By SEMA Editors

Bill Trumpfheller

Bill Trumpfheller, president and CEO of the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker public relations firm in San Diego, suffered cardiac arrest while in the San Bernardino mountains with his family last week. He passed away December 29.

Trumpfheller joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker as an intern in 1986 and became its president in 2000. As the PR firm that represented WD-40, Trumpfheller was instrumental in putting together the SEMA Cares/WD-40 relationship eight years ago.

He also directed organizations ranging from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross to the San Diego State University Alumni Association to CowParade La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. He was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s local chapter, which also presented him with the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service.

Trumpfheller has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He regularly turned out for fundraising galas supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Council on Literacy and other events.

He is survived by his wife Nola and two daughters. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.

By SEMA Editors

Bill Trumpfheller

Bill Trumpfheller, president and CEO of the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker public relations firm in San Diego, suffered cardiac arrest while in the San Bernardino mountains with his family last week. He passed away December 29.

Trumpfheller joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker as an intern in 1986 and became its president in 2000. As the PR firm that represented WD-40, Trumpfheller was instrumental in putting together the SEMA Cares/WD-40 relationship eight years ago.

He also directed organizations ranging from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross to the San Diego State University Alumni Association to CowParade La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. He was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s local chapter, which also presented him with the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service.

Trumpfheller has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He regularly turned out for fundraising galas supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Council on Literacy and other events.

He is survived by his wife Nola and two daughters. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.

By SEMA Editors

Bill Trumpfheller

Bill Trumpfheller, president and CEO of the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker public relations firm in San Diego, suffered cardiac arrest while in the San Bernardino mountains with his family last week. He passed away December 29.

Trumpfheller joined Nuffer, Smith, Tucker as an intern in 1986 and became its president in 2000. As the PR firm that represented WD-40, Trumpfheller was instrumental in putting together the SEMA Cares/WD-40 relationship eight years ago.

He also directed organizations ranging from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross to the San Diego State University Alumni Association to CowParade La Jolla, according to the San Diego Union Tribune. He was named Public Relations Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America’s local chapter, which also presented him with the Otto Bos Lifetime Achievement Award and the Eva Irving Award for Community Service.

Trumpfheller has served on the boards of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Senior Community Centers, LEAD San Diego and the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau. He regularly turned out for fundraising galas supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Council on Literacy and other events.

He is survived by his wife Nola and two daughters. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Hall of Famer Nick Arias Jr. passed away the morning of January 2, 2017.

Born in Los Angeles in 1929, Arias grew up as a mechanic and hot rodder. In high school, he formed a car club with his neighborhood friends Joe Pisano and Kenny Bigelow called the Photons. In 1949, Arias was a part of the first organized drag race in Goleta, California. From 1950–1952, he served overseas in the Korean War, and when he returned, he spent time racing on the El Mirage dry lakebeds.

After the war, in tribute to his friend Bigelow, Arias purchased a ’37 Chevy coupe in a partnership with fellow veteran Bob Toros. As a team, the two salvaged the GMC engine from the wreck, transplanted it into another ’37 and ultimately used it to power their way to a championship as Russetta Timing Association’s most successful Class A and B Coupe. The two also advanced the existing record from 136 mph to 148 mph unblown on alcohol, winning the Kenny Bigelow trophy two years in a row. 

With the success of the ’37 Chevy Coupe, Arias joined the Screwdrivers car club of Culver City, alongside members that included Craig Breedlove, Don Rackeman, Joe Pisano and Lou Baney. During the buildup of the GMC block, Arias was also offered a job at Wayne Manufacturing—purveyor of high-performance inline six-cylinder engine parts. This proved to be an ideal location, because Frank Venolia was making pistons next door and selling them to Arias’ boss, Harry Warner. Arias thereby had the chance to learn everything he could about designing heads and pistons at the same time. 

A few years later, Arias was introduced to Louis Senter via fellow Screwdriver member Rackeman, who was working next door to Senter’s Ansen Automotive. It was rumored that Ansen’s piston division needed an overhaul, and knowing that there was a huge market potential for that type of performance part, Arias suggested that Senter sell him the piston business, including the machinery. One month later, Arias bought out the business from Senter, and he opened Arias Pistons in 1969. 

Arias became a legend not just for his forged pistons, but also for his ’72 Hemi-head conversions for big-block Chevys that were known as “Hemi-Chevys,” as well as his complete 10L engine that dominated tractor pulls and drag boat races, an 8.3L powerplant for Top Fuel and Alcohol drag racing, the Arias four-cylinder for USAC midget circuits, the Arias V6 Hemi, A/R Boss 429, Howard 12-Port GMC and more.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carmen, five children and 13 grandchildren.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Hall of Famer Nick Arias Jr. passed away the morning of January 2, 2017.

Born in Los Angeles in 1929, Arias grew up as a mechanic and hot rodder. In high school, he formed a car club with his neighborhood friends Joe Pisano and Kenny Bigelow called the Photons. In 1949, Arias was a part of the first organized drag race in Goleta, California. From 1950–1952, he served overseas in the Korean War, and when he returned, he spent time racing on the El Mirage dry lakebeds.

After the war, in tribute to his friend Bigelow, Arias purchased a ’37 Chevy coupe in a partnership with fellow veteran Bob Toros. As a team, the two salvaged the GMC engine from the wreck, transplanted it into another ’37 and ultimately used it to power their way to a championship as Russetta Timing Association’s most successful Class A and B Coupe. The two also advanced the existing record from 136 mph to 148 mph unblown on alcohol, winning the Kenny Bigelow trophy two years in a row. 

With the success of the ’37 Chevy Coupe, Arias joined the Screwdrivers car club of Culver City, alongside members that included Craig Breedlove, Don Rackeman, Joe Pisano and Lou Baney. During the buildup of the GMC block, Arias was also offered a job at Wayne Manufacturing—purveyor of high-performance inline six-cylinder engine parts. This proved to be an ideal location, because Frank Venolia was making pistons next door and selling them to Arias’ boss, Harry Warner. Arias thereby had the chance to learn everything he could about designing heads and pistons at the same time. 

A few years later, Arias was introduced to Louis Senter via fellow Screwdriver member Rackeman, who was working next door to Senter’s Ansen Automotive. It was rumored that Ansen’s piston division needed an overhaul, and knowing that there was a huge market potential for that type of performance part, Arias suggested that Senter sell him the piston business, including the machinery. One month later, Arias bought out the business from Senter, and he opened Arias Pistons in 1969. 

Arias became a legend not just for his forged pistons, but also for his ’72 Hemi-head conversions for big-block Chevys that were known as “Hemi-Chevys,” as well as his complete 10L engine that dominated tractor pulls and drag boat races, an 8.3L powerplant for Top Fuel and Alcohol drag racing, the Arias four-cylinder for USAC midget circuits, the Arias V6 Hemi, A/R Boss 429, Howard 12-Port GMC and more.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carmen, five children and 13 grandchildren.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA Hall of Famer Nick Arias Jr. passed away the morning of January 2, 2017.

Born in Los Angeles in 1929, Arias grew up as a mechanic and hot rodder. In high school, he formed a car club with his neighborhood friends Joe Pisano and Kenny Bigelow called the Photons. In 1949, Arias was a part of the first organized drag race in Goleta, California. From 1950–1952, he served overseas in the Korean War, and when he returned, he spent time racing on the El Mirage dry lakebeds.

After the war, in tribute to his friend Bigelow, Arias purchased a ’37 Chevy coupe in a partnership with fellow veteran Bob Toros. As a team, the two salvaged the GMC engine from the wreck, transplanted it into another ’37 and ultimately used it to power their way to a championship as Russetta Timing Association’s most successful Class A and B Coupe. The two also advanced the existing record from 136 mph to 148 mph unblown on alcohol, winning the Kenny Bigelow trophy two years in a row. 

With the success of the ’37 Chevy Coupe, Arias joined the Screwdrivers car club of Culver City, alongside members that included Craig Breedlove, Don Rackeman, Joe Pisano and Lou Baney. During the buildup of the GMC block, Arias was also offered a job at Wayne Manufacturing—purveyor of high-performance inline six-cylinder engine parts. This proved to be an ideal location, because Frank Venolia was making pistons next door and selling them to Arias’ boss, Harry Warner. Arias thereby had the chance to learn everything he could about designing heads and pistons at the same time. 

A few years later, Arias was introduced to Louis Senter via fellow Screwdriver member Rackeman, who was working next door to Senter’s Ansen Automotive. It was rumored that Ansen’s piston division needed an overhaul, and knowing that there was a huge market potential for that type of performance part, Arias suggested that Senter sell him the piston business, including the machinery. One month later, Arias bought out the business from Senter, and he opened Arias Pistons in 1969. 

Arias became a legend not just for his forged pistons, but also for his ’72 Hemi-head conversions for big-block Chevys that were known as “Hemi-Chevys,” as well as his complete 10L engine that dominated tractor pulls and drag boat races, an 8.3L powerplant for Top Fuel and Alcohol drag racing, the Arias four-cylinder for USAC midget circuits, the Arias V6 Hemi, A/R Boss 429, Howard 12-Port GMC and more.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carmen, five children and 13 grandchildren.

By Amelia Zwecher

Rick Hogan

SEMA Career Center sat down with Rick Hogan, a job seeker and aftermarket enthusiast, to discuss his career aspirations. Following a recent feature about Hogan’s life-changing accident in 2011, in which he fell from the roof of his home in Orlando, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, SEMA eNews decided to further spotlight his extensive experience, successes and drive to stay in the aftermarket industry.

Below is an interview with Hogan that was conducted in November 2016.

SEMA eNews: Are you seeking part-time or full-time work? What kind of company are you looking to work for?

Rick Hogan: I am looking for full-time, but would consider consulting for multiple companies each taking a portion of my time. Start-up to medium is where I thrive ($0 to $20 million). But depending on the company, I would be open to any opportunity.

SEMA eNews: How adept are you at using technology to communicate?

Hogan: I am a highly trained individual and technologically savvy. I strongly believe that I am equally efficient using technologies, such as video conferencing, telephone, numerous software applications and via email.

SEMA eNews: Why should a company hire you?

Hogan: I have experience in the automotive aftermarket in sales and marketing in every channel with contacts and relationships with vice presidents of purchasing, category managers and buyers at nearly all mass merchandisers, performance warehouses, traditional warehouse distributors and automotive retailers in the United States and Canada. I understand how to build teams, generate sales and create demand through marketing, editorial and advertising.  

SEMA eNews: Why do you want to work in the automotive industry?

Hogan: I have a passion for all things automotive and anything with an engine. This industry is my home, my friends, and all I know.

SEMA eNews: What kind of opportunity are you specifically seeking?

Hogan: I want to work as a consultant or direct employee, ideally with a small- to medium-sized company in sales and marketing. If I could pick a direct product, it would be in the performance segment of the aftermarket.

SEMA eNews: Please provide specific stats on your sales quotas at your current/previous jobs and the plan you used to meet the quotas.

Hogan: I have sold products from window handles, door knobs, fan belts, radiator hoses, import auto parts, seat covers, floor mats, decals and spark plugs. I have used my years of relationships and built trust with key accounts and buyers to sell and promote products. I utilized relationships with public-relations contacts and editors to secure editorial and help create demand for products.  

SEMA eNews: What challenges are you looking for in a position?

Hogan: I love to take unknown products or companies to the aftermarket. I enjoy the challenge of selling products that someone else could not do.

SEMA eNews: Describe the most difficult sales call you have made.

Hogan: Wow! In almost 35 years of selling it is hard to pinpoint one particular hard sale. One that comes to mind was selling E3 Spark Plugs to CSK, now owned by O’Reilly Auto Parts. I was so persistent, the buyer said he appreciated my enthusiasm and follow up but to please back off for a while. I sold him 60 days later. We are now friends.

SEMA eNews: How do you handle the negotiation phase?

Hogan: I love face-to-face, in-person sales calls or Skype. I like for the customer to feel I am an expert in my category, my product and always have the authority to say yes or no. I want enough information about costs and pricing to make a fair, long-lasting and profitable business relationship for both parties.

For more information, please email ameliaz@sema.org. To view Hogan’s résumé, visit LinkedIn.

By Amelia Zwecher

Rick Hogan

SEMA Career Center sat down with Rick Hogan, a job seeker and aftermarket enthusiast, to discuss his career aspirations. Following a recent feature about Hogan’s life-changing accident in 2011, in which he fell from the roof of his home in Orlando, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down, SEMA eNews decided to further spotlight his extensive experience, successes and drive to stay in the aftermarket industry.

Below is an interview with Hogan that was conducted in November 2016.

SEMA eNews: Are you seeking part-time or full-time work? What kind of company are you looking to work for?

Rick Hogan: I am looking for full-time, but would consider consulting for multiple companies each taking a portion of my time. Start-up to medium is where I thrive ($0 to $20 million). But depending on the company, I would be open to any opportunity.

SEMA eNews: How adept are you at using technology to communicate?

Hogan: I am a highly trained individual and technologically savvy. I strongly believe that I am equally efficient using technologies, such as video conferencing, telephone, numerous software applications and via email.

SEMA eNews: Why should a company hire you?

Hogan: I have experience in the automotive aftermarket in sales and marketing in every channel with contacts and relationships with vice presidents of purchasing, category managers and buyers at nearly all mass merchandisers, performance warehouses, traditional warehouse distributors and automotive retailers in the United States and Canada. I understand how to build teams, generate sales and create demand through marketing, editorial and advertising.  

SEMA eNews: Why do you want to work in the automotive industry?

Hogan: I have a passion for all things automotive and anything with an engine. This industry is my home, my friends, and all I know.

SEMA eNews: What kind of opportunity are you specifically seeking?

Hogan: I want to work as a consultant or direct employee, ideally with a small- to medium-sized company in sales and marketing. If I could pick a direct product, it would be in the performance segment of the aftermarket.

SEMA eNews: Please provide specific stats on your sales quotas at your current/previous jobs and the plan you used to meet the quotas.

Hogan: I have sold products from window handles, door knobs, fan belts, radiator hoses, import auto parts, seat covers, floor mats, decals and spark plugs. I have used my years of relationships and built trust with key accounts and buyers to sell and promote products. I utilized relationships with public-relations contacts and editors to secure editorial and help create demand for products.  

SEMA eNews: What challenges are you looking for in a position?

Hogan: I love to take unknown products or companies to the aftermarket. I enjoy the challenge of selling products that someone else could not do.

SEMA eNews: Describe the most difficult sales call you have made.

Hogan: Wow! In almost 35 years of selling it is hard to pinpoint one particular hard sale. One that comes to mind was selling E3 Spark Plugs to CSK, now owned by O’Reilly Auto Parts. I was so persistent, the buyer said he appreciated my enthusiasm and follow up but to please back off for a while. I sold him 60 days later. We are now friends.

SEMA eNews: How do you handle the negotiation phase?

Hogan: I love face-to-face, in-person sales calls or Skype. I like for the customer to feel I am an expert in my category, my product and always have the authority to say yes or no. I want enough information about costs and pricing to make a fair, long-lasting and profitable business relationship for both parties.

For more information, please email ameliaz@sema.org. To view Hogan’s résumé, visit LinkedIn.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition has become a renowned program, featuring the country’s top vehicle builders who have already proven themselves by having a vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show.

Dominic Le, co-owner of Chasing J’s, was a participant in the first-ever Young Guns category of the competition. This program recognizes builders under the age of 35 who have demonstrated they can compete with industry icons.

With a passion for modifying Japanese cars, Le entered a ’74 260Z Datsun into this year’s competition. Check out this video to learn more about this power machine build.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders (BOTB) competition has become a renowned program, featuring the country’s top vehicle builders who have already proven themselves by having a vehicle displayed at the SEMA Show.

Dominic Le, co-owner of Chasing J’s, was a participant in the first-ever Young Guns category of the competition. This program recognizes builders under the age of 35 who have demonstrated they can compete with industry icons.

With a passion for modifying Japanese cars, Le entered a ’74 260Z Datsun into this year’s competition. Check out this video to learn more about this power machine build.