Garrett Reed will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything,” Tuesday, April 5, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).
Reed is one of the most recognizable names on social media as @AmericanMuscleHD with more than 2.2 million followers, sharing all things automotive to connect other builders and enthusiasts to show what is happening worldwide in the automotive industry.
Garrett is focused on what the future holds and how he can contribute to the next generation to support the automotive industry.
SEMA continues to actively recruit automotive influencers for the SEMA Social Media Correspondent program. Apply now to be considered.
Mike Timmons is the SEMA Professional Restylers Organiziation (PRO) newest volunteer spotlight member. Timmons is the executive vice president of sales at AscendX Concepts.
Get to know Timmons in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling/manufacturing?
Mike Timmons: I’ve worked in every aspect of our industry, from manufacturing to owning retail outlets. I’ve also worked the distribution and eCom channels. Over the last few years, I’ve learned that I love the manufacturing side of the business. Offering our distribution and retail partners a product that they can stand behind and sell, knowing their customers will be happy, is what inspires me. I’m proud of the products our brand builds and the relationships I’ve built along the way.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO? How has it or will it impact you?
MT: I was a PRO committee member many years ago and believe in their message. I may not participate in all the meetings anymore, but I support the members and SEMA however I can. The biggest impact to me was the long-lasting relationships and business deals that may never have happened if I wasn’t part of PRO.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
MT: My advice would be to get out there and hustle! Don’t hustle for sales but hustle for relationships. The more personal connections you make in our industry will carry you to the top and beyond.
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
MT: My dream vehicle would be a sweet ’80-ish CJ7 powered by an LS6 with a pair of Dana 60s, sitting low on 38-in. tires. And since we’re dreaming, you could find me at Pismo Beach every weekend.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
MT: You can win with bunts; you don’t need to hit home runs every time.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
MT: My love of everything automotive and the people keep me in the industry. We have the best peeps in our industry.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
MT: Usually in my office. Or, if I’m lucky, hiking somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with my wife and two boys.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO’s social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.
As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, experts are taking a closer look at the true environmental impact these cars have—from production to operation to disposal. Manufacturers of both alternative-fuel vehicles and traditional internal-combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are evaluating the net-zero impact and what the future looks like.
Join Dr. Robert Freerks, consultant in fuels and lubricants at RLF Enterprises, on April 20, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), as he compares EVs to conventional ICE vehicles and explores the readiness of the U.S. electric grid to support widespread adoption of EV use throughout the country.
In just one hour, you will learn about the following:
Equivalent emissions of an EV based on energy production mix across the U.S.
Environmental impact of EV and battery production.
Ability of the current electric grid to support widespread EV adoption.
Based in Clackamas, Oregon, Warn Industries manufactures vehicle-recovery equipment and off-road vehicle accessories, and makes products for use on trucks, powersports vehicles, wreckers, military vehicles and trailers. Get to know the company’s story in SEMA’s recent interview with Andy Lilienthal, Warn Industries’ strategic communications manager below.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your company.
Andy Lilienthal: Founded in 1948 by Arthur Warn, Warn Industries began producing locking hubs for surplus World War II Jeeps, converting thousands into useful, on-road vehicles. Originally based in Seattle, Warn Industries’ innovation revolutionized the hub industry. The WARN winch, developed in 1959, was the first recreational winch. With pioneering features such as a rugged drivetrain, the WARN winch quickly became the leading brand for off-road racers, avid four wheelers, weekend adventurers and hard-working ranchers.
SEMA: What was your company’s breakthrough moment?
AL: The company’s breakthrough moment was inventing the locking 4WD hub in the ’40s and pioneering the electric truck winch in the late ’50s.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2022.
AL: We are producing new products that we’ve not sold before, such as wheels. In addition, we’ve acquired a few companies in the last year and a half, including Factor 55, Fabtech and Fab Fours. We also are working on Bronco products, as well as projects with OEMs.
SEMA: Tell us about a product you are proud of.
AL: While most people know us from winches and hubs, our bumpers are top-notch. We are one of the very few companies (if not the only) in the United States that pull tests all of our bumpers ensuring they’re the best quality and provide the best performance for our users. We offer bumpers for a host of trucks and SUVs as well as powersports vehicles.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
AL: Have an open mind to new ideas, new concepts, and new-product development.
Fill out an TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA News and future TORA member updates.
Applications to volunteer as a leader of a SEMA council or network are now being accepted at www.sema.org/volunteer.
Volunteers are critical to the success of SEMA councils and networks. With volunteers donating just a few hours a month, councils and networks are able to shape their respective market segments by addressing issues and concerns, and providing programs that benefit the membership. Whether it’s working with SEMA staff to build community within their market segment or group, creating awareness with legislative leaders, or developing solutions to strengthen the industry—becoming a select committee leader is much more than an opportunity to just give back.
Applications to volunteer as a leader of a SEMA council or network are now being accepted at www.sema.org/volunteer.
The volunteer position includes:
Creating awareness to their specific industry niche.
Spearheading SEMA events and programs that benefit council or network membership.
Joining a forward-thinking community of industry leaders who share a common passion.
Identifying common challenges and developing solutions for members.
Developing new skills that can boost one’s career and resume.
Making a difference and having fun with other like-minded individuals.
The ideal candidate will have strong strategic planning skills, significant aftermarket knowledge and a passion for giving back to the industry. Apply to volunteer, or recommend someone whose expertise would help elevate the industry by April 22.
A custom ’37 Ford panel delivery van is going to auction, April 4–17. Individuals will be able to bid on the vehicle, which was featured on the television show “Fast N’ Loud” (Season 7, Episode 14), with proceeds from the sale supporting Victory Junction—a SEMA Cares charity.
A custom ’37 Ford panel delivery van will be auctioned April 4–17 with proceeds from the sale supporting Victory Junction—a SEMA Cares charity.
The vehicle includes custom paint with vintage patina and custom lettering to reflect an authentic shop-truck feel, white-wall tires, interior with rustic wood trim, nostalgic dash and gauges. Lebaron Bonney Co. products were used for upholstery, including seats in gray wool broadcloth with graphite-insight patterned cloth installed over a Glide Engineering seat frame, door panels with gray wool broadcloth and gray square weave carpet, which is carried throughout the floor, and dark gray napped-cotton headliner.
“Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering,” said Chris Standifer, SEMA manager of recognition programs. “We applaud Gas Monkey Garage for what is truly a unique build that will go to a great cause.”
The automotive aftermarket is made up of a plethora of family-run businesses. What is not often told are the stories of the remarkably talented women who are at the helm of those businesses, leading and executing the day in and day out of a majority of operations.
SEMA members will hear from Joanna Agosta Shere, president and CEO of Steele Rubber Products, as she shares her experience leading a family business into the third generation of management during the next SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) live chat, April 6, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Join her as she shares the following:
Pros and cons of running a family business.
How the daughter came to be as the next leader.
What it was like being in a new leadership role at the beginning of Covid-19.
What it’s like working with both your family and husband.
The pressure to keep the business in the family when we get to the third generation.
Like many children of family businesses, Shere began working for Steele Rubber Products by helping her grandmother file and sort company documents. In her teenage years, Shere worked in the production plant, warehouse and customer service. She ultimately received her B.A. in journalism at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and worked in the airline industry and an engineering association for six years before returning to the family business in 2005.
Back at Steele Rubber Products, Shere has worked in marketing, as customer service manager, marketing manager and then in administration. She took the role as Steele Rubber Products’ president in 2020 after a planned succession from her father.
Live chat location: SBN Facebook page and SBN Instagram live (@sbn_sema)
SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) members are invited to join the network for a Virtual Happy Hour, April 21, from 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m (PDT).
The event is the ideal time for FLN members to meet and socialize while expanding and growing their professional network. Attendees will hear from FLN leadership and discover what new resources and programs are available, before breaking out into small groups where they will meet and get to know other FLN members from throughout the country.
Industry professionals 39 years of age or younger who are not currently FLN members but are interested in getting more involved in the industry and networking are invited and encouraged to attend, as it is a great way to introduce yourself and learn how FLN can help support and grow members’ careers.
PPG Honors ColorVision With 2021 Platinum Distributor of the Year Award
Taking part in the celebration are (L–R): Tom Maziarz, PPG vice president, Automotive Refinish, Americas; Chris Dewes, former PPG director, PPG Platinum Distributor programs; Christopher Wegley, ColorVision operations director; Michael McGarry, PPG chairman and chief executive officer; Connor Allen, ColorVision general manager; Kathy Allen, ColorVision owner; Gary Allen, ColorVision president; Jay Elliott, ColorVision sales director; Natalie Scott, PPG director, PPG Platinum Distributor programs; and Chancey Hagerty, PPG vice president, global Automotive Refinish.
PPG has named ColorVision its Automotive Refinish 2021 Platinum Distributor of the Year. The annual award recognizes the distributor that demonstrates outstanding performance, extensive knowledge of PPG products and a commitment to serve and support its customers. Natalie Scott, PPG director, PPG Platinum Distributor program, Automotive Refinish, U.S. and Canada, presented the award to ColorVision’s leadership team during PPG’s annual Platinum Distributor Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony in February. Gary and Kathy Allen, co-owners of ColorVision, accepted the honor on behalf of the company.
Solera Appoints Insurance and Automotive Executives to Leadership Roles
Solera Holdings LLC has appointed insurance and automotive business executives to key roles. Bill Brower, Mike Roberts, Dan Barrington, and Lewis Scott further extend Solera’s leadership position in the vehicle lifecycle management industry.
Brower brings insurance experience and has led strategic business units at Liberty Mutual, Nationwide Insurance and LexisNexis Risk Solutions. As Solera’s new industry relations leader, Brower will advance its insurance and claims business and help define the future of Solera products and services.
Roberts comes to Solera with a background in the automotive industry. He held various global management positions with OEMs, dealers and solutions providers, most recently with Cox Automotive as a senior sales executive for Dealertrack DMS. Roberts now heads sales for Solera’s fleet business, where he directs the sales function of several key product lines, and is responsible for creating a highly disciplined, results-driven sales culture.
Barrington previously served in senior roles at Arity, CCC Information Services and LexisNexis Risk Solutions. He has closely partnered with more than 100 insurance carriers during his career and led teams that achieved significant commercial wins in insurance telematics solutions, property and casualty insurance operations, distributions and claims. He leads the sales for U.S. claims at Solera.
Scott is Solera’s new head of sales, national accounts and aftermarket. Before joining Solera, he held senior executive positions at Horizon Bank, Allstate Insurance, American Express and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
All four leaders will work closely with Tony Graham, Solera’s executive vice president of North American sales.
Bill Cummings
Bill Cummings Announced as Vice President of LEED Brakes
LEED Brakes has named Bill Cummings as the company’s vice president. Cummings has been in the aftermarket brake industry since 1998. He started his career in the brake industry with Stainless Steel Brakes Corp., working his way from the warehouse to operations manager in his 16-year tenure. In 2014, he was hired as general manager of LEED Brakes to build structure, oversee daily operations, operating budgets and develop strategic growth plans. As vice president, he will direct all operations within the company and develop strategies to propel LEED Brakes to the front of the automotive aftermarket.
Nashville Superspeedway Adds Three Veteran Sports Execs to Key Positions
Track officials have announced three veteran sports executives have joined Nashville Superspeedway, Middle Tennessee’s home for NASCAR Cup Series racing and live entertainment in Gladeville, Tennessee. Matt Greci is now vice president of events and operations, Kacy Harmon is the senior director of ticket sales and operations, and Jason Lazar is the director of operations.
Greci will manage event logistics for the race weekend, oversee the facility’s day-to-day operations and ensure that the venue is prepared to offer first-in-class service. Harmon is responsible for leading and developing ticket sales talent, strategy, service initiatives, and revenue opportunities for the NASCAR weekend and other live events. The announcement comes as Nashville prepares for the June 24–26 NASCAR tripleheader weekend, featuring the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, June 26.
Lucas Oil Senior Vice President Named Forty Under 40 Honoree
Lucas Oil Products has announced that Katie Lucas has been named as one of the 2022 Forty Under 40 honorees by Indiana Business Journal. The list highlights local business and professional leaders who have achieved success, excelled in their field and demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication in pursuing their careers before the age of 40.In her role, Lucas is responsible for Lucas Oil’s strategic direction, vision and growth as a solutions-driven, customer-centric aftermarket and emerging lifestyle brand.
From expanding the Lucas Oil footprint across various markets to implementing a corporate social responsibility program concentrated on philanthropy and employee engagement, Lucas is helping elevate the family-owned business’ legacy and its commitment to customers and its community. She works closely with her husband Morgan Lucas, president of Lucas Oil. Additional information on this year’s honorees will be featured in the March 25, 2022, issue of Indiana Business Journal.
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.
For the last 7 years, the SEMA Compliance Center has assisted members with ensuring that performance products are emissions legal. This has primarily involved preparation of California Air Resources Board Executive Order (CARB EO) applications and emissions laboratory testing. SEMA has also worked closely with CARB to streamline the application procedures and ensure that adequate staffing is available at CARB to handle anticipated added volume.
The SEMA Compliance Center assists members with ensuring that performance products are emissions legal.
CARB introduced new procedures on January 1, 2022. SEMA Compliance Center staff have submitted applications following the new guidance, but there is very limited information regarding the successful implementation of these procedures.
CARB is also in the process of implementing fees for EO applications to offset the cost of additional staffing. The fees are heavily dependent on the new procedures; therefore, it is SEMA’s position that the fees should not be implemented until the new procedures have been proven to accomplish the stated goal of streamlining the process.
CARB is currently moving forward with the assessment of fees to be effective for applications submitted after March 31, 2022. SEMA is opposed to this early start date and is working with CARB board members and California government representatives to push the date back, but it appears unlikely that relief will be given prior to that date.
For more information, contact Peter Treydte, SEMA director of emissions compliance, at petert@sema.org or 909-978-6673.
Garrett Reed will join SEMA Young Guns followers for an Instagram “Ask Me Anything,” Tuesday, April 5, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (PDT).
