By Ashley Reyes

The 2019 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund recipients.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $307,000 to 106 individuals this year, including scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“We’re excited to award this passionate group of individuals with our support as they embark on finding new ways to advance the future of the specialty-equipment aftermarket,” said SEMA Board of Director Chairman Tim Martin. “This year’s winners represent the diversity and young talent that our industry thrives on, and we look forward to how their contributions will drive us forward for years to come."

More than $3 million has been awarded to more than 1,600 deserving students since the program's establishment in 1984. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers.

Online applications for next year's awards will be accepted Nov. 1, 2020, through March 1, 2021, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

For questions or additional information, contact SEMA’s Youth Engagement Manager Katie Hurst at 909-978-6693 or katieh@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship Award Winners
Recipient (Institution Name, Major)

• Jordan Aguana (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Trevor Andis (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Mary Elizabeth Bannister (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Zachary Barton (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacob Beshara (Bethel College, Business Management)
• Alec Bianco (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Martin Blair (Arizona State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Camden Boshart (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Rebecca Brunner (Central Maine Community College, Automotive Technician)
• Omar Carrizales-Suarez (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Takeshia Carter (Kennedy-King College, Autobody Collision)
• Olivia Celinski (DePaul University, Finance)
• Nicholas Chan (Las Positas College, Automotive Technology)
• Dallin Clawson (Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Cameron Cocalis (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Elijah Collins (Valparaiso University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Corder (Oregon Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Kevin Dennis (Rochester Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering)
• David Dixon Jr. (Wesleyan University, Economics)
• Bonifacio Duller III (College for Creative Studies, Automotive Technology)
• Chad Eisele (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Colton Elfstrom (Gonzaga University, Computer Engineering)
• Isabelle Erickson (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Emily Fuchsen (Lincoln College of Technology, Autobody Collision)
• Benjamin Glaus (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• April Graham (Utah Valley University, Autobody Collision)
• Samuel Griffith (Northwood University, Automotive Marketing & Management)
• Christian Gutierrez (Florida International University, Construction)
• Michael Hand (Pennsylvania State University, Electrical Engineering)
• John Hartman (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Aftermarket)
• Thomas Havemann (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Alix Helton (Colorado State University, Engineering)
• Ryan Hinchberger (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Mark Jaszkowiak (University of Idaho, Mechanical Engineering)
• Isaac Johnson (University of Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Robert Johnson, Jr. (Highland Community College, Automotive Maintenance)
• Zachary Jones (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Christopher Kay (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Jered Kennedy (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Henry Kingwill III (College of Lake County, Autobody Collision)
• Tyler Kraft (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Matt Lambert (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• James Larmour (Nashville Auto Diesel College, Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technician)
• Joshua Larson (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Nicholas Lent (Monroe Community College, Information Technology & Computing)
• Francesco LoGiudice Jr. (Farmingdale State College, Automotive Technology)
• Scotty Lucas (University of the Pacific, Mechanical Engineering)
• Morgan Malencia (Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Samuel Maner (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brandan Marhefka (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Welding)
• Spencer Marler (Brigham Young University-Idaho, Business Management)
• Omar Martinez (Stanford University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sydney McQueary (The University of Tennessee, Mechanical Engineering)
• Leticia Mercado (University of New Mexico, Mechanical Engineering)
• Caleb Messer (Mississippi State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Evan Mihalko (Gannon University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Milbrandt (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sloane Miller (North Carolina A&T State University, Computer Programming)
• Lauren Mims (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Dudley Moore (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nicholas Nicholson (University of Northwestern Ohio, High Performance Automotive)
• Christian Nisperos (University of California-Berkeley, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shane Olson (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Computer Engineering)
• Ryan Ott (Kennesaw State University, Marketing)
• Austin Owen (Western Michigan University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sebastian Pereira (Harvard University, Computer Programming)
• Kenny Phan (Clemson University, Electrical Engineering)
• Anthony Plummer (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Rafferty (North Dakota State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nathan Ragsdale (Montana State University, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Emma Ricketts (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Sean Robinson (McPherson College, Automotive Technology)
• Brady Robling (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Raquel Rodriguez (Southwest Career Institute, Automotive Technology)
• Corbin Russ (University of Arkansas, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shay Saarie (Dakota Wesleyan University, Business Management)
• David Scagliotta (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Shanahan (Western Technical College, Automotive Technology)
• Parker Simpson (Rhode Island School of Design, Fine Arts)
• Michael Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• Ashley Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• William Sullivan (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• Ethan Tai (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Information Technology & Sciences)
• Matthew Trees (Texas A&M University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Michael Ustes (University of Michigan-Dearborn, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacqueline van Zyl (Georgia Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering – Top Student Award)
• Luke Voldahl (Eastern Michigan University, Information Technology)
• Vance Weber (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• William Welch (University of California-Los Angeles, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joshua Wilhelm (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kinzie Wilson (Belmont Abbey College, Business Management)
• Christopher Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering)
• Madison Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computer Engineering)

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners
Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major)

• Sophia Dancel (Ford Motor Company, Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kyle Ebner (Ford Motor Company, University of Detroit Mercy, Product Development)
• Eric Harding (Pratt & Miller Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Weston Kulman (Pratt & Miller Engineering, Northwestern University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jay McFarland (Holley Performance Products, Mid-Continent University, Business Management)
• Mark Mollica (ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, University of San Diego, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joel Negrete (Cummins, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Hunter Pauloski (Competition Cams, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Christopher Pearson (Directed, University of Southern California, Business Management)
• Nicholas Soave (Race Winning Brands, Kennesaw State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Janelle Storey (Automotive Lift Institute, SUNY College at Cortland, Graphic Design/Art)
• James Stray (SAM Tech, SAM Tech, Automotive Technology)
• Jamison Wilcox (COMP Performance Group, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Automotive Engineering & Technology)

By Ashley Reyes

Lee Riser

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Lee Riser of Truck Hero as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. As senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, Riser is a leader in aftermarket marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes and online and social marketing.

Learn about her involvement and passion for the industry in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN.

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

Lee Riser: Just be Lee, and I have taken that to heart all these years. It is always best to be authentically yourself and remember what makes you unique is one of your biggest strengths.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

LR: The passion that people have for what they do and the great relationships I have formed. This industry has truly become my extended family.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

LR: At home with my kids lately or on the road for an awesome event.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

LR: Ready to be open minded. You never know what could come out of your next important meeting.

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

LR: Jessi Combs. She really embodied SHE IS SEMA, and although I got time with her on the trail and at events, just one more lunch would be nice.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

By Ashley Reyes

Lee Riser

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) named Lee Riser of Truck Hero as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member. As senior director of marketing, accessory brands at Truck Hero, Riser is a leader in aftermarket marketing and sales strategy, sales and marketing processes and online and social marketing.

Learn about her involvement and passion for the industry in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN.

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

Lee Riser: Just be Lee, and I have taken that to heart all these years. It is always best to be authentically yourself and remember what makes you unique is one of your biggest strengths.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

LR: The passion that people have for what they do and the great relationships I have formed. This industry has truly become my extended family.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

LR: At home with my kids lately or on the road for an awesome event.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

LR: Ready to be open minded. You never know what could come out of your next important meeting.

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

LR: Jessi Combs. She really embodied SHE IS SEMA, and although I got time with her on the trail and at events, just one more lunch would be nice.

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

By Ashley Reyes

Boneyard Builds has been named as this week’s SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) council spotlight member. In HRIA’s Q&A with company owner Chad Whitlock, Whitlock answers questions about the company’s current and upcoming vehicle projects, their 2019 SEMA Show build (’70 Chevrolet C-10) and shares advice for aspiring professionals in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?

Chad Whitlock: We started in 2016. It was our passion, our hobby. The first year, we started out doing quick flips and quickly learned we needed to do more to generate income. We started with two frame-off restorations and made a name for ourselves in the Birmingham area. SEMA was a huge help with incredible national exposure.  

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

CW: SEMA and the contacts we made helped us tremendously.   

SEMA: Tell us about your feature build Chevy C-10.

Boneyard Builds shop interior.

CW: Brody Stone came into the shop and said he wanted his C-10 to have diesel power and be a track truck. We worked with him all through the process and the project grew under the “might as well” principle.   

SEMA: What’s in your shop this year?

CW: A ’33 Roadster, ’70 Mustang (traditional), ’74 F100 (Coyote swap), ’67 Nova rotisserie restoration, ’68 big block C-10 and a ’72 protouring cutlass. We are busy!

SEMA: What new and exciting projects do you foresee in the future?  

CW: A ’69 Mach. It will be done in 2021.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young folks contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

CW: Know your worth and don’t discount it. Throw a broad net and spend the money to go to the big shows. Never sell yourself short. Use quality parts because inferior parts will always reflect you and your work, and always do the right thing. If the customer isn’t willing to pay for it, you need different customers.

By Ashley Reyes

Boneyard Builds has been named as this week’s SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) council spotlight member. In HRIA’s Q&A with company owner Chad Whitlock, Whitlock answers questions about the company’s current and upcoming vehicle projects, their 2019 SEMA Show build (’70 Chevrolet C-10) and shares advice for aspiring professionals in the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your shop. How did you start?

Chad Whitlock: We started in 2016. It was our passion, our hobby. The first year, we started out doing quick flips and quickly learned we needed to do more to generate income. We started with two frame-off restorations and made a name for ourselves in the Birmingham area. SEMA was a huge help with incredible national exposure.  

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

CW: SEMA and the contacts we made helped us tremendously.   

SEMA: Tell us about your feature build Chevy C-10.

Boneyard Builds shop interior.

CW: Brody Stone came into the shop and said he wanted his C-10 to have diesel power and be a track truck. We worked with him all through the process and the project grew under the “might as well” principle.   

SEMA: What’s in your shop this year?

CW: A ’33 Roadster, ’70 Mustang (traditional), ’74 F100 (Coyote swap), ’67 Nova rotisserie restoration, ’68 big block C-10 and a ’72 protouring cutlass. We are busy!

SEMA: What new and exciting projects do you foresee in the future?  

CW: A ’69 Mach. It will be done in 2021.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young folks contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?  

CW: Know your worth and don’t discount it. Throw a broad net and spend the money to go to the big shows. Never sell yourself short. Use quality parts because inferior parts will always reflect you and your work, and always do the right thing. If the customer isn’t willing to pay for it, you need different customers.

The “Industry Talks: Back to Business Webinar Series” helps business move forward.

The “Industry Talks: Back to Business Webinar Series” helps business move forward.

By Ashley Reyes

Jonathan Mill

It’s been seven years since Jonathan Mill won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad, and a lot has changed since then. Mill, who is currently executive producer of Alloy Studios, has worked with some of the biggest names in the automotive space, and continues to push the boundaries of innovation, both in media and business practices. He contributes to many of the commercials seen within our industry, is an avid volunteer for the association and was awarded the SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year award in 2016.

Get to know Mill and tap into his knowledge and expertise during the ETTN Live Chat, September 1, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). Mill will share his experience with launching new products as he walks attendees through aligning their product for market entry with a strong marketing strategy and channel partnerships. 

Get your questions ready to tap into Mill’s expertise by tuning into the ETTN Facebook page, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

Jonathan Mill

It’s been seven years since Jonathan Mill won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad, and a lot has changed since then. Mill, who is currently executive producer of Alloy Studios, has worked with some of the biggest names in the automotive space, and continues to push the boundaries of innovation, both in media and business practices. He contributes to many of the commercials seen within our industry, is an avid volunteer for the association and was awarded the SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year award in 2016.

Get to know Mill and tap into his knowledge and expertise during the ETTN Live Chat, September 1, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). Mill will share his experience with launching new products as he walks attendees through aligning their product for market entry with a strong marketing strategy and channel partnerships. 

Get your questions ready to tap into Mill’s expertise by tuning into the ETTN Facebook page, September 1 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

By Ashley Reyes

Rose Kawasaki

As an active SEMA member volunteer and vice president of Exports International, Rose Kawasaki is a name in which many in the industry are familiar. However, few may realize the powerhouse and the journey that led her to a 30-plus-year thriving career in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. Join the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) in a Facebook Live Chat featuring Kawasaki, September 2, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).  

A former SBN chair, Kawasaki has advocated for the industry and volunteered endless hours to help promote programs that benefit and mentor young women entering the industry. Her dedication to the success and growth of SBN—including her leadership as Vehicle Build Task Force Chair in the groundbreaking “SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women” in 2012—earned her recognition as SBN’s Athena Woman of the Year in 2015.

During this live chat, Kawasaki will share personal stories and discuss ways SBN members can activate their membership benefits and get involved, even through this time of social distancing.  

Get your questions ready and tune into the SBN Facebook Page on September 2.