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

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

Following are dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, webinars and activities.

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.