The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro appears on the cover of the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction program (click on the image to pre-order the event program).

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro is off to this month’s Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction after completing an auto show circuit that included its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show and appearances at the L.A. Auto Show and 2010 San Diego International Auto Show.

The custom 2010 Camaro SS/RS, featuring a 6.2L V8 engine outputting more than 600 hp, body kit, custom interior, entertainment system and paint in WD-40's signature blue and yellow theme, next goes to the Barrett-Jackson auction, January 18–24, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Proceeds from its sale will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, two charities that SEMA actively supports.

Not only is the real Camaro available at auction, but a WD-40 spokesperson says a virtual version of the car appears in Nitto 1320 Legends, an online racing game and social network with more than 900,000 members.

Partners in the Camaro build include: APE Wraps; Audio Innovations; Cie Studios; DynoMax; Eclipse; Forgeline Motorsports; GTR High Performance; Haddad Motorsports; Hedman Hedders; House of Tints; Katzkin Leather; L&G Enterprises; MGP Caliper Covers; Nitto Tires; Odyssey Batteries; Paxton Automotive; Pedders USA; PhotoTouch Inc.; PPG Industries; Sony Computer Entertainment America; Street Scene Equipment; and Top Quality Powder Coating.

	The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro appears on the cover of the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction program (click on the image to pre-order the event program).

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro is off to this month’s Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction after completing an auto show circuit that included its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show and appearances at the L.A. Auto Show and 2010 San Diego International Auto Show.

The custom 2010 Camaro SS/RS, featuring a 6.2L V8 engine outputting more than 600 hp, body kit, custom interior, entertainment system and paint in WD-40's signature blue and yellow theme, next goes to the Barrett-Jackson auction, January 18–24, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Proceeds from its sale will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, two charities that SEMA actively supports.

Not only is the real Camaro available at auction, but a WD-40 spokesperson says a virtual version of the car appears in Nitto 1320 Legends, an online racing game and social network with more than 900,000 members.

Partners in the Camaro build include: APE Wraps; Audio Innovations; Cie Studios; DynoMax; Eclipse; Forgeline Motorsports; GTR High Performance; Haddad Motorsports; Hedman Hedders; House of Tints; Katzkin Leather; L&G Enterprises; MGP Caliper Covers; Nitto Tires; Odyssey Batteries; Paxton Automotive; Pedders USA; PhotoTouch Inc.; PPG Industries; Sony Computer Entertainment America; Street Scene Equipment; and Top Quality Powder Coating.

	The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro appears on the cover of the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction program (click on the image to pre-order the event program).

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro is off to this month’s Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction after completing an auto show circuit that included its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show and appearances at the L.A. Auto Show and 2010 San Diego International Auto Show.

The custom 2010 Camaro SS/RS, featuring a 6.2L V8 engine outputting more than 600 hp, body kit, custom interior, entertainment system and paint in WD-40's signature blue and yellow theme, next goes to the Barrett-Jackson auction, January 18–24, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Proceeds from its sale will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, two charities that SEMA actively supports.

Not only is the real Camaro available at auction, but a WD-40 spokesperson says a virtual version of the car appears in Nitto 1320 Legends, an online racing game and social network with more than 900,000 members.

Partners in the Camaro build include: APE Wraps; Audio Innovations; Cie Studios; DynoMax; Eclipse; Forgeline Motorsports; GTR High Performance; Haddad Motorsports; Hedman Hedders; House of Tints; Katzkin Leather; L&G Enterprises; MGP Caliper Covers; Nitto Tires; Odyssey Batteries; Paxton Automotive; Pedders USA; PhotoTouch Inc.; PPG Industries; Sony Computer Entertainment America; Street Scene Equipment; and Top Quality Powder Coating.

	The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro appears on the cover of the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction program (click on the image to pre-order the event program).

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro is off to this month’s Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction after completing an auto show circuit that included its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show and appearances at the L.A. Auto Show and 2010 San Diego International Auto Show.

The custom 2010 Camaro SS/RS, featuring a 6.2L V8 engine outputting more than 600 hp, body kit, custom interior, entertainment system and paint in WD-40's signature blue and yellow theme, next goes to the Barrett-Jackson auction, January 18–24, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Proceeds from its sale will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, two charities that SEMA actively supports.

Not only is the real Camaro available at auction, but a WD-40 spokesperson says a virtual version of the car appears in Nitto 1320 Legends, an online racing game and social network with more than 900,000 members.

Partners in the Camaro build include: APE Wraps; Audio Innovations; Cie Studios; DynoMax; Eclipse; Forgeline Motorsports; GTR High Performance; Haddad Motorsports; Hedman Hedders; House of Tints; Katzkin Leather; L&G Enterprises; MGP Caliper Covers; Nitto Tires; Odyssey Batteries; Paxton Automotive; Pedders USA; PhotoTouch Inc.; PPG Industries; Sony Computer Entertainment America; Street Scene Equipment; and Top Quality Powder Coating.

	The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro appears on the cover of the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction program (click on the image to pre-order the event program).

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro is off to this month’s Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction after completing an auto show circuit that included its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show and appearances at the L.A. Auto Show and 2010 San Diego International Auto Show.

The custom 2010 Camaro SS/RS, featuring a 6.2L V8 engine outputting more than 600 hp, body kit, custom interior, entertainment system and paint in WD-40's signature blue and yellow theme, next goes to the Barrett-Jackson auction, January 18–24, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Proceeds from its sale will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, two charities that SEMA actively supports.

Not only is the real Camaro available at auction, but a WD-40 spokesperson says a virtual version of the car appears in Nitto 1320 Legends, an online racing game and social network with more than 900,000 members.

Partners in the Camaro build include: APE Wraps; Audio Innovations; Cie Studios; DynoMax; Eclipse; Forgeline Motorsports; GTR High Performance; Haddad Motorsports; Hedman Hedders; House of Tints; Katzkin Leather; L&G Enterprises; MGP Caliper Covers; Nitto Tires; Odyssey Batteries; Paxton Automotive; Pedders USA; PhotoTouch Inc.; PPG Industries; Sony Computer Entertainment America; Street Scene Equipment; and Top Quality Powder Coating.

	The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro appears on the cover of the upcoming Barrett-Jackson auction program (click on the image to pre-order the event program).

The WD-40/SEMA Cares Camaro is off to this month’s Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction after completing an auto show circuit that included its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show and appearances at the L.A. Auto Show and 2010 San Diego International Auto Show.

The custom 2010 Camaro SS/RS, featuring a 6.2L V8 engine outputting more than 600 hp, body kit, custom interior, entertainment system and paint in WD-40's signature blue and yellow theme, next goes to the Barrett-Jackson auction, January 18–24, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Proceeds from its sale will benefit Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp, two charities that SEMA actively supports.

Not only is the real Camaro available at auction, but a WD-40 spokesperson says a virtual version of the car appears in Nitto 1320 Legends, an online racing game and social network with more than 900,000 members.

Partners in the Camaro build include: APE Wraps; Audio Innovations; Cie Studios; DynoMax; Eclipse; Forgeline Motorsports; GTR High Performance; Haddad Motorsports; Hedman Hedders; House of Tints; Katzkin Leather; L&G Enterprises; MGP Caliper Covers; Nitto Tires; Odyssey Batteries; Paxton Automotive; Pedders USA; PhotoTouch Inc.; PPG Industries; Sony Computer Entertainment America; Street Scene Equipment; and Top Quality Powder Coating.

	"Focus on doing the job that management expects," says Edelbrock's Jason Snyder. "Everything else will fall in line."

Jason Snyder, YEN Member
Vice President of Marketing, Edelbrock

At 34 years old, Jason Snyder is a creative, successful young executive at Edelbrock Corporation. Recently promoted to vice president of marketing, Snyder believes that a blue-collar work ethic and continued appetite for learning is responsible for his success.

Known for being candid and direct in the daily course of business, Snyder has helped Edelbrock’s transition to the digital age. Here he discusses key points that have helped him climb the ladder.

What Does it Take to Make it to the Executive Level?
Early on, I had a manager that laid out very high expectations. I felt like the Karate Kid. If I had to clean shelves, stay late and come early, I did it. If I was late, he was standing at the door. There I learned to become an executive. It takes a blue-collar approach. You work hard, do what it takes and you'll be successful.

I was also willing to take the big risks for my job. I was 28 when offered the opportunity to work for Edelbrock. I had to move across the country—away from my wife and 18-month-old son—to unfamiliar surroundings and live in a hotel for seven weeks. But those were the things that I had to do, to make the sacrifice to make it work.

Why Were You Promoted So Young?
It came with hard work, because people around me recognized my hard work. Hard work shines through and many younger people either don't want to put in the hours or feel like they are suppressed because of a manager that takes credit for their work. In time, upper management and your company will see your contributions and intelligence.

Where Should You Start?
Start with a good relationship with your direct supervisor, and the owner if possible. Be a good employee, listen to your manager and get the job done. You have to be willing to learn how to present constructive criticism and give fresh input on important decisions. But before you get over-ambitious, focus on doing the job that management expects. Everything else will fall in line.

What Should a Young Executive Be Careful of Saying?
"That's not my job" and "I don't know" need to be followed up with "…but I'll find out." I'm not afraid to say I don't know, because it's honest. You need to be inspired to figure out how to learn it. If you're one of those people that brings up company issues or problems without solutions, you'll be looked at as disruptive.

Does “Water-Cooler Talk” Build Rapport? Or Does It Breed Negativity?
Everyone has seen some level of negative effects because of the economy, whether you've had a cutback or salary decrease. But I tell people that we are here to get a job done for Edelbrock. Whatever job that is. You stay positive, and ideally we can all be friends and achieve more. We spend more time working than we do with our own families.

Leading by example gains you respect. Talking at the water cooler does not build rapport. Rapport is built by picking up the broom. Lead from the front. Take out your own trash. People below and above will notice the little things. And it will help you get noticed.

What About Salary? How Does a Young Executive Approach Compensation in This Market?
Many employees feel like a salaried position means longer hours without overtime pay. A young manager needs to be willing to accept those downsides. If you're worried about earning overtime, then you aren't executive material. I don't believe people should get an adjustment based on tenure; you should earn it. If you feel you are deserving of a salary increase, put in on paper and be candid about why. You won't always win that battle, but you'll be able to discuss salary with your management in a positive way."

And What if You're Told “There's No Budget?”
Basic laws of negotiation say not to accept that as an answer. The issue is understandable. Ask then, “When can it be revaluated?” Get a commitment for a date. Ask your management how you can earn an increase. You can't just expect a salary increase based on tenure. I've gotten increases because of merit. I deserved it because of my workload.

The SEMA Financial Benchmarking Report is a new program that allows your company to benchmark key sales performance indicators against industry averages. Three reports are available, one each for manufacturers, WDs and retailers.

The October 2009 reports are the most recent where you’ll find data on sales projections, quick ratio, inventory turns, sales per employee, research and development, factory overhead, selling and administrative expense and more. Here is a small sample of all the information that is available to program participants:

	Although most manufacturers predicted flat sales for the first winter months, almost as many (37.3%) were optimistic for growth.

Manufacturer Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Manufacturer SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, manufacturers were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 compared to one year ago.

Forty-one percent forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 37.3% forecasted sales to be up, and 21.7% forecasted sales to be down.

Of the manufacturers that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 13.9%. Of the manufacturers that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 18.7%.

Responses are a three-month rolling average, based on 437 manufacturers.

Manufacturers Sourcing Products Outside United States:
Q: How many products are manufactured outside the United States?
A: 43.6% of sales for August, September and October were from products manufactured outside the United States. That is the highest percentage reported since the SEMA Financial Benchmarking survey started in January 2009.

Manufacturer Spending on Advertising and Marketing:
Q: How much was spent on advertising and marketing, excluding salaries?
A: An average of 8.9% of gross sales on advertising and marketing in August, September and October.

An equal amount of distributors forecasted sales both up and down, while 40% see things staying flat.

Distributor Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Distributor SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, distributors were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 versus one year ago.

40.6% forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 29.7% forecasted sales to be up, and 29.7% forecasted sales to be down. Of the distributors that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 15.6%.

Of the distributors that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 21.4%. (Responses are a three-month rolling average, based on 359 participating distributors.)

Distributor Sales, Top Three Business Types:
Q: What business types were on the sales lists?
A: The top three businesses in August, September and October were:

Installers: 14.8%
Retailer (Jobber): 13.8%
Repair Services: 12.5%

Distributor Inventory Turns:
Q: How many times was inventory turned in the past 12 months?
A: 4.7 times. (Rolling average of the August, September and October responses.)

	Almost a third of retailers surveyed see things headed up compared to last year.

Retailer Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Retailer SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, retailers were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 versus one year ago.

44.2% forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 26.1% forecasted sales to be up, and 29.7% forecasted sales to be down.

Of the retailers that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 14.7%. Of the retailers that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 24.2%.

Retail Sales by Market Segment:
Q: What percentage of sales come from the various market segments?
A: Distribution of retail sales by market segment, October 2009:

Retailer Inventory Turns:
Q: How many times was inventory turned in the past 12 months?
A: 5.3 times. (Rolling average of the August, September and October responses.)

Want to get the entire report for your business category (manufacturer, WD or retailer)? Simply sign up for the FREE and COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL SEMA Financial Benchmarking program, administered by Hedges & Company, by clicking on the appropriate report link below:

Manufacturers
Distributors
Retailers

Participants automatically get their category report by e-mail as soon as it's released. Non-participating SEMA members can download any one of the three reports from www.sema.org after they're released for $49.99/report. Non-participating, non-SEMA members can download any one of the three reports from www.sema.org after they're released for $99.99/report.

For all your market research needs, visit www.sema.org/research.

The SEMA Financial Benchmarking Report is a new program that allows your company to benchmark key sales performance indicators against industry averages. Three reports are available, one each for manufacturers, WDs and retailers.

The October 2009 reports are the most recent where you’ll find data on sales projections, quick ratio, inventory turns, sales per employee, research and development, factory overhead, selling and administrative expense and more. Here is a small sample of all the information that is available to program participants:

	Although most manufacturers predicted flat sales for the first winter months, almost as many (37.3%) were optimistic for growth.

Manufacturer Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Manufacturer SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, manufacturers were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 compared to one year ago.

Forty-one percent forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 37.3% forecasted sales to be up, and 21.7% forecasted sales to be down.

Of the manufacturers that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 13.9%. Of the manufacturers that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 18.7%.

Responses are a three-month rolling average, based on 437 manufacturers.

Manufacturers Sourcing Products Outside United States:
Q: How many products are manufactured outside the United States?
A: 43.6% of sales for August, September and October were from products manufactured outside the United States. That is the highest percentage reported since the SEMA Financial Benchmarking survey started in January 2009.

Manufacturer Spending on Advertising and Marketing:
Q: How much was spent on advertising and marketing, excluding salaries?
A: An average of 8.9% of gross sales on advertising and marketing in August, September and October.

An equal amount of distributors forecasted sales both up and down, while 40% see things staying flat.

Distributor Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Distributor SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, distributors were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 versus one year ago.

40.6% forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 29.7% forecasted sales to be up, and 29.7% forecasted sales to be down. Of the distributors that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 15.6%.

Of the distributors that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 21.4%. (Responses are a three-month rolling average, based on 359 participating distributors.)

Distributor Sales, Top Three Business Types:
Q: What business types were on the sales lists?
A: The top three businesses in August, September and October were:

Installers: 14.8%
Retailer (Jobber): 13.8%
Repair Services: 12.5%

Distributor Inventory Turns:
Q: How many times was inventory turned in the past 12 months?
A: 4.7 times. (Rolling average of the August, September and October responses.)

	Almost a third of retailers surveyed see things headed up compared to last year.

Retailer Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Retailer SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, retailers were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 versus one year ago.

44.2% forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 26.1% forecasted sales to be up, and 29.7% forecasted sales to be down.

Of the retailers that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 14.7%. Of the retailers that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 24.2%.

Retail Sales by Market Segment:
Q: What percentage of sales come from the various market segments?
A: Distribution of retail sales by market segment, October 2009:

Retailer Inventory Turns:
Q: How many times was inventory turned in the past 12 months?
A: 5.3 times. (Rolling average of the August, September and October responses.)

Want to get the entire report for your business category (manufacturer, WD or retailer)? Simply sign up for the FREE and COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL SEMA Financial Benchmarking program, administered by Hedges & Company, by clicking on the appropriate report link below:

Manufacturers
Distributors
Retailers

Participants automatically get their category report by e-mail as soon as it's released. Non-participating SEMA members can download any one of the three reports from www.sema.org after they're released for $49.99/report. Non-participating, non-SEMA members can download any one of the three reports from www.sema.org after they're released for $99.99/report.

For all your market research needs, visit www.sema.org/research.

The SEMA Financial Benchmarking Report is a new program that allows your company to benchmark key sales performance indicators against industry averages. Three reports are available, one each for manufacturers, WDs and retailers.

The October 2009 reports are the most recent where you’ll find data on sales projections, quick ratio, inventory turns, sales per employee, research and development, factory overhead, selling and administrative expense and more. Here is a small sample of all the information that is available to program participants:

	Although most manufacturers predicted flat sales for the first winter months, almost as many (37.3%) were optimistic for growth.

Manufacturer Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Manufacturer SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, manufacturers were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 compared to one year ago.

Forty-one percent forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 37.3% forecasted sales to be up, and 21.7% forecasted sales to be down.

Of the manufacturers that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 13.9%. Of the manufacturers that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 18.7%.

Responses are a three-month rolling average, based on 437 manufacturers.

Manufacturers Sourcing Products Outside United States:
Q: How many products are manufactured outside the United States?
A: 43.6% of sales for August, September and October were from products manufactured outside the United States. That is the highest percentage reported since the SEMA Financial Benchmarking survey started in January 2009.

Manufacturer Spending on Advertising and Marketing:
Q: How much was spent on advertising and marketing, excluding salaries?
A: An average of 8.9% of gross sales on advertising and marketing in August, September and October.

An equal amount of distributors forecasted sales both up and down, while 40% see things staying flat.

Distributor Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Distributor SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, distributors were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 versus one year ago.

40.6% forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 29.7% forecasted sales to be up, and 29.7% forecasted sales to be down. Of the distributors that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 15.6%.

Of the distributors that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 21.4%. (Responses are a three-month rolling average, based on 359 participating distributors.)

Distributor Sales, Top Three Business Types:
Q: What business types were on the sales lists?
A: The top three businesses in August, September and October were:

Installers: 14.8%
Retailer (Jobber): 13.8%
Repair Services: 12.5%

Distributor Inventory Turns:
Q: How many times was inventory turned in the past 12 months?
A: 4.7 times. (Rolling average of the August, September and October responses.)

	Almost a third of retailers surveyed see things headed up compared to last year.

Retailer Report Sales Outlook

In the October 2009 Retailer SEMA Financial Benchmarking Survey, retailers were asked for their sales outlook for December 2009, January 2010 and February 2010 versus one year ago.

44.2% forecasted sales to be flat with one year ago, 26.1% forecasted sales to be up, and 29.7% forecasted sales to be down.

Of the retailers that forecasted sales to be up, the average increase was 14.7%. Of the retailers that forecasted sales to be down, the average decrease was 24.2%.

Retail Sales by Market Segment:
Q: What percentage of sales come from the various market segments?
A: Distribution of retail sales by market segment, October 2009:

Retailer Inventory Turns:
Q: How many times was inventory turned in the past 12 months?
A: 5.3 times. (Rolling average of the August, September and October responses.)

Want to get the entire report for your business category (manufacturer, WD or retailer)? Simply sign up for the FREE and COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL SEMA Financial Benchmarking program, administered by Hedges & Company, by clicking on the appropriate report link below:

Manufacturers
Distributors
Retailers

Participants automatically get their category report by e-mail as soon as it's released. Non-participating SEMA members can download any one of the three reports from www.sema.org after they're released for $49.99/report. Non-participating, non-SEMA members can download any one of the three reports from www.sema.org after they're released for $99.99/report.

For all your market research needs, visit www.sema.org/research.