,” said Clark. “The environment was very conducive to open conversations. We’re excited about what’s to come to make it even more robust.”

Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

TORA Highlights, Upcoming Events

From a dazzling feature vehicle display to a rousing industry gathering, the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) put its best foot forward in Las Vegas.

The TORA Feature Vehicle Program is a council mainstay. For 2022, a new location on the walkway between the North and West Halls gave prominence to the rebranded TORA Feature Vehicle Trail. The display featured 10 customized trucks showcasing market trends, diversity and opportunities, while also raising awareness of the council and the program.

Industry veteran Rick Hermann (center) was inducted into the TORA Hall of Fame at the TORA Industry Reception at the 2022 SEMA Show.

“We were excited about the new location,” said TORA Chair Troy Wirtz. Noting the council’s desire to pique interest in the program and tell the TORA story, he credited SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso and SEMA Vice President of Sales Warren Kosikov with helping to raise the bar.

“We wanted to bring more awareness to the council, get more visibility and brand the program to create a buzz. The location was great. We are pleased with the way it turned out,” said Wirtz.

Celebration and Camaraderie

The TORA Happy Hour was held on Tuesday afternoon in the West Hall Members Lounge. “We moved the event to the Members Lounge to give everyone more quality time to network and connect with leadership in a relaxed atmosphere,” said Wirtz.

TORA’s Industry Award Reception was moved inside the West Hall third floor due to unforeseen weather. Pivoting to the indoor location did not hinder the excitement of the event and allowed more than 250 members to reconnect over food, drink and the Pinewood Drags.

Industry veteran Rick Hermann was inducted into the TORA Hall of Fame. Radco was named TORA Retailer of the Year. Fred Wiley, executive director of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), was awarded Jessi Combs Ambassador of the Year.

“All three winners are a great representation of our industry,” said Wirtz. “We’re super proud to recognize their contributions to the truck and off-road market and to TORA.”

Hit the Trail

TORA plans to host council mixers at six regional events. First stop, King of Hammers, Johnson Valley, California, in early February, followed by the Keystone Big Show at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center, Aurora, Colorado, February 10–11.

The TORA Feature Vehicle Program at the 2022 SEMA Show had a new location on the walkway between the North and West Halls.

Following a pit stop at the Easter Jeep Safari in early April in Moab, Utah, TORA will head to Jeep Beach Week in Daytona, Fla., later that month. Two additional events to be announced.

“Regional events create an opportunity to bring TORA members together and network with others in the industry, including other SEMA councils and networks,” said Wirtz. “We’ve been really successful with our regional events, but more than anything, it’s our way of saying thank you to our members for being part of TORA.”

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

WTC Lauds Industry Luminaries

Members of the Wheel & Tire Council were recently treated to segment-specific activities at the Show: the WTC Industry Reception, Happy Hour and Coffee & Conversation.

The WTC Reception at the 2022 SEMA Show.

On Tuesday evening, members congregated with colleagues and saluted three legendary leaders during the awards reception held in the South Hall Members Lounge. Two honorees received the WTC Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Roy Littlefield, former CEO of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), and Stuart Gosswein, former SEMA senior director of federal government affairs.

Littlefield, who retired in 2021, joined the National Dealers & Retreaders Association—the predecessor to TIA—in 1979. He is best known for his advocacy on behalf of the industry and for supporting technician training processes and procedures.

Gosswein retired last year after four decades of safeguarding the specialty-equipment industry’s interests on such critical matters as cash-for-clunkers, the Low Volume Replica Act and preserving the Bonneville Salt Flats. He currently serves on the board of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA).

Greg Parker, Wegmann Automotive, was inducted into the WTC Hall of Fame in acknowledgment of his volunteer leadership. Parker has long supported SEMA Cares, previously served as chair of the Young Executives Network (now Future Leaders Network/FLN) and, more recently, was WTC chair.

WTC Coffee and Conversation at the 2022 SEMA Show.

“We should all look at Roy, Stuart and Greg as role models to define how we measure our service to the industry,” commented WTC Chair Todd Steen. “When we reflect on what they’ve accomplished, they have modeled actions we should follow. These awards are our way of thanking them for their dedication and service to the industry.”

Building Community

Other WTC activities gave members and nonmembers a chance to connect with colleagues, talk shop and learn more about the council.

During Happy Hour, held on Wednesday afternoon in the South Hall Members Lounge, guests got to meet and mingle with the select committee as they relaxed and enjoyed beverages and
conversation.

WTC wrapped up the week on a high note with Coffee & Conversation. The early morning get-togethers were held on Wednesday and Thursday near the entrance to the Global Tire Expo. During the low-key gatherings attendees discussed a range of topics, learned about the benefits of council membership and how to get involved.