By Ashley Reyes

TC Olsen is the SEMA Young Executives Network’s (YEN) newest spotlight member. Olsen is the director of talent acquisition at LKQ Corporation, a provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles. Get to know what keeps him in the industry in his interview with SEMA, below.

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

TC Olsen: It's more of a guiding principle: "Good, Better, Best. Don't ever let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best." I've whispered that saying to myself thousands of times, especially when facing adversity.

SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?

TO: I grew up in an automotive family that consisted of many "backyard mechanics." I have a level of respect for the automotive industry as a whole, which stems from many childhood memories under a hood, climbing through a salvaged vehicle and running through the pits of dirt tracks.

I see the generational gap growing as more automotive professionals are pulled into other industries due to the lack of education, awareness, and support. I feel we need to protect the future of the industry by driving awareness and involvement during the early education of our youth.

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

TO: You can find me coaching. I have a passion for coaching youth sports. I've been coaching youth sports for almost 10 years.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

TO: I research, plan, establish visuals, rehearse, and execute.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?

TO: I would go to lunch with Elon Musk. I'd be interested to hear his strategy on revolutionizing the industry and understand where he sees it going in the next 5-10 years.

If you are a current YEN member, fill out a YEN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on YEN’s social media, SEMA eNews and YEN-member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

Dennis Michael is the latest SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) member to share his insight on how his company pivoted during the pandemic and utilized technology to keep business moving forward.

Michael is the owner of Holeshot Brandworks, an branding agency that works with aftermarket companies.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?  

Dennis Michael: It has given us time to write our book The Automotive Branding Guide.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?

DM: We have leaned on social media and zoom. 

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

DM: Membership and subscription sites are growing in popularity. Finding greater meaning and belonging is being sought after not only by consumers but business owners as well. Quality over quantity is trending in consumer buying habits. Social media is being leaned on quite a bit for marketing. Authentic voices and content are being developed.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

DM: Remote working or hybrid models will become normal. Zoom meetings between client and contractor are now perfectly ok to conduct. Listening will need to be relearned by many as well as basic social skills.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You may also be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By Kyle Cheng

After a disruptive 2020, the U.S. economy continues to show resilience and appears set for strong economic growth for the rest of 2021. Demand remains high as consumers are shopping more and returning to normal life. Both the current and long-term outlook are positive.

Despite this, challenges remain. Supply issues are limiting production for some sectors, which is driving up prices for consumers. It’s also straining sales for some products, as inventories can’t keep up with demand. This is especially true for the automotive industry. New vehicle sales hit record highs in April but declined in May as dealers couldn’t keep up with the demand. While economists expect these supply issues and price increases to be short-term, it will be an important metric to monitor in the coming year.

Want to learn more about the economic factors shaping our industry? Download the new June Industry Indicators report today at www.sema.org/research.

Also from SEMA Market Research:

Want to learn more about the state of the industry from companies within it? Download the new “SEMA State of the Industry—Spring 2021” report today at www.sema.org/research.

By Della Domingo

Applications are now available for exhibitors of the 2021 SEMA Show to host a press conference here. While a press conference is not ideal for every exhibitor, it can be effective for those who have an announcement that appeals to a large number of media.

Here are some important tips to consider before applying:

Be Detailed on the Application

Press conferences are scheduled based on information on the application. Include detailed information about the press conference and clearly indicate your day and time preferences. Also note if there are factors that should be considered when assigning a date or time (such as a presenter’s limited availability).

Apply Before the Deadline

All applications are due Friday, August 6. The schedule is created shortly after the deadline. Once the schedule is created, it’s difficult—if not impossible—to add to the schedule.

Confirm Your Application Was Received

Exhibitors will receive a confirmation email automatically after the application is submitted. If a confirmation email is not received, there may be technical problems and the application may not have gone through successfully. Exhibitors who do not receive the confirmation email should follow up with pr@sema.org.

Look For Your Update in Late-August

All exhibitors who applied for a press conference will be notified of the status of their application in late-August. Exhibitors will be required to respond to the notification to confirm the assigned day and time.

Plan To Promote Your Press Conference

While SEMA promotes the official press conference schedule to all media, exhibitors should plan on promoting their own press conferences. There is no guarantee that media will attend all press conferences and historically there is a direct correlation between the amount of outreach an exhibitor makes to the number of media who attend a press conference. Exhibitors should be targeted in their outreach and communicate to media who are in their market segment.

Consider Alternatives to A Press Conference

Press conferences require a great deal of time and planning, yet media may not be able to attend. Media often prefer flexibility and may be more likely to cover your news if you provide it to them in advance. Consider offering the media embargos to release news on a specific day and time, instead of requiring that they attend a press conference at a specific day and time. Also consider posting SEMA Show press releases in the Online Media Center prior to the Show, giving media the opportunity to search for relevant news in their product category.

Reach out to the pr team at pr@sema.org to learn more about SEMA Show press conferences and other media resources.

By Ashley Reyes

Regarded by many as the industry’s top awards, the SEMA Industry Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the specialty-equipment industry over a year-long period and are presented in front of thousands at the Industry Awards Banquet at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The SEMA Industry Awards include awards for:

• Person of the Year
• Warehouse Distributor of the Year
• Manufacturer of the Year
• Gen-III Innovator of the Year

To nominate an honoree or learn more about the program, visit sema.org/awards, or contact Lindsay Bianco at lindsayb@sema.org.  

Nominations close Friday, July 23.

By Ashley Reyes

As aftermarket businesses and the economy begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses must stay informed about trends that have changed and where the most opportunities can be found for various aftermarket segments.  

Available now for download at www.sema.org/research, the 2021 SEMA Market Report provides an overview on the state of the U.S. specialty-equipment market and examines how consumers and business adapted to the pandemic, along with how much was spent, and where, on specialty-automotive parts and accessories in 2020. It also examines how consumers and businesses adapted to the extraordinary events of 2020, along with how easing restrictions and continued economic recovery may affect the industry over the next couple of years.    

During a live webinar on July 20 at 11:00 a.m. PDT, SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp and Market Research Manager Matt Kennedy will present highlights from the recently released report - which can help companies better navigate the industry landscape and opportunities moving forward, and ultimately help grow their business.  

Visit www.sema.org/research to download the report.   

Click here to register for the webinar.

By Ashley Reyes

With an expanded prize package and increased benefits to applicants, the 9th annual SEMA Launch Pad competition included a record-high number of applications from entrepreneurs of new automotive-related products. At 181, the number surpasses the previous high of 120 applications.

“Based on interest in the SEMA Launch Pad, innovation and creativity in the industry are stronger than ever” said Ted Wentz, SEMA Board Member and Chair of the SEMA Launch Pad Task Force. “Not only did we receive more applications than ever before, but the quality of the applications is impressive. The products represent such a variety and spectrum of items that support vehicle customization.”

Fifteen applicants have been selected as semi-finalists and will advance to the next round. The applicants will be narrowed down further, down to five finalists who will pitch their business ideas at the 2021 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. There, a panel of judges will select three winners to receive cash prizes in the amount of $5,000, $20,000, and $75,000 to be used for the benefit of their business.

The 2021 SEMA Launch Pad Semi-finalists are:

Cameron Crummie, Owner, MDV
Product: Guard – Modular LED Bluetooth-controlled brush guard for trucks and SUVs.

Adam Gruener, CEO, Off Road In Mind
Product: RGB-Recovery Gear Box – Can be used for recovery gear, emergency gear, or for any other storage needs and is typically attached to a spare tire on the back of a vehicle.

Jonathan Hurley, Owner, ToolBox Widget
Product: ToolBox Widget – Modular tool organizers that allow a mechanic to connect as many tool organizers together as needed, making them customizable to the mechanic.

Monika Kalenski, President and CEO, MEK Magnet
Product: Printed side body protection paneling utilizing nano-hold technology to stick to aluminum and non-metal vehicles. Protects vehicles from scrapes and scratches when off-roading while adding style with printed graphics.

Brendan McGrath, CEO, Dyme Performance Systems Inc.
Product: Rattlesnake Toolkit – Toolkit that can measure the exact length and angle of a hose assembly down to the millimeter, significantly reducing time and cost.

Robert McKeirnan, President and Managing Partner, Stratos Meccanica LLC
Product: Strada and Corsa Concealed Quick Disconnect Interface – Concealed interface for mounting a license plate to the front of a vehicle. Does not require having to drill holes into the front bumper and does not require tools to remove once installed.

D.J. Potter, CEO, Sawtooth
Product: Sawtooth STRETCH Tonneau Cover and Sawtooth SURFBOARD Cartop Carrier – Tonneau that loads, secures, and protects cargo taller than the pickup truck bed walls.

Alan Reyes, Co-founder and President, Xtrusion Designs LLC
Product: Modular Cargo Bedracks – Modular cargo solution that allows the usage of T-Slot aluminum profiles as its main component, allowing a complete customizable platform for the end user.

Kevin Robinson, President, TRAC LLC
The TRAC Tire Rotation Assistance Cart is a tool designed to simply lift and remove a wheel from a vehicle during service. The tool is designed to reduce workplace injuries while increasing productivity.

Paul Rooprai, CEO, AutoBio LLC
Product: AutoBio Tags – 2.5-inch round cling that goes inside the windshield and is embedded with technology (QR & NFC) that serves as a portal to a car's story and is scannable with a smartphone.

Michael Ruhs, Co-founder and CEO, TailHand
Product: TailHand – Customizable platform and accessories system that mounts directly to most pickup truck tailgates, providing an “extra hand” for securing tools and raw materials, transforming a tailgate into a versatile mobile-workstation.

Tom Sawarynski, Owner, Off-Road Research
Product: Smart Cap Module (SCM) – Allows any aftermarket shock absorber with a bridge or remote mounted reservoir to broadcast damper position to an external module or modules.

Michael Sullivan, Owner, Fox Products LLC
Product: RaZorTop Retractable Cap – Roll open tonneau cover that raises up to a full-size cap when needed and retracts by the press of a button on a wireless remote control.

Edward Tansingco, President, Thinskinz
Product: Thinskinz Door Protectors – Removable, hard plastic interior door panel protectors that snap onto OEM interior door panels without fasteners or adhesives to protect doors against damage from objects or pets inside the vehicle.

Dustin Woolf, Owner, Woolfpack Racing
Product: Natural Nitrous – Stand-alone refrigerated system for the air induction of the motor. It lowers the air charge and dehumidifies the moisture which increases horsepower because there are dense oxygen atoms in the cylinder. It also lowers emissions because of the complete burn of the fuel.

To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad and each of the 15 semi-finalists, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

By Ashley Reyes

Worrying about how much money you make or what your job title is may be preventing you from greater success. Instead, Shannon Welch of “Hey Shannon Quick Question” recommends focusing on becoming valuable. If there is value, success will naturally follow.   

Hear about Welch’s career journey and how she’s discovered her value during the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Facebook Live Chat on July 7, at 12:00 p.m. PT. 

Welch will share what she has learned about creating value to attract success and how others can shift their mindset from being busy to being valuable  

Location: SBN Facebook page  

Recent photos of an all-new Ford Bronco prototype reveal a set of orange cables wrapping the frame underneath the front passenger side, which could indicate that its a hybrid. Also, the vehicle was on its way to the Ford Test Laboratory, where the automaker does EPA testing for new powertrain setups.

The roof of the heavily camouflaged prototype could be hiding a roof-mounted camper, or a set of solar panels that may combine with the ProPower onboard generator.

Also worth noting is the snorkel on the passenger-side A-pillar, along with a set of skinny tires and a front fascia with incongruent intakes.

SEMA eNews highlights new products from industry companies each week. To have your product considered for upcoming issues, send product press releases to editors@sema.org.

BOLT Locks
'21 Ford F-150 Pickups With Center-Cut Key

Owners of the '21 Ford F-150 pickup can now take advantage of the added security and convenience of BOLT Locks. The weatherproof and durable line of BOLT locks for Ford’s recently redesigned light truck are compatible with the model’s center-cut keys and add an extra layer of protection when securing trailers as well as valuable gear. The ease of using the truck’s ignition key in a variety of BOLT Lock applications streamlines vehicle security for F-150 owners, whether using their truck for work, sport or family fun.

BOLT Lock’s patented one-key lock technology eliminates the need for a key ring full of keys to operate each different lock. Once the ignition key is inserted into the BOLT lock cylinder, spring-loaded plate tumblers are moved into alignment, making the cylinder coded to only that key. The cylinder becomes locked when the key is removed for superior defense against tampering or theft.

BOLT’s “Breakthrough One-Key Lock Technology” is available in a 5/8” Receiver Lock (Part 7040474), Coupler Pin Lock (Part 7040481), Padlock (Part 7040469), Cable Lock (Part 7040476), Off Vehicle Coupler Lock (Part 7040477), Locking Recovery Hook (Part 7040482) as well as a separate Lock Cylinder (Part 7039770).

www.boltlock.com

Go Rhino
Suite of Side Steps for New '21 Ford Bronco

Go Rhino is proud to announce the availability of side steps and running boards for the new full-size, 4-door 2021 Ford Bronco SUV, including the popular RB running boards. The aggressive, cab-length design of the RB10 and RB20 boards and choice of finish (textured black powder coat or rugged bedlliner coating) make it Go Rhino’s perennial bestseller.

The Dominator Xtreme series features clean lines, modern styling and punched, galvanized step plates that can be painted for increased customization. The D1 features a single, full-length, drop-down step that allows users to access raised vehicles and provides rocker panel protection. The D2 features two hoop steps to make entry and exit easy. The Dominator Xtreme D6, DS and DSS are sliders with a full-length outer rub rail. The D6 features a 6-inch wide step area for greater stability and grip; the DS has two step plates that can be mounted in different locations; and the DSS is a traditional slider with a single full-length step plate that can be removed for off-roading.

Go Rhino’s classic OE Xtreme and 1000 Series are also available for the Ford Bronco. These include the 4- and 5-inch oval steps and the 5-inch low profile steps in textured black powder coat or polished steel.

www.gorhino.com

Steele Rubber Products
Nissan 300ZX Weatherstripping, Seals, Hood to Cowl and Hood to Radiator Parts

Steele Rubber Products now offers an extended product line for the 1990-96 Nissan 300ZX. This line includes weatherstripping and seals for T-tops, trunks, hood to cowl and hood to radiator parts.

Steele Rubber Products is a family owned business and a well-known name in the automotive restoration industry. For more than 60 years, Steele Rubber has been manufacturing high-quality weatherstripping for classic cars, trucks and hot rods, and they continue to make hard-to-find components for auto enthusiasts.

• Hood to Radiator Seal #70-4524-43
• Hood to Cowl Seal #70-4533-43
• T-top Side Weatherstrip- Coupe Only #70-4525-68
• T-top Main Weatherstrip- Coupe Only #70-4526-68
• T-top Side Weatherstrip- 2+2 Only #70-4527-68
• Trunk Weatherstrip- Coupe Only #70-4528-85
• Trunk Weatherstrip- 2+2 Only #70-4529-85

Features and benefits:

• Designed from factory originals and made specifically for 1990-96 Nissan 300ZX cars.
• Seals are fully molded so they look and fit just like the originals.
• Made from high quality EPDM rubber which has higher ozone and UV resistance and better overall performance than original rubber.
• 100% satisfaction guarantee.

www.steelerubber.com/automotive

Continental
Expanded Analog and CAN Radio Platforms

Continental has expanded its single DIN radio line with advanced radio platforms engineered to deliver exceptional sound quality, style, and functionality.

Continental radios are built for durability and reliability under rugged use and vibration and are designed for easy installation on small and medium trucks, agricultural and construction equipment, off highway vehicles, buses and motorcoaches, recreational vehicles, campers, and trailers.

Continental offers both analog and CAN platforms for 12V and 24V applications. The radios are available with a variety of different feature options, including AM/FM Worldwide RDS-Receiver, DAB tuner, Bluetooth, MP3/WMA playback, CD player, USB, mix audio input, 30-day clock, non-volatile memory for settings and sound presets, ISO 104787 connector, and additional auxiliary inputs.

OE and retrofit applications
For OE and retrofit, the innovative CAN designs offer a systems approach that allows for perfect integration with vehicle controls and other HMI devices via CAN J1939. With display or Black box version, the units allow for use with steering wheel or armrest controls, integration with existing displays, and Bluetooth capability.

Aftermarket replacement or upgrade
The functional design and exceptional sound quality of Continental’s analog models make them an ideal choice for replacement or upgrade in any aftermarket application. The radios are designed with an intuitive interface, along with large buttons and turn keys with grip for ease of use and straightforward access to a sophisticated range of functionality and user features.

Speakers and antennas
Continental offers a wide range of AM/FM antennas for roof or windscreen mounting, along with various lengths of extension cables from 1.5 to 2.8 m and adapters for wide application coverage. Continental’s speaker line is designed to provide excellent and consistently dynamic sound quality with all Continental radios in a wide variety of applications. The speakers are available in 100mm and 130mm diameter sizes and sold as pairs with grilles.

www.continental.com/en

Aeromotive
Low Profile In-Tank Brushless Fuel Pumps

Aeromotive has announced that all Brushless In-Tank Fuel Pumps are now available with an optional 90-degree outlet port for improved clearance of the top hat without restricting fuel flow.

The new 90-degree option is available for every Aeromotive Brushless In-Tank Fuel Pump including the A1000, Eliminator, and Spur Gear 3.5, 5.0, 7.0 or 10.0 pumps. The overall height of the pump with the 90-degree outlet has been reduced by three inches over traditional pumps plumbed with a 90-degree hose fitting, measuring at just 11-1/2 inches in height from the bottom of the cell to the top of the pump outlet port, and eliminates the need for an additional 90-degree hose fitting from the top of the pump (outlet). The 90-dregree outlet fuel pumps are available as a direct drop-in or pre-installed in a 6-, 10-, 15- or 20-gallon Aeromotive fuel cell.

Every Brushless Fuel Pump comes with a remote fuel pump controller with Aeromotive’s True Variable Speed (TVS) technology. The TVS Controller decreases fuel pump speed during low-load, light-throttle periods, reducing current draw and pump cycle rate which results in cooler fuel temperatures and improved fueling system efficiency.

www.aeromotiveInc.com