By Ashley Reyes

Bob Walker

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is recognizing Bob Walker of Connexions Sports and Entertainment Inc. as this week’s TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member.

Walker is an active volunteer for the TORA Regional Event Task Force and CEO and founder Connexions Sports, where he thrives as a motorsports marketing agent. His unique knowledge of off-road racing events and experience managing racers, such as motocross legend and racer Brian Deegan, make him a valuable contributor to the council and industry.

Get to know what inspires Walker about the industry in his Q&A with SEMA and the Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Bob Walker: My love and passion for off-road motorsports. I grew up racing motocross as a kid and dreamed of racing in Baja, whether it was on two or four wheels. I have always had a passion for off-road motorsports, and to make a living in this industry is a dream come true.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

BW: I wanted to become more involved in the industry and inquired with other members on the SEMA staff on how I could get more involved. I feel it’s important to be involved with volunteer work in your industry. It’s good to give back and it’s also an opportunity to network more and to help grow our industry.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

BW: Follow your passion early in your career and stay focused on your goals. If you take a job outside of the industry it will be hard to come back and get involved.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

BW: Raptor complete Baja pre-runner ready. You’d find me in the hills or the desert riding.

By Ashley Reyes

Bob Walker

The SEMA Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is recognizing Bob Walker of Connexions Sports and Entertainment Inc. as this week’s TORA Volunteer Spotlight Member.

Walker is an active volunteer for the TORA Regional Event Task Force and CEO and founder Connexions Sports, where he thrives as a motorsports marketing agent. His unique knowledge of off-road racing events and experience managing racers, such as motocross legend and racer Brian Deegan, make him a valuable contributor to the council and industry.

Get to know what inspires Walker about the industry in his Q&A with SEMA and the Truck and Off-Road Alliance:

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?

Bob Walker: My love and passion for off-road motorsports. I grew up racing motocross as a kid and dreamed of racing in Baja, whether it was on two or four wheels. I have always had a passion for off-road motorsports, and to make a living in this industry is a dream come true.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA? How has it or will it impact you?

BW: I wanted to become more involved in the industry and inquired with other members on the SEMA staff on how I could get more involved. I feel it’s important to be involved with volunteer work in your industry. It’s good to give back and it’s also an opportunity to network more and to help grow our industry.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

BW: Follow your passion early in your career and stay focused on your goals. If you take a job outside of the industry it will be hard to come back and get involved.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

BW: Raptor complete Baja pre-runner ready. You’d find me in the hills or the desert riding.

It’s not too late to apply for a 2020 SEMA Show booth. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit at the SEMA Show. To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Simply click the buttons to the left to see the products and services available. 

It’s not too late to apply for a 2020 SEMA Show booth. The online Exhibitor Services Manual contains all of the resources pertinent to a successful exhibit at the SEMA Show. To help you navigate efficiently, each section is broken down to the basics. Simply click the buttons to the left to see the products and services available. 

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

By SEMA Editors

Hedges & Company, a digital marketing agency serving the automotive aftermarket, OEM parts and powersports industries, analyzed 7.7 million online user sessions and online purchases from parts and accessory websites in the United States and Canada. The analysis included retailer websites and manufacturers selling direct to consumer (DTC). In the analysis, the company gave online sales from the week of March 1 an index of 100, before wide-spread shutdowns were in place. The week of April 12-18 had an index of 140, or a 40% overall increase in online sales of parts and accessories from six weeks earlier.

The Hedges & Company analysis appears consistent with SEMA Data Co-op observations, which have seen sharp growth in reseller activity in recent weeks.

Hedges & Company broke down the analysis into OEM replacement, truck and off-road, and performance racing. Here are the comparisons of the week of April 12-18 to the week of March 1-7:

• Overall aftermarket eCommerce sales: Index of 140.3 vs. 100 the week of March 1-7.
• OEM replacement parts sales: Index of 125.4 vs. 100, the first positive week after sales declines in earlier weeks.
• Truck and off-road parts sales: Index of 157.2 vs. 100.
• Performance/racing parts sales: Index of 148.9 vs. 100, showing surprisingly strong demand considering many motorsports events are cancelled.

The Hedges press release speculates that “the arrival of tax refunds and the Federal government's stimulus payments are also helping drive online sales. Stimulus payments reached consumers last week and amounted to approximately $155 billion.”

According to Hedges, another factor contributing to the surge in online sales “appears to be a migration of buyers from Amazon. The retail giant cut back on promotion and advertising for automotive parts and accessories to focus on products related to the coronavirus crisis, such as disinfecting wipes, sprays and other health items. This may have sent consumers searching for other buying opportunities and contributed to online sales growth.”

By SEMA Editors

The majority of businesses in the specialty automotive industry continues to operate during the Coronavirus pandemic. Even with “shelter-in-place” rules in effect in many states, more than two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their facilities during this time.

The findings are from a survey of SEMA-member companies conducted April 1–7. SEMA has been working to identify areas to support the aftermarket industry during the pandemic as it moves toward recovery.

“The results of this survey show the resiliency of the specialty automotive industry and how it continues to push forward, working to move past the COVID-19 disruption,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We are using this feedback to further develop resources to help member businesses through this time of economic interruption.”

Most aftermarket industry facilities remain open under the “essential business” designation, and more than half of the industry’s employees continue to work from a company site, as a large number of production, technical, logistical and retail positions can only be done at a jobsite.  

The survey also found that most business owners maintained a positive outlook, with 87% indicating that they are “impacted short-term but will get through it.” The strength of the industry is depicted by the 82% of employees who continue working from a jobsite or from home, and by the nearly 2,000 companies that have signed up to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show.

“The aftermarket industry and our members remain positive, and are looking forward to opening back up in the months ahead and participating in a SEMA Show that will play a key role in launching a successful 2021,” said Kersting. “Now more than ever our priority for SEMA is clear: assuring the health, safety and business continuity for our members, partners, employees and the overall industry community.”

To further assist businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic, SEMA has created a dedicated webpage, www.sema.org/coronavirus, that includes up-to-date  information about how each state defines “essential” businesses, Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency loans, paid sick and family leave, unemployment benefits and more. As developments unfold, SEMA will continue to monitor and collect information and provide updates to the site.

“It is at times like these that the power of a collective can be most beneficial,” said Kersting. “I’m optimistic that by working together, we will continue to persevere and thrive.”

For the latest updates and resources available for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.sema.org/coronavirus.

87% of businesses believe that the coronavirus will only have a short-term impact on their company.

Two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their sites during this time.

By SEMA Editors

The majority of businesses in the specialty automotive industry continues to operate during the Coronavirus pandemic. Even with “shelter-in-place” rules in effect in many states, more than two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their facilities during this time.

The findings are from a survey of SEMA-member companies conducted April 1–7. SEMA has been working to identify areas to support the aftermarket industry during the pandemic as it moves toward recovery.

“The results of this survey show the resiliency of the specialty automotive industry and how it continues to push forward, working to move past the COVID-19 disruption,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “We are using this feedback to further develop resources to help member businesses through this time of economic interruption.”

Most aftermarket industry facilities remain open under the “essential business” designation, and more than half of the industry’s employees continue to work from a company site, as a large number of production, technical, logistical and retail positions can only be done at a jobsite.  

The survey also found that most business owners maintained a positive outlook, with 87% indicating that they are “impacted short-term but will get through it.” The strength of the industry is depicted by the 82% of employees who continue working from a jobsite or from home, and by the nearly 2,000 companies that have signed up to exhibit at this year’s SEMA Show.

“The aftermarket industry and our members remain positive, and are looking forward to opening back up in the months ahead and participating in a SEMA Show that will play a key role in launching a successful 2021,” said Kersting. “Now more than ever our priority for SEMA is clear: assuring the health, safety and business continuity for our members, partners, employees and the overall industry community.”

To further assist businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic, SEMA has created a dedicated webpage, www.sema.org/coronavirus, that includes up-to-date  information about how each state defines “essential” businesses, Small Business Administration (SBA) emergency loans, paid sick and family leave, unemployment benefits and more. As developments unfold, SEMA will continue to monitor and collect information and provide updates to the site.

“It is at times like these that the power of a collective can be most beneficial,” said Kersting. “I’m optimistic that by working together, we will continue to persevere and thrive.”

For the latest updates and resources available for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, visit www.sema.org/coronavirus.

87% of businesses believe that the coronavirus will only have a short-term impact on their company.

Two-thirds of industry businesses have not closed any of their sites during this time.

By Ashley Reyes

Sanaz Marbley

This week’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight features Sanaz Marbley of JMPR Public Relations Inc., a Division of IMRE. As a professional in consumer and lifestyle PR, Marbley serves as vice president at IMRE, where she leads accounts in both automotive and personal care divisions.

Throughout her time with JMPR, Marbley has worked with numerous OEM and aftermarket clients, strengthening her skillsets and technique with each PR campaign. Her influence has led to her being featured in SEMA’s “35 under 35” list, which recognizes the industry’s most notable up-and-comers who are making a significant impact through leadership within their businesses.

Get to know more about Marbley’s involvement and success within the industry in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN: 

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Sanaz Marbley: Don't be afraid to change the plan. As a natural Type-A, I can be rigid at times, and when I catch myself, I must think back to this advice.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

SM: The automotive industry has a sense of community and belonging that is almost familial. It is an industry filled with uniquely talented and passionately creative people, who can't wait to embrace you as one of their own and teach you everything there is to know about being an enthusiast.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

SM: Saturdays are about spending time with my husband and two kids. Whether it's a picnic in the park or a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum, it's about the time we spend together.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

SM: I am always prepared and ready to learn.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

SM: George Barris. I had the pleasure of working with him several times throughout my career before he passed. Every time we spoke, he had incredible stories to tell about famous cars and famous people. He was the greatest!

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Ashley Reyes

Sanaz Marbley

This week’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight features Sanaz Marbley of JMPR Public Relations Inc., a Division of IMRE. As a professional in consumer and lifestyle PR, Marbley serves as vice president at IMRE, where she leads accounts in both automotive and personal care divisions.

Throughout her time with JMPR, Marbley has worked with numerous OEM and aftermarket clients, strengthening her skillsets and technique with each PR campaign. Her influence has led to her being featured in SEMA’s “35 under 35” list, which recognizes the industry’s most notable up-and-comers who are making a significant impact through leadership within their businesses.

Get to know more about Marbley’s involvement and success within the industry in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN: 

SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Sanaz Marbley: Don't be afraid to change the plan. As a natural Type-A, I can be rigid at times, and when I catch myself, I must think back to this advice.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

SM: The automotive industry has a sense of community and belonging that is almost familial. It is an industry filled with uniquely talented and passionately creative people, who can't wait to embrace you as one of their own and teach you everything there is to know about being an enthusiast.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

SM: Saturdays are about spending time with my husband and two kids. Whether it's a picnic in the park or a visit to the Petersen Automotive Museum, it's about the time we spend together.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

SM: I am always prepared and ready to learn.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

SM: George Barris. I had the pleasure of working with him several times throughout my career before he passed. Every time we spoke, he had incredible stories to tell about famous cars and famous people. He was the greatest!

Fill out this form to be a part of the #SheIsSEMA family. You will have the opportunity to be featured on SBN’s social media, SEMA eNews and be recognized on the www.sema.org/sheissema website. While there, check out other inspirational women who are leading the industry and are paving the path for future success.

Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.