SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

SEMA Middle East Program Expands Horizons for TORA Members

TORA select committee member Brant Combs (right) speaks with a buyer at Custom Show Emirates.

This past spring, 41 SEMA-member companies participated in SEMA’s four-day Middle East program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The program featured an all-day measuring session with commonly customized vehicles not sold in the United States as well as a chance for participants to exhibit at the trade-only section of the Custom Show Emirates, network with international buyers and explore local shops. Among the participants were several active Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, who shared a few of their takeaways from the experience.

SEMA Member News: How did this program help you expand your global network?

Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow: This trip can open new doors to distributors you never knew existed. It can give you firsthand visibility of the consumer market and see the vehicles in action. It can also give you the confidence you need to export into a part of the world that you may not have thought you could reach.

Troy Wirtz, Dee Zee Inc: This was Dee Zee’s third year of participation. I’m confident that the shows and efforts from the SEMA staff are why Dee Zee is experiencing the success it is in the Middle East. Each year has brought on new prospects, but I’m particularly happy with how our existing relationships have grown. When you are partnering with someone on the other side of the world, trust has to be established for both parties. Global expansion is important to Dee Zee, and SEMA is a great organization to help meet these efforts!

SMN: What’s your take on the truck and off-road market in this region?

Brant Combs, ATC Truck Covers: We discovered that there is a significant American truck market for the 4x4 and off-road segment, and a couple of our products would work well there. The SEMA Middle East Conference set up introductions to the best buyers in the area for those products.

SMN: Were there any cultural challenges for doing business in the Middle East?

Brandon Seadorf, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Allow USA: This was my first trip to the Middle East, and it was interesting how easy it was to work with customers and prospects there. The people are extremely nice and welcoming. The cities were safe, and it seems that the consumers and businesses embrace American products. Almost everyone I communicated with spoke great English, so there were no communication barriers at all.

Melanie White, Hellwig Products: There were a few social norms I had to change. I typically reach out to shake a hand, and there was once where a gentleman held his hand back and I caught the cue before I held out my hand. Other than that, it really was like doing business in the United States as a woman. If you have the answers to their questions or can take care of their business needs, being male or female isn’t an issue.

SMN: What do you think is a key for success in the Middle Eastern market?

Ruby Stratz, Keystone Automotive Operations: Based on my experience, the relationship with our customers is the key to success in this region. The Middle East is a fast-moving market with great opportunity for our industry.

SMN: What was the most beneficial part of your experience?

Erika Garcia, Bolt Locks: The SEMA team did a great job of organizing a schedule that allowed us to learn more about the Middle East market. The jobber visits were my favorite part. They helped us understand how there are a lot of businesses that are hungry for finding the latest technologies and high-quality, American-made products. The measuring session was also very important for us, as we can expand our product offering to include vehicles that are not offered in America.

Robert Park, Rigid Industries: Participating in SEMA’s international shows allows us to meet a lot of the local distributors and dealers all in one place. It helps us ensure we are aligning ourselves with the
right partners.

SMN: Would you recommend this program to other members?

Brad Otoupalik, K&N Engineering: The SEMA Middle East trip and show in Abu Dhabi exceeded my expectations once again. Linda Spencer and SEMA have created a really unique vehicle to help U.S. companies, regardless if they are new to the market or are experienced. For those that are not taking advantage of the unique opportunity provided—you are being passed by competitors who are!

Next year’s Middle East trip will take place March 29–April 2, 2016. Registration for manufacturers will open in November 2015. For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

SEMA Middle East Program Expands Horizons for TORA Members

TORA select committee member Brant Combs (right) speaks with a buyer at Custom Show Emirates.

This past spring, 41 SEMA-member companies participated in SEMA’s four-day Middle East program in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The program featured an all-day measuring session with commonly customized vehicles not sold in the United States as well as a chance for participants to exhibit at the trade-only section of the Custom Show Emirates, network with international buyers and explore local shops. Among the participants were several active Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) members, who shared a few of their takeaways from the experience.

SEMA Member News: How did this program help you expand your global network?

Kathryn Reinhardt, MagnaFlow: This trip can open new doors to distributors you never knew existed. It can give you firsthand visibility of the consumer market and see the vehicles in action. It can also give you the confidence you need to export into a part of the world that you may not have thought you could reach.

Troy Wirtz, Dee Zee Inc: This was Dee Zee’s third year of participation. I’m confident that the shows and efforts from the SEMA staff are why Dee Zee is experiencing the success it is in the Middle East. Each year has brought on new prospects, but I’m particularly happy with how our existing relationships have grown. When you are partnering with someone on the other side of the world, trust has to be established for both parties. Global expansion is important to Dee Zee, and SEMA is a great organization to help meet these efforts!

SMN: What’s your take on the truck and off-road market in this region?

Brant Combs, ATC Truck Covers: We discovered that there is a significant American truck market for the 4x4 and off-road segment, and a couple of our products would work well there. The SEMA Middle East Conference set up introductions to the best buyers in the area for those products.

SMN: Were there any cultural challenges for doing business in the Middle East?

Brandon Seadorf, Omix-ADA/Rugged Ridge/Allow USA: This was my first trip to the Middle East, and it was interesting how easy it was to work with customers and prospects there. The people are extremely nice and welcoming. The cities were safe, and it seems that the consumers and businesses embrace American products. Almost everyone I communicated with spoke great English, so there were no communication barriers at all.

Melanie White, Hellwig Products: There were a few social norms I had to change. I typically reach out to shake a hand, and there was once where a gentleman held his hand back and I caught the cue before I held out my hand. Other than that, it really was like doing business in the United States as a woman. If you have the answers to their questions or can take care of their business needs, being male or female isn’t an issue.

SMN: What do you think is a key for success in the Middle Eastern market?

Ruby Stratz, Keystone Automotive Operations: Based on my experience, the relationship with our customers is the key to success in this region. The Middle East is a fast-moving market with great opportunity for our industry.

SMN: What was the most beneficial part of your experience?

Erika Garcia, Bolt Locks: The SEMA team did a great job of organizing a schedule that allowed us to learn more about the Middle East market. The jobber visits were my favorite part. They helped us understand how there are a lot of businesses that are hungry for finding the latest technologies and high-quality, American-made products. The measuring session was also very important for us, as we can expand our product offering to include vehicles that are not offered in America.

Robert Park, Rigid Industries: Participating in SEMA’s international shows allows us to meet a lot of the local distributors and dealers all in one place. It helps us ensure we are aligning ourselves with the
right partners.

SMN: Would you recommend this program to other members?

Brad Otoupalik, K&N Engineering: The SEMA Middle East trip and show in Abu Dhabi exceeded my expectations once again. Linda Spencer and SEMA have created a really unique vehicle to help U.S. companies, regardless if they are new to the market or are experienced. For those that are not taking advantage of the unique opportunity provided—you are being passed by competitors who are!

Next year’s Middle East trip will take place March 29–April 2, 2016. Registration for manufacturers will open in November 2015. For more information, visit www.sema.org/middleeast.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

HRIA Cruises Through Summer

Carmen Bélanger-Martin is the president of AM Hot Rod Glass.

This summer was a busy one for the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), with the usual council events plus a few changes.

The new select committee terms began on July 1. In this year’s election, HRIA welcomed back four incumbents: Scott Bowers (Ron Francis Wiring), B.J. Elmore (Ridetech), Jeff Major (Bed Wood and Parts) and Angela Schoof (TEN: The Enthusiast Network). In addition to these veteran HRIA leaders, Carmen Bélanger-Martin of AM Hot Rod Glass joined the team. Before jumping into her first meeting, Bélanger-Martin took a few minutes to catch up with SEMA Member News.

SEMA Member News: Tell us something about your industry experience.

Carmen Bélanger-Martin: In 2006, I started Aero Marine in a 5,800-sq.-ft. building with one customer, Skater Powerboats. I focused on building optically clear, 3/4-in. acrylic windshields with a vision of drivers being able to visually navigate the waters at 150 mph or greater. In 2007, I was approached to build custom-car windshields and roof panels by Ryan Friedlinghaus, Galpin and John Fraizer of FXperts as well as Sony/Paramount and Disney studios for TV and motion pictures. As Aero Marine grew, I launched AM Hot Rod Glass—windshields for hot rods, Bonneville land-speed cars, automotive prototyping and weight reduction.

I am a fabricator. My hands still touch/build every product we produce. I am strong and persistent, with a progressive perspective on the automotive industry that’s respected by my clients. After nine years of dedicated work, my goal to become the first female acrylic/polycarbonate Department of Transportation glazer in the United States was becoming a real possibility.

SMN: Why do you feel it’s important to serve on the select committee?

CBM: I want to bring a different perspective to the committee and communicate with my HRIA peers and committee members, to become a voice for them and advocate for developing issues that are related to our manufacturing processes.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CBM: Do it! Do it! Take the chance and figure out how to make it work within your already-filled schedule. This is very necessary and important to your growth within the industry. I see more and more of my client builders taking a serious look at the HRIA and wanting to become more active within the association.

HRIA Open General Membership Meetings

The annual HRIA open general membership meeting at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, took place on July 9 and gave attendees a chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Members who attended got a first look at the council’s newly released annual report and offered feedback about their own challenges and opportunities, which gave the council leadership some direction for future discussions and initiatives.

This July 24 featured SEMA’s yearly Installation Gala, when the new Board of Directors members formally took their positions and the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge cars made their debut. Members look forward to this event each year for the networking opportunities and the pinewood drag races that benefit SEMA Cares charities. The event was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

The annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge showcases the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders and also raises money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Child Help and Victory Junction facilities. Invited participants build small-scale pinewood cars to be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. Hot-rod builders, being who they are, are not your typical pinewood racers. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that the auction proceeds go toward helping children, or perhaps they just want to build the best car they can, regardless of the scale. Whatever their motivation, the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge seems to bring out their best. This year, upward of 20 builders competed.

While the pinewood cars were displayed at the Installation Gala, the actual race took place for the first time at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, during the first week of August. The next stop for the vehicles will be the SEMA Show, where they will be showcased in the HRIA booth in Hot Rod Alley and will then be auctioned off for charity at the HRIA industry awards reception on Wednesday, November 4.

The next chance for HRIA members to connect will be at the SEMA Show. Details about the booth location and reception will be available soon. Don’t miss these community-building opportunities. For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

HRIA Cruises Through Summer

Carmen Bélanger-Martin is the president of AM Hot Rod Glass.

This summer was a busy one for the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), with the usual council events plus a few changes.

The new select committee terms began on July 1. In this year’s election, HRIA welcomed back four incumbents: Scott Bowers (Ron Francis Wiring), B.J. Elmore (Ridetech), Jeff Major (Bed Wood and Parts) and Angela Schoof (TEN: The Enthusiast Network). In addition to these veteran HRIA leaders, Carmen Bélanger-Martin of AM Hot Rod Glass joined the team. Before jumping into her first meeting, Bélanger-Martin took a few minutes to catch up with SEMA Member News.

SEMA Member News: Tell us something about your industry experience.

Carmen Bélanger-Martin: In 2006, I started Aero Marine in a 5,800-sq.-ft. building with one customer, Skater Powerboats. I focused on building optically clear, 3/4-in. acrylic windshields with a vision of drivers being able to visually navigate the waters at 150 mph or greater. In 2007, I was approached to build custom-car windshields and roof panels by Ryan Friedlinghaus, Galpin and John Fraizer of FXperts as well as Sony/Paramount and Disney studios for TV and motion pictures. As Aero Marine grew, I launched AM Hot Rod Glass—windshields for hot rods, Bonneville land-speed cars, automotive prototyping and weight reduction.

I am a fabricator. My hands still touch/build every product we produce. I am strong and persistent, with a progressive perspective on the automotive industry that’s respected by my clients. After nine years of dedicated work, my goal to become the first female acrylic/polycarbonate Department of Transportation glazer in the United States was becoming a real possibility.

SMN: Why do you feel it’s important to serve on the select committee?

CBM: I want to bring a different perspective to the committee and communicate with my HRIA peers and committee members, to become a voice for them and advocate for developing issues that are related to our manufacturing processes.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CBM: Do it! Do it! Take the chance and figure out how to make it work within your already-filled schedule. This is very necessary and important to your growth within the industry. I see more and more of my client builders taking a serious look at the HRIA and wanting to become more active within the association.

HRIA Open General Membership Meetings

The annual HRIA open general membership meeting at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, took place on July 9 and gave attendees a chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Members who attended got a first look at the council’s newly released annual report and offered feedback about their own challenges and opportunities, which gave the council leadership some direction for future discussions and initiatives.

This July 24 featured SEMA’s yearly Installation Gala, when the new Board of Directors members formally took their positions and the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge cars made their debut. Members look forward to this event each year for the networking opportunities and the pinewood drag races that benefit SEMA Cares charities. The event was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

The annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge showcases the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders and also raises money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Child Help and Victory Junction facilities. Invited participants build small-scale pinewood cars to be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. Hot-rod builders, being who they are, are not your typical pinewood racers. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that the auction proceeds go toward helping children, or perhaps they just want to build the best car they can, regardless of the scale. Whatever their motivation, the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge seems to bring out their best. This year, upward of 20 builders competed.

While the pinewood cars were displayed at the Installation Gala, the actual race took place for the first time at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, during the first week of August. The next stop for the vehicles will be the SEMA Show, where they will be showcased in the HRIA booth in Hot Rod Alley and will then be auctioned off for charity at the HRIA industry awards reception on Wednesday, November 4.

The next chance for HRIA members to connect will be at the SEMA Show. Details about the booth location and reception will be available soon. Don’t miss these community-building opportunities. For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

HRIA Cruises Through Summer

Carmen Bélanger-Martin is the president of AM Hot Rod Glass.

This summer was a busy one for the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), with the usual council events plus a few changes.

The new select committee terms began on July 1. In this year’s election, HRIA welcomed back four incumbents: Scott Bowers (Ron Francis Wiring), B.J. Elmore (Ridetech), Jeff Major (Bed Wood and Parts) and Angela Schoof (TEN: The Enthusiast Network). In addition to these veteran HRIA leaders, Carmen Bélanger-Martin of AM Hot Rod Glass joined the team. Before jumping into her first meeting, Bélanger-Martin took a few minutes to catch up with SEMA Member News.

SEMA Member News: Tell us something about your industry experience.

Carmen Bélanger-Martin: In 2006, I started Aero Marine in a 5,800-sq.-ft. building with one customer, Skater Powerboats. I focused on building optically clear, 3/4-in. acrylic windshields with a vision of drivers being able to visually navigate the waters at 150 mph or greater. In 2007, I was approached to build custom-car windshields and roof panels by Ryan Friedlinghaus, Galpin and John Fraizer of FXperts as well as Sony/Paramount and Disney studios for TV and motion pictures. As Aero Marine grew, I launched AM Hot Rod Glass—windshields for hot rods, Bonneville land-speed cars, automotive prototyping and weight reduction.

I am a fabricator. My hands still touch/build every product we produce. I am strong and persistent, with a progressive perspective on the automotive industry that’s respected by my clients. After nine years of dedicated work, my goal to become the first female acrylic/polycarbonate Department of Transportation glazer in the United States was becoming a real possibility.

SMN: Why do you feel it’s important to serve on the select committee?

CBM: I want to bring a different perspective to the committee and communicate with my HRIA peers and committee members, to become a voice for them and advocate for developing issues that are related to our manufacturing processes.

SMN: What advice do you have for members who want to get more involved in the group?

CBM: Do it! Do it! Take the chance and figure out how to make it work within your already-filled schedule. This is very necessary and important to your growth within the industry. I see more and more of my client builders taking a serious look at the HRIA and wanting to become more active within the association.

HRIA Open General Membership Meetings

The annual HRIA open general membership meeting at the Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, took place on July 9 and gave attendees a chance to connect with each other, meet the council leadership and learn more about industry developments. Members who attended got a first look at the council’s newly released annual report and offered feedback about their own challenges and opportunities, which gave the council leadership some direction for future discussions and initiatives.

This July 24 featured SEMA’s yearly Installation Gala, when the new Board of Directors members formally took their positions and the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge cars made their debut. Members look forward to this event each year for the networking opportunities and the pinewood drag races that benefit SEMA Cares charities. The event was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

The annual HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge showcases the skills of nationally known hot-rod builders and also raises money for SEMA Cares charities benefiting Child Help and Victory Junction facilities. Invited participants build small-scale pinewood cars to be raced at the annual SEMA Pinewood Drag Races. Hot-rod builders, being who they are, are not your typical pinewood racers. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that the auction proceeds go toward helping children, or perhaps they just want to build the best car they can, regardless of the scale. Whatever their motivation, the HRIA Pinewood Builders Challenge seems to bring out their best. This year, upward of 20 builders competed.

While the pinewood cars were displayed at the Installation Gala, the actual race took place for the first time at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky, during the first week of August. The next stop for the vehicles will be the SEMA Show, where they will be showcased in the HRIA booth in Hot Rod Alley and will then be auctioned off for charity at the HRIA industry awards reception on Wednesday, November 4.

The next chance for HRIA members to connect will be at the SEMA Show. Details about the booth location and reception will be available soon. Don’t miss these community-building opportunities. For more information, contact Jim Skelly at jimsk@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

SEMA Town Hall Meetings

Bring Your Voice and Build Your Future

SEMA member Jonathan Mill of Keyway Innovations asks a question at the SEMA Garage Town Hall meeting.

SEMA held two successful Town Hall meetings in 2015, giving members and prospective members a chance to catch up with each other and the state of the association. The first SEMA Town Hall was held in 2011, in an effort to keep an ear to the ground for feedback and challenges in the industry. Since then, the association has held 14 of these meetings at various locations around the country, finding it an effective way to listen and respond face-to-face.

Association staff typically works hand-in-hand with key leaders from member companies to bring relevant and engaging events to attendees. These meetings are informal, each having unique discussion topics but with a few common threads: discussing the current state of the industry, gathering feedback from members and providing quality regional networking opportunities. They are open to all members as well as individuals in the automotive aftermarket who haven’t joined but want to learn more.

The first Town Hall of the year was held on January 23 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. More than 110 SEMA members joined local business leaders, the SEMA Board of Directors and staff for the evening. In addition to networking and strengthening business relationships, attendees also toured the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center and learned how to get the most from the product-development and marketing tools at their disposal.

An engaging discussion followed tours of the Garage. Topics of conversation centered on next-gen initiatives, connecting through council and network groups, SEMA’s partnership with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research and legislative resources available to members.

Panelists Doug Evans (Luken Communications LLC), Tim Martin (K&N Engineering Inc.) and Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands) shared information about SEMA involvement from a Board of Directors perspective. The panelists familiarized the group with the association’s youth engagement efforts, including supporting shop classes in high schools and collaborating with the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts in Pomona, California. They also shared that the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow engine-building contest has been incorporated into both the SEMA and PRI Shows, giving talented students many opportunities to interact with industry veterans.

The evening included a special viewing of the trailer for the SEMA Ignited Battle of the Builders special, which first aired on the Velocity Network on March 8.

A second Town Hall also served as the association’s 2015 general membership meeting. For this event, SEMA partnered with Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, where the meeting was held on June 4. More than 100 individuals attended. For the first time, SEMA team members sat on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton. Young Executives Network members and past Launch Pad winners Ian Lehn (Boostane) and Jonathan Mill (Keyway Innovations) moderated while Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA president and CEO), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) answered questions about the SEMA Data Co-op, consumer awareness, the SEMA Garage and other hot topics. Attendees were among the first to receive the news of Congress’s introduction of a bill allowing limited production of turnkey replica cars. U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (PA-13) was also in attendance to give his constituents insight on industry issues from his perspective on Capitol Hill.

“Hosting the SEMA Town Hall was certainly one of the best events we’ve been involved with,” reflected Daryl Sampson, director of marketing at Turn 14 Distribution. “As a warehouse distributor (WD), having the event at our facility allowed us to network with a cross section of industry people that we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to. They included customers, retailers, other WDs and manufacturers. The SEMA Town Hall is an asset to our industry. It gives everyone involved the opportunity to learn more about our industry and its members in an intimate setting.”

The 2016 Town Hall series schedule will be released later this fall, and all members and prospective members are invited to attend. Member participation is key to the success of each Town Hall meeting, and this truly is one of the best platforms for members to express their thoughts. By attending the events and sharing your challenges, you have the opportunity to join a community and help SEMA plan for the future. Plus, you might just meet someone who could help you build your business.

Visit www.sema.org/townhall for more information, or contact A.J. Carney at andreac@sema.org.

SEMA Member News—September/October 2015

SEMA Town Hall Meetings

Bring Your Voice and Build Your Future

SEMA member Jonathan Mill of Keyway Innovations asks a question at the SEMA Garage Town Hall meeting.

SEMA held two successful Town Hall meetings in 2015, giving members and prospective members a chance to catch up with each other and the state of the association. The first SEMA Town Hall was held in 2011, in an effort to keep an ear to the ground for feedback and challenges in the industry. Since then, the association has held 14 of these meetings at various locations around the country, finding it an effective way to listen and respond face-to-face.

Association staff typically works hand-in-hand with key leaders from member companies to bring relevant and engaging events to attendees. These meetings are informal, each having unique discussion topics but with a few common threads: discussing the current state of the industry, gathering feedback from members and providing quality regional networking opportunities. They are open to all members as well as individuals in the automotive aftermarket who haven’t joined but want to learn more.

The first Town Hall of the year was held on January 23 at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. More than 110 SEMA members joined local business leaders, the SEMA Board of Directors and staff for the evening. In addition to networking and strengthening business relationships, attendees also toured the SEMA Garage—Industry Innovations Center and learned how to get the most from the product-development and marketing tools at their disposal.

An engaging discussion followed tours of the Garage. Topics of conversation centered on next-gen initiatives, connecting through council and network groups, SEMA’s partnership with Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research and legislative resources available to members.

Panelists Doug Evans (Luken Communications LLC), Tim Martin (K&N Engineering Inc.) and Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands) shared information about SEMA involvement from a Board of Directors perspective. The panelists familiarized the group with the association’s youth engagement efforts, including supporting shop classes in high schools and collaborating with the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts in Pomona, California. They also shared that the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow engine-building contest has been incorporated into both the SEMA and PRI Shows, giving talented students many opportunities to interact with industry veterans.

The evening included a special viewing of the trailer for the SEMA Ignited Battle of the Builders special, which first aired on the Velocity Network on March 8.

A second Town Hall also served as the association’s 2015 general membership meeting. For this event, SEMA partnered with Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, where the meeting was held on June 4. More than 100 individuals attended. For the first time, SEMA team members sat on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton. Young Executives Network members and past Launch Pad winners Ian Lehn (Boostane) and Jonathan Mill (Keyway Innovations) moderated while Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA president and CEO), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) answered questions about the SEMA Data Co-op, consumer awareness, the SEMA Garage and other hot topics. Attendees were among the first to receive the news of Congress’s introduction of a bill allowing limited production of turnkey replica cars. U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (PA-13) was also in attendance to give his constituents insight on industry issues from his perspective on Capitol Hill.

“Hosting the SEMA Town Hall was certainly one of the best events we’ve been involved with,” reflected Daryl Sampson, director of marketing at Turn 14 Distribution. “As a warehouse distributor (WD), having the event at our facility allowed us to network with a cross section of industry people that we normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to. They included customers, retailers, other WDs and manufacturers. The SEMA Town Hall is an asset to our industry. It gives everyone involved the opportunity to learn more about our industry and its members in an intimate setting.”

The 2016 Town Hall series schedule will be released later this fall, and all members and prospective members are invited to attend. Member participation is key to the success of each Town Hall meeting, and this truly is one of the best platforms for members to express their thoughts. By attending the events and sharing your challenges, you have the opportunity to join a community and help SEMA plan for the future. Plus, you might just meet someone who could help you build your business.

Visit www.sema.org/townhall for more information, or contact A.J. Carney at andreac@sema.org.

SEMA News—September 2015

EVENTS
By Amanda Gubbins

YEN Power Tour Participants Share Their Career Stories

YEN members Jared Chavez, Josh Backes, Matthew Davis, Keith McWilliams, Tyler Wesely, Troy Spackman, Cathy Clark and Tim Brueggemann (from left) rode along on the Power Tour.

Eight Young Executives Network (YEN) members rode along on the YEN Power Tour in June, a journey of more than 1,500 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to visiting each of the seven stops scheduled for the Hot Rod Power Tour, the YEN program added a twist of its own: Josh Backes, Tim Brueggeman, Jared Chavez, Cathy Clark, Matthew Davis, Keith McWilliams, Troy Spackman and Tyler Wesely each became advocates for the network and the industry, highlighting the variety of career choices available in the automotive specialty-equipment market. By the end of the week, the participants had become good friends.

“I didn’t know anyone else who was going to be on the tour,” reflected Clark, an account executive at Bob Cook Sales. “What if we didn’t get along? What if we had nothing in common? I’m about to spend seven days in a car with a complete stranger. What are we going to talk about? Those were all fears that I’m sure most of the participants shared, and then some. Boy, was I surprised when I arrived in Wisconsin and got to know the other members of the YEN Power Tour. Not only were they open and knowledgeable, but they made me feel comfortable and welcome as well.”

Other participants echoed Clark’s analysis. In fact, the relational aspect of the journey was one of the most valuable parts—and not only for the YEN participants but with all of the other long haulers (those who completed the entire Hot Rod Power Tour). Brueggeman, who owns B-Line Auto Co. in Nebraska, made some great business connections even before the tour started. He arrived in Wisconsin early and visited Ringbrothers.

	The YEN group visited several schools along the tour route to share their career insights with the students. Here, the group speaks to students at Lawson Community College in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Tuscaloosa Center for Technology was another stop for the YEN group.

The YEN participants were also able to share their enthusiasm for their work at four school visits along the route. Students in automotive programs at Ranken Technical College, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Lawson State Community College and the Tuscaloosa Center for Technology learned about the multitude of career paths in the automotive realm.

“After visiting the few select schools along the route, I felt it very encouraging knowing that there are a large number of young students excited about entering the automotive industry workforce,” said Wesely, a web-content specialist at Speedway Motors Inc.

“I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students present at our school stops, because I saw myself within many of these individuals,” shared Backes, who is a sales representative at 3pConnect USA.

The eight YEN members chronicled their experiences across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for those following along at home, using the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Besides being an opportunity to promote the industry, this weeklong program was an unforgettable experience.

Chavez, a MagnaFlow account manager, summed it up nicely when he said, “For me, being able to see the amazing celebration of expression through the vehicles was incredible. Whether it was an LS-swapped Datsun, ’80s custom van or a freshly restored AMX, there is something to capture the attention of any car enthusiast. Having some form of driving experience at each stop, either drag racing or autocrossing, further made this event stand out as a ‘driving enthusiast’ show. My only hope is that I can figure out a new way to experience the tour in the future and see it attract a broader audience as the younger generation becomes more involved."

Welcome New YEN Members (May 1–June 30, 2015)

Total YEN Members: 1,342

SEMA News—September 2015

EVENTS
By Amanda Gubbins

YEN Power Tour Participants Share Their Career Stories

YEN members Jared Chavez, Josh Backes, Matthew Davis, Keith McWilliams, Tyler Wesely, Troy Spackman, Cathy Clark and Tim Brueggemann (from left) rode along on the Power Tour.

Eight Young Executives Network (YEN) members rode along on the YEN Power Tour in June, a journey of more than 1,500 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to visiting each of the seven stops scheduled for the Hot Rod Power Tour, the YEN program added a twist of its own: Josh Backes, Tim Brueggeman, Jared Chavez, Cathy Clark, Matthew Davis, Keith McWilliams, Troy Spackman and Tyler Wesely each became advocates for the network and the industry, highlighting the variety of career choices available in the automotive specialty-equipment market. By the end of the week, the participants had become good friends.

“I didn’t know anyone else who was going to be on the tour,” reflected Clark, an account executive at Bob Cook Sales. “What if we didn’t get along? What if we had nothing in common? I’m about to spend seven days in a car with a complete stranger. What are we going to talk about? Those were all fears that I’m sure most of the participants shared, and then some. Boy, was I surprised when I arrived in Wisconsin and got to know the other members of the YEN Power Tour. Not only were they open and knowledgeable, but they made me feel comfortable and welcome as well.”

Other participants echoed Clark’s analysis. In fact, the relational aspect of the journey was one of the most valuable parts—and not only for the YEN participants but with all of the other long haulers (those who completed the entire Hot Rod Power Tour). Brueggeman, who owns B-Line Auto Co. in Nebraska, made some great business connections even before the tour started. He arrived in Wisconsin early and visited Ringbrothers.

	The YEN group visited several schools along the tour route to share their career insights with the students. Here, the group speaks to students at Lawson Community College in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Tuscaloosa Center for Technology was another stop for the YEN group.

The YEN participants were also able to share their enthusiasm for their work at four school visits along the route. Students in automotive programs at Ranken Technical College, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Lawson State Community College and the Tuscaloosa Center for Technology learned about the multitude of career paths in the automotive realm.

“After visiting the few select schools along the route, I felt it very encouraging knowing that there are a large number of young students excited about entering the automotive industry workforce,” said Wesely, a web-content specialist at Speedway Motors Inc.

“I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students present at our school stops, because I saw myself within many of these individuals,” shared Backes, who is a sales representative at 3pConnect USA.

The eight YEN members chronicled their experiences across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for those following along at home, using the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Besides being an opportunity to promote the industry, this weeklong program was an unforgettable experience.

Chavez, a MagnaFlow account manager, summed it up nicely when he said, “For me, being able to see the amazing celebration of expression through the vehicles was incredible. Whether it was an LS-swapped Datsun, ’80s custom van or a freshly restored AMX, there is something to capture the attention of any car enthusiast. Having some form of driving experience at each stop, either drag racing or autocrossing, further made this event stand out as a ‘driving enthusiast’ show. My only hope is that I can figure out a new way to experience the tour in the future and see it attract a broader audience as the younger generation becomes more involved."

Welcome New YEN Members (May 1–June 30, 2015)

Total YEN Members: 1,342

SEMA News—September 2015

EVENTS
By Amanda Gubbins

YEN Power Tour Participants Share Their Career Stories

YEN members Jared Chavez, Josh Backes, Matthew Davis, Keith McWilliams, Tyler Wesely, Troy Spackman, Cathy Clark and Tim Brueggemann (from left) rode along on the Power Tour.

Eight Young Executives Network (YEN) members rode along on the YEN Power Tour in June, a journey of more than 1,500 miles from Madison, Wisconsin, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In addition to visiting each of the seven stops scheduled for the Hot Rod Power Tour, the YEN program added a twist of its own: Josh Backes, Tim Brueggeman, Jared Chavez, Cathy Clark, Matthew Davis, Keith McWilliams, Troy Spackman and Tyler Wesely each became advocates for the network and the industry, highlighting the variety of career choices available in the automotive specialty-equipment market. By the end of the week, the participants had become good friends.

“I didn’t know anyone else who was going to be on the tour,” reflected Clark, an account executive at Bob Cook Sales. “What if we didn’t get along? What if we had nothing in common? I’m about to spend seven days in a car with a complete stranger. What are we going to talk about? Those were all fears that I’m sure most of the participants shared, and then some. Boy, was I surprised when I arrived in Wisconsin and got to know the other members of the YEN Power Tour. Not only were they open and knowledgeable, but they made me feel comfortable and welcome as well.”

Other participants echoed Clark’s analysis. In fact, the relational aspect of the journey was one of the most valuable parts—and not only for the YEN participants but with all of the other long haulers (those who completed the entire Hot Rod Power Tour). Brueggeman, who owns B-Line Auto Co. in Nebraska, made some great business connections even before the tour started. He arrived in Wisconsin early and visited Ringbrothers.

	The YEN group visited several schools along the tour route to share their career insights with the students. Here, the group speaks to students at Lawson Community College in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Tuscaloosa Center for Technology was another stop for the YEN group.

The YEN participants were also able to share their enthusiasm for their work at four school visits along the route. Students in automotive programs at Ranken Technical College, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Lawson State Community College and the Tuscaloosa Center for Technology learned about the multitude of career paths in the automotive realm.

“After visiting the few select schools along the route, I felt it very encouraging knowing that there are a large number of young students excited about entering the automotive industry workforce,” said Wesely, a web-content specialist at Speedway Motors Inc.

“I also thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students present at our school stops, because I saw myself within many of these individuals,” shared Backes, who is a sales representative at 3pConnect USA.

The eight YEN members chronicled their experiences across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for those following along at home, using the hashtag #YENPowerTour. Besides being an opportunity to promote the industry, this weeklong program was an unforgettable experience.

Chavez, a MagnaFlow account manager, summed it up nicely when he said, “For me, being able to see the amazing celebration of expression through the vehicles was incredible. Whether it was an LS-swapped Datsun, ’80s custom van or a freshly restored AMX, there is something to capture the attention of any car enthusiast. Having some form of driving experience at each stop, either drag racing or autocrossing, further made this event stand out as a ‘driving enthusiast’ show. My only hope is that I can figure out a new way to experience the tour in the future and see it attract a broader audience as the younger generation becomes more involved."

Welcome New YEN Members (May 1–June 30, 2015)

Total YEN Members: 1,342