Smitty Smith, senior technical sales advisor at Edelbrock Group, has passed away.

According to a blog post from Edelbrock, Smitty worked for the company for 30 years and had been using its products for 50. But his car roots went back even further as his parents raced ’30s Ford “Jalopies” at Ascot in the early ’60s. During his lifetime, Smitty owned more than 100 cars, with nine cars being the most he ever owned at one time.

Smitty’s primary function at Edelbrock was to help consumers by responding to their inquiries from Edelbrock’s website and through social media. Smitty was often able to influence consumer perceptions about Edelbrock parts. One example is Edelbrock’s intake manifold for the big-block Chevy, which is frequently used for racing. Smitty said racers did not believe Edelbrock’s parts were good for racing until he convinced them to try Edelbrock’s manifold. Because the manifold increases output by 30 hp more than the competition, his customers started winning more races.

Smitty’s background before coming to Edelbrock was all about enhancing automotive performance with aftermarket parts. This included stints at speed shops as well as performance-enhancing part manufacturers. While Smitty’s specialty became carburetors, his experience covered all aspects of the automobile engine. This came in handy back when Vic Edelbrock would hold his annual Power Tour. Edelbrock’s car kept overheating, but Smitty was able to modify the cooling system, fixing the problem, preventing it from occurring again.

As of press time, no funeral arrangements have been announced.

By Evan Cook, Trim Illusion

When I heard about the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Professional Development Program (PDP), I jumped at a chance to apply. I was excited to hear SEMA was offering this Dale Carnegie in-person training program to FLN members at a subsidized cost. Previous to the course, I read the best-selling book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. The book focuses on communication, relationships and people skills—the soft skills that I thought I could improve on. Though being a depression-era book, the skills and tools it taught me were timeless. When the applications opened for the FLN Professional Development Program, I went to my employer and asked if the company would be willing to cover some of the cost, knowing that they invest in their team to be successful. I had their full support, and they covered the remaining cost of the program. In applying to the program, I sought to gain confidence, improve my communication skills and learn to develop meaningful relationships and connections in the workplace.

Dale Carnegie trainers Brett Campbell and Jay Eibler were great to work with and brought an exciting energy to the class. Compared to other “sit-and-take-note” courses, they kept us engaged from start to finish with different real-life exercises.

Day one, we were all challenged to step outside of our comfort zone and answer two questions in front of the class: “What is the biggest challenge we face within our organization?” and “What is the greatest strength we bring to our organization?” Personally, this exercise allowed me to shake off the nerves, interact and build real connections with other attendees. We practiced role-playing scenarios, worked through common workplace problems as a group and held in-depth classroom discussions. Many of us found we could relate to one another through common struggles or weaknesses. The FLN Professional Development Program far surpassed what I thought I could get out of a course. I was lucky enough to attend this program with a knowledgeable and motivated group of young professionals who I now call friends.

Since I attended the program, I feel much more confident when speaking. Instead of the often disengaging “small talk,” I now have the skills to turn it into meaningful rapport-building conversation. My role within my organization has expanded and I have been tasked with higher-level responsibilities. The confidence I gained has also granted me the ability to get more involved with SEMA and the Future Leaders Network. At the 2022 SEMA Show, I was humbled to receive the 2022 FLN Professional of the Year award.

I look forward to continuing to improve the skills and tools I took from the PDP. I would highly recommend this program to young professionals in the aftermarket looking to advance their career.

Apply now for the 2023 program, taking place May 11–12 at the SEMA Garage in Detroit, at www.sema.org/fln-pdp.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA members are invited to connect with Vin Anatra of Hoonigan during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Facebook and Instagram live chat, Wednesday, February 15, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).  

An inexperienced kid from New York with a passion for cars, Anatra helped build one of the most notable and influential brands in the automotive apparel and media space—Hoonigan. He will now go live to share his expertise on the importance of content creation in the automotive aftermarket’s marketing mix and how to turn content into tangible and sellable assets.

Anatra moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to work for the brand as an entry-level marketing coordinator. At 34 years old, he is senior vice president of partnerships and has put together more than $20 million in brand deals with automakers, 10 of the top Fortune 100 companies and a majority of the endemic aftermarket.  

SEMA members will have the opportunity to ask Anatra questions as he discusses the importance of content creation in our industry, and how he’s pivoted and evolved with the ever-changing digital landscape with authenticity as his north star.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA is planning its 2023 education program and has issued a call for speakers for its annual SEMA Show—taking place in Las Vegas, October 31–November 3—and its year-round virtual education program. Dynamic and entertaining presenters have until January 27 to apply to share new skills and ideas targeted to the automotive aftermarket at www.sema.org/speakers.

Organizers are seeking experts who can facilitate thought-provoking, forward-thinking seminars that will help industry members take their businesses and careers to the next level.

SEMA’s year-round virtual program provides relevant, engaging and inspiring information on the industry’s complex issues and topics through online events and informational webinars. Likewise, the educational seminars make up one of the key pillars of the SEMA Show, where thousands of industry professionals come to learn new business strategies.

Topics of focus for 2023 include:

• Aftermarket updates and future trends
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Electric vehicles
• Emerging and executive leadership
• Legal and regulatory
• Sales and marketing
• Small-business strategy
• Vehicle technology
• Specific industry segments

Speaker proposals for the 2023 SEMA Show must be submitted by January 27. Virtual education proposals can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Submit proposals at www.sema.org/speakers.

For more details, contact Gary Vigil, senior manager of professional development, at garyv@sema.org or 909-978-6738.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) named Auto Metal Direct (AMD) as the council’s latest member spotlight company. AMD is an aftermarket company that specializes in Dodge and Plymoth musclecars, Ford cars and trucks and GM automotive sheet metal and accessories.

Get to know the story of their business in SEMA’s interview with company marketing director Jason Chandler below.

SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?

Jason Chandler: Founder and president Mark Headrick has been an industry veteran for more than 40 years. After working with some of the biggest names in the industry, he ventured out and started Auto Metal Direct in 2007. Being a MOPAR guy, Mark saw a huge need for quality replacement body panels for late ’60s and early ’70s Dodge and Plymouth musclecars. That is how AMD got started.

SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?

JC: As many of you may know, the development process on new product lines takes time. AMD’s breakthrough moment came once our products came to market. Once customers started receiving our high-quality OE-style replacement restoration products, we took the body panel market by storm.

SEMA: Tell us about your business now and some projects that you are working on.

JC: Auto Metal Direct has come a long way from the early days of inception. The design process for new products is completely digital, reducing development time on new products as well as dialing in previous tooling. Robotics now play a huge role in our production facility, ensuring repeatability in a quality end product. Also, AMD is now headquartered in a new 318,000-sq.-ft. facility, positioning us to offer a better customer experience for years to come.

SEMA: Tell us about a particular project, product or build you are proud of.

JC: We are growing heavily in a couple of different segments. We have heavily invested in Ford Fairlane/Torino and Ford Galaxie. We saw a need for quality products for these great cars and have developed a complete program for both the ’66–’71 Fairlane/Torino market as well as the ’63–’64 Ford Galaxies. With the technological advances we have in place, these are some of the best products we have ever produced.

In addition, we have developed a complete line of classic truck products. Initially focused on the ’60–’87 GM trucks and ’73–’79 Ford trucks, we have developed a complete line on new tools to reproduce the highest quality restoration products on the market for these trucks. This is a huge segment for us and we continue developing new products every day.

SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket, particularly in the restoration segment?

JC: With so many different opportunities available, get in there and try as many as possible. Find something you love to do and stick with it. Working with the ARMO council is a great way to get exposure to multiple outlets.

Fill out an ARMO-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on ARMO’s social media, SEMA News and future ARMO member updates.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

SEMA submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recommending removal of the tariffs imposed on goods from China since they have not helped achieve the goal of eliminating China’s unfair practices with respect to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. The Section 301 tariffs were imposed more than four years ago and are being reviewed by the USTR to determine whether they should continue, expire or be modified.

Nearly all SEMA members sourcing goods from China have been directly impacted by the 25% tariffs. SEMA observed that the tariffs have had the opposite effect of making U.S. manufacturers less competitive and preventing American companies from growing. They have also increased costs for American consumers and contributed to inflation.

SEMA emphasized that most member companies are small businesses that have tight operating budgets with business models that did not include unexpected tariffs. The ability to absorb or pass along the cost of the tariffs has caused economic strife. Four years later, our companies must still cope with the economic uncertainty as to whether the tariffs will be removed, reduced or extended. There is no deadline for the USTR to complete its review.

For more information, please contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.

SEMA is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame program, now through March 17.

The award honors individuals in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of the industry. Inductees include visionaries, innovators and leaders who have positively impacted what is now a $50.9 billion market. Nominees may be business leaders or contributors from any aftermarket segment or niche.

The SEMA Hall of Fame award honors individuals in the automotive aftermarket who have enhanced the stature of the industry.

“The SEMA community is filled with men and women whose accomplishments are so great that the entire industry is changed for the better,” said SEMA Project Manager of Recognition Programs Chris Standifer. “The SEMA Hall of Fame honors these individuals for their outstanding contributions. Without them, our industry would be significantly different from what it currently is.”

Criteria for the SEMA Hall of Fame are:

• His/her contributions must have extended beyond the local level and reach throughout the national or international level.
• The candidate is and/or has been involved in the specialty-equipment automotive industry and/or SEMA for a minimum of 10 years.
• The candidate must have made outstanding contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and/or general stature and growth of the specialty-equipment automotive industry.
• The candidate must have conducted him/herself with a high degree of integrity both within and outside of the specialty-equipment automotive industry.
• Candidate must be at least 50 years of age prior to the 2023 SEMA Show, or they may be at any age if deceased as long as the nomination is presented at least one year posthumous.

New Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in May. Nominations can be submitted now at www.sema.org/hof.  

  By SEMA Editors

Part of the SEMA Show planning process is securing a hotel that will fit your needs. Location, low price, amenities and ratings are all factors in determining the right place to stay for November.

To make the process quick and affordable, the SEMA Show Block website lists all the hotels available, the prices, distance from Show and more. Hotels booked in the Block are backed by a low-price guarantee. To ensure that your price remains the lowest, SEMA will price-match lower advertised rates, even after your reservations are set.

There are more than 30 properties to choose from in the Show Block. As an added benefit, SEMA provides shuttle service to and from the Show for hotels that are not within walking distance to the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 2023 SEMA Show takes place October 31–November 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibitors that would like to be part of the 2023 SEMA Show can get started at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Registration for the Show is available www.SEMAShow.com/register.

Ford Bronco, Maverick and Ram 1500 Recognized by Car and Driver in “10Best Trucks and SUVs” List

The ’23 Ford Bronco and ’23 Ford Maverick and also the ’23 Ram 1500 have been recognized by Car and Driver in the “10Best Trucks and SUVs” list. For Bronco, it marks the second consecutive year appearing on a “10Best” list. The vehicles were reviewed on a 100-point scale by Car and Driver editors and selected based on the publication’s criteria: delivering on the vehicle’s intended purpose better than its competition, offering great value and entertaining to drive.

“It’s an honor to see Maverick and Bronco receive this recognition,” said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Ford product development operations, cycle planning and internal combustion engine programs. “Both vehicles are the result of intensely focusing on meeting customer needs and providing iconic vehicles they love to drive.”

This marks the fifth consecutive year the Ram 1500 has earned this award.

“For everyone looking for a full-size pickup, which is a lot of Americans, the Ram 1500 meets all your needs and exceeds expectations. Its coil-spring rear suspension provides luxury-SUV-like ride quality, making the bouncy competition feel like farm trucks,” said Joey Capparella, senior editor, Car and Driver. “The Ram’s interior is its most impressive and delightful attribute featuring carefully selected materials, including leather, metal trim, open-pore wood and the kind of attention to detail we’d expect from a luxury sedan.”

The full list is available now on the Car and Driver website and will be in the publication’s February/March issue, which will be available everywhere by February 7.

Tread Lightly! Board Shifts Leadership and Appoints New Member

Tread Lightly!, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs, has announced the appointment of a new board member, the election of its new treasurer and re-election of four previously appointed directors. The board’s newest elected member is Nena Barlow, founder and CEO of Barlow Adventures. Barlow will serve a three-year term. Tom Zielinksi, president of Z Performance, will now serve as the Tread Lightly! board secretary.

The re-elected directors include: Harold Phillips, Tread Lightly! board chair and global general manager for BFGoodrich Tires; Tyler Ruby, Tread Lightly! board vice chair and senior director of customer and technical service and LATAM for Webasto; Dave Logan, 4WD School; and Jerome Dzieschiez, senior category manager, merchandising operations, CarParts.com.

Metra Electronics to Host Training Sessions at KnowledgeFest in Las Vegas

Metra Electronics is heading to Las Vegas, February 3–5, to host new training sessions at KnowledgeFest and showcase its latest aftermarket installation products. At the booth will also be a Ford F-150 Lightning, built by Professional Car Audio of Visalia, California, and customized with Metra products. Metra’s training sessions will cover new products launched at the 2022 SEMA Show, including new Shuriken Lithium Series batteries, dash kits, Axxess integration products and DSPs, lighting and audio upgrades for Harley-Davidson and Can-AM Ryker, aftermarket accessories that fit Jeep and Bronco.

TBC Corporation Recognizes 2022 ASE Master Technicians of the Year

TBC Corp. has recently recognized the 2022 ASE Master Technicians of the Year for its retail brands, Tire Kingdom Service Centers and NTB Tire & Service Centers, and franchise brands Big O Tires and Midas. Every year, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) selects technicians based on specific criteria, including ASE certification level, commitment to total customer satisfaction and community involvement. This year’s winners, listed below, were chosen from approximately 250,000 ASE-certified technicians, were recognized on November 17, 2022, at the ASE Board of Governors Meeting in San Diego:

• Steve Whittenberg, an ASE Master Technician at Big O Tires in Jefferson City, Missouri
• Jacob Boone, an ASE Master Technician at NTB Tire & Service Centers in Washington, Missouri
• Kenneth Veiera, an ASE Master Technician at Tire Kingdom in Hollywood, Florida
• Lorenzo Ramos, an ASE Master Technician at the Leeds West Group Midas location in Tulsa, Oklahoma

John Driscoll Promoted to Southeastern Regional Manager of Mobile and Powersports at Maxxsonics

Effective Monday, January 16, John Driscoll will be promoted from regional sales manager to southeastern regional manager of mobile and powersports at Maxxsonics. Driscoll’s main focus will be on planning territory development, traveling the territory to build new business opportunities and developing new distribution partners to better service the southeastern region.

Driscoll brings more than 30 years of experience in the consumer electronics and powersports industries. He has been a car audio hobbyist since 1986 and started participating in car audio events in 1987, going on to IASCA Finals in 1990, 1991 and 1992. Being one of the first in the nation to be certified as “MECP Installer First Class,” Driscoll worked for several CE retailers, including Audio Express, Circuit City and Ultimate Electronics. In 1997, he started with Current Marketing as a manufacturer’s rep for car and home electronics and continued until 2009, when he became a national sales manager for Cerwin-Vega Mobile. In 2012, he entered the powersports industry with the Arthur Fulmer Companies (Memphis Car Audio and Fulmer Helmets). In 2020, he joined Maxxsonics.

Rob Eberhart of R&R Marketing Named BOLT Lock 2022 Manufacturer’s Representative of the Year

Rob Eberhart of R&R Marketing has been named BOLT Lock’s Manufacturer’s Representative of the Year for 2022. Candidates for BOLT Lock’s Manufacturer’s Representative of the Year award are recognized for excellence in sales and for going beyond the requirements of a superior sales representative by exhibiting comprehensive knowledge of the BOLT “Breakthrough One-Key Lock” technology product line, while building strong
relationships with both existing and prospective accounts.

According to Jason Buckles, BOLT Lock sales account manager, “Rob has been an integral part of BOLT Lock’s growth over the last five-plus years. Through his hard work, BOLT Locks are now available in every O’Reilly Auto Parts store across the country, and we have also been able to gain shelf space in Bass Pro Shops.”

Atturo Tire Corp. Introduces Industry-First Trail Hazard Protection for UTV Tires

Atturo has established a powersports industry-first Trail Hazard protection program to cover tire damage from both on- and off-road use. The Atturo Trail Hazard program will cover all Trail Blade SXS tires anywhere a consumer may go in their UTV. This protection is provided by Atturo at no additional charge to the consumer with every new Atturo Trail Blade SXS tire. Coverage applies to use on any surface—pavement, rocks, trails, sand and open fields. The manufacturer’s Trail Hazard program covers every Atturo Trail Blade SXS tire for: 24 months from the date on the customer’s tire purchase invoice, flat-tire repairs up to $40 per occurrence, and tire replacement when the tire is not repairable.

Holley Announces 2023 Event Dates

Holley Performance Parts has revealed the dates for its high-performance race events, including an all-new gathering for LS enthusiasts in Texas. Holley is again bringing its LS Fest to the west for the Holley LS Fest West, April 28–30, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas. Holley will then return to Texas for the second annual Holley LS Fest Texas set for Texas Motor Speedway, May 19–20. The Holley LS Fest East will visit Beech Bend Raceway Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 8–10.

The Holley MoParty—a Mopar-based autocross event—is set for September 15–17, at Beech Bend Raceway Park. The Holley Intergalactic Ford Festival will coincide with the NMRA World Finals at Beech Bend, September 28–October 1. Autocross, road courses and related racing events are scheduled.

The Holley High Voltage Experience—which is all about experiencing the community and performance potential of electric vehicles—will return, with 2023 dates and location set to be revealed at a later date. In addition, the Brothers Show & Sign is set for June 11, in Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, California. For more information, visit holley.com/event.

ORMHOF Welcomes Fardad Niknam to Board of Directors

The Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF) has announced Fardad Niknam as the newest member of the ORMHOF board of directors. Fardad will serve a three-year term, 2023–2025. Fardad is the senior director of product planning for Yokohama Tire Corp. An avid motorsports enthusiast with more than 20 years of involvement in the off-road community, Fardad is leading Yokohama’s effort to effectively participate in all forms of off-road racing, events, and sponsorship. Also serving on the current all-volunteer ORMHOF board of directors with Fardad are Frank DeAngelo, Mark McMillin, Frank “Butch” Arciero Jr., Colin Butcher, Dave Cole, Bud Feldkamp, Jeff Furrier, Bob Ham, Josh Hall, Rafael Navarro III, Bonnie Vessels and Rory Ward.

Pertronix Performance Brands Appoints New Vice President of Sales

The group comprising as PerTronix Performance Brands has announced the appointment of Jeff Stacy as its new vice president of sales. This change takes effect immediately. In his new role, Stacy will oversee sales for all brands within the PerTronix Performance family, including PerTronix Ignition, JBA Performance Exhaust, Doug’s Original Headers, Patriot Exhaust, Compu-Fire, Spyke, Aeromotive Inc., Waterman Racing Components and Taylor Cable Products. Stacy brings nearly 40 years of experience in the automotive industry to his new position and has previously served as executive vice president of Aeromotive Inc. and Waterman Racing Components, both part of the PerTronix Performance family of brands.

In his previous position as executive vice president of Aeromotive Inc. and Waterman Racing Components, Stacy guided the companies’ executive leaders in formulating and implementing strategic plans and oversaw operations. He has also served as the Aeromotive Inc. and Waterman Racing Components sales and marketing manager, vice president of operations and vice president. Stacy has also previously worked for Keystone Automotive Operations, Fragola Performance Systems, FK Rod Ends and R&R Marketing Consultants, Inc.

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

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

Maine State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus member Representative Shelly Rudnicki introduced SEMA-supported bill (LD 63) to allow on-road registrations for imported vehicles manufactured at least 25 years ago. These vehicles are exempt from federal safety and emissions standards, but current Maine law prohibits vehicles that do not meet these standards from use on public roads.

The state has been actively canceling registrations of certain imported vehicles as a result. Rep. Rudnicki’s bill is necessary to correct the current policy. Since this issue was first introduced in 2021, it has considerable media attention.

The bill currently awaits consideration in the House Committee on Transportation.

Click here to contact lawmakers in support of LD 63.

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