By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named Kevin Tetz as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Tetz is the president of Paintucation LLC, a company dedicated to providing educational content to people who want to grow their automotive skills.

Get to know Tetz in his interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA: Did you ever consider another career or industry?

Kevin Tetz: My first career was as a professional working musician.

SEMA: How long have you been volunteering for ARMO?

KT: I'm a new member, but I've been aware of ARMO for many years and a SEMA member for more than 20 years.

SEMA: What's the best advice you have ever received?

KT:  I was told, "Everyone's story deserves to be told." This mantra has guided me through my journalism and television career and helps me see the world through the eyes of other people.

SEMA: If you could do one thing over from the course of your career, what would that be? 

KT: Go to a trade school.

SEMA: What keeps your passion going in this industry? 

KT: The more I learn, the more I realize that an automotive career path can lead you anywhere your ambition wants to take you.

SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend? 

KT: A '67 Shelby GT500 KR. You would find me cruising anywhere and everywhere!

SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?

KT:  Working on creating YouTube content or a new training curriculum for my formal courses.

SEMA: What do you see as the biggest challenges for the restoration industry today, and where do you see the industry in five years? 

KT: Our industry's main challenge is inspiring young technicians to enter into this trade. In five years, there will be more young people entering in, but the needs will be greater due to the aging out of current technicians and tradespeople. This will create an incredible income opportunity for new technicians due to the high demand for skilled labor.

Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates will be featured on ARMO's social media, SEMA News and future ARMO-member updates.  

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Garrick Vanderwal, development engineer at Diode Dynamics, as the network's newest spotlight member.  

Get to know Vanderwal in his interview with SEMA News below.  

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

Garrick Vanderwal: Henry Ford once said, "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." I apply this to my life both professionally and personally. Whenever I am overwhelmed with a project or task and my anxiety is telling me that it's too much for me to handle and I can't possibly complete this, I find myself thinking of this quote. It helps me stop looking at the challenge as a mountain and focus on the hill directly in front of me. Eventually, enough hills conquered, and I'll find myself at the top of the mountain.

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

GV: I think the standard answer would be my interest in cars/trucks but the more I think about it, the more I realize that is what got me started. What keeps me here is much more deep. The culture of this industry is not something you find very often. Most people don't wake up excited to go to work; I genuinely do. This has sewn in me an emotional investment. This passion for Diode Dynamics and its success is what drives me every day.

There was a time in my life when I would come home after working a dead-end job contemplating what TV show I was going to watch or what video game I was going to waste my evening on. Anything to disassociate myself from my reality because I dreaded going back the next day. Today, I don't ever feel like I need to be disassociated. When my co-workers became my best friends and my hard work is genuinely recognized/received, everything just changed.

My relationship with my wife is better, my attitude is better and my energy is higher. Just overall my quality of life is better. This feeling of self-worth has changed my outlook on life. That's what keeps me in the industry.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

GV: Saturdays I am usually in "dad" mode taking my kids down to the local racetrack to spectate the dragsters or drift cars. On other days, we may be exploring the fire roads of rural Missouri, looking for creeks that we can cool off in during the hot summer days.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

GV: If I am directing the meeting, I'll prepare by creating a presentation with visuals to aid in the message or discussion I am trying to convey. I prepare bullet points to keep the discussion on track and concise. If I am a participant in the discussion, I will prepare by having an organized digital notebook ready to record key points. Organization is key, so whether I'm managing the discussion or participating in the discussion, having a system in place to take notes with the ability to quickly reference and find those notes in the future is crucial.

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

GV: I would like to have lunch with Mike Sweers, CTO of Toyota North America. Having a first-hand glimpse into the research and development process at Toyota and an understanding of the path their development team uses to validate new products would be invaluable to my own career path.

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates.  

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

SEMA

Marketing Operations and Resource Manager in Diamond Bar, California

SEMA is searching for a seasoned and process-focused marketing operations and resource manager to lead production planning, workflow management, marketing execution and project management for SEMA's internal marketing team and business unit clients.

Full-Stack Developer in Diamond Bar, California

This position will design, develop and implement applications and web-based forms within a .NET/MS SQL Server development environment and maintain software applications and databases.

Senior Manager State Government Affairs in Washington, D.C.

SEMA is seeking a senior manager of state government affairs to advocate for SEMA and PRI in states east of the Mississippi River. This role includes monitoring and influencing state legislative and regulatory actions, building relationships with key policymakers and coordinating grassroots advocacy efforts. The senior manager of state government affairs will ensure that the organization's voice is heard in state capitols and that legislative and regulatory outcomes align with the organization's goals and priorities.

By SEMA News Editors

RANDYS Worldwide Announces the Acquisition of Van Compass

RANDYS Worldwide--the Everett, Washington-based national supplier of automotive aftermarket parts design, manufacturing, and distribution--has announced its strategic acquisition of Van Compass, a manufacturer of high-end suspension components tailored to the performance van camping and overlanding market.

Van Compass designs suspension components that enhance the on- and off-road capabilities of Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster vehicles. The acquisition aligns strategically with RANDYS' focus on offering highly engineered under-car products and premium brands.

"This is an exciting step for the RANDYS family of brands to partner with such expertise in the adventure van market," says Kevin Kaestner, president and CEO of RANDYS Worldwide.

"Our company grew through innovation as the van life craze emerged. With our passion for the outdoors and our dedication to specialized suspension, we are now able to take this to the next level," says Rob Peterson, lead engineer at Van Compass. "This new relationship with RANDYS affords us the opportunity to grow our company, reward our employees, and bring Van Compass to new markets."

For more information, visit randysworldwide.com.

BendPak Supercharges Its Sales, Marketing and Product Development Teams  

Agoura Hills, California-based BendPak has announced enhancements to its leadership team. Sean Price has moved to a newly created position as director of quality control, product development, and management for the Special Products Division. David Reunert joins BendPak to take over for Price as director of sales operations. Tyler Rex rejoined the company in a new position as senior director of marketing.

"Over the last 60 years, BendPak has built a reputation for listening to our customers and developing innovative products they can count on to keep them safe, comfortable, and efficient at work and at play," said Jeff Kritzer, BendPak president and CEO. "Strengthening our leadership team in key areas helps us continue to meet our diverse customer needs around the globe."

For more information, visit bendpak.com.

Martin & Company Founder Zan Martin Retires, Closing Agency

Zan Martin, the president and founder of Martin & Company Advertising, is retiring after a five-decade career in the automotive aftermarket and closing the agency.

Martin is a former SEMA board member and also served as the chair of the SEMA Businesswomen's Network from 2001 to 2003.

Martin founded the agency with late husband Randal Martin, who served as its creative director and CFO, and worked with a number of iconic industry brands during its 32 years of operation, including MAHLE Motorsport, Bridgestone, Hot Shot's Secret, Aeromotive and more.

The company will cease operations on March 6.

For more information on Martin's career, visit martincoadvertising.com.

RIGID Industries Names Andy Kroll President

RIGID Industries, the off-road lighting company based in Gilbert, Arizona, has named Andy Kroll as its new president.

In his new position, Kroll will work closely with RIGID's executive team to set long-term objectives, pursue innovation in lighting technologies and foster strong partnerships with dealers, distributors and OEMs, the company said in a statement announcing the appointment.

Prior to joining RIGID, Kroll worked at Polaris for 12 years, leading sales and marketing efforts for Polaris Snowmobiles and Off-Road Accessories, as well as running Polaris' aftermarket businesses. He also brings eight years of branding and business strategy experience from his time as a senior brand manager at General Mills.

For more information, visit rigidindustries.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Last year, three out of four manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the specialty-equipment industry reported stable or growing sales. Additionally, nine out of 10 companies expected their sales to grow over the next year.

How is the industry doing this year? Help us find out by answering our five-question SEMA Quick Poll (linked below).

This short survey will help us get a pulse check on our market, and we will report the findings back here in a couple weeks. The quick poll will only take a few minutes, and it will help us understand your insights on key topics.

Click here to take the SEMA Quick Poll.

Also, watch out for our next industry report, "SEMA Future Trends 2025," to be released on Tuesday, February 4. You can access all SEMA market research reports at sema.org/research.

Your answers to a SEMA Quick Poll are anonymous and will only be reported as combined totals with all other responses. We appreciate your support for our efforts to better understand the market.

By SEMA News Editors

Last year, three out of four manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the specialty-equipment industry reported stable or growing sales. Additionally, nine out of 10 companies expected their sales to grow over the next year.

How is the industry doing this year? Help us find out by answering our five-question SEMA Quick Poll (linked below).

This short survey will help us get a pulse check on our market, and we will report the findings back here in a couple weeks. The quick poll will only take a few minutes, and it will help us understand your insights on key topics.

Click here to take the SEMA Quick Poll.

Also, watch out for our next industry report, "SEMA Future Trends 2025," to be released on Tuesday, February 4. You can access all SEMA market research reports at sema.org/research.

Your answers to a SEMA Quick Poll are anonymous and will only be reported as combined totals with all other responses.  We appreciate your support for our efforts to better understand the market.

By Ashley Reyes

Each year, SEMA receives requests from a variety of organizations seeking contributions to support their activities. To address this need, SEMA is accepting applications for its Annual Contribution Program, which helps to fund initiatives that benefit the automotive aftermarket industry.

Through the Annual Contribution Program, SEMA seeks to build relationships with organizations dedicated to driving positive change through their mission, projects, or awareness of important issues.

SEMA will allocate funds for the 2025 cycle following a review of all applications. Applications are due by February 10 at this link.

By SEMA News Editors

WheelPrice has introduced the automotive industry's first AI-powered fitment assistant, creating a new standard to address one of the biggest challenges in the business. 

Historically, finding a set of wheels and tires with perfect fitment has been both a confusing and error-prone process for car enthusiasts and selecting the wrong set often leads to wasted time and expensive returns. Distributors feel the pain as well, suggesting the wrong fitment can result in higher return rates and increased customer service demands which puts pressure on already thin profit margins, and ultimately, an unhappy customer. 

With ever-evolving consumer preferences, wheel fitment has evolved into an art form. Import, overlanding and off-road applications often require an understanding of offset, fender clearance and backspacing. These insights are traditionally buried in niche forums and considered tribal knowledge. The second-hand wheel market particularly highlights these challenges. 

"Our AI platform simplifies this process by offering chassis-specific recommendations," says Wally Namane, chief product officer. "It goes beyond traditional tools by including necessary components (spacers, adapters, suspension modifications, etc.) to help enthusiasts achieve the look and performance they're after."

Current capabilities of existing tools on the market typically only provide OEM or minimally modified fitment recommendations. 

With the AI-powered assistant, there is no more friction when enthusiasts look for proper fitment. It provides users with real-time recommendations tailored to their vehicles--eliminating guesswork and offering buyers confidence in their purchasing decisions. 

SEMA has been synonymous with innovation in the aftermarket industry by continuously highlighting how technology is reshaping the space. Tools like WheelPrice's AI fitment assistant showcase the industry's evolution towards thinking about what's ahead of the curve and improving efficiency. 

You can learn more about the company and try out the fitment assistant tool by visiting WheelPrice.com and downloading the iOS or Android app. 

Continue the conversation on LinkedIn here. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum will bring together women in the automotive aftermarket industry for three days of learning, networking and collaboration, March 11-13, in Orlando, Florida. Registration is open at sema.org/sbn-wlf.   

Returning for its fourth year, the event will empower women in the specialty-automotive market to grow in their careers by elevating their personal development and leadership skills. Centered around the theme "Unlocking Potential," the 2025 Forum will be the most impactful yet with an education program focused on emotional intelligence and high-performance leadership. Seminars will be led by industry experts and innovative speakers who will leave attendees inspired and prepared to improve their executive presence, further their skillsets, and create value in their organization. 

"Our goal is to provide a best-in-class learning experience that will help women thrive as leaders, whether they are a seasoned executive or just starting their leadership journey," said SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle. "By the end of the conference, attendees will have the strategies and confidence needed to take their leadership to the next level."

Available seminars and featured speakers are listed below (all times EST). For a full list of event activities, visit this link.   

Wednesday, March 12:   

• 9:15 – 10: 15 a.m.: Unleash Your Potential: Empowering Your Team to Take Risks and Innovate  
  • Speaker: Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE  
  • Title: CEO and President   
     
• 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Leadership Excellence Forum   
  • Speaker: Tina Woodard, Ed.D, PHR 
  • Title: CEO and Founder  
     
• 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How to Transform Your Innovation Pipeline  
  • Speaker: Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE 
  • Title: CEO and President   
     
• 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Leading With Heart: Accelerating People Performance With Emotional Intelligence  
  • Speaker: James Lawrence  
  • Title: CEO & Co-Founder
  • Speaker: Megan Cook  
  • Title: Co-Founder   
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Leadership Agility, Executive Presence and Coaching  
  • Speaker: Tina Woodard, Ed.D, PHR 
  • Title: CEO and Founder  
     
• 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Application and Action Planning Session   
  • Speaker: Tiffany Martin, CPC/CLC 
  • Title: Executive Change Strategist and Performance Coach   

Thursday, March 13:  

• 8:30 - 9:45 a.m.: From Doing to Achieving: Strategies for Optimizing Personal Success  
  • Speaker: Tiffany Martin, CPC/CLC  
  • Title: Executive Change Strategist and Performance Coach  
     
• 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.: Unlocking Competitive Advantage With Generative AI  
  • Speaker: Sharon Gai  
  • Title: Speaker and Author 
     
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Leadership Liftoff: Building Skills That Transform the Employee Experience  
  • Speaker: Candice Gottlieb-Clark  
  • Title: Founder & CEO 
     
• 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.: Manage Conflict Like Ted-Lasso New Skills for Dealing Workplace Challenges  
  • Speaker: Candice Gottlieb-Clark  
  • Title: Founder & CEO 
     
• 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.: Crafting Culture: Unlock the Secret to Organizational Success  
  • Speaker: Tiffany Martin, CPC/CLC 
  • Title: Executive Change Strategist and Performance Coach   
     
• 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.: Application and Action Planning  
  • Speaker: Tiffany Martin, CPC/CLC 
  • Title: Executive Change Strategist and Performance Coach   

Registration Now Open   

SBN members receive the added benefit of a discounted rate of $599, compared to the non-member rate of $799. With limited spots available, the event provides a unique opportunity to invest in your future and grow your skills. Visit sema.org/sbn-wlf to learn more and secure your spot today. 

By Ashley Reyes

Signups are open for aftermarket companies and industry professionals to host a table at the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN)/Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Career Fair to be held at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, Michigan. The career fair will take place on February 22, from 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. EST.  

The event is part of ETTN's and SAE's shared goal of connecting future engineers and automotive students with the industry's current workforce. During the event, participating companies will share advice and career opportunities with students looking to jumpstart their careers in the specialty-equipment industry, as well as provide feedback for those actively building vehicles for SAE Collegiate Design Competitions.

Hosting a table is free for SEMA members, and $500 for non-SEMA members. With so much industry talent gathered in one place, the career fair is a great way for aftermarket businesses to meet potential candidates, increase brand awareness and connect with the greater aftermarket community. The SEMA Garage team will also provide a tour of its facility showcasing the state-of-the-art equipment used to assist SEMA members with product development. Lunch will be provided.

Register today at this link.