By SEMA Editors
Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.
In 1963, before there was even a SEMA Show, a group of small business entrepreneurs who made parts for early hot rods organized to support the hobby, the enthusiasts, and the motorsports lifestyle. One of their original goals was to have a voice at the table when it came to negotiating with state, federal and regulatory agencies that often proposed overly broad restrictions—failing to perceive less-obvious, often detrimental side effects.
Now, 60 years later, it’s clear that SEMA’s watchdog role on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arena continues to be of critical importance to everyone in the industry—hobbyists and motorsports participants included.
In today’s environment of rapid innovation and technological change, adding expert government affairs staff to help the association step up its government affairs activity has been a top priority. The recent hiring of a senior vice president of public and government affairs represents an important step forward in the association’s ability to raise visibility of the specialty-equipment industry among policymakers.
The new senior vice president, Karen Bailey-Chapman, will work to ensure that SEMA has a strong voice in regulatory and policy discussions at both state and federal levels. She is a seasoned public affairs executive who excels at understanding complex policy issues. And her extensive experience in government relations, plus solid relationships on Capitol Hill, will be instrumental in the effort to educate lawmakers, regulators and the public about the specialty-equipment industry, which employs large numbers, fosters innovation and is a major sector of the country’s economy. She will work in close collaboration with SEMA’s communications and legal departments.
The tasks ahead are not insignificant.
Among the challenges is the need to ensure enthusiasts, aftermarket businesses and repair shops have access to the information and tools needed to repair and upgrade today’s more complex vehicles. This “right to repair” effort goes hand-in-hand with the need to make sure that SEMA members can safely modify vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technologies that assist drivers and automate vehicle systems. SEMA and industry partners are currently working to develop tests to confirm that vehicles remain in compliance after customization, but the need to convince Congress to consider the aftermarket when pursuing ADAS legislation remains clear.
Another top priority is maintaining off-highway vehicle (OHV) access to public lands, a topic of keen interest to off-road enthusiasts and SEMA-member companies that support the outdoor recreational community. SEMA supports policies that expand responsible OHV recreational opportunities, and opposes land use policies that unnecessarily limit access.
And then there is the 2015 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provision making it illegal to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars. SEMA has been working with allies in Congress to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act, which clarifies that it is legal to make emissions-related changes to a street vehicle for the purpose of converting it into a race car used exclusively in competition.
Other ongoing legislative initiatives involve protecting members’ intellectual property rights, addressing warranty denial, eliminating tariffs that impact American consumers and businesses, and coping with electric vehicle mandates that threaten to change the landscape in the coming decade.
The recent Washington Rally provided an opportunity for SEMA members to remind their lawmakers that decisions they make are being closely monitored by the specialty equipment community. Even if you could not attend this year, you can help support your industry by signing up for the SEMA PAC and by defending the hobby through the SEMA Action Network (SAN). Visit www.semasan.com to join SAN, stay up-to-date on important state and federal bills, and help advance our automotive freedoms.
By Drew Hardin
Photography: Bob D’Olivo, Petersen Publishing Company Archive
The Shelby American booth featured a prototype GT40, speed parts for the Cobra and GT 350 hanging on the wall, and a Paxton-supercharged 302 on an engine stand.
Fifty-five years ago, during a cold and blustery week in early January 1967, 120 members of the performance aftermarket manned 98 booths on the Stadium Club level of Dodger Stadium for what was billed as the First Annual High Performance and Custom Trade Show.
More than 3,000 people attended the show and took part in numerous activities set up to complement the event, from an exhibitor’s banquet held at the famous Coconut Grove nightclub inside the Ambassador Hotel to guided tours of the area’s many performance parts manufacturers.
Today the SEMA Show is a fixture in the performance industry. In 1966, it was just an idea.
“It was Mr. Petersen who had the idea in the first place,” recalled GiGi Carleton, longtime executive assistant and personal manager to publishing magnate Robert E. Petersen (and now President of the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Foundation). In the fall of 1966, Petersen launched Hot Rod Industry News (HRIN), a trade magazine devoted to the business of automotive performance and a sibling title to his then-nearly-20-year-old Hot Rod magazine. He believed a trade show “was a ‘must’ activity for the new magazine,” as he said in HRIN’s January 1967 issue. In charge of the endeavor was Dick Wells, who was then working in Petersen Publishing’s Special Events department. He was aided by Carleton and Alex Xydias, Publisher of HRIN and, years before, the founder of the original SO-CAL Speed Shop.
In the B&M booth, Bob Sparr talked transmission adapters with Oscar Karamanian and Ed Stone from New England Speed Equipment of Boston.
“I believe we had six months, or possibly less, to plan for that first show,” Carleton said.
Selling the show “fit me to a T,” said Xydias, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. “When I was at the speed shop, I knew every manufacturer in town. I bought stuff from all of them, so it was easy for me to talk to them about a booth in the show.”
Dodger Stadium wasn’t so much chosen for the venue as it was inevitable. “It was the only venue available at the time in early January with a big parking lot,” Carleton said. “The Anaheim Convention Center was in the process of being built. We looked at the Hollywood Palladium and even the Great Western Arena near downtown L.A. The idea was to have it in Los Angeles near the two airports, LAX and Lockheed,” as the Burbank Airport was called then.
As for the show itself, “we just kind of patched it together,” Xydias recalled. “Booths were pretty much a card table and two chairs, with an eight-foot drape behind. We gave them a sign with their name on it, and that was pretty much it for everybody. Nobody had much experience with it.”
Dodger Stadium’s Club level turned into a trade show January 10–12, 1967. That’s Vic Edelbrock Jr. manning the Edelbrock booth, which is next to a large display for Ansen Automotive.
That lack of experience was evident when Xydias walked the show’s aisles and found the exhibitors sitting in their booths. “I told them, ‘Stand up! You’re not here to rest. This is your business. If you’re sitting down, nobody is going to come over and make you get up to talk about your product.’ Those were the kinds of things we tried to do in the first show, to educate ourselves and also our exhibitors and the people who came to the show.”
Nevertheless, “the show did pretty well, under the circumstances,” Xydias said. Coverage in the February 1967 issue of HRIN called the show “a complete success.”
“We were so surprised at the attendance, which far surpassed what we had hoped for,” Carleton said. “I remember driving to Dodger Stadium on the first day of the show after our set-up day. I saw so many cars parked in the stadium parking lot, I thought there must be another event taking place. I was wrong. All those cars were there for the first SEMA Show.
“Many of the first exhibitors were leery about this show and wondered if they would meet their expenses for airfare, hotel, and so on,” she added. “But they all went home with a fistful of orders, more than they had ever anticipated.”
“Was it a success?” Xydias asked. “It was a success because we had the second one.” The following year, the show moved to the newly opened Anaheim Convention Center, where some 3,800 attendees did business among nearly 200 booths.
“And look at it now,” Carleton said. “Wow.”
SEMA Chairman of the Board James Lawrence presented WD-40 with the Chairman’s Service Award during the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas.
WD-40 Sales Manager Shannon Edwards accepted the Chairman’s Service Award on behalf of the company.
Bestowed at the discretion of the SEMA chairman, the award is unique and not given out every year. Lawrence presented the award to WD-40 for the company’s ongoing support of SEMA Cares. WD-40 has built several noteworthy vehicles that have raised more than $2 million for children and people in need: a bright-yellow 50th Anniversary ’67 Camaro, a Foose-designed ’12 Dodge Challenger, a ’53 Ford F-100, a ’14 F-150, a two-toned ’10 Camaro and a custom ’11 Mustang.
WD-40 Sales Manager Shannon Edwards accepted the award on behalf of the company.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Maggie Valdez as this week’s #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. Valdez is the owner of MV Industries Gaskets Inc., which manufactures aftermarket gaskets and seals.
Get to know Valdez in her interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?
Maggie Valdez: It has been an amazing three years with my current company. I love learning about products, the industry and people that are involved in businesses because it makes me want to be better at what I do.
SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?
MV: The most difficult part of running my business is being able to stay competitive while manufacturing in the USA.
SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?
MV: I’ve been in this industry for much longer than I came to realize. When I was a child, my sister and I would help our dad at his bumper-repair shop. His business has been in the industry for many years. We made copies and answered phone calls as kids. I’ve been an official owner since 2018.
SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?
MV: The personal qualities that have helped me in my business ventures are hard work and positivity. These two concepts alone will not get you everywhere, but when combined with a little bit of patience, they can turn into something amazing.
SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?
MV: It’s hard to be a woman in the industry. There are so many challenges and accomplishments that come along with it. One of my biggest hurdles has been getting people to overlook my age, race or being woman-owned. The best moment was when I opened up shop by myself. Owning your own business can sometimes feel like winning at life because you get more control over what happens, even if things don’t always work out exactly as planned.
SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?
MV: My role models are my dad and mentors. They have helped me along the way, especially with running a business alone, as it’s difficult to know what you're doing without people by your side who can help teach or correct any mistakes that might come up when starting out on this path of entrepreneurship.
SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?
MV: One of my clients asked why I started a company and reminded me what got me started today: You can’t lose sight if there’s no purpose beyond passion, because without its own goals, it becomes unimportant.
SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry?
MV: I never planned to work in the automotive industry, but the challenge keeps me here.
SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?
MV: My parents were the most influential people who shaped me into who I am today. They instilled a strong work ethic and values on what it means to be successful both at home and professionally, which had such positive effects.
Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.
Media registration for the 2023 MPMC Media Trade Conference is now open.
The event will take place in person at the Embassy Suites Anaheim South in Garden Grove, California, January 24–26. Journalists, editors, writers, producers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers are invited to meet one-on-one with leading motorsports parts manufacturers by signing up for the event.
Journalists, editors, writers, producers, podcasters, content creators and social-media influencers are invited to meet one-on-one with leading motorsports parts manufacturers by signing up for the event.
There is no cost for media to participate. Media are able to indicate which companies best meet their editorial needs and will receive a personalized schedule. It is the best and most efficient way for media to connect with motorsports parts manufacturers in private, quality meetings.
Media are invited to register before December 16 in order to receive their schedule the week of January 9.
For questions or more information, contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org.
Formula DRIFT Announces 2023 Schedule, Hall Of Fame, New InitiativesOfficials from Formula DRIFT have announced its 2023 schedule during a press conference at the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The venues for the eight-round PRO Championship remain unchanged from 2022, with the PROSPEC Championship again to be decided at Utah Motorsports Park in Grantsville, Utah, and the PRO Championship culminating at its traditional Irwindale Speedway venue in Irwindale, California.
In addition, Formula DRIFT will celebrate its landmark 20th anniversary in 2023 with new initiatives. One of the first significant changes is the removal of the 37 driver cap on both the PRO and PROSPEC Championships. This will allow more teams to enter the series but makes qualifying more crucial than ever, as only 32 drivers can compete in the head-to-head competition.
The PRO Prize Purse has also been increased with the payout per round doubled from the 2022 numbers. The 2023 PRO Champion will also receive $50,000 for their win.
The new, official Formula DRIFT Podcast hosted by Jacob Gettins will allow fans to follow their favorite teams and drivers.
Officials have also announced the creation of the Formula DRIFT Hall of Fame (FDHOF), a move that “signifies the maturity and longevity of the series.” The first inductees will be honored at the 2023 opening round in Long Beach, California. Each inductee will be awarded a unique FDHOF ring, which will be custom-made for the recipient and encrusted with diamonds and gemstones to a value of $10,000.
Furthermore, a Formula DRIFT monument will be erected in downtown Long Beach to commemorate the sport, and the name of each Hall of Fame inductee will be etched into the monument to preserve their part in history. For more information and to view the complete 2023 schedule, visit formulad.com.
The NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series has announced the schedule for the upcoming 2023 season, featuring stops at standout racing facilities across the country.
East Region:
North Central Region:
Central Region:
West Region:
2023 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Divisional Schedule
Northeast Region:
Southeast Division:
North Central Division:
South Central Division:
West Central Division:
Northwest Division:
Pacific Division:
Joey Logano Wins NASCAR Cup Series ChampionshipMagnaFlow Ambassador Joey Logano clinched the NASCAR season finale at Phoenix Raceway last Sunday. Not only did he lead the race for 187 of 312 laps, but he also managed to keep a determined Ross Chastain at bay for the race’s final miles to secure his second NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
For more racing news, visit Performance Racing Industry’s (PRI) website.
James Lawrence Announces Departure From Power Automedia; Sale to New Ownership GroupPower Automedia, which includes Dragzine, LSX Magazine, Street Muscle, Off Road Xtreme, Ford Muscle, Chevy Hardcore, Diesel Army, Electrified, and new acquisition Mustang Week, has announced today James Lawrence will transition from his role of CEO at the end of the year—a decision by Lawrence, who founded the company more than 15 years ago. Lawrence, who currently serves as SEMA’s chairman of the board, will continue as a senior consultant for Power Automedia.
A new ownership group consisting of Scott Parker, Lloyd Hunt, Kevin McIntosh, Andrew Almazan, and Ivan Korda has acquired Power Automedia. As part of the transition, Parker has been named Power Automedia’s chief content officer and general manager and Hunt as chief revenue officer.
“After guiding and owning Power Automedia since 2006, I am excited to pursue new interests,” stated Lawrence. “It has been an amazing ride and experience. It’s been a tremendous honor serving as CEO and working with so many talented people. This company has a bright future and there is no better team to help accelerate it to new heights.”
Power Automedia recently announced the acquisition of Mustang Week. Lawrence advised the management team on that acquisition and will continue to advise Power Automedia’s leadership team as a senior consultant. The new ownership group will continue to evaluate growth and acquisition opportunities in the media and event space.
“We are excited to acquire this business, but we will all miss James on a full time basis at Power Automedia,” said Hunt. “He has helped build this business from the ground up, including developing a series of digital media innovations that pushed the envelope for everyone, helping bring new ideas to life that the automotive industry hadn’t seen before. His decisive leadership and business knowledge have been an incredible asset to grow the business and we’re very grateful for his leadership of our great brands.”
“We believe in Power Automedia and our new ownership group is prepared to manage this transition well,” declared Parker. “We wish James success in the future and look forward to working with him in an advisory capacity.”
The Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament, held recently during the SEMA and AAPEX industry week in Las Vegas, was a testimony to work of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation’s (AACF) Board of Directors, AACF staff and volunteers and the large number of industry leaders who supported this annual event. It attracted 160 golfers and more than $600,000 was raised to help individuals and families in the automotive aftermarket in need.
AACF 30th Anniversary Golf Tournament Winners. (L–R): Don Daugherty, of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply; Barry Hills of Canammex/Thunderboldt; Pete Thomas of Parts Authority; and Bob Rescoe of Federated Auto Parts.
“We had a tremendous turn out for our AACF 30th anniversary charity golf tournament on Monday, October 31, at the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas,” said Larry Magee, AACF trustee and president of the board of directors. Magee, of Magee Ventures Group, led the annual board meeting on Sunday and hosted a cocktail party and festive gathering that evening.
“I was honored and humbled by the outstanding support from the automotive aftermarket’s industry members, our donors and the AACF Board of Trustees who participated to raise dollars and raise awareness of our charitable organization. This fundraising event will allow the foundation to continue the great work we do in providing support to men and women in the automotive aftermarket who have fallen on difficult times and have nowhere else to turn, added Magee.”
“We were so pleased at the level of support we received from the industry in making the 30th anniversary of our charity golf tournament a huge success,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of the AACF. “In addition to funds that come from the golf teams, we had an impressive array of gifts and prizes donated by members of the industry that supported our raffle and for our door prizes, making it a fun day for all who attended.”
Four industry leaders took home the top trophy, but all who participated are winners, as they helped the AACF grow its funds to support businesses and families in times of catastrophe in the aftermarket industry. From left, Don Daugherty, of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply; Barry Hills of Canammex/Thunderboldt; Pete Thomas of Parts Authority; and Bob Rescoe of Federated Auto Parts.
QA1 Awarded Business of the Year at the SEMA ShowSEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) selected QA1 as Business of the Year from its member companies, representing many industries ranging from retail, manufacturing, distribution, publishing and more. Presented to QA1 at HRIA’s annual banquet at the SEMA show on November 2, this annual award recognizes a company that has made an exceptional contribution and has had a positive impact in the hot rod industry.
“On behalf of the entire QA1 team, we are truly honored and appreciative to the HRIA for this recognition,” said Melissa Scoles, QA1 president and CEO. “As we enter our 30th year, this award reinforces our guiding principle of developing high-quality, affordable products and enhancing customer experiences.”
QA1 was “nominated because of the impact they made in their Customer Service operations,” said Danny Agosta, HRIA select committee chair. “They work closely with builders, getting things set up, customized applications, etc., and it’s a level of service that is unfortunately rare today."
In recent years, QA1’s creation of the #goDRIVEit movement has encouraged hot rodders and street cruisers to go out and have fun with their vehicle. By supporting and facilitating numerous events around the country, the foundation of the #goDRIVEit movement is one of collaboration and enthusiasm.
Steve Whipple Joins PRW as President, General ManagerPRW Industries (PRW)—the designer and global manufacturer of racing and performance aftermarket engine parts and accessories in Perris, California—has announced Steve Whipple has joined the company as president and general manager.
Whipple brings more than 40 years of experience in the industry. He most recently served as the director of private-label new markets at JEGS in Delaware, Ohio. Prior, he served as the vice president of sales and marketing at Edelbrock, now based in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Whipple is also current member of the SEMA Board of Directors and the Custom Automotive Network (CAN) board of directors. He previously served on SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).
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 Austin Hatcher Foundation (AHF) for Pediatric Cancer will auction a custom Gen 3 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe November 27–December 4 on the Bring a Trailer website. The coupe’s build was funded by SATA German Engineering and was put together with the help of young cancer patients, survivors and their family members.
This project build began with a Factory Five Type 65 Coupe kit, which is a replica of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe that won the famed Le Mans circuit in 1964. The Euro luxury-style coupe’s styling cues are drawn from the Mercedes 300SL and the Ferrari 275GT.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation (AHF) for Pediatric Cancer will auction a custom Gen 3 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe November 27–December 4 on the Bring a Trailer website.
The color and wheel choices of the vehicle pay a tribute to the luxury performance vehicles of the ’60s. Finished in a bristol grey exterior and a full custom navy-blue leather interior, the coupe features a Ford Performance 347-cid Street Cruiser crate engine—carbureted, Tremec TKX five-speed transmission, Moser Differential and custom Detroit Steel Wheels. The custom paint was applied by Ron Fleenor at Fleaz Color Faktory using SATA X5500 RP 1.3, and the custom bodywork was done by Greg Cunningham.
But what makes this custom Coupe so special are the hands that helped put it together: the hands of pediatric cancer patients and survivors.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation incorporates automotive into the services they provide families facing pediatric cancer through their Industrial Arts Therapy Program, which includes getting the children involved in putting together cars like the coupe. The foundation is one of three official SEMA Cares Charities, as well one of two of the “proud charities” of the International Motorsports Association and Road Atlanta.
“I believe SEMA fans and automotive enthusiasts were blown away by the detail and outcome of this vehicle when they saw it on display at the SEMA Show in 2021,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation CEO and co-founder, Amy Jo Osborn. “Not only is it a beautiful car, but it also has a beautiful story behind it. We loved watching pediatric cancer families come together to build this coupe, and we cannot thank our friends at SATA, Ford Performance Parts, Moser and Detroit Steel Wheels enough for helping fund the entire process.”
The coupe build was a part of the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Industrial Arts Program. The Industrial Arts STEAM program serves a multipurpose function; first to introduce and educate a STEM-based trade, and second, to treat and improve coordination deficits, behavior, memory, learning and many other deficits as results of childhood cancer and chemotherapy treatment.
“The Austin Hatcher Foundation has created a gorgeous car with a great paint job and fantastic looking leather interiors,” said Jörg Göttling, head of export at SATA. “It is one of the most unique and stunning shapes in automotive history. It was during the SEMA Show some years ago when we at SATA learned about the existence of the Austin Hatcher Foundation and the great cause they are committed to. SATA has a long tradition of supporting projects aimed to help the less fortunate at home and abroad.”
The SATA-funded coupe is the 16th car build that the Austin Hatcher Foundation has completed. The foundation is constantly looking for new car build projects and partners to continue industrial arts therapy. Anyone interested in having AHF customize their next SEMA Show build or personal vehicle, or anyone interested in donating parts, cars or financial assistance to the program can contact foundation Industrial Arts Manager Daniel Fosbinder at daniel@hatcherfoundation.org.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation incorporates automotive into the services they provide families facing pediatric cancer through their Industrial Arts Therapy Program, which includes getting the children involved in putting together cars like the coupe.
“Cars like these beautifully represent the work and therapeutic recovery from our STEAM and industrial arts program at the foundation,” said Dr. Jim Osborn, co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “The families faced with pediatric cancer are part of the assembly process, which is helpful for their recovery in many ways. And when they see the completed product, it helps build confidence in their ability, and brings a positive sense of accomplishment.”
The Gen 3 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe will go live at the end of this month on BringATrailer.com. All proceeds from the coupe will fund services at the Austin Hatcher Foundation, one of SEMA’s three official charities. The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for entire families by providing essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of a child’s diagnosis and continuing through survivorship of the family. Families of the foundation are provided with services such as mental and behavioral health therapy, cccupational therapy, neuropsych testing, family programs and more at absolutely no cost to them.
To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org.
To take an inside look and hear the story of the SATA build custom coupe, watch the foundation’s video story.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named D.J. Potter as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer. Potter is the CEO of SawTooth, a manufacturer of truck tonneau covers.
Get to know Potter in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?
D.J. Potter: I was inspired to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry because I needed a product that did not exist in the market. I created, developed and patented my own product. There are some universal problems that existing tonneau manufacturers share. If you have large cargo that sticks above the bedrails of the truck, you cannot cover it. Also, existing tonneau manufacturers void their warranty if cargo makes contact with their tonneau covers. I didn’t want a standard tonneau that lays flat and rolls up or folds up. I needed a tonneau that could stretch to cover, secure and protect cargo that sits above the bedrails. I created a new category of tonneau cover—the expandable tonneau.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?
DP: I enjoy TORA. It’s where like-minded people in the industry can share their passion and ideas. TORA has allowed me to be a part of a greater community and work to overcome common challenges facing our industry.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
DP: Whether you are new or a seasoned professional in the automotive aftermarket industry, joining a SEMA council is a great way to network and progress your career. The main advice I would give is: Get involved with SEMA. Meet new people and be known.
SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
DP: My dream truck is the F-150 Lightning. It’s the future of the pickup truck market with its raw instantaneous power. You will find me cruising the alpine mountain back roads along the Wasatch back in Northern Utah.
Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA-member updates.