By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Daisy Chavik, co-owner of Hot Rod Chavik USA, as its newest spotlight member. 

Get to know Chavik in her interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job? 

Daisy Chavik: My first job in the industry was 18 years ago when I met my husband Stanley Chavik--his life is cars, engineering, coach building and fabrication. I had no idea about cars and since then my life has been one crazy automotive industry journey. So, if you asked me, before I met my husband, I was a hair salon owner and certified hairstylist.

SN: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job? 

DC: The most challenging part is keeping balance--financially, spiritually, customers versus Hot Rod Chavik USA, project flow--that is a big part of my job. Another is being involved in projects as a design advisor. I'm the only woman in our shop and clients are 90% male, so it is sometimes difficult to be seen and sell ideas. But you know, small dogs bark loudly and over the years, I have been able to find my spot and now I’m part of design/materials and all aesthetic decisions.

SN: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today? 

DC: I use a lot of my previous business experience, where I learned a lot about client relationships, professionalism, quality of work, character, products, relationships and business versus community support.

SN: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments? 

DC: I'm short but strong-minded, which could be difficult for some male representatives in the automotive industry, but times have changed and I see lots of changes.

SN: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry? 

DC: I do not have a specific one but industry legends such as Ed Iskenderian and Gene Winfield, or my latest impression was from the Marconi Museum--four generations is very amazing.

Also, people who are involved and support the automotive industry, museums, shows and organizations.

SN: What is the best career advice you have received? 

DC: Be patient, work hard, be constant and trust God. At first, I was too young to understand, then I slowly found the way and am now trying to not slip from that way.

SN: What keeps in the automotive industry?  

DC: My husband, my shop and my purpose. Thanks to that I'm able to support the industry.

SN: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals? 

DC: Stanley Chavik, my amazing husband, business partner, friend and supporter (even with my craziest ideas), our awesome son and God.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By SEMA News Editors

Kwik Performance

Power Steering and AC Compressor Bracket Kits for Gen 5 LT Truck Engines

Kwik Performance has released two new bracket kits designed to simplify the addition of hydraulic power steering and a Sanden-style air-conditioning compressor to GM Gen 5 LT truck engines ('14–'19 L83 and L86), a common challenge for builders performing engine swaps. The new bracket system (PN K10742) mounts a type-two power-steering pump and a Sanden Mini fixed-displacement compressor, while retaining most of the factory front-drive system, making the upgrade both practical and cost-effective, the manufacturer says.

kwikperf.com

Torklift

Stainless Steel X6096S ExoHitch for '26 Subaru Outback

Torklift has released its new X6096S EcoHitch Stainless Steel Trailer Hitch designed specifically for the '26 Subaru Outback. The vehicle-specific design integrates cleanly with the factory rear bumper and is engineered for a no-drill installation. The stainless-steel, 2-in. receiver offers long-term corrosion resistance and features a concealed cross tube design for a clean, factory appearance. The hitch is rated for towing up to 3,500 lbs. with 525 lbs. tongue weight.

torkliftcentral.com

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By Ashley Reyes

One of the most important decisions a hot-rod builder can make is choosing the right customer, as this choice directly impacts workflow, budgets, shop morale and long-term reputation.

To help builders navigate the decision-making process, the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) will host a virtual General Membership Meeting & Panel Discussion on Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m. PT focused on how experienced builders evaluate customers, select projects and set expectations for successful builds.

Moderated by Amy Fitzgerald, owner of Cool Hand Customs, the event will feature a panel of respected industry builders: Kellie Oeste, owner of V8 Speed & Resto Shop; Josh Sanders, owner of Sanders Street Rods; and Tim Strange, owner of Strange Motion Rod & Custom. 

Panelists will share real-world insight into customer fit, the build process, budgeting and expectation setting, what defines a successful customer relationship and what ultimately makes a builder say yes to a project.

If you're looking to strengthen your customer selection process, avoid costly missteps and learn how seasoned builders approach project decisions, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Register today.

By Ashley Reyes

Are you employed by a SEMA member company and still paying off student loans? If so, you're invited to apply to receive up to $2,000 towards your student loan balance through the 2026 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Applications are open now and run through Friday, April 3 at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness.  

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program? 

The Loan Forgiveness Program is a SEMA member benefit that issues financial awards of $2,000 to help employees of member companies pay off their student loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. 

What are the eligibility requirements? 

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business. 
• Have at least $2,000 in outstanding student loan debt. 
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada. 
• Demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry.  

What are the benefits of being selected? 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program helps reduce your student loan balance, enabling you to save money out-of-pocket, free income for other financial priorities and focus more on your career.  

How to Apply 

Review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the Friday, April 3 deadline. Use program key "SEMA" to access the application. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them. 

By Ashley Reyes

Are you employed by a SEMA member company and still paying off student loans? If so, you're invited to apply to receive up to $2,000 towards your student loan balance through the 2026 SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program. Applications are open now and run through Friday, April 3 at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness.  

What is the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program? 

The Loan Forgiveness Program is a SEMA member benefit that issues financial awards of $2,000 to help employees of member companies pay off their student loans from a college, university or career technical/trade school. 

What are the eligibility requirements? 

• Currently employed by a SEMA-member business. 
• Have at least $2,000 in outstanding student loan debt. 
• Possess a degree or certificate from a college, university or career technical/trade school in the United States or Canada. 
• Demonstrate a passion for the automotive industry.  

What are the benefits of being selected? 

The SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program helps reduce your student loan balance, enabling you to save money out-of-pocket, free income for other financial priorities and focus more on your career.  

How to Apply 

Review and complete the scholarship application at www.sema.org/loan-forgiveness before the Friday, April 3 deadline. Use program key "SEMA" to access the application. If you know someone who may qualify, SEMA encourages you to share this opportunity with them. 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA's national effort to protect the ability to modify and customize vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) took a major step forward this week, as the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade passed the bipartisan ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act (HR 6688). The SEMA-supported bill passed the subcommittee via voice vote, marking significant progress toward ensuring that the specialty automotive aftermarket and vehicle owners have the information they need to modify and customize vehicles with advanced safety features. 

The ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act, sponsored by Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and cosponsored by Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), would ensure that aftermarket businesses have the information needed to properly calibrate ADAS after vehicles are modified or customized. 

• It's important that your lawmakers hear directly from you about the importance of the ADAS Functionality and Integrity Act. Click here to send a letter to your U.S. House member.  

As the bill moves through the Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House of Representatives, it is essential that lawmakers continue to hear from aftermarket businesses, technicians and enthusiasts about the real-world impacts of ADAS policies. The creation of clear, balanced guidelines will help ensure that vehicles remain safe while preserving the ability to modify vehicles to suit each individual's needs and circumstances with the best the aftermarket has to offer. 

BACKGROUND 

As ADAS features become increasingly offered in new vehicles, they present both opportunities and challenges for vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses that modify vehicles in common ways, such as installing a wrap, an aftermarket bumper or winch, a bike rack, lifting a vehicle or installing larger tires. ADAS technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning, add complexity when vehicles are repaired or modified. HR 6688 takes a pragmatic approach by directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to work with automakers, the aftermarket, dealers and automotive stakeholders to establish guidelines for ADAS calibration, modification tolerances and validation testing. The goal is a landscape where vehicles can be safely modified without compromising the performance of critical safety systems. 

For the vehicle owners who are the lifeblood of the automotive aftermarket, this bill is especially significant. It recognizes the important role of aftermarket businesses in customizing and upgrading vehicles and seeks to ensure that independent technicians, parts manufacturers and vehicle owners have clear, workable standards to follow when modifying vehicles in a way that may impact ADAS performance. By creating consistent federal guidance, the bill helps avoid a patchwork of rules that could restrict innovation, limit consumer choice, or unfairly advantage vehicle manufacturers and affiliated service providers. 

Currently, there are no standards to properly calibrate the sensors and cameras that support ADAS features after a vehicle has been customized or modified. HR 6688 addresses this gap by requiring NHTSA to establish guidelines for model-year-'28-and-later vehicles that include modification ranges and tolerances that maintain proper calibration of ADAS. The bill also requires NHTSA to create guidelines that establish ADAS test procedures so that automotive businesses can properly test and validate that vehicle systems have been properly calibrated. 

Instead of forcing vehicle owners and aftermarket businesses to guess whether vehicle safety systems are fully operational following modifications, the information provided via HR 6688 would instead enable the aftermarket to answer the question, "Do these ADAS systems continue to operate as intended?"

Equally important, HR 6688 is bipartisan; the bill reflects growing consensus that safety and consumer freedoms are not mutually exclusive. Federal policy must encourage technological advancement while preserving the vibrant aftermarket ecosystem that supports millions of jobs and billions in economic activity. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | metamorworks

By SEMA News Editors

Avery Dennison Promotes Bethany Nock to General Manager, Graphics Solutions North America

Avery Dennison has promoted Bethany Nock to general manager, graphics solutions North America.

Nock replaces Abby Monnot who has moved to a new position within Avery Dennison Materials Group North America, as vice president of marketing for the labels and packaging materials division.

Nock will have P&L responsibility for the graphics North America business and will focus on driving top and bottom-line growth. She will lead graphics business strategies, which include driving operational excellence, innovation and customer-centric solutions; accelerating growth in key segments; expanding business in adjacent channels; and strengthening customer partnerships, particularly within the automotive and architecture segments. She will also facilitate sustainable solutions and digitization.

"I am delighted Bethany is joining our North America materials group leadership team," said Ryan Yost, president, materials group North America, Avery Dennison. "She brings deep industry experience, a history of impactful innovations and a long track record of success. Her leadership will be appreciated by both our internal team and our customers."

Nock joined Avery Dennison in 2021 as product manager for rigid films, label and graphics materials and moved to graphics solutions North America in 2022. Most recently, Bethany served as marketing director for graphics North America. Under her leadership, the team achieved targeted financial objectives and launched several impactful market-driven innovations.

Prior to Avery Dennison, Nock held marketing and product management roles with Henkel Consumer Adhesives, where she managed product launches for Duck Brand duct tape. She also led marketing strategy and product management of home medical devices and topical anesthetics at Invacare Corporation and Gebauer Company.

For more information, visit averydennison.com.

Velocity Names Tom Maxwell CRO of Classic Recreations

Restomod builder Velocity Restorations has announced that Tom Maxwell, who has served as chief revenue officer for the company for the past three years, has assumed the additional role of chief revenue officer at Classic Recreations. The expanded role reflects Velocity's continued growth and reinforces a unified, customer-focused approach and a bespoke purchasing process across both brands.

Maxwell brings more than 10 years of experience in the vehicle restoration and automotive industry. Since joining Velocity as CRO, Maxwell has overseen exponential growth in sales performance and vehicle production volume, helping guide the brand through a period of increased demand, company representatives said. Today, order books for both Velocity and Classic Recreations extend into 2027, underscoring the strength of their long-term trajectory.

In his expanded role, Maxwell will work directly with Classic Recreations customers to help ensure continuity and clarity as the brand moves forward. By engaging personally with customers who choose to continue their builds, Maxwell has already helped establish clear paths forward while maintaining the individualized experience central to the Classic Recreations brand.

"Tom has played a key role in Velocity's growth over the past three years," said Stuart Wilson, CEO of Velocity. "His ability to lead with transparency while keeping the customer experience front and center makes him uniquely qualified to support both Velocity and Classic Recreations as we continue to scale the brands."

"Both Velocity and Classic Recreations share a commitment to craftsmanship and delivering a world-class ownership experience," said Maxwell. "I'm proud of what we've built at Velocity and excited to help continue that same level of clarity and care with Classic Recreations."

For more information, velocityrestorations.com.

Dynamic Friction Company Now Available at Turn 14 Distribution

Turn 14 Distribution has added Dynamic Friction Company (DFC) to its catalog of available brake components, offering replacement solutions that deliver exceptional value for cars, trucks and SUVs.

DFC offers OE-grade brake pads and friction components with a focus on daily-driven cars, trucks and SUVs, prioritizing consistent stopping power, long service life and smooth braking performance.

DFC's product lineup centers on OE-style and premium replacement brake pads engineered for reliability, reduced noise, and consistent friction across a wide range of driving conditions.

"Dynamic Friction Company brings OE-quality and performance with exceptional value to our braking category," said Wayne Howard, Divisional Purchasing Manager. "Their dedication to innovation, coupled with a product offering for a broad range of applications, makes them an excellent addition to the Turn 14 Distribution line card."

For more information, visit turn14.com.

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.

Canepa
Multiple roles, including Auto Salesperson in Scotts Valley, California
Canepa is seeking a salesperson to develop relationships with customers, assist them in finding the best vehicle and more.

Mishimoto
Senior Accountant in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania
Mishimoto seeks a senior accountant to have direct functional responsibility of G/L Accounting while enhancing internal controls and policy compliance. 

Zeder Corporation
Whiteline Customer Service and Support Specialist in Ontario, California
Zeder seeks someone to fill its role that combines customer service excellence with technical automotive expertise, ensuring that inquiries are resolved promptly, accurately and professionally.

AWE
Catalog Manager in Horsham, Pennsylvania
AWE calls this a critical, independent contributor role responsible for strategically managing product data workflows, vehicle application updates and dealer data integration.

Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | hedgehog94

By SEMA News Editors

The Small Tire Pro Stock drag racing series has welcomed Cleona, Pennsylvania-based G-Force Racing Transmissions as a sponsor for the 2026 season.

Owned and operated by Leonard Long, a multi-time NMCA Dart NA 10.5 champion and Small Tire Pro Stock racer, and his son Michael Long, the company offers manual transmissions for a variety of cars and combinations, including the GF2000 five-speed and G101A four-speed, as well as accessories to optimize their performance.

"As a racer myself, I always want to see racing series succeed, and I have a special connection to the Small Tire Pro Stock series since I have raced with many of these racers for a very long time," said Long, who also competes in Pro Stick and other series. "I want to see Small Tire Pro Stock succeed for years to come, and I am happy to be part of it."

For information about G-Force Racing Transmissions, visit getgforceparts.com.

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com. Read more racing industry news on performanceracing.com/industry-news. 

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to a timely discussion on tariffs impacting the aftermarket industry.

Hosted by the Wheel, Tire, Suspension & Brake Council (WTSBC), the virtual Coffee and Conversation will take place via Zoom on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. PST/12:00 p.m. EST. 

WTSBC Coffee and Conversations are virtual events where members gather to network and exchange insights on industry challenges. This session will focus on current tariff developments and their impact on the aftermarket, United States government incentives and associated risks, and practical implications for manufacturing, sourcing and business planning. Leading the conversation will be experts Brock Crocker, regional sales manager at PAC Brake, and Naveen Kumar, vice president of supply chain at The Wheel Group.

As tariff policies continue to impact business costs and long-term planning, the Coffee and Conversation provides an opportunity to ask questions, engage in peer-to-peer learning, and gain timely insights to adapt to what’s next.

Join the conversation by registering here.