By Ashley Reyes

Tom Burden

The SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) presents a Live Chat featuring 2017 SEMA Launch Pad winner Tom Burden of Grypmat. Join Burden on ETTN’s Facebook page, Tuesday, May 5, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) as he answers your questions about research and competitive analysis in product development and what strategies he has used for continued success in his business.

Research and competitive analysis can be a great tool, but can also steer businesses away from authenticity and discourage them from taking the leap that they want to take. During the Live Chat, Burden will discuss his insight on the importance of authenticity and demonstrate how Grypmat has used research and competitive analysis to research other businesses in different industries, using his findings to put his own unique spin on his product.

In 2013, as an enlisted Air Force member, Burden struggled with his tools sliding off an F-16 fighter jet while working as a mechanic. He decided that this was a problem worth solving and began experimenting. After prototyping for three years, Burden built a product that not only solved his problem on the fighter jet but also improved the experience of mechanics around the world—the Grypmat. 

The Grypmat started in aviation, but Burden was eager to break into the automotive industry. Since winning first place at the 2017 SEMA Launch Pad competition, the Grypmat has been used by companies such as Google, NASA, and Virgin Orbit, and has been growing rapidly in DIY, boating, motorcycle and the medical industry.

To date, Burden has closed on a combo deal on “Shark Tank” with Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and Sir Richard Branson. More than half a million Grypmats have been sold across the globe in more than 150 countries. The Grypmat has been on the cover of Time magazine for being one of the top 50 inventions of the year, and Burden has been named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30. With the Grypmat, Burden is now focusing on the automotive industry by diving into submarkets such as racing, off roading and classic cars.

Don’t miss out on your chance to communicate directly with Burden, Tuesday, May 5, at 12:00 p.m. on ETTN’s Facebook page.

By Ashley Reyes

Tom Burden

The SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) presents a Live Chat featuring 2017 SEMA Launch Pad winner Tom Burden of Grypmat. Join Burden on ETTN’s Facebook page, Tuesday, May 5, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) as he answers your questions about research and competitive analysis in product development and what strategies he has used for continued success in his business.

Research and competitive analysis can be a great tool, but can also steer businesses away from authenticity and discourage them from taking the leap that they want to take. During the Live Chat, Burden will discuss his insight on the importance of authenticity and demonstrate how Grypmat has used research and competitive analysis to research other businesses in different industries, using his findings to put his own unique spin on his product.

In 2013, as an enlisted Air Force member, Burden struggled with his tools sliding off an F-16 fighter jet while working as a mechanic. He decided that this was a problem worth solving and began experimenting. After prototyping for three years, Burden built a product that not only solved his problem on the fighter jet but also improved the experience of mechanics around the world—the Grypmat. 

The Grypmat started in aviation, but Burden was eager to break into the automotive industry. Since winning first place at the 2017 SEMA Launch Pad competition, the Grypmat has been used by companies such as Google, NASA, and Virgin Orbit, and has been growing rapidly in DIY, boating, motorcycle and the medical industry.

To date, Burden has closed on a combo deal on “Shark Tank” with Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and Sir Richard Branson. More than half a million Grypmats have been sold across the globe in more than 150 countries. The Grypmat has been on the cover of Time magazine for being one of the top 50 inventions of the year, and Burden has been named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30. With the Grypmat, Burden is now focusing on the automotive industry by diving into submarkets such as racing, off roading and classic cars.

Don’t miss out on your chance to communicate directly with Burden, Tuesday, May 5, at 12:00 p.m. on ETTN’s Facebook page.

By Ashley Reyes

TJ Hunt

SEMA members are invited to chat with automotive YouTube influencer TJ Hunt on the next SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Live Chat, May 6, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) on the YEN Facebook page. Hunt, who has more than 1.6 million YouTube subscribers, is best known for his widebody Subaru BRZ build, Miley, and additional builds centered around the JDM car scene.

During the Live Chat, participants will be able to ask Hunt questions as he shares his insight and advice on becoming a social media influencer in the auto industry.

In addition to the BRZ, Hunt also owns a Mazda RX-7, MK4 Toyota Supra, MK5 Supra, Nissan 350z, Lamborghini Aventador and C8 Corvette. In his free time, he enjoys drifting his 350z, working on his clothing company (Hunt and Co.) and spending time with friends.

Hunt aspires to be one of the leading names in the automotive industry and is well on his way to doing so with his charismatic personality and inspiring mantra to Keep Moving Forward.

Mark your calendars for May 6, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), on the YEN Facebook page. Come ready with questions to tap into Hunt’s expertise.

By Ashley Reyes

TJ Hunt

SEMA members are invited to chat with automotive YouTube influencer TJ Hunt on the next SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Live Chat, May 6, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT) on the YEN Facebook page. Hunt, who has more than 1.6 million YouTube subscribers, is best known for his widebody Subaru BRZ build, Miley, and additional builds centered around the JDM car scene.

During the Live Chat, participants will be able to ask Hunt questions as he shares his insight and advice on becoming a social media influencer in the auto industry.

In addition to the BRZ, Hunt also owns a Mazda RX-7, MK4 Toyota Supra, MK5 Supra, Nissan 350z, Lamborghini Aventador and C8 Corvette. In his free time, he enjoys drifting his 350z, working on his clothing company (Hunt and Co.) and spending time with friends.

Hunt aspires to be one of the leading names in the automotive industry and is well on his way to doing so with his charismatic personality and inspiring mantra to Keep Moving Forward.

Mark your calendars for May 6, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT), on the YEN Facebook page. Come ready with questions to tap into Hunt’s expertise.

The upcoming Porsche 911 GT3 builds on the grown-up image of the 992, packing more noticeable aerodynamic elements. These shots show the car with virtually no camouflage. A new air intakes adorn the nose of the supercar, along with a heavily revised front end. Visible at the rear are uber-wide hips, whose eye-catching nature is only surpassed by the complex rear wing and, for the first time, the diffusor below the rear bumper.

More importantly and judging by the soundtrack of the prototype, the naturally aspirated engine is here to stay. After all, Zuffenhausen engineers have introduced a new 4.0L motor for the 991.2 GT3.

The sole transmission should be an eight-speed dual-clutch unit, though Porsche may appease manual fans by making a stick shift available at some point in the successor to the current GT3 Touring, which features a six-speed manual. Also available at some point will be a new GT3 Cup racing variant and a hardcore GT3 RS.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The upcoming Porsche 911 GT3 builds on the grown-up image of the 992, packing more noticeable aerodynamic elements. These shots show the car with virtually no camouflage. A new air intakes adorn the nose of the supercar, along with a heavily revised front end. Visible at the rear are uber-wide hips, whose eye-catching nature is only surpassed by the complex rear wing and, for the first time, the diffusor below the rear bumper.

More importantly and judging by the soundtrack of the prototype, the naturally aspirated engine is here to stay. After all, Zuffenhausen engineers have introduced a new 4.0L motor for the 991.2 GT3.

The sole transmission should be an eight-speed dual-clutch unit, though Porsche may appease manual fans by making a stick shift available at some point in the successor to the current GT3 Touring, which features a six-speed manual. Also available at some point will be a new GT3 Cup racing variant and a hardcore GT3 RS.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The upcoming Porsche 911 GT3 builds on the grown-up image of the 992, packing more noticeable aerodynamic elements. These shots show the car with virtually no camouflage. A new air intakes adorn the nose of the supercar, along with a heavily revised front end. Visible at the rear are uber-wide hips, whose eye-catching nature is only surpassed by the complex rear wing and, for the first time, the diffusor below the rear bumper.

More importantly and judging by the soundtrack of the prototype, the naturally aspirated engine is here to stay. After all, Zuffenhausen engineers have introduced a new 4.0L motor for the 991.2 GT3.

The sole transmission should be an eight-speed dual-clutch unit, though Porsche may appease manual fans by making a stick shift available at some point in the successor to the current GT3 Touring, which features a six-speed manual. Also available at some point will be a new GT3 Cup racing variant and a hardcore GT3 RS.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The upcoming Porsche 911 GT3 builds on the grown-up image of the 992, packing more noticeable aerodynamic elements. These shots show the car with virtually no camouflage. A new air intakes adorn the nose of the supercar, along with a heavily revised front end. Visible at the rear are uber-wide hips, whose eye-catching nature is only surpassed by the complex rear wing and, for the first time, the diffusor below the rear bumper.

More importantly and judging by the soundtrack of the prototype, the naturally aspirated engine is here to stay. After all, Zuffenhausen engineers have introduced a new 4.0L motor for the 991.2 GT3.

The sole transmission should be an eight-speed dual-clutch unit, though Porsche may appease manual fans by making a stick shift available at some point in the successor to the current GT3 Touring, which features a six-speed manual. Also available at some point will be a new GT3 Cup racing variant and a hardcore GT3 RS.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

The upcoming Porsche 911 GT3 builds on the grown-up image of the 992, packing more noticeable aerodynamic elements. These shots show the car with virtually no camouflage. A new air intakes adorn the nose of the supercar, along with a heavily revised front end. Visible at the rear are uber-wide hips, whose eye-catching nature is only surpassed by the complex rear wing and, for the first time, the diffusor below the rear bumper.

More importantly and judging by the soundtrack of the prototype, the naturally aspirated engine is here to stay. After all, Zuffenhausen engineers have introduced a new 4.0L motor for the 991.2 GT3.

The sole transmission should be an eight-speed dual-clutch unit, though Porsche may appease manual fans by making a stick shift available at some point in the successor to the current GT3 Touring, which features a six-speed manual. Also available at some point will be a new GT3 Cup racing variant and a hardcore GT3 RS.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By Byron Bergmann

Joe Opperman

At the age of 34, Joe Opperman is the youngest executive director to serve at the Iola Car Show, and he is credited with being a catalyst for modernizing and rejuvenating the 48-year-old event. Iola Old Car Show Inc. is a non-profit, small-budget organization operated in the tiny Wisconsin town of Iola, population 1,301. Opperman will share insight and offer a unique perspective about the value of participating in a nationally recognized show that hosts more than 100,000 attendees over the three days every summer.

YEN members and specialty-aftermarket enthusiasts are invited to hear from and communicate directly with Opperman during YEN’s Live Chat, April 17, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT). Participants will have a chance to interact with Opperman as he answers questions regarding the value of exhibiting, engaging and marketing at consumer events.

Join the Live Chat on YEN’s Facebook page and come ready with questions to tap into Opperman’s expertise.

Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 12:00 p.m.–12:15 p.m. (PDT)
Event Location: YEN Facebook