News | Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

Products Available for SEMA Show Project-Vehicle Builders

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07

SEMA Show exhibitors: Generate more buzz for your company and its products at the 2009 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the SEMA Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

From now until just days before the annual Show, the latest additions to this list are made available through SEMA eNews. Hundreds of builders access the list, looking for the pieces that add extra flair to their builds. Product placement opportunities such as this are so beneficial that many exhibitors offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate.

To place your product on the list, send your company name, a brief product description, contact information and a website where the products can be viewed to eNews@sema.org and put “Product List” in the e-mail subject line.

Remember, builders will contact you directly, so make sure your contact information is accurate. New submissions will be included every week.

View all of the previous submissions on SEMAShow.com.

Engine/Underhood Components

AMSOIL Inc.: Premium synthetic motor oils, drivetrain fluids, Ea filters and performance products; AMSOIL Injen intakes for automotive and light truck applications. Contact: Jamie Jarvi, info@amsoil.com. Website: www.amsoil.com.

Superior Transmission Parts Inc.: FairBanks racing and performance transmission valve body kits and components for high-performance and heavy-duty gas and diesel towing/racing. Also offering Superior Transmission Parts Shift Technologies line of valve body shift-correction packages, Problem Solvers, Simple Solutions and Electronic Solutions and Real Steel Series valve and sleeve combinations; the Original Performance line of Super Servo’s and Posi-Shift and TransAction FairBanks kits that include late model transmission applications; and the Bench Buddy and Accumulator Buddy bore cleaning/polishing brushes. Contact: Robert "Bob" White, 800/451-3115, ext. 207. Website: www.superiortransmission.com.

Exterior Components/Accessories

Retrax Truck Bed Covers: Retractable tonneau for light pickups (no “monster” or “jacked up” trucks). Contact: Andy Nephew, marketing@rolltopcover.com, 800/206-4070. Website: www.rolltopcover.com.

Products Available for SEMA Show Project-Vehicle Builders

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07

SEMA Show exhibitors: Generate more buzz for your company and its products at the 2009 SEMA Show by offering products to builders through the SEMA Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list.

From now until just days before the annual Show, the latest additions to this list are made available through SEMA eNews. Hundreds of builders access the list, looking for the pieces that add extra flair to their builds. Product placement opportunities such as this are so beneficial that many exhibitors offer products for free or at a greatly reduced rate.

To place your product on the list, send your company name, a brief product description, contact information and a website where the products can be viewed to eNews@sema.org and put “Product List” in the e-mail subject line.

Remember, builders will contact you directly, so make sure your contact information is accurate. New submissions will be included every week.

View all of the previous submissions on SEMAShow.com.

Engine/Underhood Components

AMSOIL Inc.: Premium synthetic motor oils, drivetrain fluids, Ea filters and performance products; AMSOIL Injen intakes for automotive and light truck applications. Contact: Jamie Jarvi, info@amsoil.com. Website: www.amsoil.com.

Superior Transmission Parts Inc.: FairBanks racing and performance transmission valve body kits and components for high-performance and heavy-duty gas and diesel towing/racing. Also offering Superior Transmission Parts Shift Technologies line of valve body shift-correction packages, Problem Solvers, Simple Solutions and Electronic Solutions and Real Steel Series valve and sleeve combinations; the Original Performance line of Super Servo’s and Posi-Shift and TransAction FairBanks kits that include late model transmission applications; and the Bench Buddy and Accumulator Buddy bore cleaning/polishing brushes. Contact: Robert "Bob" White, 800/451-3115, ext. 207. Website: www.superiortransmission.com.

Exterior Components/Accessories

Retrax Truck Bed Covers: Retractable tonneau for light pickups (no “monster” or “jacked up” trucks). Contact: Andy Nephew, marketing@rolltopcover.com, 800/206-4070. Website: www.rolltopcover.com.

Why the Best Salesman Isn't Always Your Best Manager

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07

Eddy Kay, one of several scheduled presenters during the 2009 SEMA Show Education Days, is the principal of the Eddy Kay Group and author of Retailers Amnesia. His seminar “Selling Against the Internet: Secrets of Successful Retailing” is scheduled November 5, 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

Following are his thoughts on successful retail management:

"I want to be the manager! I want to be the manager!” cries the poor naïve salesperson. Don't feel badly. I wanted to be the manager, too. Right up until I was one. It isn't that manager is a bad job. It's just I had no idea how to be one. I knew how to be a salesman because I took some courses. Watched some videos. Read some books. And because I was the number one salesman in the store, they promoted me to manager as a reward.

In fact, what had happened as a result of the misguided promotion was that they lost their best salesperson and acquired a totally inept manager. All I was aware of was I got an extra taste every month and the other employees had to kiss my ring. They forgot to inform me that I was responsible for hiring, firing, scheduling, maintanance, training, accounting, bank deposits, general paper work, and let's not forget the big one: the alarm company had my name as the first one to call.

3:00 a.m.: "Hello? Mr. Kay? Sorry to bother you."

"No problem. I always get up seven hours before work. It gives me a chance to brush my teeth and get some coffee."

There is absolutely no correlation between being a good salesperson and being a manager. It's like rocket science and heart surgery: two different jobs. Most of the time the manager gets burned out and quits. So what happens? The company promotes another salesperson. Most colleges offer a four-year program in management. Somehow, I was supposed to have acquired this education as the result of a phone call. However, I took the job anyway. After all, my manager did nothing. I knew how to do nothing. Therefore, I was perfectly qualified.

All tasks (and kidding) aside, the toughest job a manager has is the motivation and satisfaction of their employees. No one gets burned out on success. And if you can allow your employees to feel successful, they will stay, work and thrive in your environment.

Let me give you some things to consider. First and foremost: Your employees are not mind readers. Don't think for a minute you and they have the same values or ideas as to what is right and wrong. What you think is polite they may feel is unnecessary. For example, you would never hire anyone whom you thought was rude. Of course not. However, how many times has an employee walked right by a customer without saying hello? That's rude. Why should you have to teach you crew such basic manners? Because it makes you money.

People like to shop where it's friendly. But I'll bet your employees were never told that politeness equals sales. In addition, I'll bet they were never told to greet everybody with a friendly smile and pleasant manner. You, like all managers, took for granted they knew the difference between right and wrong.

Well, they don't. You have to tell them everything. You think this is common sense? Well, it may be sense, but it sure isn't common. If it was, I wouldn't be ignored every time I go shopping.

Second: "I need you to make sure the store is clean.” Does the employee know what your definition of clean is? You walk in and they vacuumed the floor; therefore, the store is clean. Unless you told them otherwise, they did what you asked. You have no right, as a manager, to be disappointed they didn't get rid of the empty 42 oz. soft drink cups behind the counter, or wipe the finger-cheese from the displays, or clean the bathroom. Not just the toilet, but also the sink, the floor, the walls.

Did you tell them to get rid of the girly magazines so the female customers wouldn't be insulted? If you did not, the dirty bathroom is the result of poor management, not a lazy employee. I was amazed when I walked into one of my stores and saw they had five back issues of Mobile Electronics magazine in the waiting room. The customer is waiting for their car reading about how much profit the store made on them. When I asked, with great wonder, what compelled them to do such a thing I was told, "No one said not to."

You know something? They were right. I mistakenly took for granted they were smart enough to know better. In essence, it was my fault those magazines were out. You have to let your people know how you want YOUR store to be run. Not their version of what you think. And don't be afraid to teach them something so elementary they're offended. You don't know what they don't know.

You should have a rulebook for them when they hire in. It's called a Policy Manual. And you may think because they got one, they read it. Sorry. I am presuming you understand the premise. Here is how it works for you: When you ask an employee to do a task, a task they have been trained to do, and they do it correctly, you have the opportunity to pat them on the back.

But you have to say more than "good job' to be effective. You have to cite their accomplishments along with the accolade. Otherwise, it's just another empty stroke. Here's an example: "Bob, I asked you to get the store clean. I came in and saw it was vacuumed and you got all the garbage out from behind the counter. The boxes on the floor are straightened and the burned-out light bulbs have been replaced. The store looks good. Congratulations. Good job."

When you do it like that, Bob knows that you know how hard he worked. Now “good job” means something.

"Hey guys, we sold a boatload of stuff today and all the installations went great. Good job!" When you define it, he feels successful. He not only did a good job, but he has a good job.

It goes the other way too. You can't chastise someone without going over the details as well.

"Dan, I asked you to clean the bay last night and you forgot to take out the garbage. I need you to do that so the bay looks neat and doesn't smell like a landfill. That way when a customer walks back here, it looks professional. And a professional-looking shop breeds more money." I not only told Dan what had to be done, but told him why it had to be done. He's more likely to do it if he can see the benefit. And when I catch him doing it right, I will take the same road I did with Bob. Dan will feel just as successful and appreciated.

Before I was taught what to do, I failed miserably. I was frustrated beyond belief. But I took some seminars, read some books and eventually became a really good manager. I often wondered who got the job after I left. I have a sneaky suspicion it was the number-one salesperson.

View details on all of the seminars and presenters during the 2009 SEMA Show Education Days.

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser: Honoring the Industry, Giving to Children

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07


	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Those who have attended SEMA's annual Installation Banquet know that the event serves as a forum where we thank our association’s outgoing board members and welcome those who have been newly elected. It's also where we announce the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group whose inductees represent not only our industry’s history, but also its members’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses.

The Banquet is adjoined by the Gala Fundraiser, which includes charitable fundraising activities including auctions and the Pinewood Drag Race. Proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to two organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses under the auspices of Friends of Childhelp.

The more recently established Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need. The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

Complete details are available at www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser: Honoring the Industry, Giving to Children

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07


	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Those who have attended SEMA's annual Installation Banquet know that the event serves as a forum where we thank our association’s outgoing board members and welcome those who have been newly elected. It's also where we announce the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group whose inductees represent not only our industry’s history, but also its members’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses.

The Banquet is adjoined by the Gala Fundraiser, which includes charitable fundraising activities including auctions and the Pinewood Drag Race. Proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to two organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses under the auspices of Friends of Childhelp.

The more recently established Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need. The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

Complete details are available at www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser: Honoring the Industry, Giving to Children

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07


	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Those who have attended SEMA's annual Installation Banquet know that the event serves as a forum where we thank our association’s outgoing board members and welcome those who have been newly elected. It's also where we announce the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group whose inductees represent not only our industry’s history, but also its members’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses.

The Banquet is adjoined by the Gala Fundraiser, which includes charitable fundraising activities including auctions and the Pinewood Drag Race. Proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to two organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses under the auspices of Friends of Childhelp.

The more recently established Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need. The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

Complete details are available at www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser: Honoring the Industry, Giving to Children

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07


	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Those who have attended SEMA's annual Installation Banquet know that the event serves as a forum where we thank our association’s outgoing board members and welcome those who have been newly elected. It's also where we announce the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group whose inductees represent not only our industry’s history, but also its members’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses.

The Banquet is adjoined by the Gala Fundraiser, which includes charitable fundraising activities including auctions and the Pinewood Drag Race. Proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to two organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses under the auspices of Friends of Childhelp.

The more recently established Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need. The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

Complete details are available at www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser: Honoring the Industry, Giving to Children

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07


	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Those who have attended SEMA's annual Installation Banquet know that the event serves as a forum where we thank our association’s outgoing board members and welcome those who have been newly elected. It's also where we announce the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group whose inductees represent not only our industry’s history, but also its members’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses.

The Banquet is adjoined by the Gala Fundraiser, which includes charitable fundraising activities including auctions and the Pinewood Drag Race. Proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to two organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses under the auspices of Friends of Childhelp.

The more recently established Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need. The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

Complete details are available at www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser: Honoring the Industry, Giving to Children

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07


	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Those who have attended SEMA's annual Installation Banquet know that the event serves as a forum where we thank our association’s outgoing board members and welcome those who have been newly elected. It's also where we announce the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group whose inductees represent not only our industry’s history, but also its members’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses.

The Banquet is adjoined by the Gala Fundraiser, which includes charitable fundraising activities including auctions and the Pinewood Drag Race. Proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to two organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses under the auspices of Friends of Childhelp.

The more recently established Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need. The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

Complete details are available at www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.

SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser: Honoring the Industry, Giving to Children

Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:07


	The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser will be held Saturday, August 1, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California.

Those who have attended SEMA's annual Installation Banquet know that the event serves as a forum where we thank our association’s outgoing board members and welcome those who have been newly elected. It's also where we announce the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame, an august group whose inductees represent not only our industry’s history, but also its members’ dedication, service and devotion to their businesses.

The Banquet is adjoined by the Gala Fundraiser, which includes charitable fundraising activities including auctions and the Pinewood Drag Race. Proceeds from the fundraiser are donated to two organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies: Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

Childhelp aids victims of child abuse and originally began receiving support from wheel manufacturers in 1994. It now garners significant contributions from a wide range of industry businesses under the auspices of Friends of Childhelp.

The more recently established Victory Junction Gang Camp was founded in 2004 by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam and has received support from the Light-Truck Accessory Alliance and others in the industry. Victory Junction uses camping experiences in its racing-themed facilities to enrich the lives of children who suffer from chronic medical conditions or illnesses.

Join SEMA in Pasadena, California, August 1, to honor the industry and give to children in need. The three days of activities that comprise the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser begin on Thursday, July 30, and include council meetings, Board functions, a State of the Association Address and Town Hall Meeting and the SEMA Internet Symposium.

Complete details are available at www.sema.org/gala. For more information about the Pinewood Drag Race or any of the activities held in conjunction with the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, contact Lisa Moreno at 909/396-0289, ext. 105, or lisam@sema.org.