By Ashley Reyes

Exclusive interview footage from the most recent SEMA Show STAGE featuring Sean P. Holman, co-creator of the TruckShow Podcast, MotorTrend Group, is now available. Hosted by entrepreneur and founder of DUB Magazine Myles Kovacs, the STAGE series brings viewers into the hearts and minds of notable industry personalities as they participate in thought-provoking discussions that educate, engage, and inspire.

Get to know what drives Holman’s passion as he provides his unique and entertaining perspective on trends in the exploding overland market, the importance of mentorship, breaking the news on Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor release, the importance of automotive education, and more.

“[We’re] re-educating society and our kids and telling them, ‘Listen, you don’t have to go to a four-year college—you can do something with your hands, you can make something,’” said Holman. “There’s so much need out there for fabricators and welders, and look at all the things that are at the [SEMA] Show … they’ve all been touched by human hands, people who have been trained in a trade.”

Other topics include Holman’s insight on today’s media landscape, focusing on how aftermarket companies can best use different platforms to their advantage and providing advice for those interested in launching their own podcast.

“I think that today’s media landscape is so fragmented with where to go, there’s a lot of choices but I think if you have a smart marketing manager who can see the big picture, there are ways to integrate everything and still get to where your customers are.”

Check out Holman’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

Exclusive interview footage from the most recent SEMA Show STAGE featuring Sean P. Holman, co-creator of the TruckShow Podcast, MotorTrend Group, is now available. Hosted by entrepreneur and founder of DUB Magazine Myles Kovacs, the STAGE series brings viewers into the hearts and minds of notable industry personalities as they participate in thought-provoking discussions that educate, engage, and inspire.

Get to know what drives Holman’s passion as he provides his unique and entertaining perspective on trends in the exploding overland market, the importance of mentorship, breaking the news on Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor release, the importance of automotive education, and more.

“[We’re] re-educating society and our kids and telling them, ‘Listen, you don’t have to go to a four-year college—you can do something with your hands, you can make something,’” said Holman. “There’s so much need out there for fabricators and welders, and look at all the things that are at the [SEMA] Show … they’ve all been touched by human hands, people who have been trained in a trade.”

Other topics include Holman’s insight on today’s media landscape, focusing on how aftermarket companies can best use different platforms to their advantage and providing advice for those interested in launching their own podcast.

“I think that today’s media landscape is so fragmented with where to go, there’s a lot of choices but I think if you have a smart marketing manager who can see the big picture, there are ways to integrate everything and still get to where your customers are.”

Check out Holman’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

Exclusive interview footage from the most recent SEMA Show STAGE featuring Sean P. Holman, co-creator of the TruckShow Podcast, MotorTrend Group, is now available. Hosted by entrepreneur and founder of DUB Magazine Myles Kovacs, the STAGE series brings viewers into the hearts and minds of notable industry personalities as they participate in thought-provoking discussions that educate, engage, and inspire.

Get to know what drives Holman’s passion as he provides his unique and entertaining perspective on trends in the exploding overland market, the importance of mentorship, breaking the news on Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor release, the importance of automotive education, and more.

“[We’re] re-educating society and our kids and telling them, ‘Listen, you don’t have to go to a four-year college—you can do something with your hands, you can make something,’” said Holman. “There’s so much need out there for fabricators and welders, and look at all the things that are at the [SEMA] Show … they’ve all been touched by human hands, people who have been trained in a trade.”

Other topics include Holman’s insight on today’s media landscape, focusing on how aftermarket companies can best use different platforms to their advantage and providing advice for those interested in launching their own podcast.

“I think that today’s media landscape is so fragmented with where to go, there’s a lot of choices but I think if you have a smart marketing manager who can see the big picture, there are ways to integrate everything and still get to where your customers are.”

Check out Holman’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

By Ashley Reyes

Exclusive interview footage from the most recent SEMA Show STAGE featuring Sean P. Holman, co-creator of the TruckShow Podcast, MotorTrend Group, is now available. Hosted by entrepreneur and founder of DUB Magazine Myles Kovacs, the STAGE series brings viewers into the hearts and minds of notable industry personalities as they participate in thought-provoking discussions that educate, engage, and inspire.

Get to know what drives Holman’s passion as he provides his unique and entertaining perspective on trends in the exploding overland market, the importance of mentorship, breaking the news on Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor release, the importance of automotive education, and more.

“[We’re] re-educating society and our kids and telling them, ‘Listen, you don’t have to go to a four-year college—you can do something with your hands, you can make something,’” said Holman. “There’s so much need out there for fabricators and welders, and look at all the things that are at the [SEMA] Show … they’ve all been touched by human hands, people who have been trained in a trade.”

Other topics include Holman’s insight on today’s media landscape, focusing on how aftermarket companies can best use different platforms to their advantage and providing advice for those interested in launching their own podcast.

“I think that today’s media landscape is so fragmented with where to go, there’s a lot of choices but I think if you have a smart marketing manager who can see the big picture, there are ways to integrate everything and still get to where your customers are.”

Check out Holman’s full video and stay tuned to SEMA eNews for additional featured interviews powered by SEMA Education in partnership with the SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC). For the latest news and updates on the STAGE, follow SEMA Education on Facebook and Instagram.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

Exhibitors interested in getting a jump on SEMA Show planning for 2020 can reserve booth space now.

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Denise Waddingham

SEMA Hires Denise Waddingham as Council Director

Denise Waddingham will start as SEMA council director, effective April 13. She joins SEMA after nearly 15 years with DeeZee based in Des Moines, Iowa. “We are excited to bring Denise aboard,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “She has a tremendous amount of industry knowledge, and will bring an ability to create great partnerships with our volunteer leaders and community.”

"I am super excited to join the SEMA team to continue my passion for this industry and look forward to developing meaningful programs to promote exceptional relationships between member companies and the association," Waddingham said.

Derive Systems Appoints John Oechsle as Chief Executive Officer

B2B and B2C automotive technology provider Derive Systems announced that the company’s board of directors has appointed H. John Oechsle to the position of chief executive officer. Oechsle, a consumer and capital market veteran, has more than 30 years of experience with product development has led to many successful product lines in the technology and e-business market segments. Before joining Derive, Oechsle spent more than seven years as the president, and CEO of Swiftpage, a computer software company specializing in customizable CRM and marketing automation solutions that drive lower-cost-customer acquisition and retention.

Steve Darnell of Welder Up has been named the official brand ambassador for H&S Autoshot.

H&S Partners With Steve Darnell of Welder Up

H&S Autoshot has announced a partnership with Steve Darnell of Welder Up (famous for “Vegas Rat Rods” on the Discovery Channel) for their welding and plasma cutting products. This partnership confirms Darnell as H&S Autoshot’s official brand ambassador. Darnell is the creative mastermind behind the motorized works of art that emerge from the WelderUp shop.

Melling Acquires Performance Springs UK Ltd.

Melling Engine Parts CEO Mark Melling has announced the acquisition of Performance Springs UK Ltd. based in Blackpool, England. Performance Springs specializes in the design and manufacturing of springs for the automotive and industrial sectors. Recently, Performance started supplying Melling its aftermarket needs from its 20,000-sq.-ft. facility. The new company will be renamed to Melling Performance Springs Limited and all managment and sales staff are staying with the company.

Transtar Industries Inc. Names David Haynes Vice President of U.S. Domestic Distribution

Transtar Industries Inc. has announced it has named David Haynes as vice president of U.S. domestic distribution. Haynes is based in Cleveland and reports to Tim Bowes, president and CEO. Haynes brings a significant track record in leading corporate strategic growth initiatives, according to the company, and joins Transtar from Honeywell International, where he served as vice president of marketing for its Novar and Inncom building automation and energy management divisions. Prior to Honeywell, Haynes held executive-level marketing and sales roles in manufacturing, software and telecommunications. He served as executive vice president for Fabcon, a California contract manufacturer; co-founder and vice president of sales and marketing for a California wireless software start-up and consulted for Deloitte & Touche.

American Powertrain Announces the Addition of Yukon Gear & Axle Sets to Product Lineup

American Powertrain now offers a full line of Yukon Gear & Axle drivetrain parts for most popular makes and models for Ford, GM and Chrysler. Additional Yukon offerings include Over-haul kits, Trac-Loc and Duragrip positraction products, along with USA Standard Gear Powr Loc Positraction for Chrysler.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

By Ashley Reyes

Kendra Sommer

This month’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight features SBN select committee member Kendra Sommer of CWK Media. She is the head of her brand, “Cruisin’ with Kendra,” where she thrives as a motorsports reporter and helps provide a voice for women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry.  

Throughout her career, she has excelled as an automotive storyteller by reporting on car culture all over the world, highlighting manufacturers, covering motorsports events and installing products during “How-To” productions. Her work can be found in contributing articles and photography and video reports for many industry-leading publications. It’s volunteers like Sommer who truly make a difference to the industry.

Get to know Sommer in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN: 

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

Kendra Sommer: “Just jump and the parachute will open.” – Steve Harvey

“You have to follow your passions and sometimes, it takes a bold move to spark your success.” – Myself

Both of those have been mottos that I live by—the latter being my own.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

KS: The people who are in this industry are incredibly supportive, welcoming and passionate about their work, so who wouldn't want to be around that kind of environment? Aside from the amazing people in this field, this is an industry I love. I grew up with my father and in his fleet of Old International Trucks.

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

KS: On Saturdays you will likely find me on location producing and filming content that not only celebrates our industry, but also promotes engagement in the trades and profiles the wonderful people who make up this industry.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

KS: I try to be as relaxed as possible before meetings. I try to find a few moments for myself to relax, drink water and focus my thoughts.

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

KS: I would love to have lunch with Alice Huyler Ramsey. In 1909, Ramsey was the first woman to drive across the country—coast to coast—at the young age of just 22. During her drive, she endured various obstacles, but stayed true to her path. I admire her bravery and dedication to act as a role model to women, especially since women drivers were rare during that time.

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

Kendra Sommer

This month’s SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) #SheIsSEMA Member Spotlight features SBN select committee member Kendra Sommer of CWK Media. She is the head of her brand, “Cruisin’ with Kendra,” where she thrives as a motorsports reporter and helps provide a voice for women in the automotive specialty-equipment industry.  

Throughout her career, she has excelled as an automotive storyteller by reporting on car culture all over the world, highlighting manufacturers, covering motorsports events and installing products during “How-To” productions. Her work can be found in contributing articles and photography and video reports for many industry-leading publications. It’s volunteers like Sommer who truly make a difference to the industry.

Get to know Sommer in her Q&A with SEMA and the SBN: 

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

Kendra Sommer: “Just jump and the parachute will open.” – Steve Harvey

“You have to follow your passions and sometimes, it takes a bold move to spark your success.” – Myself

Both of those have been mottos that I live by—the latter being my own.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

KS: The people who are in this industry are incredibly supportive, welcoming and passionate about their work, so who wouldn't want to be around that kind of environment? Aside from the amazing people in this field, this is an industry I love. I grew up with my father and in his fleet of Old International Trucks.

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

KS: On Saturdays you will likely find me on location producing and filming content that not only celebrates our industry, but also promotes engagement in the trades and profiles the wonderful people who make up this industry.

SEMA: How do you prepare for an important meeting?

KS: I try to be as relaxed as possible before meetings. I try to find a few moments for myself to relax, drink water and focus my thoughts.

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

KS: I would love to have lunch with Alice Huyler Ramsey. In 1909, Ramsey was the first woman to drive across the country—coast to coast—at the young age of just 22. During her drive, she endured various obstacles, but stayed true to her path. I admire her bravery and dedication to act as a role model to women, especially since women drivers were rare during that time.

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.