By Ashley Reyes

A new professional development program launched by the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), formerly the Young Executives Network (YEN), is helping aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket reach greater levels of success. Sponsored by FLN in partnership with Dale Carnegie, the two-day, in-person program focuses on improving individual and business performance and is available exclusively to FLN members at a significant discount.

“The Future Leaders Network is committed to helping aspiring leaders advance in the industry,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso. “Partnering with a world-class organization such as Dale Carnegie is just one example of what we are doing to invest in the membership. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to participate in the Dale Carnegie Training, and I’m excited that other FLN members will have access to the program as well.”

While Caloroso’s employer, Driven Lighting Group, supported his participation in the Dale Carnegie Training, most aspiring leaders in the industry do not have such opportunities. To make the training attainable for all employees, including junior-level executives and those from small businesses, FLN is subsidizing 50% of the cost of the training, plus offering free hotel and meals for two days, two nights to a limited number of members.

It’s important to invest in training, and the Dale Carnegie Program is among the best that is available,” said Brian Reese, current CEO of T Sportline and Caloroso’s employer at Driven Lighting Group at the time of the training. “Nick has always been a terrific leader and team member, but the Dale Carnegie program has given him greater skills and knowledge to become an even better leader. He’s learned strategies and tactics that many seasoned professionals have yet to learn.”

The program, which will take place in March 2022 in Diamond Bar, California, will teach participants to:

• Communicate professionally and confidently in business situations.
• Engage others by building rapport, asking pertinent questions and listening.
• Build relationships and deal effectively with people in a multitude of scenarios.
• Gain cooperation and influence people, including direct reports, laterally and upward.
• Use emotional controls to sustain success.

The program is available to FLN members at half of Dale Carnegie’s regular fee of $1,600 and includes complimentary meals and hotel accommodations for two nights. Participants will also need to arrange their own travel to the event.

The program is limited to 25 FLN members, but any SEMA member aged 40 and under can apply for FLN membership. SEMA members can learn more here or contact Denise Waddingham, FLN director, at deniselw@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Leaders in the motorsports industry gathered at the 2021 SEMA Show for a unique conversation about the state of the industry. Led by Dr. Jamie Meyer, president of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), the one-hour panel discussion was recorded and is now available to viewing through the new SEMA Education website at www.semashow.com/education.     

Led by Dr. Jamie Meyer, president of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), a one-hour panel discussion was recorded and is now available to viewing through the new SEMA Education website at www.semashow.com/education.     

Featuring Bill Schlieper, owner, PRO Power Racing LLC; Dan Millen, president, Livernois Motorsports & Engineering LLC; Mike Kojima, president, MotoIQ; and Seth Ravndal, owner/CEO, BlackLake Research and Development, the video features the top motorsports experts sharing what they’ve learned during the pandemic, challenges they’ve overcome and what is ahead for the motorsports industry in 2022.

Viewers will get to know the unique background and accomplishments of each panelist, hear their experiences with the recent supply-chain issues and possible solutions, their insight on employment opportunity in the market and what the electric vehicle market means for the motorsports industry.

New seminars are added weekly at www.semashow.com/education. Other recently added seminars include:

• How the Pandemic Moved Buyers From Your Showroom to Online, Powered by PRO
• Marketing Shifts–Life After the Golden Age of Print
• Tactics to Increase Online Market Share
• Replica Cars–Everything You Need to Know About the New Federal Program

Users of the SEMA Education website will need to create a personal profile upon their first visit, which will then provide access to all recordings in the library.

By Ashley Reyes
Around three-quarters of the specialty-equipment industry thinks their sales will grow in 2022, and companies are optimistic about their short-term and long-term prospects, according to new SEMA Market Research. The findings are outlined in the upcoming “SEMA Future Trends Report,” which also suggests that while auto sales remain disrupted by the ongoing chip and input shortage, sales are likely to remain below pre-pandemic levels until 2023.

During the January 19 webinar, ”Outlook for 2022: Industry Forecast, Supply Chain Projections and Changing Consumer Demographics,” SEMA members will learn what they need to know to plan ahead for the new year, and get an in-depth overview of the of the upcoming “SEMA Future Trends Report” live from the SEMA Market Research team.

Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of market research, and Kyle Cheng, SEMA Market Research manager, will provide a live forecast on the industry's growth in the coming years, discuss the current supply-chain disruption, and explore generational shifts within the industry’s consumer base and what they mean for the industry.

Log in to SEMA Education to register. Participants will also have the exclusive opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the SEMA Market Research team. 

By Fredy Ramirez, Jay Carpio & Carr Winn

Throughout 2021, the SEMA News video team had the opportunity to spend time with members, builders, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. New vehicles found their way to the SEMA Garage for Measuring Sessions. Events like King of the Hammers thrilled racing fanatics.

Then as the Industry approached November, after two years of waiting, it was time to reconnect. The 2021 SEMA Show provided so many memories, from Battle of the Builders and Launch Pad, to Chip Foose, Hoonigan and Ford out Front. New products and never-before-seen builds kept eyes bulging and cameras flashing all week. Then as the week finally came to Friday it was time for a couple of crowd favorites, the annual Cruise and SEMA Ignited.

Join the video team for a quick look back at all of 2021, and stay tuned for so much more in 2022.

For more information on all things SEMA, visit www.SEMA.org. And don't forget to subscribe to the Association’s digital channels via YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

By Juan Torres

Media who are signed up and confirmed for the 2022 Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference, held online January 25–27, received an email with important updates earlier this week. Media who believe they signed up and did not get the email are urged to contact Juan Torres at juant@sema.org to ensure that they will receive a schedule and have access to this year’s online event.

The email includes important updates about the three-day event, including the following important dates to remember:

• January 11: Preliminary schedules will be sent on or before January 11.
• January 20: Webinar: Navigating the Virtual MPMC Media Trade Conference. Preview the online event space and get tips and trips for navigating the site. Register here.
• January 24: Final schedules are sent. Minor updates may have been made to your preliminary schedule, so be sure to look for and refer to the schedule sent on January 24. After schedules are sent on January 24, participants will be able to connect directly with one another in the virtual ballroom and make changes. SEMA will not manage changes after January 24.

For more information, visit www.sema.org/mtc.

VP Promotes Dolan to Vice President of Marketing

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the promotion of Ben Dolan to vice president of marketing. Prior to joining VP, Dolan was director of sales and marketing at holding company UGGM LLC, where he was responsible for the marketing and sales of the company’s five largest divisions, ranging from signage fabrication to diesel mechanics. He has more than 20 years of marketing and sales experience across a broad range of industries.

XS Power Batteries Purchases Knoxville Building With Plans to Expand

XS Power Batteries—based in Knoxville, Tennessee—has purchased a building in Knoxville, as reported by Knox News. XS Power Batteries owner Scottie Johnson oversaw the purchase of the Knox News property from the parent company Gannet. XS Power Batteries is slated to move into the first-floor office space in 2023. Johnson also plans to build a nearly 50,000-sq.-ft. facility for manufacturing on the property this year. The company is currently based out of two separate suites totaling 15,000 sq. ft. for its 30 or so employees. Johnson stated that the move is expected to increase the XS Power Batteries workforce to nearly 100 employees within 18 months. Johnson also plans to lease out additional office space on the first and second floors, while all Knox News operations will continue at the facility. Those interested in leasing space within the building can contact info@xspowerbatteries.com. For more information, visit 4xspower.com.

NPW Holds 31st Annual Charity Golf Event

NPW’s 31st annual charity golf event culminated with $6,000 pledged to First Tee Miami.

In addition to having more than 100 players from the automotive industry on the links at Shula’s Miami Lakes Golf Course for the National Auto Parts Warehouse 31st annual charity golf event, PGA’s Erik Compton, a Miami native, was there to offer advice, inspire the teams and help improve the players’ handicaps. The event culminated with $6,000 pledged to First Tee Miami.

Kahn Media Announces New Look, Services and Staff for 2022

Kahn Media has introduced its new branding and website.

Kahn Media has introduced its new branding and website. In addition to its new website and branding, Kahn Media has also announced a number of strategic staffing changes, additional services and new clients. The new Kahn Media website features a complete archive of the company’s “KM101” educational content that helps inform and educate businesses as well as in-depth case studies that spotlight the results-oriented work of the firm’s award-winning team across its diverse range of clients.

The agency has also announced that it has built a network of 14 Instagram channels that reach more than 1.1 million combined followers in the automotive, classic car, collector car, truck, Jeep, off-road, and luxury-lifestyle markets to which it can promote its clients’ content for additional reach outside of owned and earned media channels. In addition to its “KM Network” of Instagram pages, Kahn Media has also leaned harder into influencer marketing and expanded its content marketing team to included full-time writers, editors, and studio and ambient photographers as well as its digital marketing program to include Facebook/Instagram/Google shopping, Amazon Merchant Services, SEO and a full suite of direct-to-consumer facing services.

Kahn Media has also made several recent strategic hires and staffing changes. Jeff Dillow, a PR agency leadership veteran with two decades of experience in outdoor, automotive, CPG, CSR and crisis communications, has joined the team as an account supervisor leading one of Kahn’s three account teams. Kahn Media has also promoted Russell Stacey to its director of digital marketing, following his six-year track record of continual growth of the company’s digital marketing capabilities and team, and Heather Buchanan to the newly created position of creative project manager.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

The Internal Revenue Service has set the standard business-mileage deduction at 58.5 cents per mile for 2022, up 2.5 cents from the 2021 rate. The mileage calculation includes the cost of fuel, along with other vehicle fixed and variable operating expenses, such as depreciation, insurance, tires etc.

Companies and individuals who use their automobiles (including vans, pickups and panel trucks) for business have the option of using the standard rate in lieu of keeping records of their actual expenses.

For more information, contact Caroline Fletcher at carolinef@sema.org. 

Linda Spencer

Join SEMA in the Middle East to meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region. Participants can self-certify to qualify for up to $1,200 in U.S. government MDCP grants to defray trip costs. Rates start at $4,600 (including $1,200 federal MDCP grant), which includes all meals, hotel accommodations, a turnkey booth at Custom Show Emirates (UAE) and airfare from the UAE to Saudi Arabia (flights to and from your home state to the Middle East are not included). Check with SEMA staff regarding additional state funds to further help defray the costs.

SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference attendees will meet with pre-vetted trade buyers from throughout the region.

2022 SEMA Middle East Business Development Conference

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
March 23–28

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
March 28–30

Explore the potential for your products in this customizing-crazy market, where consumers are eager to get the latest U.S. products for classic car restoration, off-roading, racing, street performance and aesthetics. High disposable income coupled with a passion for personalization makes this a very attractive region.

Participants will:

• Exhibit at the leading customizing show in the region—Custom Show Emirates in a turnkey booth.
• Participate in a seminar with top distributors.
• Participate in an official U.S. government briefing.
• Tour specialty-equipment shops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE featuring performance, off-road and styling upgrades
• Attend networking receptions.

Slots are limited; register today!

For more information or to schedule a conference call to discuss the SEMA Business Development program, contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

By Juan Torres

The Young Executives Network (YEN), a SEMA group dedicated to cultivating talent in the automotive aftermarket, is now the Future Leaders Network (FLN). The new name more accurately reflects the network’s 1,142 membership, which includes employees ranging from entry-level staff to managers, trade workers, executives and business owners.  

“The network supports talent and individuals who are aspiring to further their careers in the automotive aftermarket. The Future Leaders Network will continue to offer programs and resources that will help members advance their careers,” said FLN Chair Nick Caloroso.

Caloroso explains that the former Young Executives Network name did not accurately reflect the group’s membership. “More than half of our members do not fall into the executives category, and although we will retain the age requirement, the word ’young’ is relative and implies inexperience. Regardless of the individual’s role, each member is aspiring to become a more effective and productive leader in the industry.”

The new Future Leaders Network name puts the focus on the group’s purpose and goal: growing and supporting individuals to become successful leaders, regardless of their actual job title or position. Membership is open at no cost to all employees under the age of 40 who work for a SEMA-member company.

Since 1989, the network has evolved and grown to include 1,142 members. In addition to year-round virtual and in-person mixers and gatherings, FLN hosts education sessions targeted to up-and-coming leaders. FLN also introduced the Launch Pad product-pitching competition to support emerging entrepreneurs and business owners. New this year, FLN teamed up with Dale Carnegie to provide members with an exclusive professional development training.

To learn more about FLN or to sign up to become a member, contact FLN Director Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

Merchant Automotive has been named the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest member spotlight company. In SEMA’s interview with Chris Ripper, the company’s director of sales and marketing, he shares Merchant Automotive’ s breakthrough moment and the company’s current projects.  

SEMA: Tell us the story of your company. How did your company start?

Chris Ripper: It started by our owner getting fired from a job. It gave him the courage to open his own repair shop for repairing GM trucks with Duramax engines and Allison transmissions. This led to him developing heavy-duty products to replace the OEM parts that broke when people cranked up the horsepower on their diesel trucks.

SEMA: What was your company’s breakthrough moment?

CR: Our breakthrough moment was when sales went online and successful enough that we had to shut down our repair shop to keep up with orders.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now and projects you are currently working on.   

CR: We’re positioning ourselves for growth. We didn’t lay anyone off during COVID. We opened our repair shop back up and created five new positions in the last nine months and made a serious investment in a new website.

SEMA: Tell us about a product your company is proud of.

CR: There are several. Our motor mounts are so much better than the OEM units. We have a “pump rub” kit to replace the OE transfer cases that can cause catastrophic failure. We have a few others we love that we private label for e-commerce guys.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?

CR: If you love playing with cars and trucks, there is no career more satisfying than working (getting paid) in a field that you spend so much time in anyway. Personally, I’ve been in the business for 25 years. It’s rare to stay in an industry so long. And if you end up getting involved with SEMA (I served multiple terms on the TORA, previously LTAA, select committee), you’ll develop partnerships and friendships that last a lifetime.

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA eNews and future TORA member updates.