By SEMA Editors

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

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

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.

Outbound Salesperson
SureDone Inc. is hiring an outbound salesperson to find new mid-market customers who are the right fit for the company’s solution. Candidates should have solid experience selling to the automotive, motorsports and/or powersports parts and accessories industry.

Media Planner/Buyer
4 Wheel Parts (4WP) is hiring a media planner/buyer to shape and execute effective advertising campaigns. This role is responsible for identifying and reaching target audiences and evaluating campaign success. Your goal will be to optimize the 4WP media marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness and help achieve business goals. To succeed in this role, you need to be a skilled communicator and decision maker who can collaborate well with various teams. Knowledge of the automotive market and a willingness to follow/lead media trends are essential for the success of the position.

E-commerce Specialist
COMP Performance Group is hiring an e-commerce specialist to develop and provide overall technical solutions and rich user experiences leveraging the Magento Commerce platform for both B2C and B2B channels. This person is expected to actively participate in various software development stages, including design, development, testing, implementation and maintenance. Some daily roles could include owning best practices, running site promotions, updating product listings, and collaborating with marketing teams to drive traffic and web sales. Candidates should have three years of e-commerce experience supporting corporate sites through Magento 2.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• AirSept
• American Powertrain
• Edge Products
• Howell EFI
• Martin & Co. Advertising
• Retrax
• Rigid Industries
• Stage 8
• Voodoo 13
• ZROADZ

SEMA Member News—July 2021

ETTN Seeks Volunteers

Providing programs and educational offerings are essential elements of the mission statement for the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN). From in-person Lunch ’N’ Learn events and virtual meetings to Live Chats, Member Insights, the Student Competition and Vehicle Sharing Programs, ETTN offers a menu of resources, but few would exist if it weren’t for volunteers. While the select committee initiates and implements the various programs, it takes a collaborative effort that relies on member input and participation.

“As a select committee, we want more interaction with our members and to offer more opportunities to encourage engagement,” said Ian Lehn, the network’s outgoing chair. “We’re looking for volunteers to be on task forces and work groups to help with the heavy lifting and bring fresh ideas. This is your opportunity to get involved.”

As an example, Lehn cited the Student Competition Program made a shift this year. For the first time, ETTN collaborated with the Society of Automotive Engineers to provide a contingent of network members who volunteered to serve as judges. Though races were on hold at press time, students presented their business and design projects under the SAE banner.

“These kids are excited to be part of our industry, and we were excited to engage with the students and universities to further build that pipeline of innovation into our industry,” Lehn said. “Getting our members involved was huge.”

Call to Action

New initiatives are also in the pipeline.

“Our educational Live Chat series received such high marks from our membership that we would love to create more educational events and develop programs whereby our membership doesn’t just hear about things but gets involved hands-on,” Lehn said.

The new ETTN Symposium Subcommittee will focus on creating an event that will combine product features and an educational component. The Symposium Committee is looking at several resource options to ensure members are utilizing the resources provided by SEMA to benefit their company.” The concept for symposium’s format is based on the MPMC presented by the Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council.

“The symposium will utilize the trade conference platform, but instead of media attendees, we’ll have technology services,” Lehn said. “That will enable ETTN-member companies to engage with tech services that can assist in developing new products and technologies. We’re super excited about this new program.

“We’ve got a lot of new things happening and need our members to get involved. If you’ve ever been interested in volunteering or in being part of the select committee, this is your opportunity to make your mark on the industry.”

This program is still being considered by the Committee will be reviewed by the Board of Directors in the near future.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, email Council Director Nicole Bradle at nicoleb@sema.org, or call 909-323-2149.

By Jay Carpio, Fredy Ramirez & Carr Winn

“Carr Parts” is dedicated to builders. It’s about quick tips and tricks and the newest must-have products. It’s about visiting with a fellow builder, walking around their project and getting an up-close look at their handiwork. It's also about our industry sharing their passion for turning a wrench and taking time to give advice to fellow gearheads. Episode 11 features Bryan Brown, sharing the top three questions he gets on social media about LS swaps.

For more information about other talented young builders, visit SEMA's Young Guns at www.semayoungguns.com.

SEMA’s video team is currently in production on future episodes of “Carr Parts“ and we’d love to hear from you. Do you have a tip, trick or advice you can share with our audience? Drop us a note on social via @SEMA_Association and we’ll connect with you.

We can't wait to find the next guest for “Carr Parts.” And finally...keep building.

SEMA Member News—July 2021

On the Road With TORA

Leading up to 2020, the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) planned to host regional events at enthusiast and trade shows. Though TORA held a networking reception at the January 2020 King of the Hammers event in Johnson Valley, California—and an informal gathering at the Detroit 4Fest in mid-September—the pandemic put the kibosh on other plans.

With restrictions loosening and a yearning for the great outdoors, TORA is hitting the trail. For starters, TORA teamed with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the Young Executives Network (YEN) to co-host a mixer at the Keystone Big Show in Dallas. As the first aftermarket trade venue since the pandemic onset, the event was highly anticipated.

“The show was good,” said Troy Wirtz, incoming TORA chair. “Attendance was reduced, but we expected that. Canadians couldn’t come, which made a big difference, but the conversations we had were good—lots of optimism in the air. As an exhibitor, it was definitely worth being there.”

Partnering with the SBN and YEN was also worthwhile.

“The reception was great, very well received,” Wirtz added. “Turnout was great. There were 85 attendees. Everyone loved the idea of being together in person.”

To connect with buyers during show hours, TORA had a booth staffed by SEMA Council Director Denise Waddingham and select committee members.

“It gave us an opportunity talk to jobbers and create awareness about TORA, to let them know we’re their voice within SEMA,” said Wirtz, and it paid off. “We got three new members, but even if we hadn’t, it would’ve been worthwhile.”

The Road Ahead

Next up was the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The council organized a trail ride and hosted a reception at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive, which held an off-road show in lieu of the cancelled Vendor Expo.

Other events under consideration include the Northwest Overland Rally, slated for mid-June in Plain, Washington, and the Overland Expo in Flagstaff, Arizona, in September.

“Our goal is to have six regional events this year, some still in the planning stages,” Wirtz said. “Being able to host these events is a great way to bring our community together, whether it’s new people who want to learn more about our council or our members who are there to network and support TORA.”

TORA council members met with SBN and YEN network members at a mixer during the Keystone Big Show in Dallas.

SEMA Member News—July 2021

YEN Pushing Forward With Networking and Leadership Programs

Much is happening within the Young Executives Network (YEN). In March, YEN hosted a joint reception with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network and the Truck & Off-Road Alliance during the Keystone Big Show.

“This was the first time YEN was part of a networking event at the Big Show,” said Kirstin Stone, YEN immediate past chair. “Being the first trade show since everything shut down, it was exciting. Turnout was amazing. I’ve never seen such enthusiasm. For a group as community-focused as YEN, we were sorely missing the camaraderie.”

In other news, the SEMA Launch Pad competition, powered by YEN, has undergone significant changes, including a prize package now valued up to $92,000. Eligibility has been opened to anyone 18 or older, eliminating the age-40 cutoff. All but the finale will be prerecorded, much like SEMA360.

“This is a much bigger deal than it’s ever been,” Stone said. “With changes to the prize package and eligibility, it’s our hope that the program attracts a much broader pool of applicants. We’re excited that the finale will take place live at the SEMA Show.”

For more details, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

Partnering With Dale Carnegie

A year ago, Nick Caloroso was hired by The Retrofit Source. His boss promptly enrolled him in a two-week professional-development course presented by Dale Carnegie, renowned for professional and leadership training. It was a life-changing experience.

“I was inspired by the course,” said Caloroso, the newly installed YEN chair. “To have someone invest in my professional development was huge.” He thought it could fall in line with a leadership-development concept the select committee was considering. The members agreed, and YEN’s proposal to team up with Dale Carnegie gained traction with the SEMA Board and staff. YEN hosted a Focus Group in April, providing SEMA staff, Board members, YEN select committee members and YEN members at-large an opportunity to experience the value of the Dale Carnegie program firsthand.

Participants took part in practice exercises and discussed the priorities they would like to offer YEN members through a leadership and professional development program. With input from participants, Dale Carnegie developed a proposed Leadership/Professional Development program for YEN members. YEN and SEMA staff are now reviewing the information and preparing a proposal for a YEN Professional Development program to be reviewed by the SEMA Board of Directors.

Pending approval, the program will open applications for up to 25 YEN members to participate, and focus on providing them with leadership abilities, tools for communication and skills for success.

By SEMA Editors

Kevan Morris, executive vice president for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. and consumer-electronics industry veteran passed away on Saturday, June 26.

A well-respected and cherished member of the Pioneer family, Kevan’s affiliation with Pioneer began in 1984.  While working at Pacific Stereo selling car stereo components directly to consumers, he was recruited into the role of Product Specialist at NLS Marketing, a rep firm in Bellevue, Washington, selling Pioneer car electronics to retailers throughout Washington state.

In August 1986, Kevan officially joined Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. as a District Sales Manager covering car electronics in the Pacific Northwest territory.  In the 35 years since, Kevan quickly ascended the ranks of Pioneer and held numerous sales and management positions related to Pioneer’s car electronics, home electronics, and television businesses, culminating as executive vice president, a position in which he served with distinction since May 2011.   

The entire Pioneer global family mourns the loss of such an outstanding leader, teammate, and friend. 

By Ashley Reyes

Register now for the following upcoming live webinars, and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of upcoming live and on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit httpshttps://www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, July 7 - SBN Live Chat featuring Shannon Welch

Track: Industry Talks

Stop worrying if you are good enough or smart enough, and focus instead on being valuable. Join Shannon Welch during this Facebook Live Chat hosted by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, when Welch shares her personal career journey that will inspire and motivate others to discover their value. As former communications director at ULTRA4 Racing and founder of “Hey Shannon Quick Question,” Welch has firsthand experience about the path to success.

Location: SBN Facebook page

Wednesday, July 14 – ADAS Technologies: How to Navigate Product Development

Series: ADAS Webinar Series

Hear about real-world situations and case studies from leading aftermarket manufacturers that have successfully developed and launched products for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Participants will learn the steps companies have taken to understand ADAS and how to design compatible parts and validate the functionality of all OEM features. This is a great opportunity to learn from companies that have firsthand ADAS experience.

Register here.

Newly Added: Tuesday, July 20 – 2021 Market Report Webinar

Series: SEMA Industry Insight Series

During this live webinar, the SEMA Market Research team will present highlights from the recently released 2021 SEMA Market Report. The presentation will feature key trends and insights on industry sales, consumer behavior, trends, and more, and offer information on the specialty-equipment market that can help businesses understand how 2020 affected the industry and where the current opportunities are.

Register here.

Wednesday, July 21 – YEN Live Chat featuring Jim Liaw

Track: Industry Talks

Here’s your chance to chat with Jim Liaw, co-founder of Formula Drift. During this Live Chat presented by the SEMA Young Executives Network, attendees will be able to ask about how the premier United States drifting series came to be, what other motorsports events he’s helped organize, and what he was thinking when the first Formula Drift event debuted to a sell-out crowd of 10,000 in 2003—causing traffic jams on the streets outside the track and culture shock to those in the stands. You’ll also be able to find out what he has planned for 2021 and why he supports the RPM Act.

Location: YEN Facebook page

Thursday, July 22 – How to Keep Productivity at a Maximum

Series: Team Management Series, powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Having a long to-do list can feel overwhelming, and oftentimes, it can be a struggle to even know where to start. During this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, managers and supervisors will learn solid tips and habits for increasing productivity throughout the day, how to identify and avoid challenges that impede productivity, and various goal-setting methods for effectively managing time.

Register here.

Tuesday, July 27 – Effectively Managing Conflict

Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, powered by SBN

Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks

Knowing how to manage conflict can save a team from unnecessary work disruptions, decreased productivity, project failure, and even termination. During this webinar presented by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network, employees and managers will learn common methods for how to manage challenging situations, whether it be manager to employee, employee to employee, manager to manager, or manager to supervisor.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA member SATA, the German spray company, is making it possible for pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their families to take part in an exciting vehicle build. Through the Austin Hatcher Foundation (a SEMA Cares charity), patients and families in the STEM-based Industrial Arts Education/Therapy program take part in hands-on “shop-style” classes as a way to improve their quality of life.

SATA is funding a Factory Five Daytona Coupe that will be customized by the patients and their families, then displayed at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, before being auctioned to raise funds for the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares unites the industry in its efforts to support organizations making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. SEMA Cares raises funds throughout the year and donates to approved charities, including the Austin Hatcher Foundation.

To learn more about the SEMA Cares mission and how to get involved, visit www.sema.org/sema-cares.