The New Guy
Working for an automotive aftermarket company; isn’t it a dream? On a slow day, I can send 20 e-mails, then go to the back and “work” with a random car on a chassis dyno. On a busy day, I send 50 e-mails and then write about “working” on a car on the chassis dyno. Yes, it’s true—the worst days in a SEMA-member company can still be better than the best days in another industry. Can anyone really say they have a passion for three-ring binders or student loans?
So, as you already know, though, you may not always remember, most of us affiliated with the specialty-equipment industry have dream jobs. But do you remember what it was like on your first day? Can you put yourself in the shoes of the new guy anymore? I know I can. My first day was barely more than a month ago. To start with, this is not an easy industry. As fun as it can be and as passionate as we all are about what we do, it is a very difficult industry in which one could work. The dedication and passion that goes into everything we do is exceptional. It takes a special kind of person to really enjoy this work, to be so absorbed in what we do that we don’t notice the hours ticking by, and to want so badly to help someone make their car just right.
Many of the people in this industry are what I refer to as “lifers.” They came into the industry 20 or more years ago and have been to every trade show, thousands of car shows and innumerable races or other events. Scooter Brothers, Chip Foose, Smokey Yunick and Vic Edelbrock (among countless others) are just some of the individuals that have built their lives around this industry and have done wonders to shape how the aftermarket works today. These are the people that I would have been in awe of meeting just months ago, and yet now they are considered my colleagues, my peers. Of course, this is not to say that I consider myself equal. But just knowing there is any connection at all is pretty cool.
So think back to your first day. Who did you look up to and want to emulate in your career? What were you nervous about? I know I am still nervous about answering questions from people in the industry. I have worked around cars and motorcycles my whole life and yet many of you lifers can make me feel like I don’t know a thing. Every time I start to feel this way, though, I try to remind myself of one thing: it’s an education. Talking to the lifers and others, regardless of time in the industry, can help me learn more about where the specialty-equipment market has been and where I am headed.
I have less than two months in the industry right now, and I know there is a lot to learn. To help me learn, I'm looking to SEMA and the Young Executives Network (YEN) for their Mentoring Program so that I can work with one of those lifers. I hope the program can start a relationship that allows me an excellent opportunity to grow and learn by following an expert. Of course, it wouldn’t be bad if a little bit of new guy rubbed off on one of those lifers, too!
Maybe we should all try to be the new guy. I challenge you to walk a mile in my shoes—go back to your first month in the industry. Take time to really stop and think about the cool parts of your job. Search out the industry members you’ve found most influential and let them know what that’s meant to you. Learn 10 new things about your products every day, or at least try it for a day. Be excited on your way to work. It doesn’t matter if you’re a lifer or the new kid, you work in the automotive aftermarket. You play with cars. That alone ought to put a smile on your face. —Kyle Neisen, MSD Ignition
Join YEN
Did
you know that the SEMA Young Executives Network has more than 500
members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee?
If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of
39, then you can join the SEMA Young Executives Network for FREE. If
you are interested in becoming part of the team, please visit our
website at www.sema.org/yen.
YEN Member of the Month Spotlight
Did you know that YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA
website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections
or to make a nomination, visit www.sema.org/yen.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? YEN is!
Be sure to follow YEN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/yen and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
YEN Column in SEMA Member News
Read YEN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about YEN, contact Angela Lee.
ARMO Welcomes New Select Committee Members
As a result of the recent elections, ARMO has four new members on the Select Committee. Todd Bidwell of Parts Unlimited and Camee Edelbrock of Schiefer Media each began their first term as a Select Committee member July 1. Matt Agosta of Steele Rubber Products, while “new” for this year, is actually beginning his second round on the Select Committee. Agosta is a former ARMO chair, and former SEMA Board of Directors member.
The complete ARMO Select Committee roster for 2010–2011 may be found on the ARMO website at www.sema.org/armo.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? ARMO Is!
Be sure to follow ARMO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/armo and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
ARMO Column in SEMA Member News
Read ARMO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about ARMO, contact Jim Skelly.
Have You Registered a Patent or Trademark? Your Competition Has.
Protecting the intellectual property rights (IPR) of its members is a top SEMA priority. The process begins when companies register their patents, trademarks, and copyrights with government agencies in the United States (and other countries). Registration is a key to establishing legal rights.
To assist its members, SEMA has created a webpage called Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights, explaining the different types of IP, including protecting new products (utility patents) and product designs (design patent), identifying the source of the product (trademarks), and protecting product brochures or website designs (copyright). It also contains information on how to register IP along with links to seminars, webinars and SEMA News articles.
With respect to enforcing IP rights at the SEMA Show, the association has developed an effective policy for pursuing infringement allegations. SEMA’s IP enforcement policy is posted on the IPR web page and is also published as part of the Exhibitor Services Manual. Questions may be directed to Stuart Gosswein (stuartg@sema.org).
HRIA Builds Custom Pinewood Racers for Auction
The
first annual HRIA Builders Pinewood Race was held in Pasadena,
California, as part of the SEMA Show 'N Shine car show and Pinewood Drag
Races. This new event featured some of the nation’s top hot-rod and
custom car builders bending the rules of pinewood car racing to create
one-of-a-kind creations for the track. Aside from required dimensions
and weights, the only rule for the builders was to use at least one
piece of the wood block provided.
All of the participating
builders far exceeded the expectations for the race, creating
masterpieces that will eventually be auctioned for Childhelp and
Victory Junction Gang Camp.
Alan Johnson's Hot Rods and Pinkee’s Rod
Shop chose to create their hot rods from billet aluminum, while Rich
Evans Designs and Street Vizions went with a more traditional approach
of forming their cars from wood. Other builders looked for loopholes
in the rules, as Rob Ida Concepts and Cotati Speed Shop entered hot
rods with only three wheels.
The cars built by Clay Smith Cams
and Carl’s Custom Cars embodied the spirit of traditional hot rods,
while Boerne Stage Kustoms paid tribute to the land speed bullets of
the past. The paint skills of these builders was on display with great
entries from Hot Rods & Custom Stuff and Fesler Built.
Finally,
Art Morrison engineered the most unique and advanced pinewood car in
the race, fabricating an actual chassis and suspension, along with ball-bearing wheels.
Although some of the cars look much better than they raced, all of
these pinewood cars are unique works of art. Derrick White with Street
Vizions captured the HRIA Cup by leaving all the other entrants in the
dust with his traditional hot-rod pinewood car. But, the true winners of
this event will be the kids of Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.
All of these cars will be on display at the SEMA Show in November, and
available for bidding on eBay beginning November 1. HRIA congratulates
Street Vizions and thanks all of these builders for their time and
dedication to this special event. Get ready for next year, as we are
sure the cars will be even more unique and wild as we add more great
builders to the race. Click here to see photos of the event.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? HRIA is!
Be sure to follow HRIA on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/hria and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
HRIA Column in SEMA Member News
Read HRIA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about HRIA and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.
TORA Welcomes New Select Committee Members
As a result of recent elections, TORA welcomes two brand-new Select Committee members. David Crocket of Rolling Big Power and Isaac Ronquillo of Big Country/Go Rhino Products began their first terms as select committee members July 1. The election results also included returning incumbents Tom Brooks of Truckin’ Thunder, Bill Cole of Yankee Customs Inc., Fred Snow of Hella Lighting and Melanie White of Hellwig Products.
The complete 2010–2011 TORA Select Committee may be found on the TORA homepage at www.sema.org/TORA.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? TORA Is!
Be sure to follow TORA on all of your favorite social networking sites.
To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/TORA and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
TORA Column in SEMA Member News
Read TORA's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For more information about TORA, contact Jim Skelly.
MPMC Welcomes New Select Committee Members
MPMC welcomes six brand new members to the Select Committee as a result of recent elections. They are:
- William Baty, Centerforce Clutches
- Todd Gartshore, Baer Inc.
- Scott Hall, Moroso Performance Products
- John Sonnefeldt, Holley Performance
- Steve Williams, K&N Engineering
- Gary Wright, Painless Performance Products.
“This year saw quite a turnover in the Select Committee,” said newly
installed Chairman Kyle Fickler of Weld Racing. “We have an interesting
mix of returning incumbents and fresh faces which should make for a
dynamic group. Vic Wood (newly installed chair-elect) and I are looking
forward to working with everyone.”
The MPMC Select Committee, with member profiles, can be seen on the MPMC homepage at www.sema.org/mpmc.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MPMC Is!
Be sure to follow MPMC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mpmc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
Take a Friend to a Race Fan Page
The MPMC Motorsports Awareness campaign, highlighted by the Take a Friend to a Race program, now has its very own Fanpage on Facebook. If you’re not a fan yet, you should be!
MPMC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MPMC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MPMC, contact Jim Skelly.
MRC Rep Conference Coming to Vegas!!
The 9th annual MRC Rep Conference moves to Las Vegas at the 2010
SEMA Show. Bryan Shirley, president and CEO of the Manufacturers’
Agents National Association will host an open and interactive session
titled “Survival of the Fittest! Is that You?” The economy has redefined the new automotive aftermarket…now it’s time to redefine yourself!
The MRC Rep Conference will convene at the Las Vegas Hilton on Sunday,
October 31, 2010, from 4:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. The early-bird price for
SEMA members is $49 ($69 for non-members). Online event registration is now available! For additional information, contact SEMA Council Liaison Staci Bostock at 909/978-6693 or stacib@sema.org.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? MRC is!
Be sure to follow MRC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/mrc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
MRC Column in SEMA Member News
Read MRC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about MRC, contact Staci Bostock.
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Council?
What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very
simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to
serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and
meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year.
Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours
throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their
experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges
our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and
get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company
in their PRO efforts, and for that we say, “thank you,” to those
companies!
The leaders of the PRO gathered earlier this year in Lima, Ohio, for
its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on
bringing value to the PRO-member companies. The past 18 months have
been extremely challenging for all of our companies, and the council is
dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each PRO
member.
Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “address
the challenges facing the restyling segment of the automotive
aftermarket and to develop effective strategies for dealing with
industry-specific issues.” A handful of exciting objectives are
being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are
passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of
opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment
of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas.
Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or
have comments.
Education Task Force
Brian Champa (Check Corporation) and Bill North (Webasto Product North America) co-chair this task force and can be reached at bchampa@checkcorp.com or bill.north@webasto-us.com.
The education task force is charged with developing successful programs
for members to enhance their businesses. The Technical Skills &
Training Conference (TSTC) recently launched, and the group is tasked
with expanding the number of events each year to ensure that training
and education become primary drivers for our industry.
NovemberFest Task Force
Mike Stanifer (Innovative Creations Inc.) chairs this group and can be reached at mike@icionline.com. The SEMA Show
in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions.
This group focuses on making PRO’s awards reception the place to be and
offering a fun forum to bring passionate members with common interests
together.
Membership Task Force
Joey Johnston (Tops & Trends) chairs this group and can be reached at joey@topsandtrends.com.
The success of any council or initiative is dependent upon its members.
This task force focuses on growth, promotion and retention. It is
important that we mentor new members on council activities, events,
meetings and benefits.
ProPledge Task Force
David Stringer (Insignia Group) chairs this group and can be reached at dstringer@insigniagroup.com.
The purpose of this group is to promote industry standards and to
improve the perception of aftermarket installations throughout the
restyling industry. ProPledge offers dealers a warranty program and is
committed to delivering quality products and services.
There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout
the year. You are the expert at what your business needs, and this
council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to
one of our PRO events. Our hope is that if you haven’t been a part of
PRO yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? PRO Is!
Be sure to follow PRO on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/pro and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
PRO Column in SEMA Member News
Read PRO's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about PRO, contact Zane Clark or call 909/978-6696.
You Ought to Be in Pictures!
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network Committee is a great resource of minds. All ladies in the aftermarket industry can join the SBN, so pass the word around to your colleagues and friends! We are encouraging all new and existing SBN members to log-in to the MySEMA portal to update their profile with a photo so we get to know each other's faces before the SEMA Show.
And don’t forget to turn your notifications settings “ON” so you can stay in “the loop.” Want to know more about the SBN? Interested in becoming a member?
Want to get involved in the industry but don't know how? We have an app for that! Go to www.SEMA.org, click on the Leadership tab, click on Council/Committee, click on SBN and join! Don't delay—get involved and join now. You are just a few clicks away! We look forward to "seeing" everyone!
Don’t Be Out of the Loop—Stay in Touch
The very best way to stay in touch and to read the latest news, discussions and topics posted from SEMA and the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is to make sure that your notification settings are turned on in your MySEMA account. Next to your photo on your MySEMA page, at the top right, is a link to the "Edit My Settings" page.
On the “settings” page, look for the “notifications” tab, where it will ask how you would like to receive your news. Check whichever method is most convenient, but either way, make sure you're in the loop by turning “on” your notifications. Visit http://my.sema.org to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Discover the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by the SBN
“I’ll get by with a little help from my friends…” - Joe Cocker
Everyone needs help or expert advice from time to time, and SEMA’s
Mentoring Program is an excellent resource to get answers to all your
questions. Whether you need to know more about SEMA, market information
for a start-up company or advice on how to approach your boss about a
new position, the SEMA Mentoring Program can help.
“Ask A
Mentor” is perfect for one-time questions. You can expect multiple SEMA
mentors to provide online guidance and answers to your industry-related
questions.
Short-term Assistance/Guidance is for help with a
specific project or task. A SEMA council/committee mentor with the
expertise you seek will be paired up with you to provide guidance with
your project.
Long-term Relationship is helpful for developing
your professional career. In this program segment you will be paired
with a SEMA council/committee mentor who will provide guidance and
assistance for ongoing career development or a long-term project.
So whether you just need an answer to a question or you want to
cultivate a mentoring friendship, the SEMA Mentoring Program—Powered by
the SBN is available to help. After all, we can all use a little help
from our friends.
Visit the SEMA Mentoring Program now.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SBN is!
Be sure to follow SBN on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/sbn and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
SBN Column in SEMA Member News
Read SBN's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SBN, contact Angela Lee.
Find the Business Possibilities Through the SPC
Participate in the automotive aftermarket at a whole new level by joining the SPC.
The purpose of SEMA councils is to help our member companies succeed
and prosper. In the SPC, our mission is to provide market information,
education and support to our members concerning new and emerging
trends. Whether it’s the latest business technology, forecasting sales,
future marketing solutions or up and coming vehicle platforms, we give
you and your company the chance to see what’s on the horizon.
Then we’ll help you understand and acquire the skills, tools and
technologies to lead the way. The SPC has the most diverse membership
of any SEMA council, and that will allow you to network with other
professionals from every facet of our industry and gain insights into
areas you may not have previously considered. Find out about the parts,
people, technologies, strategies, trends and, most important,
possibilities.
This is your chance to give something back to the industry, your
profession and to grow personally along the way. Join the SPC today and
become an active member of the specialty equipment and automotive
market — Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, SPC Chairman
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? SPC is!
Be sure to follow SPC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/spc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
SPC Column in SEMA Member News
Read SPC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about SPC, contact Angela Lee.
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in the SEMA Wheel and Tire (WTC) Council?
What exactly do the council leaders do throughout their term? Very simply, the Select Committee is elected by members of the council to serve a two-year term. They participate in monthly conference calls and meetings that are held at various trade events throughout the year. Each Select Committee member volunteers for at least 20 hours throughout the year, and some volunteer even more. Some share their experience and vision, others provide creative solutions to challenges our member companies are facing and others get their hands dirty and get it done. Each Select Committee member is supported by their company in their WTC efforts, and for that we say “thank you” to those companies!
The leaders of the WTC gathered earlier this year at SEMA headquarters in Diamond Bar, California, for its annual Long-Range Planning meeting. This meeting focused on bringing value to the WTC-member companies. The past 18 months have been extremely challenging for all of our companies and the council is dedicated to utilizing SEMA’s resources to further benefit each WTC member.
Guiding the group’s effort was the council’s mission statement to “identify common problems and opportunities relating to the wheel and tire industries that the council, as an interested body of companies, can address for the common good.” A handful of exciting objectives are being developed for the council over this year and next. If you are passionate and have an interest in being involved, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a task force with a limited investment of time that provides a great way to network and share your ideas. Please reach out to the task force chair if you want to participate or have comments.
Science and Technology Task Force
Tim Dietz (Standards Testing Laboratories Inc.) and can be reached at tdietz@stllabs.com. This group focuses on aftermarket and OEM advances that affect our industry. From creating wheel standards to improved processes for tire-pressure monitoring systems and electronic stability control, the Science and Technology Task Force plays a pivotal role in the industry’s advancement.
Education Task Force
Kelly Austin (Ultra Wheel Company) chairs this group and can be reached at kelly@mail.ultrawheel.com. The education task force is charged with developing successful programs for members to enhance their businesses. The WTC Task Force is responsible for partnering with the SEMA Educational Institute to create and promote online learning resources.
Communication and Marketing Task Force
Doug Frymer (Law Offices of Douglas A. Frymer) chairs this group and can be reached at legal@starshieldarmor.com. This group focuses on membership outreach, growth and retention. It is imperative that councils effectively communicate services provided by WTC and SEMA to our members. Communication and services ensure that there is proper dialogue between leadership and membership.
SEMA Show Task Force
David Insull (American Tire Distributors) chairs this group and can be reached at dinsull@atd-us.com. The SEMA Show in Las Vegas provides the backdrop for critical networking functions. This group focuses on making WTC’s awards reception an ideal place to get together, honor one another and network with all those who share a common passion.
There are so many other things the council leadership does throughout the year. You are the expert at what your business needs and this council wants to deliver. Feel free to get in touch with us or come to one of our WTC events. Our hope is that, if you haven’t been a part of WTC yet, you will be in 2010 and beyond.
Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter? WTC is!
Be sure to follow WTC on all of your favorite social networking sites. To find these sites, go to www.sema.org/wtc and use the links in the top right-hand corner.
WTC Column in SEMA Member News
Read WTC's column featured in the July/August issue of SEMA Member News.
For information about WTC and how to join, contact Zane Clark or call or 909/978-6696.
