By Ashley Reyes

The top 15 applicants of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Launch Pad Competition have been selected and now move on to the online voting stage.

The top 15 applicants of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Launch Pad Competition have been selected and now move on to the online voting stage. Each applicant will receive a complimentary, one-year SEMA membership, as well as one professional Launch Pad video and widespread awareness of their business through SEMA communication channels.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
• Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
• Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
• Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse – Emergency Brake Light
• Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
• Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
• Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
• Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
• Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
• Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
• Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
• Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
• Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
• Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
• Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: The GTe-413 Universal Plug

The public will be able to vote in the online competition beginning August 3. Five top candidates will go on to pitch their business ideas at the 2020 SEMA Show, where a panel of iconic judges select one winner to receive a prize package that includes $10,000 to be used for the benefit of their business, and exhibit space at the annual SEMA Show.

“The 15 semifinalists are a great representation of the passion and innovation that can only be found in this industry,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA Vice President, Councils and Membership. “While all products are unique and valuable, we’re excited to share their ideas with the public and learn what our consumers are most interested in.”

Since 2013 the SEMA Launch Pad program has given young entrepreneurs, students, and business owners age 18–39 an opportunity to launch their products into the $44.6 billion automotive aftermarket industry. The program will teach participants new business strategies on how to develop, market and boost their automotive products or services used by industry experts.

To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

By Della Domingo

Kim Pendergast, owner and CEO of Magnuson Products, has been selected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Kim Pendergast, owner and CEO of Magnuson Products, has been selected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors, as Dr. Jamie Meyer, who was recently named President of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), steps down from the SEMA Board.

Pendergast is an active SEMA member and industry volunteer, including serving as chair of the SEMA Scholarship Committee, participating as a member of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) and being named 2019 SEMA SBN Athena Woman of the Year. Pendergast is an advocate for protecting the performance industry’s rights, preparing members for a future, engaging youth and building partnerships with government and OEMs.

“Kim has a great deal of practical industry experience and brings valuable knowledge and energy to the SEMA Board of Directors,” said Tim Martin, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “Her understanding of the industry’s needs will prove beneficial to the Board and the industry.”

As a 2018 SEMA Board candidate, Pendergast received the next highest number of votes in the manufacturer category, qualifying her to be named onto the Board as Meyer steps down to join the SEMA staff as president of the Performance Racing Industry. Pendergast began her new role on May 13 and will continue to serve until July 2021.

By Della Domingo

Kim Pendergast, owner and CEO of Magnuson Products, has been selected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors.

Kim Pendergast, owner and CEO of Magnuson Products, has been selected to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors, as Dr. Jamie Meyer, who was recently named President of Performance Racing Industry (PRI), steps down from the SEMA Board.

Pendergast is an active SEMA member and industry volunteer, including serving as chair of the SEMA Scholarship Committee, participating as a member of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC) and being named 2019 SEMA SBN Athena Woman of the Year. Pendergast is an advocate for protecting the performance industry’s rights, preparing members for a future, engaging youth and building partnerships with government and OEMs.

“Kim has a great deal of practical industry experience and brings valuable knowledge and energy to the SEMA Board of Directors,” said Tim Martin, SEMA Chairman of the Board. “Her understanding of the industry’s needs will prove beneficial to the Board and the industry.”

As a 2018 SEMA Board candidate, Pendergast received the next highest number of votes in the manufacturer category, qualifying her to be named onto the Board as Meyer steps down to join the SEMA staff as president of the Performance Racing Industry. Pendergast began her new role on May 13 and will continue to serve until July 2021.

By Della Domingo

Dr. Jamie Meyer has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week.

Dr. Jamie Meyer, who served on the SEMA Board of Directors since 2018, has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week. Meyer, who has a long and storied history in motorsports and racing, will lead the PRI team in increasing engagement and support for the industry through enhanced programs and services for the motorsports community.

“Dr. Jamie Meyer has great knowledge and understanding of racing businesses, teams and drivers, and he will be instrumental in leading the PRI team,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

Meyer leaves a very successful 15-year career at General Motors, where he served as the Advanced Performance Parts program manager, the performance marketing manager, as well as several marketing and advertising roles.

“I have always enjoyed sportsman motorsports,” said Meyer. “I was influenced early on by local circle-track racers and that lead to a fascination of fast street cars and drag racing. I am looking forward to bringing that passion and energy to the PRI community and working with an already established team of industry leaders.” 

Meyer will be based in Indianapolis, where he will lead efforts to establish a new office and permanent presence to serve and engage the racing community, develop programs and services for the motorsports industry, and continue to lead the PRI trade show, one of the top 40 trade events in the United States. As part of the transition, Kim Pendergast of Magnuson Products will serve on the SEMA Board of Directors in Meyer’s place.

By Della Domingo

Dr. Jamie Meyer has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week.

Dr. Jamie Meyer, who served on the SEMA Board of Directors since 2018, has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company, effective this week. Meyer, who has a long and storied history in motorsports and racing, will lead the PRI team in increasing engagement and support for the industry through enhanced programs and services for the motorsports community.

“Dr. Jamie Meyer has great knowledge and understanding of racing businesses, teams and drivers, and he will be instrumental in leading the PRI team,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO.

Meyer leaves a very successful 15-year career at General Motors, where he served as the Advanced Performance Parts program manager, the performance marketing manager, as well as several marketing and advertising roles.

“I have always enjoyed sportsman motorsports,” said Meyer. “I was influenced early on by local circle-track racers and that lead to a fascination of fast street cars and drag racing. I am looking forward to bringing that passion and energy to the PRI community and working with an already established team of industry leaders.” 

Meyer will be based in Indianapolis, where he will lead efforts to establish a new office and permanent presence to serve and engage the racing community, develop programs and services for the motorsports industry, and continue to lead the PRI trade show, one of the top 40 trade events in the United States. As part of the transition, Kim Pendergast of Magnuson Products will serve on the SEMA Board of Directors in Meyer’s place.

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here are some up-close and personal shots of the new Bronco Sport.

Last month, it was reported that the Bronco and Bronco Sport would offer three grille options tentatively called Modern, Classic and Custom. These photos show two of those options on display.

Though it's unclear which prototype, specifically, is wearing which grille, one can tell by the camo patterns that there are three separate grille patterns at play. However, the shiny grille—believed to be called Custom—appears to be present on the prototype with the steel wheels. It looks as if engineers have spray painted it in a dark color to cover the chrome treatment.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde