By Ashley Reyes

As the premier automotive competition for young entrepreneurs looking to launch their products or services into the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket industry, your votes will help determine who will move on to compete for a grand prize designed to boost the status of their growing business.

Representing new, innovative products and services in the automotive specialty-equipment market, 15 future leaders are looking to secure your vote and advance to the next stage of the SEMA Launch Pad competition. As the premier automotive competition for young entrepreneurs looking to launch their products or services into the $46.2 billion automotive aftermarket industry, your votes will help determine who will move on to compete for a grand prize designed to boost the status of their growing business.

Each SEMA Launch Pad contestant has submitted a video presentation that provides an overview of their product or service. Interested in learning about a new product that can benefit your company or the specialty-equipment aftermarket as a whole? Meet each semifinalist, watch their video and cast your votes daily until September 11.  

*You may vote for multiple competitors but are only allowed one vote per competitor.

Timur Mukhtasibov, AK Software
Director
Product: BodyShopFlow
BodyShopFlow allows users to automate a significant part of the working process and improve cycle time. Features include electronic paperwork, automated customer communication, parts pre-ordering based on customer provided photos, contactless in-shop communication, parts search on eBay, scheduling, KPI live and reports, VoIP integration, parts and shop management and payroll. Software integrates with Mitchell, CCC, Audatex and QuickBooks.

Khanjan Desai, Alchemy
Director
Product: ExoShield
ExoShield is a thin, transparent film that stops rock chips by increasing the impact resistance of the windshield by six. The advanced safety features in most modern cars use sensors that sit behind the windshield which has driven up windshield replacement costs by three to five times, even for mid-level vehicles. ExoShield is powered by Alchemy’s proprietary nanocoatings, which allows it to be both impact and scratch resistant and prevents expensive windshield replacements for vehicle owners.

Matt Rafeld, Beachcomber Offroad
Director
Product: Stowaway Door
The Stowaway Door is designed for Jeep owners to enjoy door-free days without worrying about rain, cold or a little mud on the seats. When not in use, the soft-door folds to fit under the rear seat or anywhere you could store a small tent.

Patrick Sweeney, Blackgate Customs Inc.
Director
Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
The KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit corrects the rear geometry of a KDSS-equipped Toyota 4Runner for longer travel shocks that increases wheel travel, suspension usage and eliminates a harmful to possibly dangerous situation. Specifically underneath the truck where the sway bar and track bar impact each other before the suspension reaches full down travel.

Brett Turnage, Brett Turnage Industries
Director
Product: Modular Intercooler
Replacing fixed welds, this system uses brackets and consists of components. Only the base brackets are welded to the core. Endtanks are bolted on and sealed with an O-ring or gasket. Patentable aspects are changeability, adaptability and reparability. Endtanks and the core can be changed, swapped out with larger or smaller units—an Intercooler with four outlets can become one with two or three, and it can be repaired by taking the unit apart and cleaning thoroughly.

Keith Ferry, Cerebrum Sensor Technologies
Director
Product: Cerebrum
Cerebrum is the first tire sensor technology that functions as a replacement for traditional TPMS (utilizing RF), and connects to any smart device (using BLE) to communicate advanced tire analytics. Cerebrum provides real-time tire conditions, including pressure and temperature, as well as never-before-seen conditions like tread depth, alignment variation and tire load. All of the information and alerts are available through a smart device and can communicate directly with the cloud for telematics. This helps the driver and fleet managers better understand the overall health of the tires on their vehicles which leads to increased vehicle uptimes, optimized efficiency and improved safety.

Joshua Carton, Curien
Director
Product: Neuron N2
The Neuron N2 Dual Channel Wireless Graphing Multimeter provides desktop oscilloscope-level resolution in the palm of your hand. This wireless graphing meter is built shop-tough and ready to fit into any situation, providing the right readings and the right measurements the first time. After wirelessly connecting to your Curien smart device, existing Android or Windows scan tool or iOS device, you can use your large mobile screen as a display for real-time readings, wave-form analysis, graphing, logging and use of power functions and testing.

Eric Rivera, Dirt Dynamix
Director
Product: Truck Accessories
Established August 2019, Dirt Dynamix designed and brought to market its Universal Truck Bed Mount—a simple and cost-effective way to offer shade via umbrella and/or mount any flag pole in the bed of any truck. Work, race or play—utilize your truck bed in any truck manner and one could benefit from this mount.

Brendan McGrath, Dyme PSI
CEO
Product: AN Hose & Fittings
AN Hose & Fittings is a tool for end-users to accurately design and order high-performance hose assemblies for their automotive application in minutes, from anywhere in the world. The Rattlesnake toolkit allows you to prototype and test-fit your parts anywhere, upload your designs and receive a professionally crimped, fully tested assembly, shipped worldwide, same-day to wherever you are.

Roland Hence, FrontLane Inc.
Director
Product: Impulse - Emergency Brake Light
The Impulse is a wireless, battery-powered emergency brake light that reduces rear-end collisions by pulsing eight ultra-bright LEDs under extreme braking situations to alert the following driver up to 50% quicker. Impulse can be installed on any passenger vehicle with a standard back windshield in seconds and has a four-year battery life.

Brock Winberg, GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor
Technical Director
Product: The GTe-413 Universal Plug
The GTe-413 Universal Plug and Play System is Electric GT's premium, high-power electric motor conversion system that redefines EV retrofitting. Featuring the latest in consumer EV technology, this 255hp, 405-lb.-ft. system will transform a wide variety of classic vehicles into EV hot rods. Performance will be roughly equivalent to an ICE engine with double the horsepower, and a range of 70–250 miles, depending on application and battery selection. The footprint is roughly that of a larger V8, with 25kWh Energy Modules, all controllers, chargers and accessories right under the hood.

Luke Farley, Lynx Auto Wraps & More
Director
Product: Lynx Auto Wrap TRD aps
Lynx Auto Wraps & More is a service business that works with new-car dealers to utilize vehicle wrapping as a sales tool in the dealership. The company offers more than 300 colors that give dealers the ability to offer colors not available from OEMs. A key to the service is two- to three-day turnaround and a price point that allows the auto seller to make a great profit and have a solution for changing the color of inventory to suit a customer’s need.

Johannes Crepon, PDM Automotive
Director
Product: Data Technology
PDM exists to create experiences where brands feel empowered to take charge of their own data, have access to all product information in real-time, and where service providers can add their own special contributions to the process. This is accomplished by engaging with like-minded organizations, listening and utilizing the latest technologies to create an intuitive platform for the flow of high-quality automotive product data between all trading partners. This product utilizes technology to leverage product data available with industry standards, such as SDC, Auto Care's ACES and PIES or virtually any unique data structure.

Mike Unger, PICINH
Director
Product: Tasker Tailgate
The Tasker Tailgate replaces a truck’s traditional tailgate with one that quickly converts into two sturdy ramps more than 8 ft. long that are firmly mounted to the bed. The ramp’s position is fully adjustable to accommodate any loading need.

Justin Bradshaw, REVER
Director
Product: Mobile App
REVER is a mobile app and website for powersports enthusiasts to discover, track and share routes. The company has thousands of recommended roads for sports cars and off-highway users as well as offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, friend tracker to view other people in your group in real-time, weather alerts and the first CarPlay compatible app of its kind for this specific audience.

SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) members are invited to take part in YEN’s upcoming Facebook Live Chat featuring Jonathan Wooley, editor and co-owner of S3 Magazine, on September 9, 2020 at 12:00 PM (PDT).

S3 Magazine is an independent and international tuner print magazine that represents the industry’s import style and culture, and industry-leading design. With well thought out editorials and videos that inspire automotive enthusiasts, S3 Magazine also has a digital footprint comprised of 41.8k subscribers on YouTube, and 35k followers on Instagram.

During this live chat, Wooley will discuss and answer questions on the backstory of S3, how he came out of his comfort zone to overcome challenges to land his dream job, and the future of print media. 

Tune into YEN’s Facebook page on September 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Learn more: www.s3mag.com

SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) members are invited to take part in YEN’s upcoming Facebook Live Chat featuring Jonathan Wooley, editor and co-owner of S3 Magazine, on September 9, 2020 at 12:00 PM (PDT).

S3 Magazine is an independent and international tuner print magazine that represents the industry’s import style and culture, and industry-leading design. With well thought out editorials and videos that inspire automotive enthusiasts, S3 Magazine also has a digital footprint comprised of 41.8k subscribers on YouTube, and 35k followers on Instagram.

During this live chat, Wooley will discuss and answer questions on the backstory of S3, how he came out of his comfort zone to overcome challenges to land his dream job, and the future of print media. 

Tune into YEN’s Facebook page on September 9, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Learn more: www.s3mag.com

Created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, SEMA360 will connect manufacturers with qualified worldwide resellers and media.

Created after industry members expressed a need for a viable marketplace solution in the absence of the 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, SEMA360 will connect manufacturers with qualified worldwide resellers and media.

By Rich Hail

Established in 1999, Garrett’s Rod Shop out of Columbus, Ohio, has been creating works of automotive art. Founder, mechanic and fabricator Garrett Kitchen has been building hot rods since he was 14. His uncle would take him out to the drag strip to race his ’57 Chevy with a 409 under the hood. Around the same time, his uncle gave him a small-block Chevy engine and asked Kitchen to rebuild it for him. He did so successfully, and he was hooked. Kitchen’s first car was a ’39 Ford that he rebuilt with his father.

His entry for this year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders competition is dubbed the P-33 Roadster. The build is based on a ’33 Ford featuring a Bobby Alloway body. Hints of the P-51 Mustang fighter plane have been infused into the body panels suggesting some aeronautical influence into the grounded cruiser.

The Garrett’s Rod Shop touch includes a custom exhaust exiting out the side panels just behind the front wheels, tons of chrome, and an Army-green finish. The P-33 may not be fitted with the same Rolls Royce Merlin V-12 as its namesake, but the built-out V8 is sure to pack a punch. Kitchen won’t unveil the finished build until the SEMA360 event, so make sure to follow us on social media for all the latest updates.

Visit the SEMA Show YouTube Channel for more videos and builder interviews, and be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss future episodes. For more details about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, visit www.semabotb.com.

Qualified industry personnel interested in attending SEMA360, the exclusive trade-only online marketplace taking place November 2-6, 2020, are invited to register at www.sema360.com.

By Ashley Reyes

With SEMA-member companies based in Texas and Louisiana, SEMA is working with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) to aid individuals and families in the industry who may have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Laura.

Founded in 1959, the AACF has been providing sustainable solutions to individuals in the industry who have fallen on hard times. The service is confidential and has helped struggling individuals who have exhausted other available resources.

SEMA members in need of assistance are encouraged to contact AACF directly at info@aacfi.org or visit www.aacfi.org.

Those interested in supporting AACF can make a tax-deductible donation at  www.aacfi.org/donate-today by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.  

As the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving more than 4.1 million employees of the automotive aftermarket, AACF provides emergency grant funding to aftermarket employees that lack sufficient means when they suffer catastrophic circumstances.

By Ashley Reyes

With SEMA-member companies based in Texas and Louisiana, SEMA is working with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) to aid individuals and families in the industry who may have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Laura.

Founded in 1959, the AACF has been providing sustainable solutions to individuals in the industry who have fallen on hard times. The service is confidential and has helped struggling individuals who have exhausted other available resources.

SEMA members in need of assistance are encouraged to contact AACF directly at info@aacfi.org or visit www.aacfi.org.

Those interested in supporting AACF can make a tax-deductible donation at  www.aacfi.org/donate-today by mail at P.O. Box 864520, Orlando, FL 32886, or by calling 772-286-5500.  

As the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving more than 4.1 million employees of the automotive aftermarket, AACF provides emergency grant funding to aftermarket employees that lack sufficient means when they suffer catastrophic circumstances.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has named Victoria Bundrant as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member. Bundrant is a marketing specialist at 4 Wheel Parts—a global aftermarket leader in truck, Jeep, SUV and off-road performance products.

Find out what keeps her passionate about the industry, as she shares advice for managing change and always being prepared in her Q&A with SEMA and SBN.

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

Victoria Bundrant: It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive; it is those who can best manage change. This advice stands out to me, because it reminds me that I have to get out of my comfort zone to see new opportunities. This industry is constantly changing with new trends rising every season. Being able to easily maneuver allows myself to keep up with the changes and pushes me to continue learning and adapting. This is what helps me stay relevant. 

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

VB: This industry has a family type of community that no other industry has.

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

VB: My Saturday activities change with the seasons. During the fall and winter, you can find me driving my RZR in the dunes. During the late Spring and Summer seasons, you can find me at the beach or at the lake.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

VB: When I am going into an important meeting, I am always trying to be as calm as possible and remind myself that I am prepared! I calm myself by reading through my notes and saying my responses to questions in my head. This keeps me relaxed by focusing on the material and not overthinking the situation. 

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

VB: I would go to lunch with Jon Bundrant. He is the founder of All-Pro Off-Road and just so happens to be my dad. He is the most influential person in my life and has taught me everything I know about the off-road industry.

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

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) has named Victoria Bundrant as this week’s #SheIsSEMA Spotlight member. Bundrant is a marketing specialist at 4 Wheel Parts—a global aftermarket leader in truck, Jeep, SUV and off-road performance products.

Find out what keeps her passionate about the industry, as she shares advice for managing change and always being prepared in her Q&A with SEMA and SBN.

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

Victoria Bundrant: It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive; it is those who can best manage change. This advice stands out to me, because it reminds me that I have to get out of my comfort zone to see new opportunities. This industry is constantly changing with new trends rising every season. Being able to easily maneuver allows myself to keep up with the changes and pushes me to continue learning and adapting. This is what helps me stay relevant. 

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

VB: This industry has a family type of community that no other industry has.

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

VB: My Saturday activities change with the seasons. During the fall and winter, you can find me driving my RZR in the dunes. During the late Spring and Summer seasons, you can find me at the beach or at the lake.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

VB: When I am going into an important meeting, I am always trying to be as calm as possible and remind myself that I am prepared! I calm myself by reading through my notes and saying my responses to questions in my head. This keeps me relaxed by focusing on the material and not overthinking the situation. 

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

VB: I would go to lunch with Jon Bundrant. He is the founder of All-Pro Off-Road and just so happens to be my dad. He is the most influential person in my life and has taught me everything I know about the off-road industry.

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.