By Kristopher Porter

Rob Simons (left) has been with Edelbrock for 11 years, and has recently taken on a new role as the vice president of advance manufacturing.

SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) presents a live chat featuring Edelbrock’s Rob Simons and SEMA Garage Mechanical Engineer Luis Morales. This live chat is an open Q&A filmed in the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California, where participants will have a chance to communicate directly with Simons and Morales as they answer questions about the Tech Transfer program.

Simons has been with Edelbrock for 11 years, and has recently taken on a new role as the vice president of advance manufacturing, responsible for transforming Edelbrock’s manufacturing facilities into the “factory of the future.” He holds six U.S. patents, including the E-Force supercharger and EFI Fuel Sump. Prior to Edelbrock, Simons served as the powertrain engineering manager at Saleen Inc., where he was responsible for all powertrain systems for Saleen vehicles.

Luis Morales, a mechanical engineer for SEMA, is involved in various engineering-related servicess.

His seven years at Saleen included such milestones as the launch of the S7 supercar, one U.S. patent and the design of the Series VI supercharger system. Prior to Saleen, Simons was an engineer with the U.S. Department of Defense at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, working on MEMS technology for five years.

Morales, a mechanical engineer for SEMA, is involved in various engineering-related services, which assist automotive aftermarket companies to develop products and take them to market. Those services range from access to OEM CAD data, 3D scanning, reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, product testing and vehicle technology. Morales graduated from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in 2016 with a bachelors of science degree in mechanical engineering.

Location for Live Chat: ETTN Facebook Page
Date: April 25
Time: 12:00 p.m.–12:15 p.m. (PDT)
Hosted by Rob Simons of Edelbrock and Luis Morales of SEMA

Join the Live Chat and come ready with questions to tap into Simons’ and Morales’ expertise.

By SEMA Editors

LTAA will host a launch party for its new branding as TORA, at Canyonlands By Night and Day in Moab, Utah, April 18, from 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Following an open meeting that included numerous stakeholders and a discussion with the council’s select committee, the LTAA decided to embrace the off-road market. To effect the change, the SEMA Board approved the council’s proposal to be more inclusive and rebrand LTAA as the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

As the townhall event in Moab, Utah, draws closer, LTAA will host a launch party for its new branding as TORA. This inaugural event will occur April 18, from 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., at Canyonlands By Night and Day. Make your way to all the action at the kickoff event with an evening of celebration and grandeur.

Feel free to join SEMA at the Town Hall event beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue. Those in attendance can expect drinks, appetizers and giveaways to celebrate the launch of TORA immediately following the SEMA Town Hall meeting in the Canyonlands event center. This is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the truck and off-road industry at large.

Where:
Canyonlands by Night and Day
1861 N. Hwy 191
Moab, UT 84532

When:
Thursday April 18
8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

By SEMA Editors

LTAA will host a launch party for its new branding as TORA, at Canyonlands By Night and Day in Moab, Utah, April 18, from 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Following an open meeting that included numerous stakeholders and a discussion with the council’s select committee, the LTAA decided to embrace the off-road market. To effect the change, the SEMA Board approved the council’s proposal to be more inclusive and rebrand LTAA as the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

As the townhall event in Moab, Utah, draws closer, LTAA will host a launch party for its new branding as TORA. This inaugural event will occur April 18, from 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., at Canyonlands By Night and Day. Make your way to all the action at the kickoff event with an evening of celebration and grandeur.

Feel free to join SEMA at the Town Hall event beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue. Those in attendance can expect drinks, appetizers and giveaways to celebrate the launch of TORA immediately following the SEMA Town Hall meeting in the Canyonlands event center. This is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the truck and off-road industry at large.

Where:
Canyonlands by Night and Day
1861 N. Hwy 191
Moab, UT 84532

When:
Thursday April 18
8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

By SEMA Editors

LTAA will host a launch party for its new branding as TORA, at Canyonlands By Night and Day in Moab, Utah, April 18, from 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Following an open meeting that included numerous stakeholders and a discussion with the council’s select committee, the LTAA decided to embrace the off-road market. To effect the change, the SEMA Board approved the council’s proposal to be more inclusive and rebrand LTAA as the Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA).

As the townhall event in Moab, Utah, draws closer, LTAA will host a launch party for its new branding as TORA. This inaugural event will occur April 18, from 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., at Canyonlands By Night and Day. Make your way to all the action at the kickoff event with an evening of celebration and grandeur.

Feel free to join SEMA at the Town Hall event beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue. Those in attendance can expect drinks, appetizers and giveaways to celebrate the launch of TORA immediately following the SEMA Town Hall meeting in the Canyonlands event center. This is a great opportunity to learn about the council’s latest initiatives and find out how to get more involved with the council and the truck and off-road industry at large.

Where:
Canyonlands by Night and Day
1861 N. Hwy 191
Moab, UT 84532

When:
Thursday April 18
8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

By SEMA Editors

Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host an open membership meeting, May 16–17, at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport. The meeting serves as an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges, trends and opportunities, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The day kicks off Thursday, May 16, with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The event includes open-forum discussions, breakout sessions and lunch, and will conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by an evening function from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. More details will become available shortly.

All participants will then reconvene Friday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., at the same venue.

Rates start at $141 for those interested in booking a room at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport Hotel.

For questions, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Reserve your tickets.

By SEMA Editors

Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) will host an open membership meeting, May 16–17, at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport. The meeting serves as an opportunity for council members to address restyling industry challenges, trends and opportunities, and weigh in on the needs of its member companies. Employees of all PRO-member companies are encouraged to attend to gain insight into council initiatives, share ideas and network with industry friends, select committee members and SEMA staff.

The day kicks off Thursday, May 16, with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The event includes open-forum discussions, breakout sessions and lunch, and will conclude at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by an evening function from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. More details will become available shortly.

All participants will then reconvene Friday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., at the same venue.

Rates start at $141 for those interested in booking a room at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport Hotel.

For questions, contact Senior Manager of Councils Allan Keefe at 909-978-6696 or allank@sema.org.

Reserve your tickets.

By Della Domingo

Warren Kosikov

Warren Kosikov has been named SEMA’s vice president of sales, where he will lead the sales team and guide the day-to-day sales strategy for both the SEMA Show and PRI Trade Show, SEMA News and Performance Racing Industry magazines and related media content. Kosikov, who joined SEMA in 2014, has more than 30 years of industry experience.

“Warren has tremendous industry knowledge, experience and expertise; he’s a valuable asset to the association and the industry,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We’re pleased to have him expand his role and help our members and customers accomplish their goals through the association’s events and services.”

Prior to joining SEMA, Kosikov held a variety of executive sales management positions for Source Interlink Media, Buckaroo Communications and Petersen Publishing. His most recent role at SEMA included serving as the key contact for automakers, where he worked with OEMs on SEMA Show participation, along with SEMA Measuring Sessions, the Technology Transfer Program and project vehicles.

“I’ve been fortunate in my career to have worked for some of the industry’s top publications and events,” said Kosikov. “I’m excited to further my journey with SEMA. The association offers a number of valuable resources to help companies grow and succeed, and I look forward to working with an amazing team to deliver benefits to our members and stakeholders.”

Kosikov is located at SEMA’s headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, and can be reached at warrenk@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

This is the last call for members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) to register products for the ARMO Hot Product Showcase. All products destined for the showcase must be registered by April 17 to ensure signage deliverables.

The ARMO Hot Product Showcase is an opportunity to display your restoration products in front of thousands of enthusiasts and consumers at Spring Carlisle. Participation in this program is free for ARMO-member manufacturers; the only cost is to ship your product. You can also enter your product to win a “New Product Award” in nine different categories. While on-site, a professional photographer will take photos of your products for you to use in your own product promotions. All product photographs will also be displayed on the ARMO website and in the ARMO council booth at the SEMA Show.

Criteria for new product submissions:

• Must be available for sale (market ready) by the opening of the Showcase, Thursday, April 25.
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a significant benefit to the restoration industry.

Take advantage of this opportunity to gain exposure to your products.

By SEMA Editors

This is the last call for members of the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) to register products for the ARMO Hot Product Showcase. All products destined for the showcase must be registered by April 17 to ensure signage deliverables.

The ARMO Hot Product Showcase is an opportunity to display your restoration products in front of thousands of enthusiasts and consumers at Spring Carlisle. Participation in this program is free for ARMO-member manufacturers; the only cost is to ship your product. You can also enter your product to win a “New Product Award” in nine different categories. While on-site, a professional photographer will take photos of your products for you to use in your own product promotions. All product photographs will also be displayed on the ARMO website and in the ARMO council booth at the SEMA Show.

Criteria for new product submissions:

• Must be available for sale (market ready) by the opening of the Showcase, Thursday, April 25.
• Must demonstrate unique/innovative technology and/or be a significant benefit to the restoration industry.

Take advantage of this opportunity to gain exposure to your products.

By Jeremy Headlee

Matt Beenen of Builtright Industries (with check) was named the winner of the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad, presented by the Young Executives Network.

The SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) will present a live chat with the 2018 SEMA Launch Pad winner Matt Beenen of BuiltRight Industries on the YEN Facebook page, April 24, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). Beenen will be available for an open Q&A to talk about building and operating his business, competing in Launch Pad and what his company has experienced since winning the premiere automotive entrepreneurial competition. Be sure to join the chat from your desktop, tablet or phone, and come ready with questions to tap into Beenen’s expertise!

His story begins like many, with lemonade stands and washing cars. At the age of 14, Beenen started his first business with a small loan from his father. He’d always had an interest in cars, and years later, went to school to study mechanical engineering. After six years at GrimmSpeed, designing parts and ultimately running the company, he decided it was time to leave and try to start another small business of his own—BuiltRight Industries. Inspired by Launch Pad when he first attended in 2013, and with his new business finding some traction, he wondered what the program could do for BuiltRight. After making his way through the stages of competition, Beenen wowed the judges in front of a huge live audience to win at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Since then, his network has expanded, his knowledge has increased and his business has grown substantially.

Beenen’s wide range of successes, setbacks and other notable achievements make him an excellent resource for questions on anything from bringing a product from concept to creation, running a successful small business and getting involved with SEMA and the Launch Pad program.