Shop owners can gain a competitive edge by becoming product experts. The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization’s (PRO) Installer Training and General Membership Meeting on August 18 will include activities that will help restylers, installers and technicians learn about some of the newest and hottest auto accessories, including installation tips, techniques and marketing messages. Participants will be able to answer any questions their customers may have about the products, and provide top-quality service.
The PRO Installer Training and General Membership Meeting on August 18 will include activities that will help restylers, installers and technicians learn about some of the newest and hottest auto accessories.
The agenda includes hands-on installation techniques from Katzkin, Llumar, Brandmotion, Voxx and Champion Auto, and shop owners will engage in high-quality roundtable discussions with other shop owners and sales personnel from throughout the area.
“There’s no other training that provides such an intimate setting for shop owners and installers to level up their skills and learn the product knowledge needed to give them a competitive edge,” said PRO Council Director Denise Waddingham. “Our specialists are targeted to help our members master their craft, which can ultimately boost their business.”
This opportunity is free to PRO member companies and their staff, making it affordable for shop owners to grow their team’s knowledge. Attendees will also have the chance to attend a PRO networking event at Old Burdick’s in Kalamazoo from 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. the same evening, and are invited to attend a Cars and Coffee at the SEMA Garage Detroit on August 19 and stay for the Woodward Dream Cruise on August 20. Auto Image is a two-hour drive from SEMA Garage Detroit and the Woodward Dream Cruise.
The product-development process has evolved tremendously. In addition to having to adapt to complex vehicle technology, engineers today have tools and resources that impact the way products are made. The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) is hosting a comprehensive event where engineers will learn how to develop products for today’s sophisticated cars and trucks while keeping the vehicles in compliance, as well as discover ways to streamline the product development process for greater efficiency and accuracy.
Called the Networking, Education, Resources, Development (N.E.R.D) Symposium, the first-ever event will take place August 16–19 in conjunction with the grand opening of the new SEMA Garage in Detroit. Participants will take part in in-depth training sessions focused on:
Computer modeling electric vehicles for the performance vehicle industry.
Emissions regulations and lessons learned for the performance aftermarket.
Advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS).
Participants will also meet and learn about vendors that can assist with 3-D scanning, printing, data management and more.
The SEMA ETTN N.E.R.D. Symposium is the best place for automotive aftermarket engineers to connect and talk about the issues and challenges that affect them most.
“Meeting with experts is one of the best ways to stay informed, and this event will help engineers stay up-to-date on the emerging trends and tools related to electric vehicles, engine tuning, emissions compliance and advanced driver assistance systems,” said ETTN Council Director Nicole Bradle. “These technologies represent significant opportunities and challenges for the performance aftermarket, so it’s important to know the latest trends and hear from experts in these areas.”
Education sessions will focus on the latest emissions regulations that OEMs are tackling and common issues experienced while trying to emissions-certify aftermarket products, as well as the latest technologies and strategies for performance engine calibration within the constraints of emissions compliance.
Modeling and simulation of electric vehicles—which are critical tools for designing groundbreaking EV products—and the latest developments and techniques for responsible modification of vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems will also be presented.
View the full event schedule and register here by July 22.
Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) announced his support for the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act during a recent visit to HP Tuners in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
(From left) Keith Prociuk, HP Tuners’ CEO and co-wwner; Rep. Brad Schneider; Andrew Mernone, HP Tuners’ COO; and Eric Snyder with SEMA.
Rep. Schneider toured the facility and met with company employees to learn more about how HP Tuners designs and manufactures its software and hardware tools that are used both for racing and helping to bring motor vehicles into emissions compliance—or to maintain emissions compliance. He also got to see firsthand how important the RPM Act is to the specialty automotive aftermarket at large and to HP Tuners in particular, including its leadership and workforce.
The bipartisan RPM Act aims to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars, and the motorsports-parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete. It essentially reverses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s interpretation that the Clean Air Act does not allow a motor vehicle designed for street use to be converted into a dedicated race car.
Rep. Schneider addresses HP Tuners’ employees and answers questions.
To date, more than 150 federal lawmakers and candidates on both sides of the aisle have either signed on as co-sponsors or expressed support for the RPM Act.
“We were happy to welcome Congressman Brad Schneider to come take a tour of HP Tuners and share some insights with our employees,” said co-owner and CEO Keith Prociuk, who founded HP Tuners more than 20 years ago to help offset the costs associated with his passion for racing.
“Thank you to the Congressman for visiting and engaging in a thoughtful dialogue about some of the most important issues facing the industry,” he added, “including the RPM Act, the right to repair and modify vehicles, tax policy, and data protection/cyber security. We appreciate Rep. Schneider voicing his support for the RPM Act, which is so critically important to our company and racers like myself.”
Rep. Schneider and Keith Prociuk discuss computer chips during a tour of HP Tuners’ warehouse.
For more on the RPM Act and how to host your federal lawmakers, visit saveourracecars.com. For additional information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.
As automotive technology continues to evolve, aftermarket businesses and automotive enthusiasts must have access to the tools and information necessary to modify and service motor vehicles. SEMA is committed to protecting your right to modify, but we need your help NOW!
The REPAIR Act (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair), H.R. 6570, is a bipartisan bill in the U.S. House by Representatives that would ensure enthusiasts, aftermarket businesses and repair shops have access to the information and tools that are needed to maintain and modify the cars, trucks and SUVs we love. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. House member asking them to support the REPAIR Act.
The REPAIR Act:
Protects consumer access to independent repair and maintenance by allowing vehicle owners to securely share their vehicle’s repair and maintenance data with their repairer of choice.
Enshrines into law enthusiasts’ ability to modify their vehicles by prohibiting vehicle manufacturers from imposing any technological or legal barriers that block aftermarket parts manufacturers from accessing critical information and tools necessary to develop products that are interoperable with emerging vehicle technology.
Establishes the right for aftermarket businesses and independent repair shops to access critical information, tools and equipment needed to maintain and improve the performance of vehicles.
Requires companies producing vehicles equipped with telematics (wireless transmission of data) to make available to aftermarket manufacturers and repair facilities any critical repair information and tools at a fair and reasonable cost.
Now more than ever, our message must be heard! Don’t wait—your member of Congress needs to protect the right to modify and repair vehicles before it’s too late.
RealTruck, the online retailer of aftermarket truck parts and accessories, will become the new name of the Truck Hero organization, effective immediately. RealTruck.com has operated as Truck Hero’s e-commerce arm and consumer brand since 2015. As truck owners’ preferences and purchase patterns evolve, the name change reinforces the company’s commitment to grow consumer awareness and interest in the truck accessories category and to continue to deliver exceptional value and experiences to consumers. This, in turn, will benefit the company’s dealer and installer partners.
“When we started the company nearly 20 years ago, we were a small manufacturer of truck bed covers with approximately 180 employees,” said Bill Reminder, founder, and chief executive officer. “Over the years we grew Truck Hero into one of the most respected names in the aftermarket industry with more than 5,000 employees and 35 locations across North America. Our journey and success continue today as RealTruck. This important and exciting milestone supports our long-term growth strategy, ongoing commitment to product innovation, and alignment with the way consumers now learn about and purchase their truck, Jeep and off-road accessories.”
Gold Eagle and LSI Announce Merger
Gold Eagle Co., a family-owned and ISO 9001-certified manufacturer, has acquired Lubrication Specialties Inc. (LSI). Ohio-based LSI makes several fuel and oil products for the automotive industry, including the Hot Shot’s Secret brand line. Currently, there are more than 50 products, fuel and oil additives, specialty oils, coolants and fluids that make up the Hot Shot’s Secret line.
The merger will not lead to downsizing or significant changes for the LSI team, the companies announced. All 71 employees will retain their respective roles and position LSI for future growth in the local Morrow County economy. The LSI executive team will work closely with Gold Eagle Co.’s senior management in Chicago, but it will be business as usual for LSI’s staff and middle management, they added. The strategic acquisition of LSI inclusive of the Hot Shot’s Secret product brand was completed July 1. Details of the agreement will not be publicly disclosed.
Jeremy Gordon
R&R Marketing Welcomes Jeremy Gordon as Sales and Marketing Representative
R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. has announced the recent hire of Jeremy Gordon as sales and marketing representative. Gordon will join the RRMCI northeast sales team. Following high school, Gordon jumped head-first into the automotive field. Throughout the past 10+ years, he has been focused on truck upfits, wheels and tires. With more than 20 years in sales and installation of auto accessories, between big-box, wholesale distribution, privately owned brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sales, he has a well-versed background in the industry.
Scott Woodruff
Elite Motorsports Names Woodruff New Branding and Motorsports Director
Scott “Woody” Woodruff has been named the new branding and motorsports director at Elite Motorsports LLC. In his new role, Woodruff will work closely with the organization’s various brands, including Elite Motorsports, Elite Performance, Elite HP, Patterson-Elite and Elite Cultivation. Woodruff was most recently the director of Media and Motorsports at JEGS, where he spent the last two-and-a-half decades “effectively and efficiently increase branding,” according to published accounts. He graduated with a degree in marketing from Ashland University in 1992.
Borowski to Take on BBC Market
Having recently completed major capital investments and added staff, Borowski Race Engines Inc. is broadening its scope to include big-block Chevy engines. The company had focused on LS engines in recent years. Borowski’s new BBC product line will build on its long-standing relationship with Dart Machinery, as Borowski will be using its Big M (billet steel main caps) and Sportsman blocks (ductile iron main caps) in a 4.560-in. bore diameter. Borowski’s Sportsman blocks will have a BBC standard deck height of 9.800 in., while the Big M's will be tall decks at 10.200 in.
The rotating assemblies will feature Callies Performance Products crank and rods with Diamond Pistons. The Sportsman block builds will use Callies Compstar crank and rods. Diamond Pistons will provide a range of products with various compression ratios and design features for specific naturally aspirated and boosted engines, the company said.
The Big M blocks are intended for heavier boost, Borowski added, and the tall deck will be utilized to incorporate much stronger parts appropriate to the task.
The parts and assemblies used in these engines will be available for sale to Borowski’s retail and trade customers. In addition, the company will be offering custom BBC engines built on these available foundations to cover street, marine and a range of race applications.
For more information, call Borowski Race Engines at 815-25-2727, visit borowskirace.com or email sales@borowskirace.com.
Nic Moncher
Hoosier Racing Tire Appoints New Head of Marketing
Nic Moncher has been tapped to head up the newly established marketing department at Hoosier Racing Tire in Lakeville, Indiana. In his new role, Moncher will be responsible for developing business plans that support the company’s strategic targets, supporting sales concepts and expanding promotional marketing strategies to drive growth. In addition, he will help with overall brand development and strengthening of the brand in the global marketplace. Moncher brings years of marketing experience in the racing industry, having worked with several major racing teams based in North Carolina.
WTO Establishes Technical Partnership With Roush Yates Engines
Roush Yates Engines and Germany-based WTO have announced a technical partnership to expedite machining of engine components to support internal design, development, and build of NASCAR and road racing engines. WTO designs and manufactures precision tool holders and tooling systems for turning centers, multi-axis mill turns and Swiss-type lathes. WTO USA is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
“WTO is a technology-driven organization, and their employees continue to provide invaluable solutions to our team,” said Todd English, vice president of strategic partnerships and marketing at Roush Yates Engines. “As a global market leader, WTO develops state of the art technology to maximize productivity for manufacturing facilities across the globe. It is critical that we align our organization with world-class companies to support our internal engine component machining as well as machining for other forms of motorsports, aerospace, defense, space, and medical markets at RYMS, where failure is not an option.”
Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA News. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show, the premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, is now open at www.semashow.com/register.
Taking place November 1–4 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the 2022 SEMA Show will build upon the positive momentum following last year’s event, which successfully connected the $47.8 billion industry in person in what was the largest automotive trade show in North America since the pandemic shut everything down in 2020.
“The SEMA Show is where industry professionals go to grow existing relationships, create new ones and push their businesses forward,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “Exhibitors are eager to showcase their products and services to the tens of thousands of qualified professionals in attendance.”
Anticipation for this year's SEMA Show ramped up in recent weeks as exhibitors selected their booth locations during Priority Space Selection, a weeks-long process that took place May 2–18.
“Enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to exceed last year’s, with more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed for the 2022 SEMA Show and confirmed spaces running 25% above last year,” said Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales.
Attendees at the 2022 SEMA Show will learn about the latest products, trends and technology in the industry from manufacturers exhibiting throughout the entire Las Vegas Convention Center, including the surrounding parking lots. Educational seminars led by industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together will also be available during the four-day trade event.
“Our industry continues to thrive despite current challenges in the marketplace, and last year’s event proved that the value of conducting business and networking face-to-face can never be replaced,” said Gattuso. “Our mission is to help continue that momentum by providing an unparalleled experience that builds meaningful business relationships.”
Registration for the 2022 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to attend. Attendees are encouraged to register early at www.semashow.com/register so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from the 2022 SEMA Show.
Attendees are encouraged to check the floorplan to see where the companies they need to interact with will be located at the 2022 SEMA Show.
For more information about qualifying documents and the 2022 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.
Exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show are invited to expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence by offering products to builders through the Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list. The list connects manufacturers with builders looking to create or complete a vehicle project.
The list, which will be updated in SEMA eNews, features product offers and contact information provided by confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors. Builders interested in obtaining a product use the information to contact exhibitors directly. With each project vehicle required to be supported by a current 2022 SEMA Show exhibitor, all product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder.
The list is open to exhibitors of the 2022 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form.
Exhibitors: Each submission will appear on a first-come, first-served basis. As participation increases, all submissions will also be archived on www.SEMAShow.com.
Note: For verification purposes, the Project-Vehicle Builders form must be used to participate in the program; email submissions will not be included in the list. Participation in the list does not guarantee product or vehicle placement at the 2022 SEMA Show.
Three customized third-generation Toyota 4Runners and two Jeep Wrangler TJs will be available for purchase via auction on BringaTrailer.com, beginning July 18, as part of the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program. Each vehicle features dozens of donated parts from automotive parts manufacturers, and was installed by students in high school automotive shop classes under the guidance of industry experts.
The public is invited to bid on the vehicles beginning July 18 through BringaTrailer.com. One vehicle will be released each day, for five consecutive days, and will be available for bidding for seven days following its respective launch date.
The five vehicles and details on the bidding are:
July 18: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by John Hersey High School in Chicago. The vehicle features the factory Desert Dune exterior color with a tan interior. Upgrades also include Alpine 7-in. screen multimedia head unit and backup camera, K&N cold-air intake, ICON Vehicle Dynamics Stage 2 suspension, as well as a True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers and a WARN winch.
John Hersey’s ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
July 19: An ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Career Center High School in Winston Salem, North Carolina. The vehicle’s exterior has been fully custom painted in red, roll cage in black, with a complementing black vinyl soft top. Upgrades also include Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Azzy’s gauge overlay kit, and Rugged Ridge Drakon wheels on Atturo 33x12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.8-in. height.
Career Center High School’s ’01 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 20: A ’96 Toyota 4Runner customized by OPS Career Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The exterior is Sunfire Red Pearl with a black and tan interior. Upgrades also include PRP Enduro reclining seats and a custom back bench seat, Borla cat-back exhaust,True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout and RBP Saharan wheels on Atturo LT275/65/R18 Trail Blade M/T Tires, 32.3-in. height.
OPS Career Center’s ’96 Toyota 4Runner.
July 21: An ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ customized by Santa Fe ECO in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The vehicle is custom painted in a USC Dominator Bed Liner tinted Matte Green with the original black hardtop. Both the OEM doors and trail doors are included, each with their own set of mirrors. The frame and under body are detailed and painted with 3M undercoating, topped with SEM semi-gloss hot-rod black.
Santa Fe ECO’s ’02 Jeep Wrangler TJ.
July 22: A ’97 Toyota 4Runner customized by Comstock HS in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The vehicle features a full exterior repaint in Quicksand Tan, Katzkin front and rear custom leather seats, Borla cat-back exhaust, True North Fabrications front and rear plate bumpers with spare-tire carrier swingout, and bronze-finished ICON wheels on Atturo 35x12.5R17LT Trail Blade M/T Tires, 34.8-in. height.
Comstock HS’ ’97 Toyota 4Runner.
Visit BringaTrailer.com to see all the upgrades and build details of each vehicle in the upcoming auction.
Ten participating high schools participated in the 2020 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, which was put on hold due to COVID-19 and resumed earlier this year. The program helps students learn about the automotive customization hobby and give them real-world, hands-on educational experiences. They also received build training directly from product manufacturers and industry members who visited the schools.
The remaining five vehicles will be auctioned off in late September. Proceeds from the auctions will be reinvested back into the program and other SEMA Education Youth Engagement initiatives.
Charlie Skaf is the SEMA Future Leaders Network’s (FLN) newest spotlight member. Skaf is the retail sales director at 3D International LLC, a manufacturer and seller of premium detail products. 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?
Charlie Skaf: Believe in yourself and always prepare. This has helped me tremendously because preparing yourself to overcome any challenge or obstacle builds confidence and belief that you can and will accomplish anything you put your mind to, especially when you know you put the work in.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
CS: My love and passion for cars!
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
CS: I can be found at the beach or watching sports.
SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
CS: I plan, research, organize and prepare important notes, data, charts, etc. to be well informed and knowledgeable so I can answer any question that comes my way.
SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who it would be?
CS: I would go to lunch with Enzo Ferrari.
If you are a current FLN member, fill out an FLN member spotlight form. Selected candidates may be featured on FLN’s social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.
Truck Hero Changes Name to RealTruck
WTO Establishes Technical Partnership With Roush Yates Engines
