By SEMA Editors

Reid Lunde, owner and founder of Kaizen Speed, was the 2019 SEMA Launch Pad winner.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) is still accepting applications for the 2020 SEMA Launch Pad Program, a competition for young entrepreneurs who would like to launch their products into the $44.6 billion dollar aftermarket industry. The deadline to submit is May 3.

Now in its seventh year, the program provides emerging business leaders the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of iconic industry judges and compete for a prize that includes $10,000 to be used for the benefit of their business, and exhibit space at the annual SEMA Show.  

“Our goal is to encourage and support young entrepreneurs in the automotive industry,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “We hope to identify emerging leaders who have amazing new ideas and products. We want to provide these young businesses with the support and resources to help them succeed.”  

Fifteen applicants will be selected to receive a one-year SEMA membership, as well as one professional Launch Pad video to be hosted on the SEMA YouTube Channel. The 15 Launch Pad participants will learn new business strategies and film a short video that will be used for an online voting competition.

The public will be able to view the 15 videos online and cast their votes for the businesses they would like to advance to the next round. From there, 10 finalists will receive a complimentary kiosk booth at the 2020 SEMA Show, with the Top 5 vote-getters earning a chance to pitch their products during the SEMA Launch Pad Live event, November 2, at the SEMA Show.  

"SEMA Launch Pad competitors represent the most innovative and passionate emerging industry-leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Ridnouer. “As such, the public will be able to play a key role in the voting process and help determine what product or service consumers will find valuable.”    

Applicants do not need to be members of SEMA or YEN to participate but must hold stake within the company. Students who meet the qualifications are invited to apply as well.  

To apply or for more information, visit www.sema.org/launchpad before May 3.  

By Jay Carpio

The SEMA Video Archives is about re-living special moments in our industry’s history. From interviews with industry legends to SEMA Show recaps and more, these videos offer viewers a chance to watch our SEMA Family doing what it does best—working hard, pushing the limits and having a little bit of fun, too.

This week’s videos feature interviews with Serious Clothing Brand founder Magnus Walker and "Fast and the Furious" super star Sung Kang, the legendary building team of Mike and Jim Ring aka the Ringbrothers and the Civic Type-R making its North American debut at the SEMA Show.

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.

Brake Experts – Phone Help
BuyBrakes.com is hiring a technical phone salesperson who has automotive parts experience and understands vehicle dynamics, brake systems and brake parts. There is also an opportunity for a keen, well-spoken automotive enthusiast extraordinaire who is well versed on many of the SEMA-member performance brands to get into the business. This position will be responsible for taking inbound phone calls from customers shopping within the company’s e-commerce stores seeking a solution to their specific vehicle braking needs. Telecommuting is allowed.

Warehouse Fulfillment Tech
Cognito Motorsports is hiring a warehouse fulfillment tech to focus on the preparation and shipping of customer orders, which includes locating and pulling product off shelves, verifying orders and shipping packages, which requires computer input to ensure that orders are shipped accurately and on time. The fulfillment tech works under the direction of the fulfillment lead and is also responsible for carrying out periodic inventory checks and other duties as assigned. Success in this position requires an attention to detail, the ability to learn quickly and to perform quality work consistently.

Assistant Track Manager
M1 Concourse is seeking an assistant track manager to work in close partnership with the director of track operations. This position will support many aspects of track operations, including corporate driving events, motorsports club activities and private instructional coaching. The ideal candidate must have exceptional driving skills, be an effective driving coach and communicator and be able to effectively lead a team of driving instructors. A minimum of five years of experience instructing and coaching drivers of all skill levels is required. A minimum of 10 years of experience as an amateur or professional racing driver is preferred.

By SEMA Editors

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.

• SEMA Education Webinar: “Making Sure Your Messaging and Tone Are On-Target,” April 28, 2020
• SEMA Education Webinar: “Learning the Positive Lessons From Disruption,” April 30, 2020
• SEMA Education Webinar: “Handling Intense Demand When Customers Make Up for Lost Time,” May 5, 2020
• WTC Ambassador (WTCA) Call, May 6, 2020
• YEN Live Chat with TJ Hunt, May 6, 2020
• SEMA Education Webinar: “Adjusting to Lower Demand and Finding New Ways to Grow,” May 12, 2020
• SEMA Education Webinar: “Pushing Ahead with Change While Barriers Are Down,” May 19, 2020
• SEMA Education Webinar: “Engaging and Re-engaging Your Most Important Audiences,” May 26, 2020
• 2020 Collector Car Appreciation Day, July 10, 2020
• 2020 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, June 24–25, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• SEMA Nordic Business Development Conference, August 29–September 2, 2020, Stockholm, Sweden
• 2020 SEMA Show, November 3–6, 2020, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
• PRI Trade Show, December 10–12, 2020, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.

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.

• Aegis Tonneau Covers
• AERO Exhaust
• Black Horse Off Road
• Clinched Flares
• DV8 Off Road
• Fuelab
• Gate King
• Go Industries
• Heavy Metal Off-Road
• High Lifter Products Inc.

By Ashley Reyes

Bob Walker

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is recognizing Bob Walker of Connexions Sports and Entertainment Inc. as this week’s TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member.

Walker is an active volunteer for the TORA Regional Event Task Force and CEO and founder Connexions Sports, where he thrives as a motorsports marketing agent. His unique knowledge of off-road racing events and experience managing racers, such as motocross legend and racer Brian Deegan, make him a valuable contributor to the council and industry.

Get to know what inspires Walker about the industry in his Q&A with SEMA and the Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Bob Walker: My love and passion for off-road motorsports. I grew up racing motocross as a kid and dreamed of racing in Baja, whether it was on two or four wheels. I have always had a passion for off-road motorsports, and to make a living in this industry is a dream come true.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

BW: I wanted to become more involved in the industry and inquired with other members on the SEMA staff on how I could get more involved. I feel it’s important to be involved with volunteer work in your industry. It’s good to give back and it’s also an opportunity to network more and to help grow our industry.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

BW: Follow your passion early in your career and stay focused on your goals. If you take a job outside of the industry it will be hard to come back and get involved.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

BW: Raptor complete Baja pre-runner ready. You’d find me in the hills or the desert riding.

By Ashley Reyes

Bob Walker

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is recognizing Bob Walker of Connexions Sports and Entertainment Inc. as this week’s TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member.

Walker is an active volunteer for the TORA Regional Event Task Force and CEO and founder Connexions Sports, where he thrives as a motorsports marketing agent. His unique knowledge of off-road racing events and experience managing racers, such as motocross legend and racer Brian Deegan, make him a valuable contributor to the council and industry.

Get to know what inspires Walker about the industry in his Q&A with SEMA and the Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Bob Walker: My love and passion for off-road motorsports. I grew up racing motocross as a kid and dreamed of racing in Baja, whether it was on two or four wheels. I have always had a passion for off-road motorsports, and to make a living in this industry is a dream come true.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

BW: I wanted to become more involved in the industry and inquired with other members on the SEMA staff on how I could get more involved. I feel it’s important to be involved with volunteer work in your industry. It’s good to give back and it’s also an opportunity to network more and to help grow our industry.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

BW: Follow your passion early in your career and stay focused on your goals. If you take a job outside of the industry it will be hard to come back and get involved.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

BW: Raptor complete Baja pre-runner ready. You’d find me in the hills or the desert riding.

It’s not too late to apply for a 2020 SEMA Show booth. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit at the SEMA Show. To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Simply click the buttons to the left to see the products and services available.