It’s not too late to exhibit at the 2020 SEMA Show, November 3-6, in Las Vegas. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit in November.

http://www.semashow.com/buyabooth

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By Richard Hail

Oliver Swanson and his custom 2008 Jeep Wrangler claimed the fifth Golden Ticket for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition's “Young Guns” classification.

Representing the Mideast region, Oliver Swanson has claimed the fifth coveted Golden Ticket with his custom 2008 Jeep Wrangler. At 25 years young, this SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns virtual regional qualifier winner is heading to Las Vegas in November.

Oliver grew up on a small farm in New Richmond, WI racing dirt track. In addition to his love for racing, he showed and early interest in metal design and fabrication. After working on various project vehicles, he picked up his 2008 JK intending to just tweak a few things on it. Once he got started, he couldn’t help himself.

From the completely hand fabricated roll cage to the custom-built half-doors, Oliver has modified or built nearly every aspect of the suspension on his Jeep. The driveline upgrades include an XS Power Batteries AGM system, a Dana 300 transfer case, and Yukon gears.

A 3M Satin Black wrap is complemented by the hood vent, custom bumpers and Warn VR10 winch. PRP racing seats, a 22-gal fuel cell and numerous other modifications finish off the cab. The Jeep sits high on 40” Nitto Grapplers wrapped around 17” aluminum beadlocks.

As with most builds, this Wrangler still is not complete. It is currently getting some additional suspension work done plus an engine swap. Oliver’s future plans include entering his Jeep into the 4500 ULTRA4 Class and hopes to one day run King of the Hammers.

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders that are 27 or under who have performed the majority of the work on their vehicle. For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Richard Hail

Oliver Swanson and his custom 2008 Jeep Wrangler claimed the fifth Golden Ticket for the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition's “Young Guns” classification.

Representing the Mideast region, Oliver Swanson has claimed the fifth coveted Golden Ticket with his custom 2008 Jeep Wrangler. At 25 years young, this SEMA Battle of the Builders Young Guns virtual regional qualifier winner is heading to Las Vegas in November.

Oliver grew up on a small farm in New Richmond, WI racing dirt track. In addition to his love for racing, he showed and early interest in metal design and fabrication. After working on various project vehicles, he picked up his 2008 JK intending to just tweak a few things on it. Once he got started, he couldn’t help himself.

From the completely hand fabricated roll cage to the custom-built half-doors, Oliver has modified or built nearly every aspect of the suspension on his Jeep. The driveline upgrades include an XS Power Batteries AGM system, a Dana 300 transfer case, and Yukon gears.

A 3M Satin Black wrap is complemented by the hood vent, custom bumpers and Warn VR10 winch. PRP racing seats, a 22-gal fuel cell and numerous other modifications finish off the cab. The Jeep sits high on 40” Nitto Grapplers wrapped around 17” aluminum beadlocks.

As with most builds, this Wrangler still is not complete. It is currently getting some additional suspension work done plus an engine swap. Oliver’s future plans include entering his Jeep into the 4500 ULTRA4 Class and hopes to one day run King of the Hammers.

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders that are 27 or under who have performed the majority of the work on their vehicle. For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Ashley Reyes

Gary Ruede of Discount Tire shares five fundamental steps of tire application, the difference between OEM and aftermarket tires and how the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) continues to deliver educational solutions and provide unique networking opportunities to its members and customers during a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE.

Learn the five fundamental steps for proper tire application by watching Ruede’s interview. 

“We really want to get the message out to the industry that doing these five things and educating your customer is really the important thing. It saves a lot of headache and people get what they want—they get the wear and tear out of their vehicle.”

Ruede has worked for Discount Tire for more than 32 years and was one of the first seven people to start Discount Tire Direct and Tires.com before transferring to its corporate office and helping to build its Vehicle Application Database and Tire Fitment Guide.

“That’s why I became a wheel and tire council member; I want to make a difference. I want to help the industry,” said Ruede. “There are other competitors of ours that are on the Wheel & Tire Council and that’s a motto that we’ve adapted. If all of us do the things right, let’s compete over style and service, but safety is not a competition.”

Check out Ruede’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA WTC.

For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

Gary Ruede of Discount Tire shares five fundamental steps of tire application, the difference between OEM and aftermarket tires and how the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) continues to deliver educational solutions and provide unique networking opportunities to its members and customers during a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE.

Learn the five fundamental steps for proper tire application by watching Ruede’s interview. 

“We really want to get the message out to the industry that doing these five things and educating your customer is really the important thing. It saves a lot of headache and people get what they want—they get the wear and tear out of their vehicle.”

Ruede has worked for Discount Tire for more than 32 years and was one of the first seven people to start Discount Tire Direct and Tires.com before transferring to its corporate office and helping to build its Vehicle Application Database and Tire Fitment Guide.

“That’s why I became a wheel and tire council member; I want to make a difference. I want to help the industry,” said Ruede. “There are other competitors of ours that are on the Wheel & Tire Council and that’s a motto that we’ve adapted. If all of us do the things right, let’s compete over style and service, but safety is not a competition.”

Check out Ruede’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA WTC.

For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

Gary Ruede of Discount Tire shares five fundamental steps of tire application, the difference between OEM and aftermarket tires and how the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) continues to deliver educational solutions and provide unique networking opportunities to its members and customers during a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE.

Learn the five fundamental steps for proper tire application by watching Ruede’s interview. 

“We really want to get the message out to the industry that doing these five things and educating your customer is really the important thing. It saves a lot of headache and people get what they want—they get the wear and tear out of their vehicle.”

Ruede has worked for Discount Tire for more than 32 years and was one of the first seven people to start Discount Tire Direct and Tires.com before transferring to its corporate office and helping to build its Vehicle Application Database and Tire Fitment Guide.

“That’s why I became a wheel and tire council member; I want to make a difference. I want to help the industry,” said Ruede. “There are other competitors of ours that are on the Wheel & Tire Council and that’s a motto that we’ve adapted. If all of us do the things right, let’s compete over style and service, but safety is not a competition.”

Check out Ruede’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA WTC.

For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

Gary Ruede of Discount Tire shares five fundamental steps of tire application, the difference between OEM and aftermarket tires and how the SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) continues to deliver educational solutions and provide unique networking opportunities to its members and customers during a recently released video from the 2019 SEMA Show STAGE.

Learn the five fundamental steps for proper tire application by watching Ruede’s interview. 

“We really want to get the message out to the industry that doing these five things and educating your customer is really the important thing. It saves a lot of headache and people get what they want—they get the wear and tear out of their vehicle.”

Ruede has worked for Discount Tire for more than 32 years and was one of the first seven people to start Discount Tire Direct and Tires.com before transferring to its corporate office and helping to build its Vehicle Application Database and Tire Fitment Guide.

“That’s why I became a wheel and tire council member; I want to make a difference. I want to help the industry,” said Ruede. “There are other competitors of ours that are on the Wheel & Tire Council and that’s a motto that we’ve adapted. If all of us do the things right, let’s compete over style and service, but safety is not a competition.”

Check out Ruede’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA WTC.

For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Icahn Automotive’s second annual scholarship program is part of its “Race to 2026” initiative that aims to increase the number of trained automotive technicians across the United States and help fill an industry-wide talent gap projected to grow to 46,000 over the next six years.

Icahn Automotive Awards Scholarships to 15 Aspiring Automotive Technicians

Icahn Automotive has announced the 15 recipients of its $2,500 “Find Your Drive” scholarships. The second annual scholarship program is part of Icahn Automotive’s “Race to 2026” initiative that aims to increase the number of trained automotive technicians across the United States and help fill an industry-wide talent gap projected to grow to 46,000 over the next six years. Students receiving scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year are:

• Kevin Alvarenga, Mooresville, North Carolina, NASCAR Technical Institute
• Savannah Arias, Tustin, California, Saddleback Community College
• Justin Benson, Swedesboro, New Jersey, Lincoln Tech
• Christopher Floyan, Pleasant Valley, New York, Lincoln Tech
• Maverick Ellington, New Richmond, Ohio, NASCAR Technical Institute
• Jake Maha, Sayreville, New Jersey, SUNY Morrisville
• Michael Marelli, Florham Park, New Jersey, Universal Technical Institute
• Dylan Muench, Perryville, Missouri, State Technical College of Missouri
• Catherine Nelson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Tech
• Michael Nyce, Middlesex, New Jersey, Universal Technical Institute
• Leonel Palacios, Union, New Jersey, Lincoln Tech
• Ramon Perez, Mahwah, New Jersey, Lincoln Tech
• Nelson Ruiz, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Tech
• Ryan Schweizer, Rockaway, New Jersey, Universal Technical Institute
• Aaron Young, Vernal, Utah, Utah Valley University

Sean Deason

Garrett Motion Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

Garrett Motion Inc. has announced that Sean Deason has been named chief financial officer. Deason will relocate to the company’s global headquarters in Switzerland. Previously, Deason was the CFO of WABCO Holdings Inc., a global supplier of advanced technologies for commercial vehicles. Deason will assume responsibilities as the principal financial officer of Garrett from Peter Bracke. The latter served as Interim CFO for Garrett since September 2019, and will remain with the company in the newly created position of chief transformation officer. Before joining WABCO, Deason spent four years with Evraz N.A., a steel products manufacturer, where he served as vice president of financial planning and analysis. Deason also worked 12 years with Lear Corp., a global automotive technology manufacturer, where he held finance, treasury and corporate planning roles covering multiple regions.

Kaleigh Jerzykowski

MBE Group Promotes New Account Executive

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), a full-service marketing communications agency focused on the automotive, mobility, trucking, tech and consumer goods industries, has promoted Kaleigh Jerzykowski to account executive. Jerzykowski joined MBE Group in 2017; she previously held the position of assistant account executive. Throughout her time at MBE, Jerzykowski has had important roles in many of the company’s key accounts, supporting integrated marketing programs via social media management, brand launches, event and trade show logistics and competitive analysis, according to a company release. In her new role, Jerzykowski will lead initiatives for B2B and B2C clients that include public relations, event management and social media marketing, as well as continuing to guide advertising campaigns and digital strategies. Prior to joining MBE Group she worked for the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce as an event and social media coordinator.

Power Test, Taylor Dynamometer Merge Businesses

Power Test Inc. and Taylor Dynamometer have completed the merger of their two heavy-duty dynamometer and test stand businesses. The combined businesses will employ approximately 160 people, with a majority working in Sussex and 30 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Taylor Dynamometer Vice President of Sales and Service Jeff Brown and Vice President of Engineering Larry Golding will continue to lead the Milwaukee-based facility while reporting to Power Test Inc. President Rick Ruzga. Art Downey, the former owner of Taylor, will continue to collaborate with Power Test CEO Alan Petelinsek.

Energy Suspension Hires Dennis Grau as Sales and Marketing Manager

Energy Suspension has hired Dennis Grau as its new sales and marketing manager. Grau has more than 20 years of sales and marketing leadership experience within the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket. Most recently, he held the position of senior director of sales for K&N Engineering, where he was responsible for the strategic direction and leading the North America team to drive sales with a primary focus on the warehouse distributor side of the business. He has gained significant automotive experience during his time with companies such as MAT Holdings, Exide and Honeywell.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Representing SEMA and serving as leaders for the automotive aftermarket industry, the election results for the Councils and Networks Select Committees for 2020–2022, effective July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022, have been announced.

Comprised of automotive aftermarket professionals who are passionate about the advancement of the industry, select committee volunteers work alongside industry professionals from different market segments to provide valuable programs, events, education opportunities and other resources for the council or network membership. While councils work to identify related business goals, issues and challenges for member companies in a particular market segment, networks are a platform for individuals within a SEMA-member company who share a common interest or characteristic.

“SEMA is excited to have an experienced group of trailblazers who represent our industry in every segment of the marketplace,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “Through their knowledge and expertise, SEMA can continue to help shape the future of our industry. We look forward to an exciting term ahead.”

SEMA Automotive Restoration Organization (ARMO)

Three incumbent members, Larry Brogdin of Handshake Performance Marketing, Joanna Agosta-Shere of Steele Rubber Products and Justin Whitten of Eckler Industries, are returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee. They will be joined by new members Ed “Blake” Burgy from Moss Motors Ltd., Jeff Furina of Original Parts Group Inc., and Todd McClure of The Stop Shop.

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN)

One incumbent member, Rebeca Olavarrieta of Roco 4x4, is returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee. She will be joined by new members Allison Chisenhall Harding of Vintage Air, Cora Jokinen of Torq-Masters Industries Inc., and Natalie Simon from Ford Motor Company.

SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN)

One incumbent member, Ben Knaus of Hellwig Products, is returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee. He will be joined by new member Scott Lowe from High Xpectations.

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

Three incumbent members, Kevin Ford of Lokar Inc., Jeff Grantmeyer of Borgeson Universal Co. and Joel Kokoska of Johnson's Hot Rod Shop, are returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee. They will be joined by new members David Page from COMP Cams and Amy Fitzgerald of Cool Hand Customs.

SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

One incumbent member, Ed Monte of Auto Meter Products, is returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee. He will be joined by new members Mike Deatsch from DeatschWerks, Scott McGlaughlin of Holley and Adriene Peters of General Motors.

SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

Three incumbent members, Jared Cohen of Auto Action Group, BJ Leanse of IDDEA California LLC and Bill North of Katzkin Leather, are returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee.

SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

Three incumbent members, Wendy Miles of THE SHOP magazine, Matt Reasoner of Roll-N-Lock and Chuck Morrison of Truck’n America, are returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee. They will be joined by new members David Ayers of The AAM Group and Dave Williams from Go Rhino-Big Country Truck Accessories.

SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC)

Two new members, Ted Schlaack from Rent-A-Center Franchising International Inc. (RACFI) and Steve Swanson of The Carlstar Group/Cragar, Black Rock & Unique Wheels, will serve a two-year term on the Select Committee.

SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN)

Two incumbent members, Cesar Gracida of RK Sport and Stephanie Ortega of 4 Wheel Parts, are returning to serve another two-year term on the Select Committee. They will be joined by new members Jeffrey Banyas from Edwin A. Sisson, Attorney at Law LLC; Matt Beenen of BuiltRight Industries; and Jerid Suchy of Derive Systems Inc./ SCT Performance.

To learn more about SEMA Councils and Networks and Select Committee volunteering, visit www.sema.org/volunteer.