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.

By SEMA News Editors

Road & Track Unveils Its 2025 Performance Car of the Year

Road & Track has announced its selection for the 2025 performance car of the year in a recent article.

"We had aimed to crown two winners as we did last year, one coming in under $100,000 and one that costs over $100,000. But the market for reasonably priced new enthusiast machines is small, and this year's crop of new or significantly updated models was slimmer than most years'. The Miata and BMW Z4 manual--the only two cars in our test under $100,000 are excellent, but they do not constitute a class. So this year, all 10 entrants competed in a single division, resulting in a single winner. And what a car it is," David Pund wrote.

Lamborghini's new Revuelto, the first 1,001hp Lamborghini and the marque's first battery-electric hybrid, was crowned the overall winner.

Read the complete review on Road & Track here.

SuperSprings International Welcomes New Sales Leadership and Expands Team

SuperSprings International (SSI)--the Carpinteria, California-based provider of American-made innovative suspension solutions--has announced the expansion of its sales-team under the leadership of Director of Sales Justin Coulter, who joined SSI in 2023.

The new sales team structure enables the company to better support its network of upfitters, RV manufacturers, dealers and individual customers nationwide.

Joining the team are three seasoned professionals:

• Angie Klatt, business development representative: With a proven track record in building strong relationships, Klatt will focus on identifying opportunities and fostering connections to expand SSI's reach.
• Mike Maul, regional territory manager for the Western United States: Based in Minnesota, Maul brings extensive knowledge of the industry and is dedicated to providing personalized support to customers in the Western region.
• Brian Hughes, regional territory manager for the Eastern United States: Operating from Kentucky, Hughes offers a deep understanding of regional needs and will ensure that customers in the Eastern region receive tailored solutions and top-tier service.

"We are thrilled to welcome Angie, Mike, and Brian to the SuperSprings International family," said Coulter. "Together, we're enhancing our ability to meet the needs of our partners and end users, ensuring every journey is better."

For more information, visit superspringsinternational.com.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) will host a town hall meeting at COBB Tuning in Austin, Texas, on Thursday, February 20, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. CST.  

The meeting is open to current SEMA and TORA members and will enable attendees to connect with the council's select committee and SEMA sales, who will share resources to help truck and off-road aftermarket companies succeed in the industry. Additionally, SEMA Government Affairs will provide updates on legislative issues that are impacting the truck and off-road market. Attendees will hear about topics ranging from emissions regulations to off-road trail access, and how industry members can make their voices heard in the legislative process.  

The meeting will be followed by a networking mixer and COBB Tuning Open House, offering attendees a chance to further their connections.  

Register for the meeting here.  

To learn more about TORA membership, visit sema.org/tora.