Nominations for the 2022 SEMA Hall of Fame class are open at www.sema.org/hof.

Induction to the Hall of Fame is the most prestigious award presented to an individual by the association and honors the pioneers who have contributed to the growth of the automotive aftermarket over a long period of time.

“Our industry is fueled by nothing short of passionate and hard-working individuals. The SEMA Hall of Fame honors those whom without, our industry would not be what it is today,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership.

“The industry’s input in the selection process is an invaluable asset to the association in identifying deserving hall of fame inductees.”

Since its inception in 1969, 165 individuals have been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, including:

• Agosta, Matt (Steele Rubber Products)
• Airheart, Bob (Bob Airheart Sales)
• Alderson, Don (Muldoon Engineering)
• Amato, Joe (Keystone Automotive Warehouse)
• Appelgate, Brian (B&M Racing & Performance)
• Arias Jr., Nick (Arias Pistons)
• Arkus-Duntov, Zora (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Ayres, Joel (Automtoive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation)
• Babcox, Tom (Babcox Publications)
• Baney, Lou (SEMA)
• Barnett, Don (Speed Warehouse)
• Barris, George (Barris Kustom Industries)
• Barsamian, Rich (Advanced Clutch Technology Inc.)
• Bartlett, John (Grant Piston Rings)
• Baskerville, Gray (Hot Rod Magazine)
• Belond, Sandy (Belond Mufflers)
• Bingham, Jim (Winners Circle Speed & Custom Inc.)
• Black, Keith (Keith Black Racing Engines)
• Bleiweis, Raymond (Rocket Industries)
• Blum, Charles R. (SEMA)
• Bobins, Chuck (CB Sales)
• Bolio, Steve (Scafidi-Bolio & Associates)
• Borick, Louis (Superior Industries)
• Borré, Dan (Keith Black Performance Inc.)
• Borré, Jim (Manik Motors)
• Brock, Ray (Petersen Publishing)
• Brothers, Paul "Scooter" (Competition Cams, Inc.)
• Brown, Ray (Superior Industries)
• Cahill, Robert (Chrysler Corp., Mopar Division)
• Campbell, Ben, Nighthorse (Senator)
• Card, Charley (Honest Charley's)
• Carleton, GiGi (Robert E. Petersen Foundation)
• Cepek, Dick (Dick Cepek Inc.)
• Chandler, Bob (Bigfoot 4x4 Inc.)
• Chapouris, Pete (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Chrisman, Art (Chrisman’s Auto Rod Specialist – CARS)
• Coddington, Boyd (Boyds Wheels)
• Coker, Corky (Coker Tires)
• Coleman, Ron (Competition Cams)
• Cook, Bob (Book Cook Sales)
• Cornelison, Nile (Direct Communications Inc.)
• Cozzie, Jim (Brenton Productions Inc.)
• Crane, Harvey J. (Crane Cams)
• Crower, Bruce (Crower Cams)
• Day, Dick (Petersen Publishing Co.)
• Deane, Russ (SEMA General Counsel)
• Deist, Jim (Deist Safety Equipment)
• Diamond, Murray (Plasticolor Molded Products)
• Douglass, Howard (Douglass Mufflers)
• Eatherly, Donnie (P&E Distributors Inc.)
• Economaki, Chris (National Speed Sport News)
• Edelbrock Jr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Edelbrock Sr., Vic (Edelbrock Corp.)
• Elliott, Ed (Elliott-McMullen Advertising)
• Elliott, George (Argus Publishers)
• Evans, Doug (Bonnier Corporation)
• Faulk, Amy (Hypertech Inc.)
• Fishel, Herb (The Business of Motorsports)
• Foose, Chip (Foose Design)
• Foote, George (Karbelt Speed & Custom)
• Foulger, Donna Imrie (SEMA)
• France Sr., Bill (NASCAR)
• Funfar, Run (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Gage, Dennis (MadStache Inc.)
• Gaines, John (G&M Performance Parts)
• Garlits, Don (Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing)
• Garner, Willie (Trans-Dapt)
• Giampetroni, Angelo (Ford Motor Company)
• Goldberg, Harvey (Goldberg Marketing Inc.)
• Goldstein, Jack (Jack Goldstein & Associates)
• Granatelli, Andy (Consultant)
• Grant, Eric
• Halibrand, Ted (Halibrand Engineering)
• Harman, Kenny (Harman Collins Inc.)
• Harris, Jack (Rush Sales)
• Hart, C.J. (Lion's Drag Strip)
• Hart, Jack (NHRA)
• Hays, Bill (Centerforce Clutches)
• Hedman, Bob (Hedman Manufacturing)
• Heffington, Mark (Hypertech Inc.)
• Hibler, Harry (Nanotech Fuel Corp.)
• Hilborn, Stuart (Fuel Injection Engineering Co.)
• Hiltz, Stan (Thrush Mufflers)
• Holding, Dennis (Direct Parts Inc.)
• Hooker, Gary (Hooker Headers)
• Hrudka, Joe (Mr. Gasket Co.)
• Hurst, George (Hurst Shifters)
• Iskenderian, Ed (Isky Racing Cams)
• Kagan, Leo (Amco Manufacturing)
• Kawasaki, Wade (Coker Group)
• Keller, Bob (Turbonetics, Inc.)
• Kerr, Jim (Jim Kerr & Associates)
• Konblett, Sheldon (SC Performance)
• Kuhns, Arnold (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Lahmann, Butch (American Specialty Equipment)
• Larivee Sr., Bob (Promotions Inc.)
• LeSage, Burke
• Leslie, Roy (Kenz & Leslie Accessories Ltd.)
• Light, Jerry (Speed Warehouse)
• Lipper, Ray (Center Line Wheel Corp.)
• Lohn, Els (Ansen Enterprises)
• Mallory, Boots (Mallory Ignition)
• Martin, Dick
• Maxwell, Dick (Chrysler Corporation)
• McClelland, Dave (Diamond P Sports)
• McFarland, Jim (AutoCom)
• McJannett, Bob (Performance Improvements)
• McMullen, Richard
• Meguiar, Barry (Meguiar’s)
• Menzler, John (COMP Performance Group)
• Moon, Dean (Moon Equipment Co.)
• Moore, Marla (Coker Tire)
• Moroso, Dick (Moroso Performance Products)
• Offenhauser, Fred (Offenhauser Equipment Corp.)
• Olson, Carl (SFI Foundation Inc.)
• Parks, Wally (NHRA)
• Patteri, Robert (Patteri Sales)
• Perry, Bill (Bill Perry and Associates)
• Petersen, Robert E. (Petersen Publishing)
• Piggins, Vince (Chevorlet Motor Division)
• Pink, Ed (Ed Pink Racing Engines)
• Pisano, Joe (Venolia Pistons)
• Prudhomme, Don (Don Prudhomme Racing)
• Raleigh, Don (Don's Speed Shop)
• Reed, Alan (IMARC)
• Richter, Roy (Cragar Industries)
• Rifchin, Marvin (M&H Tires)
• Roberts, Red (McLeod Industries)
• Rollins, Rick (Superchips, Inc.)
• Scafidi, John (Hurst Shifters)
• Schiefer, Paul (Schiefer Equipment Co.)
• Schubeck, Joe
• Schwartz, Chuck (ConvExx)
• Senter, Louis (Senter Engineering Corp.)
• Shedden, Tom (Cragar Industries)
• Shelby, Carroll (Shelby Automotives)
• Shelton, Nate (B&M Automotive Group)
• Sigman, Ben (Sigman-Pittman)
• Simmons, John (SECO Performance Centers)
• Simpson, Bill (Simpson Racing Products)
• Smith, Bill (Speedway Motors)
• Smith, Don (High Performance Distributors)
• Spar, Bob (B&M Automotive)
• St. Lawrence, Joe (RTM Studios)
• Stroppe, Bill (Bill Stroppe & Son)
• Thompson, Mickey (Mickey Thompson Enterprises)
• Thomson, Chris (TMG Performance Group)
• Towle, John (Performance Warehouse Association)
• Van Cleve, Charlie (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Van Cleve, Dick (Van Cleve & Associates)
• Vandergriff, Robert (Hedman/TD Performance)
• Vaughn, Jim (Mr. Phone)
• Vaughn, Linda (Hurst Performance Products)
• Warn, Thurston (Warn Industries)
• Weber, Harry (Weber Cams)
• Weiand, Joan (Weiand Industries)
• Weiand, Phil (Weiand Automotive Industries)
• Wells, Dick (SEMA)
• Winfield, Ed (Winfield Carburetors)
• Wirth, Jim (Wirth & Wirth Advertising)
• Woodell, Van (Weathers Auto Supply)
• Woomer, Steve (Competition Specialties)
• Worthan, Rolan “Jeep” (Auto Meter Products, Inc.)
• Xydias, Alex (SO-CAL Speed Shop)
• Yunick, Henry “Smokey”

In any given year, it’s not unusual for three or four people to earn induction. Nominations are open until March 18, 2022, and can be submitted here.

Questions can be directed to Chris Standifer, Project Manager-Recognition Programs, at chriss@sema.org, 909-978-6692.

By Ashley Reyes

Four iconic industry builders gathered during the recent SEMA Show for a rare discussion about the restoration industry, including the current state and its future.

Watch the recording of the seminar, “Restorations to Restomods Builder Panel—Powered by the Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO),” now at www.semashow.com/education. Hosted by Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars, the seminar features famed television personality Ant Anstead of Radford; Bob Smith “The Ferrari King” of Bob Smith Coachworks; and award-winning builder and innovator Steve Cook of Steve Cook Creations.

Hosted by Sabra Johnson of City Classic Cars, the seminar features famed television personality Ant Anstead of Radford; Bob Smith “The Ferrari King” of Bob Smith Coachworks; and award-winning builder and innovator Steve Cook of Steve Cook Creations.

Viewers will hear the panel open up and share their personal experiences on getting started in the business, running their shops, keeping employee accountability, choosing and firing the right customers and mastering a niche within the restoration market.  

“If you’re a builder, you might be doing something today that you’re not going to do tomorrow. […] What is that, in your wildest dream, what you want to be building? That might not be what you’re building today and that’s okay because we all have to start somewhere. We evolve, we grow, we learn and we develop,” said Johnson. “You have to know where you are today and become a master of the moment. […] Mastering the moment, knowing where you are, knowing what gets you going, do that, but also avail yourself for tomorrow.”

The seminar recording is one of many available at www.semashow.com/education. New recordings are added weekly. Other recently added seminars include:

• The Globalization of Overlanding: How Retailers and Manufacturers Can Capitalize on the Worldwide Phenomenon of Overlanding.
• Women Who Rule Racing, Powered by SBN.
• Challenges to Modding the Modern Powertrain, Powered by ETTN.
• How to Use Facebook and Instagram to Find Customers and Increase Sales.

Visit www.semashow.com/education to view and access the entire collection.

Real-world testing of the next-gen Range Rover Sport is long underway, and spies in Germany have caught shots of a prototype wearing a lot less camouflage than ever before. The new Range Rover Sport could arrive about a year after the “standard” Range Rover, with the grand unveiling around the end of this year.

Evidence gathered from prototype sightings like this suggests that the Range Rover Sport will yet again assume the role of a younger sibling of the Range Rover. At least the stately proportions and signature design cues would be retained. Progress will be evolutionary on the looks, although that’s exactly what loyal customers would seek in the subsequent model generation.

The next-gen Range Rover Sport has visibly short overhangs compared to the next-gen Range Rover. Another difference between the SUVs is a strongly tapering tail on the Sport. Using a softer roof and a different tail, JLR can disguise the 5+2 SUV as a sporty five-seater.

More extensive changes could be seen on the inside, although JLR designers may repeat the classical SUV elements, such as chunky four-spoke steering, a chunky dashboard, vertical AC vents and the Pivi Pro infotainment system’s 11.4-in. screen. More information on the interior is bound to emerge later this year when the bigger Range Rover is previewed.

The RR Sport will be underpinned by the new Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) platform that was supposed to debut in the next-gen Jaguar XJ, which was cancelled early this year. The MLA platform supports full electrification. So, a Range Rover EV/Range Rover Sport EV should follow in a few years. At launch, partial electrification should be standard across the range, with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies.

The next-gen Range Rover Sport will arrive as the ’23 model, likely in the second half of this year.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

How does a bill become a law? That question is like someone asking how to build a winning racecar; it’s a little bit more complicated than it may first appear. There are several ways to get it done, and it’s certainly harder to do than one would hope. It also takes more time and more money than you initially thought.     

A bill, just like a racecar, starts with an idea. The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act, known as the RPM Act, started as a simple idea: to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated race cars and the motorsports industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.    

This video explains the paths a bill can take to become a law and the possible obstacles along the way: 

If you support the RPM Act and want to see this critical bill become a law, SEMA urges you to share this video with several of your friends, write letters to your lawmakers telling them to pass the bill and do everything in your power to keep the RPM Act top of mind until it becomes a law.    

If you love racing, the RPM Act is critical to protect Americans’ right to convert street vehicles into dedicated racecars, and the motorsports parts industry’s ability to sell products that enable racers to compete.   

For more information, visit saveourracecars.com.  

The RPM Act is one of the many advocacy efforts supported by SEMA. For more information on SEMA membership for business, visit www.sema.org/get-involved. For information on SEMA’s individual membership, visit www.sema.org/individual-membership/.

By Kyle Cheng

Overall, 2021 was a strong year for the industry amid high demand, with many companies reporting record growth. The specialty-equipment market should continue to grow in 2022, but at more muted levels, before returning to more normal (pre-pandemic) growth for 2023 and beyond. In fact, nearly three-quarters (74%) of industry companies expect sales growth in 2022. Key impacts to keep an eye on moving forward will be consumer demand, supply-chain disruption, rising costs and automotive sales.

According to the “SEMA Future Trends – January 2022” report, nearly three-quarters (74%) of industry companies expect sales growth in 2022.

Want to learn more? Want to see the latest economic and supply-chain projections for 2022 and beyond? Download the new “SEMA Future Trends – January 2022” report. In it, you’ll find:

• Outlook for the specialty-equipment industry in 2022 and beyond.
• Projections for the U.S. economy, including consumer spending, inflation and employment.
• Outlook on the global supply chain and input prices.
• A look at changing demographics of consumers, and what that means for the industry in the future.

Download this report for free today at www.sema.org/research.

To get the latest economic information and trends affecting the specialty-equipment industry, also check out Market Research’s “SEMA Industry Indicators” report. Published monthly, this report provides a snapshot of the key economic and automotive indicators that impact the specialty-equipment industry.

By Ashley Reyes

Performance reviews play a critical aspect in the role of a manager. It is not a time to grade performance, but a time to give honest feedback that can have a significant impact on an individual’s career. This allows employees to improve in smaller time frames and can help determine their advancement opportunities and career path.
Automotive aftermarket managers will learn how to conduct a successful performance review by joining the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) for a live webinar on February 17, at 11:00 a.m. (PST).  

During the webinar, attendees will learn:

• The importance of reviews and setting targets for an employee’s professional growth.
• How to have an honest and productive conversation that points to specific examples of achievements and what is expected moving forward.
• Tips for providing and receiving feedback from the employee that identifies training and development needs.

This webinar is designed specifically for automotive aftermarket managers and includes a live Q&A and breakout-session. Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

Brad Mandell is the SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance’s (TORA) newest spotlight volunteer. Mandell is the owner of 4 Wheel Super Store, a Jeep and truck store for lift kits, wheels and tires, bumpers, lighting and tops.

Learn about Mandell in his interview with SEMA below.

SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?    

Brad Mandell: I have been a Jeep owner since high school, which was 30 years ago.

SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?

BM: I want to give back to the industry that has given so much to me.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?

BM: This is the type of industry where it’s a labor of love. You need to ask yourself if you are committed to the meticulous detail it takes to really excel. If so, go for it 100% and you will never look back.

SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?

BM: My dream vehicle is the next one we are going to build. On the weekend, you can find me driving my Jeep to the beach with a surfboard strapped on top.

Fill out a TORA-member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the truck and off-road specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on TORA’s social media, SEMA eNews and future TORA member updates.

The SEMA Data Excellence designation recognizes the companies that have worked with SEMA Data to recreate and relaunch industry-leading product data sets. Here are products from current SEMA Data members that have achieved data excellence.

JMS FuelMAX

FuelMAX features exclusive JMS digital technology that provides up to an 85% increase in fuel delivery from your OEM fuel pump. Providing the highest continuous voltage and amperage output without the noise, safely supporting up to 1000 hp. Plug-and-play installation connects directly to your fuel pump driver module and activates via monitoring the pedal position sensor, minimizing install time. User-adjustable voltage ramp-in/ramp-out rate allows elimination of fuel pressure spikes for maximum control. FuelMAX kits are shipped complete with everything you need for installation and are compatible with all 12- and 16-volt battery systems. FuelMAX units are backed by a lifetime warranty, designed and assembled in the United States.

PN: PX1920GMT
www.jmschip.com

TI Automotive

Stock Replacement Gas Module

TI Automotive is an OE supplier to the major automotive manufacturers around the world. Our industry-leading, award-winning fluid storage, carrying and delivery technology helps global automakers improve fuel economy, performance and emissions. TI Automotive has operations in 29 countries across six continents to serve our automotive customers. In fact, two-thirds of vehicles produced around the world contain products from TI Automotive. Our proven technology, built on nearly 100 years of experience enables us to develop world-class fuel systems. You may not be familiar with the TI Automotive brand for stock replacement parts as we’ve been supplying product to the most popular name brands in the market for decades with a strong legacy of reliability, performance and first-time fit. TI Automotive brings the same level of innovation, quality and performance to the aftermarket, providing OE-quality fuel pump and module technology for gasoline, diesel and flex-fuel applications in a broad and expanding range of vehicles. TI fuel modules are complete drop-in assemblies with a high-quality turbine or gerotor pump depending on the application requirements. Many of TI Automotive fuel modules utilize the award-winning DCSS 39/50 turbine pump for powerful, quiet operation. Proudly union made in TI Automotive’s Caro, Michigan plant across five fuel pump and 14 modules assembly lines. Our fuel pumps and modules are never manufactured or assembled by a third party or sourced from an outside company. Fluid Thinking shapes the mindset of TI Automotive.

Features:  

• Complete fuel pump module assembly includes level sender and float arm.
• Drop-in installation designed for in-tank use only.
• Pump UAW manufactured in Caro, Michigan.

PN: TU121
https://aftermarket.tiautomotive.com/

SuperSprings for Dodge Dakota, Nissan D21, Toyota T100

SuperSprings are a unique and patented self-adjusting suspension stabilizing system for vehicles with rear leaf springs, designed to level loads and reduce body roll. SuperSprings provide users extra load support and reduce body roll without compromising ride quality. They are manufactured using a variety of different sized springs to support multiple applications. All SuperSprings are manufactured in the United States from SAE5160H high-grade, shot-peened steel.

Features:  

• Left/right P\pair
• 800-lb. additional load-leveling ability
• Proudly made in the United States

PN: SSA2
www.superspringsinternational.com

Goodyear Car Accessories CLIM ART Tape-On Window Deflectors Extra Durable

Love to keep the windows open but the noisy wind, rain and snow make driving around in your car an awful experience? Presenting CLIM ART car window shields that are specially designed to deflect rain, wind, sunshine and snow to make car rides a more enjoyable experience for you and your family. CLIM ART car window guards—keeping windows open while driving at high speeds is a daunting task as the wind and rains can cause discomfort to the passengers inside. The special streamlined design of the window shields deflects environmental elements away by altering the vehicle’s aerodynamical wind flow pattern. Allows fresh air to circulate into the car preventing the need for air conditioning and thereby saving fuel. Tape-style outside mounting (door and above the windows) with 3M tape for a stronghold. Comes in a dark color for added sun protection while also adding to the appearance of your precious car. The stickable logo comes in the package and is not attached to the product. The user can choose to stick it or not. Window rain guards are car wash friendly. Package includes two front deflectors, two rear deflectors, installation instruction, mounting kit and degrease wipes. Compatible with Toyota Corolla ’09–’13. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! Should our product fail to please you, we will either replace the product or offer you a full refund, with no questions asked. So, why think twice? Order now and get our window rain guards right away!  

Features:

• Quality Promise: Car wind deflectors come with a limited lifetime warranty so that you can buy without a sliver of worry or doubt! We are, however, quite sure that our car window visors will not fail to please you!
• Make car rides more enjoyable: Open the windows and enjoy the breeze as you cruise around, without worrying about the noisy wind, chilly snow, annoying rain sprays/splashes or the blazing sunshine with CLIM ART side window deflectors.
• Incredibly durable and cool: Our tough, hardy and shatterproof dark-colored premium PC plastic window rain guards feature a streamlined flexible design that will not bend, break or crack, while its smart design adds to the look of your car!
• All tools included: These rain guards feature a mounting with 3M VHB tape for extra-strong grip. The mounting kit includes all the necessary tools and comprehensive instruction for a successful installation. No drilling is needed!

PN: 409011
www.goodyear.com

K&N Performance Air Intake System

Gain a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque with a K&N cold air intake system featuring a mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube. Each system is paired with a washable, reusable high-flow air filter featuring oiled cotton filter media. The oversized, conical filter design allows you to go up to 100,000 miles between filter services under normal highway driving conditions. A custom heat shield or air box helps protect intake air from the high temperature of your engine bay, and the entire system can typically be installed in less than 90 minutes. Some intakes are not legal for sale or use on any pollution-controlled motor vehicle in California. See the product specifications for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.

Features:

• Guaranteed to increase horsepower and torque.
• Mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube paired with oversized oiled cotton air filter.
• Engineered to provide high airflow and exceptional filtration.
• Replaces factory air filter and intake tube.
• Filter only requires cleaning every 100,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions.
• Typical installation can be completed in 90 minutes or less with simple hand tools.
• 10-Year/Million-Mile Limited Warranty.
• Will not void vehicle warranty.

PN: 77-1572KS
www.knfilters.com

Auto Ventshade with Stainless Steel Finish, Two-Piece Set for ’53–’55 Ford F-100

AVS Ventshade is the original Auto ventshade product. Offered for many classic vehicles it is the standard that created the side window-deflector industry. Its ledge profile that is mounted in the window channel combined with its stainless-steel construction makes Ventshades the standard by which all others are measured.

Features:  

• Ledge profile that is mounted in the window channel for a secure mount.
• Keeps rain out and lets fresh air in.
• Manufactured from high-quality steel.
• Available in polished stainless and black finishes.
• Quick and easy installation.
• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

PN: 12132
www.autoventshade.com

AMP Research PowerStep Electric Running Boards for ’06–’09 Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500, Mega Cab

Getting into your truck shouldn’t feel like climbing Mount Everest. That’s why AMP Research invented the patented PowerStep, the automatic, electric-powered running board that instantly extends when you open your door, and retracts out of sight when the doors close for improved ground clearance, aerodynamics and appearance. Its sleek design, all-weather performance and legendary reliability set the industry standard.

Features:

• Low-profile integrated LED light system—standard.
• High-strength, die-cast aluminum alloy components with an anodized and PTFE-coated, military-spec finish to resist corrosion.
• Precision stainless-steel pivot pins for rock-solid stability.
• Maintenance-free self-lubricating bushings for all-weather performance.
• Five-year/60,000-mile warranty.

PN: 75118-01A
www.amp-research.com

By Ashley Reyes

As one of just five young adults who was recently recognized as “On the Radar” by Drag Illustrated magazine’s 30 Under 30 Program, Autumn Schwalbe is a rising star who is turning her passion for automobiles into a thriving career.  

Schwalbe is a 23-year-old who was born in a drag-racing family, started drag racing at age 15 and hasn’t stopped since. Her passion for automotive led her to obtaining a BBA in automotive aftermarket marketing and management from Northwood University, and landing her current role as a marketing specialist with Ford Motor Company on the Global Ford Performance Motorsports team.

SEMA members are invited to hear from Schwalbe as she shares tips for identifying a desired career in the auto industry during the next SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), formerly SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) live chat, February 9, at 12:00 p.m. (PST). Participants will hear applicable steps for landing their dream job—from education, experience, internships and applying—and have the opportunity to ask Schwalbe questions live.  

Live chat location: FLN Facebook page and FLN Instagram page.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) is hosting the first-ever three-day comprehensive leadership training designed specifically for women in the automotive aftermarket.

By bringing women together for focused leadership training, the event will educate, inspire and support women to thrive in the workplace. The three-day program includes presentations and workshops from top trainers and experts, including Dale Carnegie. Participants are able to choose from various personal development tracks on dealing with difficult people or creating a drama-free workplace, as well as leadership tracks for building strong teams that deliver proven results.

Experts will also share insights on how emotional intelligence plays a role in the office, and what women can do to amplify their careers through their physical and emotional presence. The entire event is designed to be inspiring and provide participants with confidence and knowledge that will make a meaningful impact.

The forum will take place March 16–18, at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa, California, and help SBN members and women in the industry:    

• Create and build skill sets through education, mentorship and small group discussions.
• Participate in sessions with expert speakers, several that are led by the world-renown Dale Carnegie trainers.
• Grow and expand their tribe of women allies through daily networking activities.
• Express challenges and wins with other women in the automotive industry knowing that the common goal is to advance all females.
• Attend two keynote sessions that will move them to become their best self in both their personal and professional life.

Participants are able to choose from either a personal development track on dealing with difficult people and creating a drama-free workplace, or a leadership track for building strong teams that deliver proven results.

Online registration is open through March 15. SBN members can register at a reduced rate of $499, compared to non-SEMA members at $699. Participants must make their own travel arrangements.

View the full program and register here.