By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) has named Austin Huffman, founder of Valvetronic, as the network's newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Huffman in his interview with SEMA News below. 

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

Austin Huffman: If anybody can do it, I can do it. This was advice that was given to me by my father when working on various projects--from business operations improvements to just building Legos, he always stressed that if anybody can do it, I can do it.

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

AH: The automotive world is unlike any other community. People bond over sports, music or whatever their passion might be, but nothing compares to how cars and trucks bring people together. The culture is vast and diverse, from luxury supercars to lifted trucks to off-road builds, and it creates connections that cross every boundary.

What excites me most is seeing new enthusiasts discover it for the first time, a kid pointing at a Ferrari or Porsche and yelling "race car!" or a group of friends wrenching on their first project. That sense of wonder and excitement is universal, and it never fades. The automotive world offers a place where passion, craftsmanship and community collide, and it's that shared thrill that makes it so special.

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

AH: My life is about self-improvement. You'll find me cooking new recipes, enjoying new adventures, flying a Cessna 172 or at the gym hustling. I love to be in motion.

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting? 

AH: Usually, an important meeting will involve negotiation, even though it might be between you and your own peers regarding an opportunity for an expense. Preparation comes from making sure you're able to listen and hear what the key information is and what the other person wants out of the meeting.

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

AH: Elon Musk. He is such an interesting, creative visionary. Whether you like him or not, you have to respect that he has a knack for entrepreneurship and has an uncommitted approach to his objectives and maximum efficiency.

Fill out an FLN member spotlight form to be eligible to be featured on FLN's social media, SEMA News and FLN member updates. 

By Ashley Reyes

Female aftermarket professionals have limited time to register for the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum , featuring industry-tailored education, networking, and skill building.  

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) Women's Leadership Forum returns in 2026 with all-new programming that will empower women in the automotive aftermarket to reach new levels of career success. Taking place March 3-5 in San Diego, California, the Forum will feature education sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities that will help attendees grow their organizational value and build more engaged and stronger teams.   

Why The Conference Matters Now  

Unlike other leadership conferences that cater to all industries, the SBN Women's Leadership Forum was built by women in the aftermarket industry, for women in the aftermarket industry.  

Attendees will gain access to:  

• Industry-focused insights: Keynotes and panels focused on leadership, innovation and trends shaping the automotive aftermarket. 
• Skill-building workshops: Hands-on sessions that strengthen communication, strategic thinking and decision-making. 
• Confidence development: Tools to help women lead with authority, navigate challenges and influence outcomes. 
• Networking and mentorship: Connections with peers, executives and industry leaders across the automotive sector. 
• Measurable business impact: Actionable takeaways that enhance leadership performance and organizational effectiveness. 

Last Chance to Register  

Registration is $899 for members and $1,099 for non-members up to the day of the conference. 

Secure a seat here and gain confidence and connections to make an impact as a leader in the industry in 2026 and beyond.

By Ashley Reyes

Automotive aftermarket companies have limited time left to sign up for the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN) Career Fair, happening Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California.  

The ETTN Career Fair, held in partnership with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) SoCal chapter and SEMA Garage, provides the opportunity to connect with top engineering and technical students from local universities and trade schools who are eager to join the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industries.  
 

One Afternoon, Multiple Connections  

During the event, company representatives will host a table, network with students and share valuable information about career paths in their company. As students seek to better understand what the industry offers, companies can help increase awareness of what the 'aftermarket' is to the next generation while building their talent pool.   

Additionally, companies will have their brand showcased within the inspiring setting of the SEMA Garage, where students will be exposed to innovative technologies including ADAS, emissions compliance, Tech Transfer, 3D printing and more. 
 

Join Leading Brands  

The Career Fair will welcome students from SAE programs and beyond, along with SAE and SEMA industry professionals, for a full day of activities. Registered companies already include Blacmotor, Edelbrock, Ford, Formosa EV, Haas Automation, Honda Racing Corporation USA, HP Tuners, Hyundai America Technical Center, Hyundai Motor America, Pedal Commander, PRI/SIM, Searchtec Consulting Group and more--representing a broad cross-section of performance, manufacturing, engineering and technology-focused organizations.   
 

Secure Your Table Today  

Registration is complimentary for SEMA member companies, while non-member companies may participate for a $500 fee through SAE SoCal, which covers up to four attendees. 
 

Secure your spot today and help shape the future of the aftermarket.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A new SEMA-sponsored Senate bill aims to speed approvals, reduce costs and ensure emissions-compliant aftermarket products reach consumers faster.

SEMA is sponsoring legislation to provide more certainty in the process by which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approves aftermarket emissions products seeking clearance to be sold in the state.

Senate Bill 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, would provide specific timelines to which CARB must adhere when manufacturers navigate the board's Executive Order (EO) process. EOs for aftermarket parts ensure companies are in compliance with CARB emissions standards and serve to greenlight the manufacturing, sale or installation of an aftermarket product in California. Under the bill, companies would be refunded a portion of the application costs incurred if the time it takes to receive an EO becomes unreasonable.

• The application to receive a CARB EO was once free, with fees later added to help speed the process and enable the hiring of staff who could facilitate the review of these applications. But despite this administrative support provided via the monetary investment of applicants, the process continues to lag and deprive well-meaning companies of their opportunity to reach the California market with their innovative, emissions-compliant products.

According to SEMA research, it currently can take CARB 12-18 months to approve EOs and sometimes up to two years. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long to bring products to market.

"This is a necessary bill for lawmakers to prove to their constituents that they're serious about clean air in California and providing small businesses with a pathway to thrive. SEMA has invested heavily to support aftermarket businesses that seek to serve the California marketplace with innovative products that adhere to state and federal emissions laws. We have known for a long time that the CARB EO process is in sore need of reform; it is slow, costly, and wrought with administrative delays that are a disservice to companies and consumers. We thank Senator Grayson for authoring this bill, which encourages companies to continue their good-faith efforts to adhere to California laws, while improving compliance and ensuring that California consumers have access to the cleanest aftermarket products available," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

"California's automotive enthusiasts deserve the opportunity to buy these products for their cars and trucks, and the path must be cleared for businesses that have committed to work to meet our state's standards," said Sen. Grayson. "When I attend the SEMA Show, I always marvel at the innovation brought forth by the automotive aftermarket, highlighted by advanced, clean-emissions products for consumers' vehicles. Supporting car culture is not a zero-sum game with environmental stewardship and this bill reflects that--a tangible path toward cleaner air, business success and consumer satisfaction."

ABOUT THE BILL

The legislation will provide the following reforms:

• After companies submit their applications for an EO, CARB would have 30 days to state whether the application is in order, and then 60 more days to approve or deny the application.
• If an application is denied, CARB is to provide the applicant a list of reasons for the denial; applicants will then have a 30-day "cure" period to keep an application on track.
• If CARB fails to adhere to this reasonable timeline, applicants are entitled to a 50% refund of their fees.

Fees for CARB EOs can reach thousands of dollars. Currently, those fees are:

• $500 for companies with fewer than 100 employees, and
• $1,000 for companies with 100 or more employees.

Analysis conducted for 2025 by the SEMA Garage shows that aftermarket companies pay $1,600-$3,200 per product for which they seek an EO, based on an average of 3.2 application breakouts, which result in three distinct charges for the same product.

• In some examples, there are enough breakouts to cost companies well beyond $20,000 for a single product. Such cases force companies to make difficult decisions over whether to even apply for coverage on all their products.

BACKGROUND

SEMA has invested more than $30 million in the past ten years to help the aftermarket industry with emissions compliance. SEMA has two emissions compliance centers--Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan--with each offering a suite of aftermarket product testing optimized with state-of-the-art testing equipment. SEMA has made it its mission to hire experienced professional emissions staff to educate the industry and its members on emissions issues and the need for compliance.

In California, SEMA works with CARB to issue EOs.

• SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, Emissions Compliance Center, part of the SEMA Garage, is recognized by CARB as a Certification Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory. This facility is integral to SEMA's work with CARB, offering SEMA members a complete product development resource, geared toward manufacturers and providing assistance in all aspects of securing CARB EOs and EPA emissions compliance to demonstrate that vehicles are emissions-compliant after a product is installed.

Over the last ten years, SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, and its compliance team has completed over 800 CARB EO applications for members. The SEMA Garage helps our member companies and other aftermarket businesses to test and sell emissions-compliant products.

This article was originally published on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

A new SEMA-sponsored Senate bill aims to speed approvals, reduce costs and ensure emissions-compliant aftermarket products reach consumers faster.

SEMA is sponsoring legislation to provide more certainty in the process by which the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approves aftermarket emissions products seeking clearance to be sold in the state.

Senate Bill 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, would provide specific timelines to which CARB must adhere when manufacturers navigate the board's Executive Order (EO) process. EOs for aftermarket parts ensure companies are in compliance with CARB emissions standards and serve to greenlight the manufacturing, sale or installation of an aftermarket product in California. Under the bill, companies would be refunded a portion of the application costs incurred if the time it takes to receive an EO becomes unreasonable.

• The application to receive a CARB EO was once free, with fees later added to help speed the process and enable the hiring of staff who could facilitate the review of these applications. But despite this administrative support provided via the monetary investment of applicants, the process continues to lag and deprive well-meaning companies of their opportunity to reach the California market with their innovative, emissions-compliant products.

According to SEMA research, it currently can take CARB 12-18 months to approve EOs and sometimes up to two years. Businesses cannot afford to wait that long to bring products to market.

"This is a necessary bill for lawmakers to prove to their constituents that they're serious about clean air in California and providing small businesses with a pathway to thrive. SEMA has invested heavily to support aftermarket businesses that seek to serve the California marketplace with innovative products that adhere to state and federal emissions laws. We have known for a long time that the CARB EO process is in sore need of reform; it is slow, costly, and wrought with administrative delays that are a disservice to companies and consumers. We thank Senator Grayson for authoring this bill, which encourages companies to continue their good-faith efforts to adhere to California laws, while improving compliance and ensuring that California consumers have access to the cleanest aftermarket products available," said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

"California's automotive enthusiasts deserve the opportunity to buy these products for their cars and trucks, and the path must be cleared for businesses that have committed to work to meet our state's standards," said Sen. Grayson. "When I attend the SEMA Show, I always marvel at the innovation brought forth by the automotive aftermarket, highlighted by advanced, clean-emissions products for consumers' vehicles. Supporting car culture is not a zero-sum game with environmental stewardship and this bill reflects that--a tangible path toward cleaner air, business success and consumer satisfaction."

ABOUT THE BILL

The legislation will provide the following reforms:

• After companies submit their applications for an EO, CARB would have 30 days to state whether the application is in order, and then 60 more days to approve or deny the application.
• If an application is denied, CARB is to provide the applicant a list of reasons for the denial; applicants will then have a 30-day "cure" period to keep an application on track.
• If CARB fails to adhere to this reasonable timeline, applicants are entitled to a 50% refund of their fees.

Fees for CARB EOs can reach thousands of dollars. Currently, those fees are:

• $500 for companies with fewer than 100 employees, and
• $1,000 for companies with 100 or more employees.

Analysis conducted for 2025 by the SEMA Garage shows that aftermarket companies pay $1,600-$3,200 per product for which they seek an EO, based on an average of 3.2 application breakouts, which result in three distinct charges for the same product.

• In some examples, there are enough breakouts to cost companies well beyond $20,000 for a single product. Such cases force companies to make difficult decisions over whether to even apply for coverage on all their products.

BACKGROUND

SEMA has invested more than $30 million in the past ten years to help the aftermarket industry with emissions compliance. SEMA has two emissions compliance centers--Diamond Bar, California, and Plymouth, Michigan--with each offering a suite of aftermarket product testing optimized with state-of-the-art testing equipment. SEMA has made it its mission to hire experienced professional emissions staff to educate the industry and its members on emissions issues and the need for compliance.

In California, SEMA works with CARB to issue EOs.

• SEMA's Diamond Bar, California, Emissions Compliance Center, part of the SEMA Garage, is recognized by CARB as a Certification Ready Automotive Emissions Testing Laboratory. This facility is integral to SEMA's work with CARB, offering SEMA members a complete product development resource, geared toward manufacturers and providing assistance in all aspects of securing CARB EOs and EPA emissions compliance to demonstrate that vehicles are emissions-compliant after a product is installed.

Over the last ten years, SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB, and its compliance team has completed over 800 CARB EO applications for members. The SEMA Garage helps our member companies and other aftermarket businesses to test and sell emissions-compliant products.

This article was originally published on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert Schlie

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA Garage team last week shared the following note with members who have reached out about sales data requests from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Please contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org with any questions.

SEMA is aware that CARB has asked manufacturers to estimate the cost of compiling sales data for products covered by executive orders (EO). This request reinforces our concern that the proposed sales reporting requirement is burdensome, invasive and unrelated to environmental impact. CARB has not demonstrated how collecting ongoing sales data improves emissions compliance or advances clean-air goals. And, the current review underway of the regulatory process is intended to help improve efficiency in the CARB EO process, not to add more burden to the businesses who participate.

For many manufacturers, particularly small businesses operating through distributor networks, extracting and reporting detailed sales information would require significant new administrative systems and costs. These resources would be diverted away from product development and emissions testing, which directly support California's environmental objectives. It also creates additional disincentives for companies to actively participate in the compliance program, which also is counter to achieving positive environmental objectives.

This request and the underlying proposal further underscore why SEMA has sponsored legislation to reform CARB's EO procedures. The industry needs a predictable, efficient, and emissions-focused process, not additional administrative obligations that increase costs without delivering measurable environmental benefit.

As CARB considers amendments to its aftermarket procedures, SEMA encourages its members to actively participate in the regulatory process and provide feedback on the real-world impacts of these proposals.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA Garage team last week shared the following note with members who have reached out about sales data requests from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Please contact Jim Moore at jimm@sema.org with any questions.

SEMA is aware that CARB has asked manufacturers to estimate the cost of compiling sales data for products covered by executive orders (EO). This request reinforces our concern that the proposed sales reporting requirement is burdensome, invasive and unrelated to environmental impact. CARB has not demonstrated how collecting ongoing sales data improves emissions compliance or advances clean-air goals. And, the current review underway of the regulatory process is intended to help improve efficiency in the CARB EO process, not to add more burden to the businesses who participate.

For many manufacturers, particularly small businesses operating through distributor networks, extracting and reporting detailed sales information would require significant new administrative systems and costs. These resources would be diverted away from product development and emissions testing, which directly support California's environmental objectives. It also creates additional disincentives for companies to actively participate in the compliance program, which also is counter to achieving positive environmental objectives.

This request and the underlying proposal further underscore why SEMA has sponsored legislation to reform CARB's EO procedures. The industry needs a predictable, efficient, and emissions-focused process, not additional administrative obligations that increase costs without delivering measurable environmental benefit.

As CARB considers amendments to its aftermarket procedures, SEMA encourages its members to actively participate in the regulatory process and provide feedback on the real-world impacts of these proposals.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is accepting entries for its Hot Products Showcase, happening April 22-25 at the Spring Carlisle Show in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Entering the Showcase is a free benefit exclusive to restoration parts manufacturers that are members of ARMO. Enter your products into the Showcase here, or learn more about being an ARMO member here.

Entering the ARMO Hot Products Showcase is one of the best opportunities for ARMO members to showcase their newest and most innovative products to classic car enthusiasts in a high-profile location within the Spring Carlisle Show--for free.

Benefits include:

• Increased brand visibility within the restoration community.
• Placement of products in front of buyers actively looking to build or restore.
• Opportunity to win an award in one of six categories: Exterior, Interior, Engine, Accessory Item, Drivetrain/Brakes/Suspension and People's Choice.  

Participation Made Easy

Manufacturers are only responsible for shipping their products in advance with a return label or dropping off and picking up their products on-site. ARMO volunteers set up and take down the product display, providing the manufacturer with a seamless, minimal-effort experience.

Product award winners will be recognized in SEMA News, ARMO's newsletter and social media, and during the ARMO Banquet at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. 

Submit products at the button below or here: sema.org/armo-hot-products-showcase.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA's Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) is accepting entries for its Hot Products Showcase, happening April 22-25 at the Spring Carlisle Show in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Entering the Showcase is a free benefit exclusive to restoration parts manufacturers that are members of ARMO. Enter your products into the Showcase here, or learn more about being an ARMO member here.

Entering the ARMO Hot Products Showcase is one of the best opportunities for ARMO members to showcase their newest and most innovative products to classic car enthusiasts in a high-profile location within the Spring Carlisle Show--for free.

Benefits include:

• Increased brand visibility within the restoration community.
• Placement of products in front of buyers actively looking to build or restore.
• Opportunity to win an award in one of six categories: Exterior, Interior, Engine, Accessory Item, Drivetrain/Brakes/Suspension and People's Choice.  

Participation Made Easy

Manufacturers are only responsible for shipping their products in advance with a return label or dropping off and picking up their products on-site. ARMO volunteers set up and take down the product display, providing the manufacturer with a seamless, minimal-effort experience.

Product award winners will be recognized in SEMA News, ARMO's newsletter and social media, and during the ARMO Banquet at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in November. 

Submit products at the button below or here: sema.org/armo-hot-products-showcase.

By Ashley Reyes

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when competing priorities and obligations never end. Creating a to-do list is a great first step, but having a realistic plan that you can stick to is crucial to achieving any desired outcome.

To help professionals in the automotive aftermarket move past feeling overwhelmed and start real progress on their goals, the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN), Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), Future Leaders Network (FLN), Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC) will host a virtual education session on Tuesday, March 10 at 12:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m. EST focused on "The Maven Mindset."

During this session, seasoned entrepreneur, brand strategist, and creator of The Maven Mindset Jeni Bukolt will help attendees break out of the cycle of feeling "busy and stuck" and gain clarity, confidence and momentum on professional and personal goals.

Attendees will learn:

• Why motivation alone isn't enough to achieve meaningful goals.
• How curiosity and values alignment can unlock clarity and execution.
• How to break free from "busy but stuck" patterns.
• How to turn long-term vision into short-term, achievable action.
• How to re-energize through mindset shifts and accountability.

Whether balancing multiple commitments or striving towards a new goal, this session will offer real strategies to reset and refocus in order to make real progress.

Register here or click the button below.

To view recordings of past SBN virtual education sessions, click here.