By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Dan LaRou, director of logistics at Chrome Enhancements, as the network’s newest spotlight member.  

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

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

Dan LaRou: To be proactive instead of reactive. Whether it's professionally or personally, being proactive can help mitigate serious problems in the future and cause less stress if something does not go according to plan. Being proactive can also help generate better ideas that can lead to bigger success. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry? 

DL: My passion for cars keeps me in the automotive aftermarket industry. I love that there are so many different things that you can do to a vehicle to make it your own. I get to go to work every day and mix it with passion. 

SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday? 

DL: If you are looking for me on any given Saturday, spring through fall, I will be at the racetrack or sitting on the beach at the lake. 

SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?  

DL: By going over the agenda several times to make sure I am well-versed on what the talking points are. I also write some notes for myself beforehand on things I want to talk about. Of course, I always make sure I have my notepad and my favorite pen nearby. 

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

DL: Lee Iacocca. He may not have been directly a part of the aftermarket industry, but he helped spawn some of the amazing cars we have today. He helped develop my favorite car, the Mustang, and managed to convince Ford to get back into racing. 

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 the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a SEMA-supported bill (HB 201) into law that safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type. The new law prohibits any state or local government entity from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source, including internal combustion engines (ICEs).

The SEMA-supported bill safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type.

"This is a monumental win for Ohioans and the freedom to choose," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Governor DeWine's decision to sign HB 201 into law sends a powerful message that Ohio values individual liberty and empowers its citizens to make informed choices about their transportation needs."

The law's enactment comes at a pivotal time in the automotive industry, with rapid advancements in alternative fuel technologies alongside ongoing concerns about electric vehicle affordability and infrastructure readiness. HB 201 safeguards the diversity of options available to Ohioans, allowing them to choose vehicles that align with their budgets, driving habits and personal preferences.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a SEMA-supported bill (HB 201) into law that safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type. The new law prohibits any state or local government entity from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source, including internal combustion engines (ICEs).

The SEMA-supported bill safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type.

"This is a monumental win for Ohioans and the freedom to choose," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Governor DeWine's decision to sign HB 201 into law sends a powerful message that Ohio values individual liberty and empowers its citizens to make informed choices about their transportation needs."

The law's enactment comes at a pivotal time in the automotive industry, with rapid advancements in alternative fuel technologies alongside ongoing concerns about electric vehicle affordability and infrastructure readiness. HB 201 safeguards the diversity of options available to Ohioans, allowing them to choose vehicles that align with their budgets, driving habits and personal preferences.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a SEMA-supported bill (HB 201) into law that safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type. The new law prohibits any state or local government entity from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source, including internal combustion engines (ICEs).

The SEMA-supported bill safeguards Ohioans' right to choose the vehicles that best suit their needs, regardless of fuel type.

"This is a monumental win for Ohioans and the freedom to choose," said Christian Robinson, SEMA's director of state government affairs and grassroots. "Governor DeWine's decision to sign HB 201 into law sends a powerful message that Ohio values individual liberty and empowers its citizens to make informed choices about their transportation needs."

The law's enactment comes at a pivotal time in the automotive industry, with rapid advancements in alternative fuel technologies alongside ongoing concerns about electric vehicle affordability and infrastructure readiness. HB 201 safeguards the diversity of options available to Ohioans, allowing them to choose vehicles that align with their budgets, driving habits and personal preferences.

For more information, contact Kiley Chapley at kileyc@sema.org.

By SEMA News Editors

Nominations are now open for the 2024 SEMA Board of Directors. SEMA members are invited to recommend industry leaders to serve the association online by Friday, January 5.

The following seats are open for the 2024 election:

• Manufacturer (two open seats) 
• Distributor/Retailer (two open seats) 
• Service (one open seat)

"A strong SEMA Board means wise leadership and an association that serves its members well. As a member of the association, we are currently seeking your recommendation of industry leaders to serve on the SEMA Board of Directors," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Our industry has many individuals who would be an asset to the Board, but we need your help to bring them to the attention of the nominating committee."

Submit your nomination form here. Be sure to include brief information about the nominee's qualifications, including background, experience and achievements.

Note: your SEMA business membership must be active and in good standing to be eligible.

By Ashley Reyes

The 2024 SEMA Scholarship application period for students pursuing careers in the automotive or performance parts industries is now open and will run through Friday, March 1. Interested applicants can review and complete the scholarship application at sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of industry leaders and innovators. In addition to financial assistance, scholarship winners have the opportunity to attend the SEMA Show, providing unparalleled education and networking opportunities.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000.

High school seniors and college students in the United States and Canada who demonstrate a passion for automotive hobbies and careers are eligible to apply. Scholarships are available in a variety of disciplines leading to a career in automotive aftermarket, including accounting, sales, marketing, engineering and more.

Masen Schneider, a freshman studying mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota, received a SEMA Scholarship in 2023, furthering his opportunity to achieve his dream career in the automotive aftermarket. "It means a lot to receive a scholarship from an organization like SEMA because as big and impactful as they are, they see your story and experience and want to help propel you towards your dream," he said. Schneider hopes to one day be an automotive parts designer.

"SEMA is committed to supporting students with an ambition to accelerate their career in the dynamic and exciting world of the automotive aftermarket," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. "The financial support can help alleviate the burden of student loans and make pursuing their education more accessible."

A loan forgiveness component is also available to employees of SEMA-member companies who have completed and are currently paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical school within the United States and Canada. Loan forgiveness awards are issued up to $2,000.

Eligible students and SEMA-member company employees can apply until March 1, 2024, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

SEMA members can watch a new video that highlights evolutions in the product development process, specifically on prototyping tools, by visiting the SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology (ETTN) Facebook page.

The video features Heath Moore, managing director of Harrop Engineering, and includes an insightful discussion on new technologies that have enabled faster product development, including what tools are must-haves for the development of new products. 

Watch now and gain insight into:

• How to overcome product development obstacles.
• What tools are being used for reverse engineering.
• New technologies that have changed the product development landscape.
• How metal 3D printing changes the industry.
• New software that was not available several years ago.

The information shared will help SEMA members learn about new technologies and methods to reduce costs and improve development time.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) will host a virtual Coffee and Conversation networking event on Thursday, February 1, at 9:00 a.m. PST. The online gathering will bring together SEMA members to openly discuss opportunities and challenges facing the wheel and tire market. During the discussion, participants will share their expertise, grow their network, and create valuable business connections in the wheel and tire space.  

The online gathering will bring together SEMA members to openly discuss opportunities and challenges facing the wheel and tire market.

"The WTC Coffee and Conversation event is a great way to meet people, network within our industry and discuss topics that affect us all. It has been very informative, and I take part in every discussion that I can," said past participant Brian J. Doyle of Tire Service International.   

Discussion topics will be available to start the conversation, but attendees are encouraged to also bring a topic that impacts their business personally. 

Sign up now to start growing your network! 

By SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are some of the latest postings.

DPI Off-Road Brands

Marketing Brand Manager in Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; or Remote

DPI Off-Road Brands is seeking an experienced marketing brand manager to lead and execute marketing strategies for ToyTec Lifts and Daystar Products. The ideal candidate will be a passionate off-road enthusiast with an understanding of social media, community engagement and influencer collaboration.

Internet Brands/RacingJunk.com

Account Executive in North Adams, Massachusetts

Internet Brands is looking for a digital sales representative for its auto classifieds division. This position is responsible for prospecting and cold-calling potential advertisers; creating relationships with automotive aftermarket agency representatives, retailers, dealers and manufacturers; working with account management to implement ad campaigns; monitoring ad delivery and more.

SD Wheel 

Marketplace Manager (Hybrid or Remote)

The marketplace manager will oversee strategy development and online marketplace operations with the goal of attracting and retaining users, driving sales and ensuring a positive user experience. This position will also be responsible for data analysis, monitoring the competitive landscape, establishing and maintaining vendor relationships, and more.

By SEMA News Editors

QA1 Acquires Speedtech Performance USA

QA1 has acquired substantially all of the assets of Speedtech Performance USA, a Utah-based provider of chassis and suspension solutions for the pro-touring and restomod markets.

Speedtech Performance offers a range of chassis and subframes for muscle cars and trucks designed to improve handling and cornering on the track or street, the company said.

“We look forward to building on the innovation, products and brand that has been created at Speedtech Performance,” said Melissa Scoles, president and CEO of QA1. “We are excited to leverage their proven expertise to expand full chassis solutions to our customers.”

Blake Foster and Roger Maniscalco co-founded SpeedTech Performance USA in 2004, and brought the company to St. George, Utah, in 2012. The Speedtech Performance brand will continue operating out of its St. George, Utah, facility with its existing team and Maniscalco will remain with the company to lead the sales and marketing efforts for the brand.

For more information, visit qa1.net.

Scott Steinhardt Named President of Stertil-Koni USA

Heavy-duty vehicle lift manufacturer Stertil-Koni USA has named Scott Steinhardt as company president.

Scott Steinhardt joined Stertil-Koni in 2022 and was named general manager of the company in 2023.

Steinhardt, who joined Stertil-Koni as vice president of sales in 2022 and was named general manager in 2023, brings more than 28 years of industry sales, marketing and distributor management experience to the role.

Steinhardt succeeds Dr. Jean DellAmore, Stertil-Koni USA's first president, who served in that capacity since the company's launch in 1987. DellAmore was recently appointed president of Nussbaum North America, an automotive vehicle lift company that is also part of the Stertil Organization.

For more information, visit stertil-koni.com.

Tunerbrands.com Acquires DC Sports, Southern Style Offroad

Tunerbrands.com, a provider of aftermarket services and parts, has acquired SouthernStyleOffroad.com, a manufacturer of off-road vehicle accessories and DCSports.com, a provider of performance sports cars.

The acquisitions diversify the Turnerbrands.com product range, the company said in a statement, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a central hub in the automotive aftermarket industry. 

The company is also actively seeking opportunities to acquire additional brands.

For more information, visit tunerbrands.com.