By SEMA News Editors

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Brett Baranauckas, associate product manager at The Coats Company, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

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

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

Brett Baranauckas: "It's not about what happened, it's about how you respond." This can be applied personally and professionally. We've all experienced something that we may have responded too quickly to and wish we would've taken it back. I do my best in both areas to always look at the situation as a whole and respond accordingly. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

BB: Automotive is consistently changing and growing. Starting out as a technician in 2008 during the economic crash to 2024, we've had many technological advancements, plus other positive changes in the workplace, as well. Seeing many changes is exciting, but being a part of the changes is where the reward is. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

BB: With my wife and two dogs relaxing on the couch. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

BB: Research. I try and anticipate any questions, comments or concerns that may be brought up to ensure the meeting runs smoothly. If the meeting is remote, I'll have certain windows and documents open up on another screen to make sure I have everything I need within reach. 

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

BB: Travis Kalanick, former CEO of Uber. I'd want to ask him about his drive and what fuels him, especially during the time of creating Uber. I'd also want to discuss competition and how he handles that and preparing for all scenarios that a company may face. 

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 Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has named Auto Metal Direct (AMD) as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company's story in the SEMA News interview with Auto Metal Direct's Marketing Director Jason Chandler below.  

SEMA News: How did Auto Metal Direct start?

Jason Chandler: Founder and President Mark Headrick has been an industry veteran for more than 40 years. After working with some of the biggest names in the industry, he ventured out and started Auto Metal Direct in 2007. Being a MOPAR guy, Mark saw a huge need for quality replacement body panels for late-'60s and early-'70s Dodge and Plymouth musclecars. That is how AMD got started.

SN: What was your breakthrough moment?   

JC:  As many of you may know, the development process on new product lines takes time. AMD's breakthrough moment came once our products came to market. Once customers started receiving our high-quality, OE-style replacement restoration products, we took the body-panel market by storm.

SN: Tell us about your business now and the projects that you are working on.  

JC: Auto Metal Direct has come a long way from the early days of inception. The design process for new products is completely digital, reducing development time on new products as well as dialing in previous tooling. Robotics now play a huge role in our production facility, ensuring repeatability in a quality end product. Also, AMD is now headquartered in a new 318,000-sq.-ft. facility, with expansion coming soon with another 280,000-sq.-ft. facility in 2025.

SN: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.  

JC: We are growing heavily in all areas of restoration. From our well-known, premium-quality body panels to our extensive offering of interior components, we offer a lot for restoration professionals and DIY'ers alike. We strive to offer the best quality at an affordable price.

SN: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive restoration segment?  

JC: With so many different opportunities available, get in there and try as many as possible. Find something you love to do and stick with it. Working with the ARMO council is a great way to get exposure to multiple outlets.

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 SEMA News Editors

In an effort to support those affected by the New Year's Day attack, New Orleans, Louisiana-based ORACLE Lighting has announced that on Friday, January 10, 100% of profits from all online orders placed on oraclelights.com will be donated directly to support the victims and their families through the United Way. Donations will help cover medical expenses, funeral costs, trauma counseling and more. 

Additionally, throughout the entire month of January, customers can further support this effort by using the promo code 'NOLA' at checkout for any order placed on oraclelights.com. All proceeds from these orders will also be donated directly to the victims and their families through the United Way.

For more information or to place an order, visit oraclelights.com.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives Friday re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to serve as Speaker of the House, but not before a group of holdout lawmakers made a series of precise demands in exchange for their support, including a commitment to end EV mandates. In a letter to Johnson, 11 GOP lawmakers whose support was not assured prior to the vote listed a reversal of EV mandates and other Biden-Harris policies among their legislative requirements to which Johnson must adhere to maintain their support.

The letter outlines the following among its demands:

Reverse Biden-Harris policies immediately, including disastrous and expensive student loan bailouts, inflationary EV mandates and Green New Deal subsidies to unleash American energy, massive subsidization of unhealthy foods in the food stamp program to make Americans healthy again and save taxpayer dollars, and much more.

Johnson will hold a tenuous grasp on the gavel as the 119th Congress gets underway; under the House rules packaged, just nine lawmakers are required to force a vote to vacate the speakership.

SEMA, meanwhile, wasted no time pounding the pavement in the new Congress. The Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team spent the first day meeting lawmakers and staff from two dozen offices, including new, "freshman" lawmakers, along with proven veterans who are already champions of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Keep following SEMA News for the latest advocacy updates affecting the industry.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The U.S. House of Representatives Friday re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., to serve as Speaker of the House, but not before a group of holdout lawmakers made a series of precise demands in exchange for their support, including a commitment to end EV mandates. In a letter to Johnson, 11 GOP lawmakers whose support was not assured prior to the vote listed a reversal of EV mandates and other Biden-Harris policies among their legislative requirements to which Johnson must adhere to maintain their support.

The letter outlines the following among its demands:

Reverse Biden-Harris policies immediately, including disastrous and expensive student loan bailouts, inflationary EV mandates and Green New Deal subsidies to unleash American energy, massive subsidization of unhealthy foods in the food stamp program to make Americans healthy again and save taxpayer dollars, and much more.

Johnson will hold a tenuous grasp on the gavel as the 119th Congress gets underway; under the House rules packaged, just nine lawmakers are required to force a vote to vacate the speakership.

SEMA, meanwhile, wasted no time pounding the pavement in the new Congress. The Washington, D.C.-based Government Affairs team spent the first day meeting lawmakers and staff from two dozen offices, including new, "freshman" lawmakers, along with proven veterans who are already champions of the automotive aftermarket industry.

Keep following SEMA News for the latest advocacy updates affecting the industry.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA-member company employees have an exclusive opportunity to apply to reduce their student debt through the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Loan forgiveness applications are open now and run through March 1 at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program issues $2,000 awards to individuals who are paying off a degree or certification from a college, university or career tech school in the United States or Canada. Applicants must be employed by a SEMA member company, demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry and have a minimum of $2,000 in student loans in order to be eligible.  

"It's SEMA's mission to help our member companies succeed and prosper, and that also means supporting the employees behind those companies so that they can focus on their careers," said Jose Escobar, SEMA manager of recognition programs. "We invite everyone who qualifies to apply to take advantage of this program."

SEMA Loan Forgiveness eligibility requirements and the application can be found at sema.org/loan-forgiveness. Questions can be directed to Escobar at josee@sema.org.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Industry members are cordially invited to be part of a VIP experience in Washington, D.C. as SEMA hosts exclusive access to some of the premier events surrounding the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th U.S. president. With two options to choose from, whether it's a weekend in D.C., or just Inauguration Day itself, you can be part of this historic event. 

The Weekend in Washington (January 19-20) experience is a two-day celebration, with access to an exclusive brunch, dinner hosted by SEMA, and tickets to the Republican Governors Association Inaugural Eve reception. You'll also gain access to SEMA's Inaugural Watch Party (details below) on Monday. 

The Inaugural Watch Party (January 20) experience at Washington, D.C.'s stunning Waldorf Astoria Hotel includes a private luncheon, open bar, and direct proximity to the parade route on iconic Pennsylvania Avenue. 

How to Secure Your Spot 

The Weekend in Washington (January 19-20) experience requires a SEMA & PRI PAC Redline Membership ($5,000) Level and above. Contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org for details. 

The Inaugural Watch Party at Waldorf Astoria (January 20 only) has a suggested contribution is $250 per individual to Driving Force Action. 

Space is limited for these special experiences, so act quickly and reserve your spot today. Travel arrangements, including lodging and transportation, are not included, but hotel recommendations and price estimates are available upon request.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Industry members are cordially invited to be part of a VIP experience in Washington, D.C. as SEMA hosts exclusive access to some of the premier events surrounding the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th U.S. president. With two options to choose from, whether it's a weekend in D.C., or just Inauguration Day itself, you can be part of this historic event. 

The Weekend in Washington (January 19-20) experience is a two-day celebration, with access to an exclusive brunch, dinner hosted by SEMA, and tickets to the Republican Governors Association Inaugural Eve reception. You'll also gain access to SEMA's Inaugural Watch Party (details below) on Monday. 

The Inaugural Watch Party (January 20) experience at Washington, D.C.'s stunning Waldorf Astoria Hotel includes a private luncheon, open bar, and direct proximity to the parade route on iconic Pennsylvania Avenue. 

How to Secure Your Spot 

The Weekend in Washington (January 19-20) experience requires a SEMA & PRI PAC Redline Membership ($5,000) Level and above. Contact Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org for details. 

The Inaugural Watch Party at Waldorf Astoria (January 20 only) has a suggested contribution is $250 per individual to Driving Force Action. 

Space is limited for these special experiences, so act quickly and reserve your spot today. Travel arrangements, including lodging and transportation, are not included, but hotel recommendations and price estimates are available upon request.

By SEMA News Editors

QA1

Product Manager in Lakeville, Minnesota

QA1, the performance shocks, steering and suspension component manufacturer, is currently seeking a product manager to lead its newly acquired Proforged product line. The selected candidate will drive the strategic direction of the product portfolio, define new product requirements and collaborate with cross-functional teams to expand the customer base. The position will also support training, sales and marketing efforts, while ensuring the maintenance of product quality and positioning.

Operations Manager in Mooresville, North Carolina

QA1 is looking for an operations manager to lead its Mooresville, North Carolina, location. As operations manager, the selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing key functions, including manufacturing operations, materials handling, materials management and facility management for a team of about 40 employees under the Detroit Speed and Engineering brand.

SEMA

Membership Growth Director in Diamond Bar, California

SEMA is seeking a qualified candidate to fill its available Membership Growth Director. The selected candidate will be responsible for maximizing growth in membership and retention by developing and executing strategic initiatives. This role uses industry insights and data analysis to expand market share and enhance the value of association membership.

By SEMA News Editors

AAM Group Details Keys to Ride Sweepstakes for 2025 SEMA Show

The Keys to Ride vehicle sweepstakes is returning for 2025, and The AAM Group is partnering with RealTruck to bring its resellers a chance to win a custom '24 Toyota Tacoma equipped with products from the RealTruck family of brands. 

The truck will be awarded to one of six finalists at the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, in Las Vegas.

Resellers earn entries by purchasing participating brands from their Total Truck Centers or Performance Corner warehouse distributor from January 1 to August 31, 2025.  Each month, certain featured brands will earn double entries.

Customers of AAM Group warehouses are automatically registered for the sweepstakes. In September, six finalists will be randomly drawn from among all qualified entrants, and on November 4 they will gather at the SEMA Show to find out who will win the truck.

The six finalists will each receive a $1,500 gift card from The AAM Group to offset their expenses to the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The AAM Group will also book each finalist with hotel accommodations for two nights. 

For complete sweepstakes rules and the bonus brands schedule, visit keystoride.com.

Got company news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org.