By Ashley Reyes

President of the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Amy Jo Osborn is the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) latest #SheIsSEMA Spotlight Member.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer is a SEMA Cares charity whose mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize each child’s quality of life through essential specialized intervention, beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing throughout survivorship.

SEMA: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?

Amy Jo Osborn: I have served as president for 14 years, going on 15 as a full-time volunteer. My husband and I formed the organization after losing our son Austin Hatcher Osborn to childhood cancer. There are many things I enjoy about working at the Austin Hatcher Foundation. The overall mission is filling gaps of service that children with cancer and their entire family face by providing a comprehensive psychosocial need at no cost the family. My colleagues are what make this organization thrive.

SEMA: What is most challenging part of running your business or job?

AO: A lot of people may wonder, “why the Austin Hatcher Foundation and SEMA?” Or “why automotive and pediatric cancer?” Well, the automotive industry is in the DNA of the Foundation. From my husband Jim’s family owning car dealerships and Jim racing professionally for over a decade, it is our family. We have encompassed vehicle builds and racing into our therapies for many reasons.

One: To teach a trade to children who may not be able to play sports anymore. Two: Team building for families and siblings. Three: occupational therapy by using hand and eye coordination, and four: driving simulation research study to prove if virtual reality improves cognitive function after chemo or radiation. The challenge is educating the need of the automotive industry in the pediatric cancer setting!

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? How have these qualities benefited you?

AO: Adaptability, persistence, and work ethics. Adaptability has benefited me in my role to be able to look at ever-changing success in the industry. Adapting to the need of patients and families. Persistence has been a large part in the success of the foundation. Solely relying on the support and donations of others, you have to have broad shoulders to hear the word "no" quite a few times. Persistence to keep educating the mission of the foundation and with education most see the need and get behind the mission! Lastly, but probably one of the most important, work ethics! There is no looking at the clock when starting a growing and successful business. Working long days and weekends is how, I feel, we have been able to be so successful.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? How have they helped you along the way?

AO: Women, like Marla Moore, Rose Kawasaki and Jessi Combs—all with different walks in the industry, but all instrumental in the overall goal of the automotive industry.

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received? How has this advice helped you either professionally or personally?

AO: The sky is the limit, and as you can see, the sky is never ending. This has helped me know that being creative, being innovative and reaching for goals beyond what is in front of you is all doable.

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals?

AO: My husband, Jim Osborn.

Do you know, or are you, a woman with a career in the automotive industry? Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN’s #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and recognized on the www.sema.org/she-is-sema website.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Oracle Lighting Named Third-Fastest-Growing Company in Metro New Orleans

Oracle Lighting has announced it was ranked as the third-fastest-growing company in the entire metro New Orleans area, with a three-year growth rate of 56%, according to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine. Despite major setbacks experienced due to the global pandemic, Oracle Lighting experienced substantial revenue growth in 2020. Oracle Lighting is the highest-ranked manufacturer and the only automotive industry business represented on the Fastest Growing Businesses of 2020 in New Orleans CityBusiness magazine’s rankings.

McCarthy Tire Service Acquires Tire Division of The TSS Group in Philadelphia

McCarthy Tire Service has purchased the assets of Tire Sales LLC—an affiliate of The TSS Group LLC, which specializes in services to the mining and aggregate industries. The deal concluded May 12. Tire Sales’ products and service operations will be merged into McCarthy Tire’s current commercial locations in nearby Levittown and Trainer, Pennsylvania. The five key service team employees of Tire Sales will join McCarthy Tire Service. The TSS Group LLC, owned and operated by John Morrone Jr., will now focus on services related to quarry maintenance and fabrication, quarry personnel, short- and long-term staffing, mobile heavy equipment repair, hydraulics repair, and hose repair sales and service. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Race Winning Brands Acquires Victory 1 Performance

Race Winning Brands Inc.—a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries LLC—has announced the acquisition of Victory 1 Performance Inc.—a supplier of manufactured and forged high-performance titanium and alloy valves. Victory represents the eighth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Victory has been a source of valvetrain components for countless engine builders, cylinder head manufacturers and racers for nearly three decades.

BOSS HOG Torque Converters Car, Truck and Jeep Show to be Held August 1

The BOSS HOG Torque Converters Car, Truck and Jeep Show will be held Sunday, August 1, and aired nationally on MotorTrend TV Network, MAVTV and REV’N TV Networks. It will also be streamed on The “Lokar Car Show.” The event will feature special TV Host Sam Mahdavi of “Sam’s Garage,” Pinks All Out Live Group, Hot Rodders of Tomorrow, 660 Grudge Racers, Singing River Corvette Club, North Alabama Jeep Club, Muscle Shoals Car Club, North Alabama Mustang Club, Terry Wilson aka “Coverman66,” Holston Gases, Miller Welders, Dwayne Mattox, Tamco Paint, Off Road Performance Centers, Louis Lee with ALL ENDS magazine, Southern Ink Addiction, 306 BBQ, and Mitchel Printing. For more info Contact Nelson Gill at 256-508-4621 or nelson@accperformance.com.

Continental Recognized by ACPN for Excellence in Electronic Catalog Data Quality

Continental has received the 2021 ACES and PIES Data Award for Medium Catalogs from the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) for the accuracy of its electronic catalog data. The award was presented for the company’s ATE Brake Systems Parts catalog during the annual ACPN Knowledge Exchange Conference, which was held virtually from May 17–19. This marks the second ACPN award for Continental’s aftermarket team, who also received the 2018 ACES and PIES Data Award for Small Catalogs. Attended by most major manufacturers, distributors and parts experts in the automotive content space, the ACPN Knowledge Exchange provides a focused and unique opportunity to learn, share best practices, network with peers, and interact with service providers in the content management space.

Baxter Performance Expands Adapter Line

Baxter Performance announced the expansion into adapters for Mopar, Ford, GM and Subaru applications. The company produces quality machined adapters that retain oil in the filter and post filtration in the engine for faster oil delivery and pressure at start-up, this results in less engine wear at the most critical time, thus extending engine life. More information is available through Baxter's video on faster engine oil delivery.

Quadratec Partners With Petersen Automotive Museum for Teen Auto Workshop

Quadratec Inc. recently announced a partnership with the Petersen Automotive Museum to supply a Jeep vehicle and products for the museum’s Teen Auto Workshop program. In this workshop, eight Los Angeles-area high school students will gain first-hand experience refurbishing and modifying a ’01 Jeep Wrangler using a majority of Quadratec parts.

Quadratec donated the Jeep and all necessary parts and accessories to turn it into a rugged, trail-ready off-roader. Over the program’s course, student work will be chronicled on both the Petersen and Quadratec YouTube sites, social channels, as well as Quadratec’s Torque network. At the end of the eight-week program, the finished Jeep will be awarded to the winner of an essay contest hosted by the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Behind the leadership of an automotive professional, students will make numerous modifications to the Wrangler, including a Quadratec 2.5-in. Coil Spring Suspension lift, Fox Shocks, Quadratec Rubicon Xtreme wheels, 33-in. Nitto Trail Grappler tires, Quadratec Winch Ready Bull Bar Front Bumper and more. The students will also make interior upgrades, thanks to all-new Kicker Audio speakers and an Alpine Bluetooth-compatible head unit. Other modifications include Quadratec’s Diver Down Neoprene seat covers, while a complete Quadratec Floor Liner Kit will be added to protect all new Bedrug replacement carpet.

Complete information is available at www.quadratec.com/page/quadratecpetersen-teen-auto-workshop-build.

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 Maurice O‘Connell

The 2021 SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit will be held Wednesday–Friday, July 28–30, in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

At the SEMA Show Exhibitor Summit, exhibitors will learn how to:

• Use proven strategies to attract buyers to their booths.
• Save big bucks on Show costs, such as material handling, electrical and related Show expenses.
• Work one-on-one with Show experts to maximize ROI.
• Learn to properly plan and budget to add value to their Show experience.
• Take advantage of SEMA value-added programs.
• Explore promotional opportunities through sponsorships

For more information, contact semashow@sema.org or 909-396-0289.

Register now!

Jonathan Mill, executive producer and general manager of Alloy Studios, was the inaugural SEMA Launch winner in 2013 when the program was introduced. Hear about how the SEMA Launch Pad helped Mill get where he is today.

To apply for the 2021 Launch Pad competition, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale. Applications are being accepted until May 30.

By SEMA Editors

Each year, the SEMA Show displays hundreds of vehicles throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center as part of the Show's Feature Vehicle Program.

All vehicles on display are sponsored by an exhibiting company allowing manufacturers to expand their footprint at the SEMA Show beyond their booth.

Each vehicle accepted will also be featured in the SEMA Show app displaying; vehicle image, make, model, year, color, products used as part of the build, builder’s name and the name and booth number of the sponsoring exhibiting company.  

When completing the Feature Vehicle application, you may also select the option of having your vehicle enrolled for consideration in the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition. “SEMA Battle of the Builders” is judged by industry experts and presented to individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs.

Submit your Feature Vehicle Application.  

For any additional questions on submitting your Feature Vehicle application contact Maurice O’Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

By SEMA Editors

Even though the deadline to participate in the 2021 SEMA Show Space Selection process has passed, it’s never too late to register to exhibit.

Exhibiting at the 2021 SEMA Show puts your latest products in front of thousands of qualified buyers from every segment of the specialty-equipment industry, including buyers looking for your products. The 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November.

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor, and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

Reserve your booth now!

By Juan Torres

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show, scheduled for November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, is now open.

The premier gathering for the automotive specialty-equipment industry, the 2021 SEMA Show already has more than 1,500 companies confirmed to exhibit and many more expected before the event takes place in November. Exhibitors include major automakers and small businesses, as well as iconic aftermarket manufacturers who are enhancing their booths to heighten their presence at what will be the first industry-wide in-person gathering for the $46.2 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry in nearly two years.

“Given the restrictions our industry has endured the last year, pent-up demand for the SEMA Show is at an all-time high,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA vice president of events. “More so than other years, the 2021 SEMA Show will be fundamental in helping industry professionals grow existing relationships, create new ones, and push their businesses forward.”

Attendees at the 2021 SEMA Show will witness firsthand nearly two year's worth of innovation, technology and new products from manufacturers, as they showcase products, debut vehicles, conduct demonstrations and prepare to do business throughout all four halls of the 3.2-million-sq.-ft. Las Vegas Convention Center.

“We are ready to get back to SEMA and connect with our customers this fall,” said Michael Hamrick, Wilwood Disc Brakes events and promotions manager. “Everyone at Wilwood Disc Brakes is putting their best foot forward to have a great event and catch up with our customers. We have quite a few new products to unveil, and SEMA is the place to do it.”

With the entire Convention Center in use, the SEMA Show floor will be designed to improve traffic flow and make navigating the event simple and easy. The 2021 SEMA Show floorplan will begin to take shape during the annual Priority Space Selection process, June 7–23. Companies that submit booth space applications before May 7 will participate in the weeks-long process to determine their booth location in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees will also be able to sign up for educational seminars featuring industry experts and networking events that bring market niches together.

“We’re excited to already be working with the more than 1,500 companies that have committed to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show, and we expect hundreds more to reserve booth space before May 7,” said Gattuso. “We encourage attendees to register early so they can secure their credentials and receive updates on breaking news from what will be an amazing event.”

Registration for the 2021 SEMA Show is offered in three categories—attendee, exhibitor and media—and everyone must qualify to receive a badge and attend.

For more information about qualifying documents and the 2021 SEMA Show, log on to www.semashow.com.

By SEMA Editors

The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

By SEMA Editors

SEMA eNews highlights SEMA-member companies’ websites weekly through the Hot Links to Cool Sites section. SEMA members: To be included in Hot Links to Cool Sites, email your company name and website to enews@sema.org. Note: Make sure to include “Hot Links” in the subject line of the email.

• AlphaRex
• Auto Ventshade
• Bushwacker
• CamLocker
• Covercraft
• Du-Ha
• Fuelab
• Pedal Commander
• RollMaster
• Vision X Lighting

By SEMA Editors

Latest Jobs Added to SEMA Career Center

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.

Videographer/YouTuber
RallySport Direct is hiring a videographer/YouTuber responsible for creating engaging video content for YouTube and other social-media platforms. Additionally, this person will use their creative skills to work with the creative team to plan, film, edit and promote video content according to client briefs. Responsibilities include ensuring the necessary filming equipment is available for use, directing other camera operators on set and editing film footage. This position reports up to the director of marketing. Prior on-camera experience is preferred.   

Off-Road Race Team Manager
Cognito Motorsports is hiring an off-road race team manager with proven race team management and crew chief mechanic skills. The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on UTV, auto or powersports racing experience, and a minimum of three years verifiable experience running a professional race program.

Inside Sales Representative
Gale Banks Engineering is hiring an inside sales representative to serve as the first point of contact for customer sales, and will respond to and resolve customer concerns in a timely and professional manner. Having an understanding of performance products for the automotive aftermarket industry is ideal. A minimum three years of sales experience and knowledge of gasoline and diesel trucks and motor homes are required.