Women in the automotive aftermarket still have time to register for the 2023 SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Women’s Leadership Forum at www.sema.org/sbn-wlf. Following a highly successful inaugural event in 2022, this year’s event will bring together women to build their skills through a comprehensive leadership training, March 1–3, at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California.
The three-day program includes daily keynotes and interactive workshops that will teach women to take on new leadership challenges.
Why attend?
Women face unique challenges in the working world, from being able to say “no” to being respected for one's thoughts and ideas and juggling various personal and professional roles. The challenge is amplified in the male-dominated automotive industry. The training from the SBN Women’s Leadership Forum will bring together females in the industry to address common challenges, find solutions and learn essential skills for navigating the future.
What will attendees learn?
Featuring certified leadership, executive and wellness coaches and leaders from Ford Motor Co. and KW Automotive, the three-day program includes daily keynotes and interactive workshops that will teach women to take on new leadership challenges and face failure fearlessly. Breakout sessions will foster collaboration and spark discussions focused around building a winning team, amplifying executive presence and mastering communication.
Panel discussions will delve into the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in HR efforts and daily wrap-up and action-planning sessions will provide a clear picture of what is needed to achieve goals and track and record progress.
Who should register?
All women pursuing higher levels of career advancement in the automotive aftermarket are encouraged to register. As a women-only event, the forum provides a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere where SBN members will engage with “their people” who can serve as support in the future.
To keep businesses in the restylers/accessory market up-to-date on programs and events available to their companies, the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) is hosting a virtual general membership meeting, Tuesday, February 24, at 9:00 a.m. (PST).
General membership meetings are the ideal time to learn about what the council has planned for the year and get updated on programs available to help automotive restylers succeed in the marketplace. Participants will join members at large, connect with the select committee and tap into resources that address common challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive aftermarket.
This is a can’t-miss event for those who want to expand their footprint in the restyling industry, as you’ll get to network, ask questions and learn how to maximize your PRO membership.
Click here for all the details and to RSVP so you don’t miss out.
The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has announced the addition of two new members, Kathryn Reinhardt and Jacki Lutz, to its board of trustees.
Reinhardt is senior vice president marketing and events for Hemmings. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and has a track record of delivering unique and effective content and her history of planning and executing marketing campaigns. “I am honored to be part of this elite group of volunteers who donate their time, resources and experience to making a difference in the lives of our automotive aftermarket community,” said Reinhardt. “I am grateful to be able to join the board and give back to an industry that has given me so much.” Reinhardt serves on the SEMA Board of Directors. She was awarded SEMA’s Person of the Year and was recognized as one of SEMA News’ 35 Under 35, along with a number of other industry accolades.
Jacki Lutz
Lutz is global head of communications, training & e-commerce, auto at Sensata Technologies, and brings 14 years of marketing experience and nine years in the automotive aftermarket. “I have admired AACF from afar for many years,” said Lutz. “I have always respected their mission and the positive impact the AACF has on so many lives from all over the automotive aftermarket. Over the past few years, I supported their fundraisers and promoted their mission on LinkedIn. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity now to play a larger role in their mission and I am honored to have been selected to serve.” Lutz sits on several other association boards, including Young Auto Care Network Group and Women in Auto Care and was the past president of the Automotive Communications Council.
“The AACF board realizes the importance of diversity of its members and relies on a variety of industry experiences to further the mission of helping families,” said Joel Ayres, AACF executive director. “Bringing on two female professionals will no doubt improve the reach of the foundations’ mission.”
For more information or how to get involved, contact Ayres at joel@aftermarketcharity.org.
Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer Project Boasting 800 hp to Be Revealed February 28
Honda Performance Development (HPD), Auto Development Center (ADC) and designers from North America Auto Design Division of American Honda have conceived and constructed the high-performance Honda CR-V Hybrid Racer project vehicle with some 800 electrified hp. The CR-V Hybrid Racer will be revealed on February 28.
VP Racing Announces New Slate of Licensees Launching in 2023
VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced a lineup of additional new licensees, further expanding the brand’s reach into new distribution channels.
“VP Racing's licensing program is run with one objective in mind, to expand the brand reach and play a significant role in building the brand in the United States and globally,” said Bob Merz, director of brand management and licensing at VP. “Our licensees are chosen for their quality design, manufacturing capabilities and varied distribution networks.”
Pacific Swell Brands, VP Racing’s exclusive licensing agency, secured deals in a broad range of automotive and lifestyle products, including:
Stainless steel wall art from Chrome Domz
Apparel and headwear from CPTN Apparel
Apparel and headwear for racetracks from Craton
Barware from Cymba
Decals from Decalcomania
Metal signs from Desperate Enterprises
Die-cast vehicle replicas in 1:18, 1:24, 1:43, and 1:64 scale, scale gas pumps, dioramas, shop tools and vehicle lifts from Greenlight
Auto cargo management from Hoch Brands
Licensed paintings, prints, posters and T-shirts from Kelly Telfer
For more information about VP Racing and its products for racers, enthusiasts and general consumers, visit vpracingfuels.com.
Matt Patrick Joins DeatschWerks as Technical Director
Matt Patrick
DeatschWerks has appointed Matt Patrick as its new technical director. Patrick joined the team on January 16, in the newly created role of technical director. In this role, he will be leading the DeatschWerks’ product development, product management, engineering and technical support functions. Patrick comes to DeatschWerks from Edelbrock where he served as vice president of product development. He has 25 years of engineering, product development, group management and leadership experience. Some highlights of his career include Zex product manager (nitrous systems), Lunati commercial manager (engine components), FAST product manager (fuel and ignition), and Comp Cams group director of product development.
Valvoline’s Global Products Business Launches Fourth Annual Mechanics Month Campaign
Valvoline’s global products business has kicked off its fourth annual Mechanics Month, a campaign to celebrate the impact of mechanics around the world. The month-long initiative will highlight the contribution of mechanics in more than 60 countries worldwide. The effort will celebrate the importance of mechanics as knowledgeable professionals who are critical to keeping engines running and people moving forward. Participating countries will show appreciation for industry professionals through social media, giveaways, paid advertising, and individual market-specific events to enhance consumer awareness.
Valvoline supports trusted mechanics around the world all year long through trainings, scholarship programs and business growth initiatives, but during the month of March, the brand looks for others to join in the celebration and support of mechanics. Participation in the campaign has grown from 15 countries to more than 60 in 2022 and continues to gain momentum.
Tony Carvallo Joins Steer Smarts as Senior Engineer
Tony Carvallo
Steer Smarts has announced that Tony Carvallo has joined its product development team and will assume the role of senior engineer. He will primarily focus on developing products that support the rapid expansion of the Steer Smarts catalog. He brings with him a career that spans almost three decades and an eternal love for everything Jeep. Fueled by this passion, he spent 10 years as an engineer on Wrangler, five years with Mopar Performance and four years on the product planning team for the Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. From there he joined the teams at Dynatrac, and later Bestop, supporting their engineering, marketing and product-development efforts.
WISSOTA Names New Director Of Operations, Executive Assistant
WISSOTA Promoters Association has announced longtime employee Callie Sullivan has been named director of operations. Sullivan has been employed with WISSOTA since 2001 and was the organization’s first full-time employee in 2007 when she was named office administrator and points and licensing director—roles she’s held since the recent appointment. She began as Midwest Modified point director before later assuming the role of Sprint Car and Late Model point director as well.
In addition, Kayla Siercks has been named executive assistant. Her primary focus will be in partner/sponsor follow-through, support and relations. She will also be instrumental in the Structural Buildings WISSOTA Challenge Series, the WISSOTA 100 and the 2023 EXPO, which will be held during the annual meetings and national awards banquet in November.
AMA Pro Racing Names Gene Crouch CEO
Gene Crouch. Credit: Tim Lester/AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing has announced that its board of managers has named Gene Crouch CEO. Crouch, who has served as the company’s COO since 2020, brings a wealth of multidisciplinary expertise and leadership capabilities gained from nearly two decades of motorsports experience.
Crouch has played an instrumental role in shaping the direction of AMA Pro Racing since joining the company when it was founded in 2008. He’s spearheaded several critically important initiatives, including developing AMA Pro Racing’s timing and scoring as well as the FansChoice.tv livestreaming service. Crouch has also played a critical role in securing major sponsorship and media rights agreements for the series brands that are operated out of the company’s Daytona Beach headquarters, including Progressive American Flat Track and American Hillclimb.
As CEO, Crouch’s primary directives include developing growth strategies for the company’s professional racing disciplines and fostering synergistic relationships with strategic partners and licensees, including the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), MX Sports Pro Racing and Feld Motor Sports.
Crouch takes the baton as CEO from predecessor Michael Lock, who led the strategy to revitalize Progressive American Flat Track after taking the helm in 2016. Lock will now transition to the role of executive consultant for AMA Pro Racing, where he will also support NASCAR and IMSA with special projects, such as international racing strategies and NASCAR’s Garage 56 program for the 100th running of the 24 hours of Le Mans, scheduled for June 10–11 of this year. Both Crouch and Lock will assume their new roles effective immediately.
Team Allied Distribution Adds California Warehouse
Team Allied Distribution—the Benicia, California-based independent warehouse distributor of automotive exhaust components—has announced the opening of its fifth Californian location. The new Stockton, California, facility is a fully integrated warehouse formerly operated as Wicked Flow’s Northern California distribution center. Earlier this year, Team Allied entered a definitive agreement to acquire Wicked Flow’s Nor-Cal facility, warehouse equipment, distribution operations, assets and onsite inventory. Team Allied will extend permanent positions “to a majority of the talented staff already in place.” Team Allied has more than 20 locations in the United States. For a complete list, visit here.
Gregor Germana
Gregor Germana Appointed BOLT Lock Product Business Manager
STRATTEC Corp.’s BOLT Lock division has named Gregor Germana to the position of product business manager. In his new role, Germana will be responsible for developing and executing BOLT Lock’s sales management strategy to expand the brand’s market share within the aftermarket industry, while meeting and exceeding customer requirements. He will work closely with several cross functional teams within the organization, including program management, sales, engineering and operations. Germana is taking over for Steve Gilles, BOLT Lock’s former director of new business development, who has assumed additional responsibilities within the parent company, STRATTEC Security Corp.’s, OEM division.
Gregor has worked for STRATTEC Security Corp. since 2005, starting as an engineering co-op. He went on to serve as a latches product engineer as well as an advanced sales engineer at STRATTEC’s OEM office in Detroit. Most recently, he was a program manager responsible for executing new product launches and product changes. He brings 17 years of sales and advanced product engineering experience to his new role for the BOLT Lock brand.
Tread Lightly! Announces Funding Award From the Legacy Trails Program
Tread Lightly! has announced a funding award from the Legacy Trails Program by American Trails to support trails in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona.
The project will reduce erosion in the Camp Creek watershed by removing unauthorized, user-created and previously closed routes that are unsustainable and actively eroding. Decommissioning these routes will reduce sediment within the drainages but may also decrease other water quality parameters such as E. coli. Camp Creek, the primary drainage within the watershed empties into the Verde River, which is one of the two primary rivers that supply surface water to the city of Phoenix and surrounding cities through the Salt River Project. Because this watershed and the project is below the lowest dam on the river system, any sediment from Camp Creek flows directly into the Verde and then the water treatment facilities for the municipal water supply system, making controlling sediment in Camp Creek particularly important.
This is the first year of trails projects funded by the Legacy Trails Program. Tread Lightly!’s project has risen above many other proposals to gain this funding. This new program is administered by American Trails and funded through a cost-share agreement with the United States Forest Service to distribute $1.4 million per year to support trails projects on forests and grasslands managed by the USFS through 2027.
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
The SEMA Hall of Fame is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have improved the automotive specialty-equipment industry. These individuals have gone above and beyond the normal course of business to enhance the stature of the industry and/or the association’s growth.
While many well-known names are often nominated for the program, it’s important that SEMA doesn’t overlook leaders and innovators who may not be as well known. There are many unsung heroes who contribute to and impact the industry greatly—and the association needs input from members to make sure they get the recognition they deserve.
Nominate an industry trailblazer who deserves the prestigious honor before March 17 at www.sema.org/hof.
To qualify, the candidate must have been involved in the specialty-equipment automotive industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years, be at least 50 years of age prior to the 2023 SEMA Show and their contributions must have extended throughout the national or international level.
Candidates who are deceased qualify for nomination at any age, as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.
The 2023 SEMA Scholarship application period for students preparing for careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open and will run through March 1. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/scholarships.
The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to foster future leaders and innovators in the automotive aftermarket industry. A loan forgiveness component is also available to employees that work for SEMA-member companies who have completed and are currently paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical school within the United States.
“Education can be expensive, but that shouldn’t limit students from getting ahead in their careers,” said Pamela Brown-Matthis, SEMA director of education. “There are so many career options in the automotive aftermarket, and it’s a thriving industry to be in. We encourage students who have a passion for cars to apply for a SEMA scholarship so that we can help jump-start their careers.”
The annual scholarship program is a cornerstone of SEMA’s efforts to support career development and access in the automotive industry. Scholarship winners will have the opportunity to attend the 2023 SEMA Show, providing unparalleled networking and education opportunities at the world’s largest trade show for the automotive aftermarket.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens 18 years or older and demonstrate a passion for automotive hobbies and careers. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, including but not limited to, accounting, sales, marketing and engineering. Eligible students and SEMA-member company employees can apply until March 1 at www.sema.org/scholarships.
In partnership with Honda, the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, will host a measuring session for the all-new ’23 Honda Civic Type R, to be held February 28–March 2.
The event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience ahead of the vehicle’s public release.
This event will include a ’23 Honda Civic Type R equipped with:
A 2.0L Turbo: 315 hp and 310 lb.-ft.
Limited-slip differential
13.8-in. front rotors and 12-in. rear rotors
6MT with rev-matching
Weighted aluminum shift knob
Adaptive dampers
Four drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, +R and a new Individual mode
19-in. alloy wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
LED headlights and taillights
Rear spoiler
Exhaust system features a straight-through design and active exhaust valve
Honda Sensing
Type R-exclusive red racing seats and carpet
10.2-in. configurable digital instrument cluster
9-in. color touchscreen with navigation
LogR Performance Datalogger
12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging
Sirius XM satellite radio
Active sound control
Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage and will require scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, all appointments will be time-limited. Please only register for one attendee per member company, and a follow-up email will be sent to confirm additional attendees.
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.
Cognito Motorsports Inc. is hiring an outside sale rep responsible for new dealer acquisition, top-line sales production, relationship management and customer retention. The successful candidate will be an effective hunter and relationship builder capable of consistently adding new resellers to the company’s existing book of business.
Canepa is hiring an experienced Porsche engine builder who is interested in building a variety of high-performance motors. Candidates must be hardworking and dedicated to providing the highest level of quality in the industry. Applicants must have extensive experience in all aspects of engine building, including engine diagnosis, functions, machining, repair, rebuilding and tuning. Candidates must be able to work both individually and as part of a multi-functional team.
ProCharger is hiring a sales representative with a comprehensive understanding and passion for the high-performance motorsports industry as well as strong mechanical aptitude. This position will be involved in the daily sales process, building relationships with consumers, dealers and racers. Other duties include the ability to travel to events, trade shows and meet with dealers. Candidates should have automotive aftermarket knowledge and experience, more than three years of sales experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
SEMA has hired Alicia Steger as PAC manager. Based in SEMA’s Government and Public Affairs office, Steger will lead SEMA PAC’s fundraising efforts during the 2024 election cycle.
By law, SEMA may not use its funds to contribute to federal political candidates. However, SEMA PAC allows its members to contribute personal funds, which are used to help elect lawmakers who support its positions and initiatives. One hundred percent of SEMA PAC donations are allocated to funding political candidate’s campaigns who support SEMA and their members.
Steger most recently worked as the senior manager of the president’s office for American Beverage Association. She brings a wide range of skills and knowledge to SEMA, ranging from board and executive management to event planning, fundraising and brand building.
Steger is a car enthusiast herself, in both automotive sports and shows. She hopes to bring accessibility and enthusiasm to the PAC. If you are interested in finding more about the PAC, visit www.semapac.com or contact Steger at alicias@sema.org.
The supply-chain issues that impacted the United States over the past few years largely peaked and are starting to recover.
According to the new “2023 SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” report, supply-chain issues are expected to improve in 2023, but it will take time to return to pre-pandemic levels, especially with supplies that affect the automotive sector like semiconductors (or chips).
According to the SEMA study:
The specialty-equipment industry has been affected. More than 90% of companies have been moderately or severely impacted by supply-chain issues. Most expect things to normalize by the end of 2023 or into 2024.
Ports are less congested. Container ports in the United States, like in Los Angeles or Long Beach, are no longer as congested with container ships waiting for berths. As a result, prices have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Trucking is improving nationwide. Demand for cross-country hauling by truckers has eased and the number of trucks available to ship things has increased. Prices have also dropped from their record highs.
Semiconductor, or chip, shortages continue. Shortages, most notably for the automotive sector, continue to linger. Average lead delivery times for chips decreased but remain high, at approximately 25.5 weeks as of October 2022.
For an in-depth analysis on how port congestion has eased, projections for supply-chain improvement by manufacturer/distributor/retailer, and prices for shipping by truck, download the “SEMA Future Trends – January 2023” for free at www.sema.org/research.
VP Racing Announces New Slate of Licensees Launching in 2023
