The newly inaugurated SEMA Cruise—an extension of the Show that hundreds of industry professionals and Las Vegans eagerly lined up to witness—was held last Friday afternoon.

For more than a decade, 4:00 p.m. on Friday has marked “magic time,” with the Show’s numerous display vehicles forming an unofficial parade exiting the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). This year, that procession was made official. At a time when people are traditionally leaving the SEMA Show, thousands of spectators gathered at Show close last Friday to view the inaugural SEMA Cruise. Even unseasonably cold rain and gridlocked traffic couldn’t faze spectators who witnessed the best rolling car show on the planet.

Thanks to the efforts and sponsorship of Chevrolet and its Cruze, eBay Motors, UPS, Swisstrax and Mothers Polishes, the SEMA Cruise was bolstered with awards, giveaways, entertainment and even enhanced seating for the crowds who have routinely thronged to catch a glimpse of the inspiring cars, trucks and related vehicles of the world’s greatest automotive event. The parade culminated in a car show in the Gold Lot across from the LVCC. Sponsored awards, VIP interviews and continual banter served up by host Joe Sebergandio highlighted the event.

The first-ever SEMA Cruise garnered additional media coverage for the specialty-equipped vehicles—not to mention additional exposure with consumers and enthusiasts.Plans are already underway to expand the program for next year.

Check out video footage of the SEMA Cruise.

 

The newly inaugurated SEMA Cruise—an extension of the Show that hundreds of industry professionals and Las Vegans eagerly lined up to witness—was held last Friday afternoon.

For more than a decade, 4:00 p.m. on Friday has marked “magic time,” with the Show’s numerous display vehicles forming an unofficial parade exiting the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). This year, that procession was made official. At a time when people are traditionally leaving the SEMA Show, thousands of spectators gathered at Show close last Friday to view the inaugural SEMA Cruise. Even unseasonably cold rain and gridlocked traffic couldn’t faze spectators who witnessed the best rolling car show on the planet.

Thanks to the efforts and sponsorship of Chevrolet and its Cruze, eBay Motors, UPS, Swisstrax and Mothers Polishes, the SEMA Cruise was bolstered with awards, giveaways, entertainment and even enhanced seating for the crowds who have routinely thronged to catch a glimpse of the inspiring cars, trucks and related vehicles of the world’s greatest automotive event. The parade culminated in a car show in the Gold Lot across from the LVCC. Sponsored awards, VIP interviews and continual banter served up by host Joe Sebergandio highlighted the event.

The first-ever SEMA Cruise garnered additional media coverage for the specialty-equipped vehicles—not to mention additional exposure with consumers and enthusiasts.Plans are already underway to expand the program for next year.

Check out video footage of the SEMA Cruise.

	Applause filled the room as John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group took the podium to receive the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA presented John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group with the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. As a long-time SEMA member, HRIA Select Committee member and mentor to many in the industry, he received ringing applause as Banquet emcee Dave McClelland announced to a packed house, "Congratulations, John!"

McClelland also took time to highlight Menzler's contributions to the industry, making it clear that his compassion and advice helped solve problems both in his work at Comp Performance and in his numerous volunteer projects.

"(Menzler) is quick to offer advice and guidance to anyone who needs it," said McClelland. "Helping others bring their ideas alive is a common thread running through his active involvement in SEMA councils and committees and in his mentoring and volunteer work, such as during this year’s Childhelp and Victory Junction Pinewood drag race."

Menzler was clearly emotional as he made his way to the podium, while the cheers and applause continued to echo throughout the ballroom. Having been involved in the automotive aftermarket for several decades, this is not the only time Menzler’s service and volunteer efforts have been officially recognized. In 2010, he was announced as the winner of the Mentor of the Year award at the SEMA SBN Networking Breakfast, where he received the only standing ovation of the morning.

Join SEMA in congratulating the 2011 SEMA Person of the Year—John Menzler.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Person of the Year Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

	Applause filled the room as John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group took the podium to receive the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA presented John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group with the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. As a long-time SEMA member, HRIA Select Committee member and mentor to many in the industry, he received ringing applause as Banquet emcee Dave McClelland announced to a packed house, "Congratulations, John!"

McClelland also took time to highlight Menzler's contributions to the industry, making it clear that his compassion and advice helped solve problems both in his work at Comp Performance and in his numerous volunteer projects.

"(Menzler) is quick to offer advice and guidance to anyone who needs it," said McClelland. "Helping others bring their ideas alive is a common thread running through his active involvement in SEMA councils and committees and in his mentoring and volunteer work, such as during this year’s Childhelp and Victory Junction Pinewood drag race."

Menzler was clearly emotional as he made his way to the podium, while the cheers and applause continued to echo throughout the ballroom. Having been involved in the automotive aftermarket for several decades, this is not the only time Menzler’s service and volunteer efforts have been officially recognized. In 2010, he was announced as the winner of the Mentor of the Year award at the SEMA SBN Networking Breakfast, where he received the only standing ovation of the morning.

Join SEMA in congratulating the 2011 SEMA Person of the Year—John Menzler.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Person of the Year Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

	Applause filled the room as John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group took the podium to receive the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA presented John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group with the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. As a long-time SEMA member, HRIA Select Committee member and mentor to many in the industry, he received ringing applause as Banquet emcee Dave McClelland announced to a packed house, "Congratulations, John!"

McClelland also took time to highlight Menzler's contributions to the industry, making it clear that his compassion and advice helped solve problems both in his work at Comp Performance and in his numerous volunteer projects.

"(Menzler) is quick to offer advice and guidance to anyone who needs it," said McClelland. "Helping others bring their ideas alive is a common thread running through his active involvement in SEMA councils and committees and in his mentoring and volunteer work, such as during this year’s Childhelp and Victory Junction Pinewood drag race."

Menzler was clearly emotional as he made his way to the podium, while the cheers and applause continued to echo throughout the ballroom. Having been involved in the automotive aftermarket for several decades, this is not the only time Menzler’s service and volunteer efforts have been officially recognized. In 2010, he was announced as the winner of the Mentor of the Year award at the SEMA SBN Networking Breakfast, where he received the only standing ovation of the morning.

Join SEMA in congratulating the 2011 SEMA Person of the Year—John Menzler.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Person of the Year Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

	Applause filled the room as John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group took the podium to receive the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

SEMA presented John Menzler of the COMP Performance Group with the 2011 Person of the Year Award at the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. As a long-time SEMA member, HRIA Select Committee member and mentor to many in the industry, he received ringing applause as Banquet emcee Dave McClelland announced to a packed house, "Congratulations, John!"

McClelland also took time to highlight Menzler's contributions to the industry, making it clear that his compassion and advice helped solve problems both in his work at Comp Performance and in his numerous volunteer projects.

"(Menzler) is quick to offer advice and guidance to anyone who needs it," said McClelland. "Helping others bring their ideas alive is a common thread running through his active involvement in SEMA councils and committees and in his mentoring and volunteer work, such as during this year’s Childhelp and Victory Junction Pinewood drag race."

Menzler was clearly emotional as he made his way to the podium, while the cheers and applause continued to echo throughout the ballroom. Having been involved in the automotive aftermarket for several decades, this is not the only time Menzler’s service and volunteer efforts have been officially recognized. In 2010, he was announced as the winner of the Mentor of the Year award at the SEMA SBN Networking Breakfast, where he received the only standing ovation of the morning.

Join SEMA in congratulating the 2011 SEMA Person of the Year—John Menzler.

Created in 1969, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals for their distinguished service to the trade association and the specialty-equipment industry. One of SEMA's most prestigious honors, the Person of the Year Award is presented in front of thousands of industry leaders and professionals during the annual Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show.

 

The winners of the New Products Showcase Awards were announced during the New Products Breakfast held at the 2011 SEMA Show. The event recognizes the most cutting-edge automotive products either on the market or about to hit the market. Nearly 2,000 new products were submitted this year for consideration.

Criteria that ranked high on the judges’ selection for the New Products Showcase Awards included superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability.

	2011 New Product Award Winners:
	Best New Collision, Repair and Refinish Product
	Winner: Eagle Abrasives Inc., Super Assilex Runner Up: Plio Grip by Valvoline, Like90 Turbo Pad for Bumpers Runner Up: Gema, OptiFlex 2
	Best Engineered New Product
	Winner: Baer Brake Systems, Full Floating Rear End Conversion Runner Up: Aeromotive Inc., Camaro Stealth Fuel System Runner Up: Fuelab, Electronic Fuel Pressure Regulator
	Best New Exterior Accessory Product
	Winner: Cargo Ease Inc., Cargo Ramp/Brake System Runner Up: Bestop Inc., TrekStep Side Mounted Step Runner Up: Rhino-Rack USA, Roof Mounted Cargo Basket
	Best New Interior Accessory Product
	Winner: Auto Meter Products, Universal 3 Gauge Mounting Solution Runner Up: LOKAR Performance Products, Billet Aluminum Tremec Shifter Levers for the TKO 500 and TKO 600 Runner Up: Bully Dog Technologies, RAM Mounting Systems for Bully Dog GTs and WatchDogs
	Best New Merchandising Display
	Winner: MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., TechFloor Retail Display Runner Up: Flex-a-lite Consolidated, Flex-a-chill–Radiator Coolant Additive (POP) Runner Up: Access Roll-Up Covers, Access Truck Bed LED Light Display
	Best New Mobile-Electronics Product
	Winner: Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors, ESCORT Live! Runner Up: Del City, Sealed Window Crimp Connector Runner Up: Metra Electronics Corp., ASWC
	Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product
	Winner: MSD Ignition, Atomic EFI Runner Up: Daystar Products International, Can Cam Fuel and Water System Runner Up: ProRYDE Suspension Systems, SuperBLOK 3-in-1 Leaf Spring Blocks
	Best New Packaging Design
	Winner: MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., TechCare Runner Up: Auto Meter Products, Auto Meter Custom Shop Gauge Set Runner Up: Preval, vFan Portable Airbrush System
	Best New Performance-Racing Product
	Winner: COMP Performance Group, COMP Cams Sprint Car Front Drive Kit For LS Applications Runner Up: Auto Meter Products, Ultimate DL Playback Tach System Runner Up: Ace Fuel Systems, Adjustable Fuel Injector
	Best New Performance-Street Product
	Winner: SCT Performance, SCT iTSX for iPhone Runner Up: COMP Performance Group, Inglese EFI Throttle Body Insert Hidden Metal Screen Filters Runner Up: COMP Performance Group, FAST EZ-EFI Jeep 4.2L/6 Cylinder Kit
	Best New Powersports Product
	Winner: Auto Meter Products, Universal GPS Speedometer Interface Runner Up: Skyjacker Suspensions, ’10–’12 Polaris Ranger Crew Rear Winch Mount Kit Runner Up: Warn Industries Inc., 1700 XT Portable Winch
	Best New Street-Rod/Custom-Car Product
	Winner: Classic Instruments Inc., SkyDrive Runner Up: Billet Specialties Inc., Billet LS Valve Covers Runner Up: Eddie Motorsports, Billet aluminum Underhood kit for 1955–1957 Chevrolets
	Best New Tire and Related Product
	Winner: Continental Tire the Americas LLC, Continental Cross Contact LX20 Runner Up: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Discoverer A/T3 Runner Up: Continental Tire the Americas LLC, General Tire G-MAX AS-03
	Best New Tools and Equipment Product
	Winner: PH2 Solutions Inc., PH2 Validator Runner Up: Las Vegas Tool LLC, EASYPULLER by Las Vegas Tool LLC Runner Up: Schley Products/SP TOOLS, Air Hammer Ball Joint R&R Tool
	Best New Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
	Winner: EZ Connector Inc., EZS7-02 Runner Up: Daystar Products International, Shock and Steering Stabilizer Armor Runner Up: Specialty Products Co., Leaf Spring Silencer
	Best New Wheel and Related Product
	Winner: Topline Products, Verde Custom Wheels | V39–Parallax Runner Up: iForged Performance Alloys/ Forgestar Wheels, CF10 Rotary Forged Carbon Fiber Edition Runner Up: MGP Caliper Covers, MGP Caliper Covers

 

The winners of the New Products Showcase Awards were announced during the New Products Breakfast held at the 2011 SEMA Show. The event recognizes the most cutting-edge automotive products either on the market or about to hit the market. Nearly 2,000 new products were submitted this year for consideration.

Criteria that ranked high on the judges’ selection for the New Products Showcase Awards included superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability.

	2011 New Product Award Winners:
	Best New Collision, Repair and Refinish Product
	Winner: Eagle Abrasives Inc., Super Assilex Runner Up: Plio Grip by Valvoline, Like90 Turbo Pad for Bumpers Runner Up: Gema, OptiFlex 2
	Best Engineered New Product
	Winner: Baer Brake Systems, Full Floating Rear End Conversion Runner Up: Aeromotive Inc., Camaro Stealth Fuel System Runner Up: Fuelab, Electronic Fuel Pressure Regulator
	Best New Exterior Accessory Product
	Winner: Cargo Ease Inc., Cargo Ramp/Brake System Runner Up: Bestop Inc., TrekStep Side Mounted Step Runner Up: Rhino-Rack USA, Roof Mounted Cargo Basket
	Best New Interior Accessory Product
	Winner: Auto Meter Products, Universal 3 Gauge Mounting Solution Runner Up: LOKAR Performance Products, Billet Aluminum Tremec Shifter Levers for the TKO 500 and TKO 600 Runner Up: Bully Dog Technologies, RAM Mounting Systems for Bully Dog GTs and WatchDogs
	Best New Merchandising Display
	Winner: MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., TechFloor Retail Display Runner Up: Flex-a-lite Consolidated, Flex-a-chill–Radiator Coolant Additive (POP) Runner Up: Access Roll-Up Covers, Access Truck Bed LED Light Display
	Best New Mobile-Electronics Product
	Winner: Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors, ESCORT Live! Runner Up: Del City, Sealed Window Crimp Connector Runner Up: Metra Electronics Corp., ASWC
	Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product
	Winner: MSD Ignition, Atomic EFI Runner Up: Daystar Products International, Can Cam Fuel and Water System Runner Up: ProRYDE Suspension Systems, SuperBLOK 3-in-1 Leaf Spring Blocks
	Best New Packaging Design
	Winner: MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., TechCare Runner Up: Auto Meter Products, Auto Meter Custom Shop Gauge Set Runner Up: Preval, vFan Portable Airbrush System
	Best New Performance-Racing Product
	Winner: COMP Performance Group, COMP Cams Sprint Car Front Drive Kit For LS Applications Runner Up: Auto Meter Products, Ultimate DL Playback Tach System Runner Up: Ace Fuel Systems, Adjustable Fuel Injector
	Best New Performance-Street Product
	Winner: SCT Performance, SCT iTSX for iPhone Runner Up: COMP Performance Group, Inglese EFI Throttle Body Insert Hidden Metal Screen Filters Runner Up: COMP Performance Group, FAST EZ-EFI Jeep 4.2L/6 Cylinder Kit
	Best New Powersports Product
	Winner: Auto Meter Products, Universal GPS Speedometer Interface Runner Up: Skyjacker Suspensions, ’10–’12 Polaris Ranger Crew Rear Winch Mount Kit Runner Up: Warn Industries Inc., 1700 XT Portable Winch
	Best New Street-Rod/Custom-Car Product
	Winner: Classic Instruments Inc., SkyDrive Runner Up: Billet Specialties Inc., Billet LS Valve Covers Runner Up: Eddie Motorsports, Billet aluminum Underhood kit for 1955–1957 Chevrolets
	Best New Tire and Related Product
	Winner: Continental Tire the Americas LLC, Continental Cross Contact LX20 Runner Up: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Discoverer A/T3 Runner Up: Continental Tire the Americas LLC, General Tire G-MAX AS-03
	Best New Tools and Equipment Product
	Winner: PH2 Solutions Inc., PH2 Validator Runner Up: Las Vegas Tool LLC, EASYPULLER by Las Vegas Tool LLC Runner Up: Schley Products/SP TOOLS, Air Hammer Ball Joint R&R Tool
	Best New Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
	Winner: EZ Connector Inc., EZS7-02 Runner Up: Daystar Products International, Shock and Steering Stabilizer Armor Runner Up: Specialty Products Co., Leaf Spring Silencer
	Best New Wheel and Related Product
	Winner: Topline Products, Verde Custom Wheels | V39–Parallax Runner Up: iForged Performance Alloys/ Forgestar Wheels, CF10 Rotary Forged Carbon Fiber Edition Runner Up: MGP Caliper Covers, MGP Caliper Covers

 

The winners of the New Products Showcase Awards were announced during the New Products Breakfast held at the 2011 SEMA Show. The event recognizes the most cutting-edge automotive products either on the market or about to hit the market. Nearly 2,000 new products were submitted this year for consideration.

Criteria that ranked high on the judges’ selection for the New Products Showcase Awards included superiority of innovation, technical achievement, quality and workmanship, consumer appeal and marketability.

	2011 New Product Award Winners:
	Best New Collision, Repair and Refinish Product
	Winner: Eagle Abrasives Inc., Super Assilex Runner Up: Plio Grip by Valvoline, Like90 Turbo Pad for Bumpers Runner Up: Gema, OptiFlex 2
	Best Engineered New Product
	Winner: Baer Brake Systems, Full Floating Rear End Conversion Runner Up: Aeromotive Inc., Camaro Stealth Fuel System Runner Up: Fuelab, Electronic Fuel Pressure Regulator
	Best New Exterior Accessory Product
	Winner: Cargo Ease Inc., Cargo Ramp/Brake System Runner Up: Bestop Inc., TrekStep Side Mounted Step Runner Up: Rhino-Rack USA, Roof Mounted Cargo Basket
	Best New Interior Accessory Product
	Winner: Auto Meter Products, Universal 3 Gauge Mounting Solution Runner Up: LOKAR Performance Products, Billet Aluminum Tremec Shifter Levers for the TKO 500 and TKO 600 Runner Up: Bully Dog Technologies, RAM Mounting Systems for Bully Dog GTs and WatchDogs
	Best New Merchandising Display
	Winner: MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., TechFloor Retail Display Runner Up: Flex-a-lite Consolidated, Flex-a-chill–Radiator Coolant Additive (POP) Runner Up: Access Roll-Up Covers, Access Truck Bed LED Light Display
	Best New Mobile-Electronics Product
	Winner: Escort/Beltronics Radar Detectors, ESCORT Live! Runner Up: Del City, Sealed Window Crimp Connector Runner Up: Metra Electronics Corp., ASWC
	Best New Off-Road/4-Wheel Drive Product
	Winner: MSD Ignition, Atomic EFI Runner Up: Daystar Products International, Can Cam Fuel and Water System Runner Up: ProRYDE Suspension Systems, SuperBLOK 3-in-1 Leaf Spring Blocks
	Best New Packaging Design
	Winner: MacNeil Automotive Products Ltd., TechCare Runner Up: Auto Meter Products, Auto Meter Custom Shop Gauge Set Runner Up: Preval, vFan Portable Airbrush System
	Best New Performance-Racing Product
	Winner: COMP Performance Group, COMP Cams Sprint Car Front Drive Kit For LS Applications Runner Up: Auto Meter Products, Ultimate DL Playback Tach System Runner Up: Ace Fuel Systems, Adjustable Fuel Injector
	Best New Performance-Street Product
	Winner: SCT Performance, SCT iTSX for iPhone Runner Up: COMP Performance Group, Inglese EFI Throttle Body Insert Hidden Metal Screen Filters Runner Up: COMP Performance Group, FAST EZ-EFI Jeep 4.2L/6 Cylinder Kit
	Best New Powersports Product
	Winner: Auto Meter Products, Universal GPS Speedometer Interface Runner Up: Skyjacker Suspensions, ’10–’12 Polaris Ranger Crew Rear Winch Mount Kit Runner Up: Warn Industries Inc., 1700 XT Portable Winch
	Best New Street-Rod/Custom-Car Product
	Winner: Classic Instruments Inc., SkyDrive Runner Up: Billet Specialties Inc., Billet LS Valve Covers Runner Up: Eddie Motorsports, Billet aluminum Underhood kit for 1955–1957 Chevrolets
	Best New Tire and Related Product
	Winner: Continental Tire the Americas LLC, Continental Cross Contact LX20 Runner Up: Cooper Tire & Rubber Co., Discoverer A/T3 Runner Up: Continental Tire the Americas LLC, General Tire G-MAX AS-03
	Best New Tools and Equipment Product
	Winner: PH2 Solutions Inc., PH2 Validator Runner Up: Las Vegas Tool LLC, EASYPULLER by Las Vegas Tool LLC Runner Up: Schley Products/SP TOOLS, Air Hammer Ball Joint R&R Tool
	Best New Van/Pickup/Sport-Utility Product
	Winner: EZ Connector Inc., EZS7-02 Runner Up: Daystar Products International, Shock and Steering Stabilizer Armor Runner Up: Specialty Products Co., Leaf Spring Silencer
	Best New Wheel and Related Product
	Winner: Topline Products, Verde Custom Wheels | V39–Parallax Runner Up: iForged Performance Alloys/ Forgestar Wheels, CF10 Rotary Forged Carbon Fiber Edition Runner Up: MGP Caliper Covers, MGP Caliper Covers

	Dan R. Gresham of Coutant Capital received the prestigious Chairman's Service Award at the 2011 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas.

Each year, the SEMA Chairman of the Board has the opportunity to present the Chairman’s Service award to one outstanding individual. That prerogative, however, is not necessarily acted on annually, making the award especially prestigious.

At the 2011 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet in Las Vegas, SEMA Chairman Paul "Scooter" Brothers explained the honor he felt in presenting the Chairman's Service Award to Daniel R. Gresham.

"My choice for this award is a man who’s been invaluable to me, SEMA and the industry as a whole," said Brothers. "His wisdom and guidance have helped with huge SEMA projects, such as the Data Pool, as well as some exciting future SEMA initiatives, so his outstanding service is not over yet."

Brothers went on to note that Gresham's commitment to SEMA and the industry had gotten in the way of retirement. "He thought he had retired to spend more time with his wife and take some exotic motorcycle trips to such places as Argentina and Siberia, but we stole him away and dragged him back into service," explained Brothers.

Concluding his remarks and welcoming Gresham to the stage, Brothers invoked a challenge, "My personal task for the rest of this year is to convince him, and more importantly his wife, to serve another year."

Gresham has more than 30 years of management and investing experience. He earned a BA in economics from Davidson College in 1968 and served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Vietnam. He then obtained his MBA from Tulane University in 1973.

After leaving graduate school Gresham joined Allied Signal where he worked as a financial analyst for two years. From there he moved to Continental Can Co., where he served in a variety of staff and operating positions.

In 1987 Gresham and the previous chairman of Continental formed a leveraged buyout firm, New Canaan Investments, and made a series of investments both in the United States and Europe. In 1996, Gresham and his partners at NCI joined with Fremont Partners in the acquisition of Kerr Group, Inc., a publicly-traded specialty plastic closure company.

Following his work on Kerr with Fremont in 1996, Gresham and his partners purchased Dynojet Research Inc., where he assumed the role of CEO. Dynojet has a large presence in the motorcycle aftermarket parts industry as well as the automotive aftermarket as a developer of diagnostic performance testing equipment.

In 2000, Dynojet was sold and Gresham retired to his home on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. In early 2004, he failed retirement and reentered the performance world. He and his new partners purchased MSD Ignition where he currently serves as CEO. Gresham has been married to Judy for 39 years, and the couple has a son who is a Navy F-18 pilot.

Join SEMA in congratulating the recipient of the prestigious Chairman's Service Award—Dan Gresham.