By Ashley Reyes

New video interviews of the 2020 YEN Vanguard Award winner and YEN Young Executive of the Year is available on the Young Executives Network’s (YEN) SEMA360 Showcase.

YEN Vanguard Award

Brian Reese, The Retrofit Source, is this year’s SEMA Vanguard Award winner—an honor given to an individual, business or organization that has positively impacted a young executive’s career within the automotive industry.  

As the CEO of a disruptive business in the aftermarket, Reese understands the importance of helping the next generation of leaders to grow, and fosters opportunities for mentorship in his day-to-day activities by dedicating time to share his knowledge and insights with younger employees and industry leaders. Throughout his career, he has helped advance business operations for notable aftermarket brands. Reese is a dedicated SEMA volunteer who often heads up strategic initiatives and allows and encourages his employees to volunteer in order to better themselves, the company and the industry at large.

YEN Young Executive of the Year Award

Thomas Harrell, AllPro Distributing, is this year’s YEN Young Executive of the Year winner.

Presented to an individual who has made a positive impact on the industry, SEMA YEN Young Executive of the Year is awarded to a YEN member who has demonstrated exceptional service, integrity, professional growth and business ethics.

In addition to successfully leading the integration of Weathers Auto Supply into AllPro distributing’s distribution network, Harrell has expanded into new markets and strengthened the company’s presence through joining the AAM group.

SEMA360 participants are invited to watch new video interviews of the award winners by visiting the SEMA360 YEN Showcase.

By Ashley Reyes

Jenna Jefferies	Sydney McQueary

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Jenna Jefferies is the 2020 SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year. The announcement was made through a new video that was just released on the SBN Showcase in SEMA360.

Jefferies, who is a former SBN Select Committee member, SEMA Cares Select Committee member and active SEMA volunteer, received the award, which recognizes women who positively impact the industry through leadership and active industry involvement. SEMA360 participants are invited to visit the SEMA360 SBN Showcase to watch a video of Jefferies sharing what inspires her as a woman in the industry, who helped her get here, and what her reaction is to winning the award. Attendees can connect with Jefferies via SBN’s Showcase page on Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (PST) via a Boardroom to hear about her journey in the industry.

Also on the SEMA360 SBN Showcase in an announcement of this year’s Jessi Combs Rising Star award—Sydney McQueary from the University of Tennessee. McQueary is a 2020 SEMA Scholarship winner and is being recognized as a young woman in the industry who is making significant strides in advancing her career. 

The SEMA360 SBN Showcase also includes industry resources and networking events tailored specifically to women in automotive.

By Ashley Reyes

Jenna Jefferies	Sydney McQueary

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Jenna Jefferies is the 2020 SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year. The announcement was made through a new video that was just released on the SBN Showcase in SEMA360.

Jefferies, who is a former SBN Select Committee member, SEMA Cares Select Committee member and active SEMA volunteer, received the award, which recognizes women who positively impact the industry through leadership and active industry involvement. SEMA360 participants are invited to visit the SEMA360 SBN Showcase to watch a video of Jefferies sharing what inspires her as a woman in the industry, who helped her get here, and what her reaction is to winning the award. Attendees can connect with Jefferies via SBN’s Showcase page on Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (PST) via a Boardroom to hear about her journey in the industry.

Also on the SEMA360 SBN Showcase in an announcement of this year’s Jessi Combs Rising Star award—Sydney McQueary from the University of Tennessee. McQueary is a 2020 SEMA Scholarship winner and is being recognized as a young woman in the industry who is making significant strides in advancing her career. 

The SEMA360 SBN Showcase also includes industry resources and networking events tailored specifically to women in automotive.

By Ashley Reyes

Jenna Jefferies	Sydney McQueary

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) Jenna Jefferies is the 2020 SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year. The announcement was made through a new video that was just released on the SBN Showcase in SEMA360.

Jefferies, who is a former SBN Select Committee member, SEMA Cares Select Committee member and active SEMA volunteer, received the award, which recognizes women who positively impact the industry through leadership and active industry involvement. SEMA360 participants are invited to visit the SEMA360 SBN Showcase to watch a video of Jefferies sharing what inspires her as a woman in the industry, who helped her get here, and what her reaction is to winning the award. Attendees can connect with Jefferies via SBN’s Showcase page on Wednesday, November 4, from 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (PST) via a Boardroom to hear about her journey in the industry.

Also on the SEMA360 SBN Showcase in an announcement of this year’s Jessi Combs Rising Star award—Sydney McQueary from the University of Tennessee. McQueary is a 2020 SEMA Scholarship winner and is being recognized as a young woman in the industry who is making significant strides in advancing her career. 

The SEMA360 SBN Showcase also includes industry resources and networking events tailored specifically to women in automotive.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has announced the recipients for two of the council’s prestigious industry awards—The TORA Hall of Fame and TORA Retailer of the Year.

TORA Hall of Fame – Henry "Tyson" Leonard (Deceased 2020), Leonard Building and Truck Accessories

Established to recognize and honor an outstanding individual whose creativity and industriousness has significantly enhanced or contributed to the industry’s growth, Henry “Tyson” Leonard of Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories has been named the 2020 TORA Hall of Fame Award recipient.

Leonard, who passed away early this year, founded Leonard Aluminum Utility Buildings, a manufacturer of storage buildings, in 1963. Recognizing that the construction of truck covers was very similar to that of portable sheds, the company began selling pickup truck covers in 1969. The diversification helped the company grow even more, and by 1975, Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories was set up in 15 locations. Soon, he expanded the truck accessories line to rear sliding windows for pickups, white plastic toolboxes, aluminum running boards and step bumpers.

Today, the Leonard brand is synonymous with truck accessories in the Southeast and continues to flourish in 58 locations and counting. Beyond business, Leonard was continually focused on the success of his employees and was not only admired as a larger-than-life personality and salesman, but also as a mentor to all Leonard employees. In 2016, Tyson sold his business and transitioned to enjoy his last years on his farm with his wife and animals. In January 2020, Tyson passed away.

TORA Retailer of the Year – Dixie 4 Wheel Drive

Established to recognize an outstanding light-truck accessory retailer that has enhanced the stature and growth of the truck and off-road industry, this year’s TORA Retailer of the Year Award is presented to Dixie 4 Wheel Drive.

Dixie 4 Wheel Drive is a leading influencer of off-road culture in Utah. For more than 20 years, the company has built high-end vehicles that go to the extreme terrain of the Sand Hollow Recreation area and Dixie’s newest location in Moab, Utah. As one of the company’s original owners, Milt Thompson is known for helping build some of the most iconic trails at Sand Hollow State Park recreational area.

Today, Dixie 4 Wheel Drive continues to look for ways to expand education to their customers by focusing on in-person classes. It’s well-known for its “101” class, which introduces new consumers into the lifestyle of the off-road world. Their facilities also host local groups such as the Desert Roads and Trails Society and Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA), both focused on keeping recreational lands open. Dixie 4 Wheel Drive can also be found hosting some of the biggest vendor parties at its Moab location during the Easter Jeep Safari.

Hear from Dixie 4 Wheel Drive’s General Manager Tara Thompson as she shares the role her customers play in the success of the business, and what the company is doing to continuously educate their customers directly from their show floor by visiting the TORA Showcase in SEMA360.

You will also be able to hear from Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories’ long-time employee Tracy Goss, as he reflect on Leonard’s legacy and positive impact on the industry.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has announced the recipients for two of the council’s prestigious industry awards—The TORA Hall of Fame and TORA Retailer of the Year.

TORA Hall of Fame – Henry "Tyson" Leonard (Deceased 2020), Leonard Building and Truck Accessories

Established to recognize and honor an outstanding individual whose creativity and industriousness has significantly enhanced or contributed to the industry’s growth, Henry “Tyson” Leonard of Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories has been named the 2020 TORA Hall of Fame Award recipient.

Leonard, who passed away early this year, founded Leonard Aluminum Utility Buildings, a manufacturer of storage buildings, in 1963. Recognizing that the construction of truck covers was very similar to that of portable sheds, the company began selling pickup truck covers in 1969. The diversification helped the company grow even more, and by 1975, Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories was set up in 15 locations. Soon, he expanded the truck accessories line to rear sliding windows for pickups, white plastic toolboxes, aluminum running boards and step bumpers.

Today, the Leonard brand is synonymous with truck accessories in the Southeast and continues to flourish in 58 locations and counting. Beyond business, Leonard was continually focused on the success of his employees and was not only admired as a larger-than-life personality and salesman, but also as a mentor to all Leonard employees. In 2016, Tyson sold his business and transitioned to enjoy his last years on his farm with his wife and animals. In January 2020, Tyson passed away.

TORA Retailer of the Year – Dixie 4 Wheel Drive

Established to recognize an outstanding light-truck accessory retailer that has enhanced the stature and growth of the truck and off-road industry, this year’s TORA Retailer of the Year Award is presented to Dixie 4 Wheel Drive.

Dixie 4 Wheel Drive is a leading influencer of off-road culture in Utah. For more than 20 years, the company has built high-end vehicles that go to the extreme terrain of the Sand Hollow Recreation area and Dixie’s newest location in Moab, Utah. As one of the company’s original owners, Milt Thompson is known for helping build some of the most iconic trails at Sand Hollow State Park recreational area.

Today, Dixie 4 Wheel Drive continues to look for ways to expand education to their customers by focusing on in-person classes. It’s well-known for its “101” class, which introduces new consumers into the lifestyle of the off-road world. Their facilities also host local groups such as the Desert Roads and Trails Society and Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA), both focused on keeping recreational lands open. Dixie 4 Wheel Drive can also be found hosting some of the biggest vendor parties at its Moab location during the Easter Jeep Safari.

Hear from Dixie 4 Wheel Drive’s General Manager Tara Thompson as she shares the role her customers play in the success of the business, and what the company is doing to continuously educate their customers directly from their show floor by visiting the TORA Showcase in SEMA360.

You will also be able to hear from Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories’ long-time employee Tracy Goss, as he reflect on Leonard’s legacy and positive impact on the industry.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) has announced the recipients for two of the council’s prestigious industry awards—The TORA Hall of Fame and TORA Retailer of the Year.

TORA Hall of Fame – Henry "Tyson" Leonard (Deceased 2020), Leonard Building and Truck Accessories

Established to recognize and honor an outstanding individual whose creativity and industriousness has significantly enhanced or contributed to the industry’s growth, Henry “Tyson” Leonard of Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories has been named the 2020 TORA Hall of Fame Award recipient.

Leonard, who passed away early this year, founded Leonard Aluminum Utility Buildings, a manufacturer of storage buildings, in 1963. Recognizing that the construction of truck covers was very similar to that of portable sheds, the company began selling pickup truck covers in 1969. The diversification helped the company grow even more, and by 1975, Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories was set up in 15 locations. Soon, he expanded the truck accessories line to rear sliding windows for pickups, white plastic toolboxes, aluminum running boards and step bumpers.

Today, the Leonard brand is synonymous with truck accessories in the Southeast and continues to flourish in 58 locations and counting. Beyond business, Leonard was continually focused on the success of his employees and was not only admired as a larger-than-life personality and salesman, but also as a mentor to all Leonard employees. In 2016, Tyson sold his business and transitioned to enjoy his last years on his farm with his wife and animals. In January 2020, Tyson passed away.

TORA Retailer of the Year – Dixie 4 Wheel Drive

Established to recognize an outstanding light-truck accessory retailer that has enhanced the stature and growth of the truck and off-road industry, this year’s TORA Retailer of the Year Award is presented to Dixie 4 Wheel Drive.

Dixie 4 Wheel Drive is a leading influencer of off-road culture in Utah. For more than 20 years, the company has built high-end vehicles that go to the extreme terrain of the Sand Hollow Recreation area and Dixie’s newest location in Moab, Utah. As one of the company’s original owners, Milt Thompson is known for helping build some of the most iconic trails at Sand Hollow State Park recreational area.

Today, Dixie 4 Wheel Drive continues to look for ways to expand education to their customers by focusing on in-person classes. It’s well-known for its “101” class, which introduces new consumers into the lifestyle of the off-road world. Their facilities also host local groups such as the Desert Roads and Trails Society and Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA), both focused on keeping recreational lands open. Dixie 4 Wheel Drive can also be found hosting some of the biggest vendor parties at its Moab location during the Easter Jeep Safari.

Hear from Dixie 4 Wheel Drive’s General Manager Tara Thompson as she shares the role her customers play in the success of the business, and what the company is doing to continuously educate their customers directly from their show floor by visiting the TORA Showcase in SEMA360.

You will also be able to hear from Leonard Buildings and Truck Accessories’ long-time employee Tracy Goss, as he reflect on Leonard’s legacy and positive impact on the industry.

By SEMA Editors

Painted K-9 Blue, the Jeep Top Dog Concept expands the cargo-carrying abilities of the most capable Jeep truck ever by removing the standard cargo box and replacing it with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system.

Using exclusive Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) and custom accessories, MOPAR designers transformed a ’20 Jeep Gladiator into a fun concept vehicle for serious mountain bikers.

Painted K-9 Blue, the Jeep Top Dog Concept expands the cargo-carrying abilities of the most capable Jeep truck ever by removing the standard cargo box and replacing it with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system.  

On the passenger-side of the storage system, pull-out drawers securely store tools and supplies that mountain bikers need when out on the trails. Vast interior storage shelves, exterior lighting switches and extra power supplies are within easy reach.  

On the driver’s-side of the storage system, a battery-powered refrigerator and electric hot-dog roller grill stand ready to refuel riders for the next section of challenging trails.  

Above the cab area, two rack structures provide additional storage space for tools and equipment. Dual concept exterior task lights are mounted on each side and a set of traction mats for vehicle recovery and extraction are also attached to the storage racks. On top of the rack structure, a dual bike rack provides a safe way to transport the Trek mountain bikes to the trails.  

For outstanding off-road capability, the Jeep Top Dog Concept features a JPP 2-in. lift kit with FOX shocks that provides increased ground clearance, augmented by 17-in. JPP beadlock-capable aluminum wheels and 37-in. BF Goodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires. Concept steel “high-top” fender flares provide additional clearance at all four corners.

Powering the Jeep Top Dog Concept is the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 with 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

Defending the front end of the Jeep Top Dog Concept is a JPP Rubicon Bumper. The bumper holds a concept 2-in. steel grille guard, inspired by the Jeep J6 concept and the exclusive JPP 8,000-lb. capacity Rubicon Warn winch that includes 100 ft. of Spydura Synthetic Rope.  

The concept hood is accented with custom black Mopar hood latches that feature the Jeep Willys logo. A JPP snorkel helps direct cool air into the engine when off-road conditions threaten normal air inlets. A pair of JPP 5-in. off-road LED lights installed at the base of the A-pillars help illuminate the trail.

Body sides are protected by JPP rock rails, customized with welded 2-in. steel tubes, similar to the front-grille guard design. Black door-sill guards feature a raised Gladiator logo and help protect interior sills from scratches and scuffs.  

A second JPP Warn winch is installed at the rear of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept. Just above the rear-facing winch, a roll-out storage drawer carries a foldable ladder used for access to the dual bike rack.  

Inside the cabin, the exterior color theme of K-9 Blue and black is continued with an instrument panel that matches the body color. In addition, black Katzkin leather seats, armrests, shifter boots, steering wheel and the parking-brake handle are accented with blue stitching.

MOPAR stainless-steel pedal covers with black rubber pads add a bold flare and plenty of traction to the accelerator and brake pedals. Just below the pedals are MOPAR all-weather floor mats installed throughout the cabin area.  

By SEMA Editors

Painted K-9 Blue, the Jeep Top Dog Concept expands the cargo-carrying abilities of the most capable Jeep truck ever by removing the standard cargo box and replacing it with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system.

Using exclusive Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) and custom accessories, MOPAR designers transformed a ’20 Jeep Gladiator into a fun concept vehicle for serious mountain bikers.

Painted K-9 Blue, the Jeep Top Dog Concept expands the cargo-carrying abilities of the most capable Jeep truck ever by removing the standard cargo box and replacing it with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system.  

On the passenger-side of the storage system, pull-out drawers securely store tools and supplies that mountain bikers need when out on the trails. Vast interior storage shelves, exterior lighting switches and extra power supplies are within easy reach.  

On the driver’s-side of the storage system, a battery-powered refrigerator and electric hot-dog roller grill stand ready to refuel riders for the next section of challenging trails.  

Above the cab area, two rack structures provide additional storage space for tools and equipment. Dual concept exterior task lights are mounted on each side and a set of traction mats for vehicle recovery and extraction are also attached to the storage racks. On top of the rack structure, a dual bike rack provides a safe way to transport the Trek mountain bikes to the trails.  

For outstanding off-road capability, the Jeep Top Dog Concept features a JPP 2-in. lift kit with FOX shocks that provides increased ground clearance, augmented by 17-in. JPP beadlock-capable aluminum wheels and 37-in. BF Goodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires. Concept steel “high-top” fender flares provide additional clearance at all four corners.

Powering the Jeep Top Dog Concept is the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 with 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

Defending the front end of the Jeep Top Dog Concept is a JPP Rubicon Bumper. The bumper holds a concept 2-in. steel grille guard, inspired by the Jeep J6 concept and the exclusive JPP 8,000-lb. capacity Rubicon Warn winch that includes 100 ft. of Spydura Synthetic Rope.  

The concept hood is accented with custom black Mopar hood latches that feature the Jeep Willys logo. A JPP snorkel helps direct cool air into the engine when off-road conditions threaten normal air inlets. A pair of JPP 5-in. off-road LED lights installed at the base of the A-pillars help illuminate the trail.

Body sides are protected by JPP rock rails, customized with welded 2-in. steel tubes, similar to the front-grille guard design. Black door-sill guards feature a raised Gladiator logo and help protect interior sills from scratches and scuffs.  

A second JPP Warn winch is installed at the rear of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept. Just above the rear-facing winch, a roll-out storage drawer carries a foldable ladder used for access to the dual bike rack.  

Inside the cabin, the exterior color theme of K-9 Blue and black is continued with an instrument panel that matches the body color. In addition, black Katzkin leather seats, armrests, shifter boots, steering wheel and the parking-brake handle are accented with blue stitching.

MOPAR stainless-steel pedal covers with black rubber pads add a bold flare and plenty of traction to the accelerator and brake pedals. Just below the pedals are MOPAR all-weather floor mats installed throughout the cabin area.  

By SEMA Editors

Painted K-9 Blue, the Jeep Top Dog Concept expands the cargo-carrying abilities of the most capable Jeep truck ever by removing the standard cargo box and replacing it with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system.

Using exclusive Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) and custom accessories, MOPAR designers transformed a ’20 Jeep Gladiator into a fun concept vehicle for serious mountain bikers.

Painted K-9 Blue, the Jeep Top Dog Concept expands the cargo-carrying abilities of the most capable Jeep truck ever by removing the standard cargo box and replacing it with a custom PCOR flatbed storage system.  

On the passenger-side of the storage system, pull-out drawers securely store tools and supplies that mountain bikers need when out on the trails. Vast interior storage shelves, exterior lighting switches and extra power supplies are within easy reach.  

On the driver’s-side of the storage system, a battery-powered refrigerator and electric hot-dog roller grill stand ready to refuel riders for the next section of challenging trails.  

Above the cab area, two rack structures provide additional storage space for tools and equipment. Dual concept exterior task lights are mounted on each side and a set of traction mats for vehicle recovery and extraction are also attached to the storage racks. On top of the rack structure, a dual bike rack provides a safe way to transport the Trek mountain bikes to the trails.  

For outstanding off-road capability, the Jeep Top Dog Concept features a JPP 2-in. lift kit with FOX shocks that provides increased ground clearance, augmented by 17-in. JPP beadlock-capable aluminum wheels and 37-in. BF Goodrich KM3 mud-terrain tires. Concept steel “high-top” fender flares provide additional clearance at all four corners.

Powering the Jeep Top Dog Concept is the 3.6L Pentastar V-6 with 285 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

Defending the front end of the Jeep Top Dog Concept is a JPP Rubicon Bumper. The bumper holds a concept 2-in. steel grille guard, inspired by the Jeep J6 concept and the exclusive JPP 8,000-lb. capacity Rubicon Warn winch that includes 100 ft. of Spydura Synthetic Rope.  

The concept hood is accented with custom black Mopar hood latches that feature the Jeep Willys logo. A JPP snorkel helps direct cool air into the engine when off-road conditions threaten normal air inlets. A pair of JPP 5-in. off-road LED lights installed at the base of the A-pillars help illuminate the trail.

Body sides are protected by JPP rock rails, customized with welded 2-in. steel tubes, similar to the front-grille guard design. Black door-sill guards feature a raised Gladiator logo and help protect interior sills from scratches and scuffs.  

A second JPP Warn winch is installed at the rear of the Jeep Gladiator Top Dog Concept. Just above the rear-facing winch, a roll-out storage drawer carries a foldable ladder used for access to the dual bike rack.  

Inside the cabin, the exterior color theme of K-9 Blue and black is continued with an instrument panel that matches the body color. In addition, black Katzkin leather seats, armrests, shifter boots, steering wheel and the parking-brake handle are accented with blue stitching.

MOPAR stainless-steel pedal covers with black rubber pads add a bold flare and plenty of traction to the accelerator and brake pedals. Just below the pedals are MOPAR all-weather floor mats installed throughout the cabin area.