James Lawrence Announces Departure From Power Automedia; Sale to New Ownership GroupPower Automedia, which includes Dragzine, LSX Magazine, Street Muscle, Off Road Xtreme, Ford Muscle, Chevy Hardcore, Diesel Army, Electrified, and new acquisition Mustang Week, has announced today James Lawrence will transition from his role of CEO at the end of the year—a decision by Lawrence, who founded the company more than 15 years ago. Lawrence, who currently serves as SEMA’s chairman of the board, will continue as a senior consultant for Power Automedia.
A new ownership group consisting of Scott Parker, Lloyd Hunt, Kevin McIntosh, Andrew Almazan, and Ivan Korda has acquired Power Automedia. As part of the transition, Parker has been named Power Automedia’s chief content officer and general manager and Hunt as chief revenue officer.
“After guiding and owning Power Automedia since 2006, I am excited to pursue new interests,” stated Lawrence. “It has been an amazing ride and experience. It’s been a tremendous honor serving as CEO and working with so many talented people. This company has a bright future and there is no better team to help accelerate it to new heights.”
Power Automedia recently announced the acquisition of Mustang Week. Lawrence advised the management team on that acquisition and will continue to advise Power Automedia’s leadership team as a senior consultant. The new ownership group will continue to evaluate growth and acquisition opportunities in the media and event space.
“We are excited to acquire this business, but we will all miss James on a full time basis at Power Automedia,” said Hunt. “He has helped build this business from the ground up, including developing a series of digital media innovations that pushed the envelope for everyone, helping bring new ideas to life that the automotive industry hadn’t seen before. His decisive leadership and business knowledge have been an incredible asset to grow the business and we’re very grateful for his leadership of our great brands.”
“We believe in Power Automedia and our new ownership group is prepared to manage this transition well,” declared Parker. “We wish James success in the future and look forward to working with him in an advisory capacity.”
The Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament, held recently during the SEMA and AAPEX industry week in Las Vegas, was a testimony to work of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation’s (AACF) Board of Directors, AACF staff and volunteers and the large number of industry leaders who supported this annual event. It attracted 160 golfers and more than $600,000 was raised to help individuals and families in the automotive aftermarket in need.
AACF 30th Anniversary Golf Tournament Winners. (L–R): Don Daugherty, of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply; Barry Hills of Canammex/Thunderboldt; Pete Thomas of Parts Authority; and Bob Rescoe of Federated Auto Parts.
“We had a tremendous turn out for our AACF 30th anniversary charity golf tournament on Monday, October 31, at the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas,” said Larry Magee, AACF trustee and president of the board of directors. Magee, of Magee Ventures Group, led the annual board meeting on Sunday and hosted a cocktail party and festive gathering that evening.
“I was honored and humbled by the outstanding support from the automotive aftermarket’s industry members, our donors and the AACF Board of Trustees who participated to raise dollars and raise awareness of our charitable organization. This fundraising event will allow the foundation to continue the great work we do in providing support to men and women in the automotive aftermarket who have fallen on difficult times and have nowhere else to turn, added Magee.”
“We were so pleased at the level of support we received from the industry in making the 30th anniversary of our charity golf tournament a huge success,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of the AACF. “In addition to funds that come from the golf teams, we had an impressive array of gifts and prizes donated by members of the industry that supported our raffle and for our door prizes, making it a fun day for all who attended.”
Four industry leaders took home the top trophy, but all who participated are winners, as they helped the AACF grow its funds to support businesses and families in times of catastrophe in the aftermarket industry. From left, Don Daugherty, of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply; Barry Hills of Canammex/Thunderboldt; Pete Thomas of Parts Authority; and Bob Rescoe of Federated Auto Parts.
QA1 Awarded Business of the Year at the SEMA ShowSEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) selected QA1 as Business of the Year from its member companies, representing many industries ranging from retail, manufacturing, distribution, publishing and more. Presented to QA1 at HRIA’s annual banquet at the SEMA show on November 2, this annual award recognizes a company that has made an exceptional contribution and has had a positive impact in the hot rod industry.
“On behalf of the entire QA1 team, we are truly honored and appreciative to the HRIA for this recognition,” said Melissa Scoles, QA1 president and CEO. “As we enter our 30th year, this award reinforces our guiding principle of developing high-quality, affordable products and enhancing customer experiences.”
QA1 was “nominated because of the impact they made in their Customer Service operations,” said Danny Agosta, HRIA select committee chair. “They work closely with builders, getting things set up, customized applications, etc., and it’s a level of service that is unfortunately rare today."
In recent years, QA1’s creation of the #goDRIVEit movement has encouraged hot rodders and street cruisers to go out and have fun with their vehicle. By supporting and facilitating numerous events around the country, the foundation of the #goDRIVEit movement is one of collaboration and enthusiasm.
Steve Whipple Joins PRW as President, General ManagerPRW Industries (PRW)—the designer and global manufacturer of racing and performance aftermarket engine parts and accessories in Perris, California—has announced Steve Whipple has joined the company as president and general manager.
Whipple brings more than 40 years of experience in the industry. He most recently served as the director of private-label new markets at JEGS in Delaware, Ohio. Prior, he served as the vice president of sales and marketing at Edelbrock, now based in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Whipple is also current member of the SEMA Board of Directors and the Custom Automotive Network (CAN) board of directors. He previously served on SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).
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.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation (AHF) for Pediatric Cancer will auction a custom Gen 3 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe November 27–December 4 on the Bring a Trailer website. The coupe’s build was funded by SATA German Engineering and was put together with the help of young cancer patients, survivors and their family members.
This project build began with a Factory Five Type 65 Coupe kit, which is a replica of the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe that won the famed Le Mans circuit in 1964. The Euro luxury-style coupe’s styling cues are drawn from the Mercedes 300SL and the Ferrari 275GT.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation (AHF) for Pediatric Cancer will auction a custom Gen 3 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe November 27–December 4 on the Bring a Trailer website.
The color and wheel choices of the vehicle pay a tribute to the luxury performance vehicles of the ’60s. Finished in a bristol grey exterior and a full custom navy-blue leather interior, the coupe features a Ford Performance 347-cid Street Cruiser crate engine—carbureted, Tremec TKX five-speed transmission, Moser Differential and custom Detroit Steel Wheels. The custom paint was applied by Ron Fleenor at Fleaz Color Faktory using SATA X5500 RP 1.3, and the custom bodywork was done by Greg Cunningham.
But what makes this custom Coupe so special are the hands that helped put it together: the hands of pediatric cancer patients and survivors.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation incorporates automotive into the services they provide families facing pediatric cancer through their Industrial Arts Therapy Program, which includes getting the children involved in putting together cars like the coupe. The foundation is one of three official SEMA Cares Charities, as well one of two of the “proud charities” of the International Motorsports Association and Road Atlanta.
“I believe SEMA fans and automotive enthusiasts were blown away by the detail and outcome of this vehicle when they saw it on display at the SEMA Show in 2021,” said Austin Hatcher Foundation CEO and co-founder, Amy Jo Osborn. “Not only is it a beautiful car, but it also has a beautiful story behind it. We loved watching pediatric cancer families come together to build this coupe, and we cannot thank our friends at SATA, Ford Performance Parts, Moser and Detroit Steel Wheels enough for helping fund the entire process.”
The coupe build was a part of the Austin Hatcher Foundation’s Industrial Arts Program. The Industrial Arts STEAM program serves a multipurpose function; first to introduce and educate a STEM-based trade, and second, to treat and improve coordination deficits, behavior, memory, learning and many other deficits as results of childhood cancer and chemotherapy treatment.
“The Austin Hatcher Foundation has created a gorgeous car with a great paint job and fantastic looking leather interiors,” said Jörg Göttling, head of export at SATA. “It is one of the most unique and stunning shapes in automotive history. It was during the SEMA Show some years ago when we at SATA learned about the existence of the Austin Hatcher Foundation and the great cause they are committed to. SATA has a long tradition of supporting projects aimed to help the less fortunate at home and abroad.”
The SATA-funded coupe is the 16th car build that the Austin Hatcher Foundation has completed. The foundation is constantly looking for new car build projects and partners to continue industrial arts therapy. Anyone interested in having AHF customize their next SEMA Show build or personal vehicle, or anyone interested in donating parts, cars or financial assistance to the program can contact foundation Industrial Arts Manager Daniel Fosbinder at daniel@hatcherfoundation.org.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation incorporates automotive into the services they provide families facing pediatric cancer through their Industrial Arts Therapy Program, which includes getting the children involved in putting together cars like the coupe.
“Cars like these beautifully represent the work and therapeutic recovery from our STEAM and industrial arts program at the foundation,” said Dr. Jim Osborn, co-founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. “The families faced with pediatric cancer are part of the assembly process, which is helpful for their recovery in many ways. And when they see the completed product, it helps build confidence in their ability, and brings a positive sense of accomplishment.”
The Gen 3 Factory Five Type 65 Coupe will go live at the end of this month on BringATrailer.com. All proceeds from the coupe will fund services at the Austin Hatcher Foundation, one of SEMA’s three official charities. The Austin Hatcher Foundation’s mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer for entire families by providing essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of a child’s diagnosis and continuing through survivorship of the family. Families of the foundation are provided with services such as mental and behavioral health therapy, cccupational therapy, neuropsych testing, family programs and more at absolutely no cost to them.
To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org.
To take an inside look and hear the story of the SATA build custom coupe, watch the foundation’s video story.
By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) named D.J. Potter as the council’s newest spotlight volunteer. Potter is the CEO of SawTooth, a manufacturer of truck tonneau covers.
Get to know Potter in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry?
D.J. Potter: I was inspired to pursue a career in the truck and off-road industry because I needed a product that did not exist in the market. I created, developed and patented my own product. There are some universal problems that existing tonneau manufacturers share. If you have large cargo that sticks above the bedrails of the truck, you cannot cover it. Also, existing tonneau manufacturers void their warranty if cargo makes contact with their tonneau covers. I didn’t want a standard tonneau that lays flat and rolls up or folds up. I needed a tonneau that could stretch to cover, secure and protect cargo that sits above the bedrails. I created a new category of tonneau cover—the expandable tonneau.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for TORA?
DP: I enjoy TORA. It’s where like-minded people in the industry can share their passion and ideas. TORA has allowed me to be a part of a greater community and work to overcome common challenges facing our industry.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
DP: Whether you are new or a seasoned professional in the automotive aftermarket industry, joining a SEMA council is a great way to network and progress your career. The main advice I would give is: Get involved with SEMA. Meet new people and be known.
SEMA: What is your dream truck or off-road vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
DP: My dream truck is the F-150 Lightning. It’s the future of the pickup truck market with its raw instantaneous power. You will find me cruising the alpine mountain back roads along the Wasatch back in Northern Utah.
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 News and future TORA-member updates.
After seeing a mule of the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 N various times, this is the best look yet at the 5 N’s most potent variant in production trim. The Ioniq 5 is a great starting point for a hot EV to excite the masses, and our spies have now caught a prototype testing in Germany—equipped with an extremely stiff chassis (as the shooters report) and extra-large brake discs. Expect the Ioniq 5 N to arrive from late 2022 onward. Hyundai Motor Group's 800-volt e-GMP platform is built for ultimate flexibility, with rear- and all-wheel-drive variants and even the opportunity to power external devices.
Executives have already been stress-testing the e-GMP platform during its development process, reaching eye-popping power outputs. Albert Biermann, chassis wizard and head of R&D for Hyundai Motor Group, said in 2020 that the platform “will go almost up to 600 hp in certain models.”
Hyundai's been experimenting with high-performance electric cars for years, the most recent iteration being the RM20e. It’s not a racing car, but a rolling test bed for new technologies destined to end up in future production cars. Some elements within N division regard the racing midship demo car as the catalyst for a super-powerful halo car for the performance brand in the years to come.
It also makes sense that the new Ioniq 5 N will have around 580hp as Kia has already beaten Hyundai to the punch; the new EV6 electric crossover debuted not long after the 5 with a GT model. The EV6 GT comes out all guns blazing with 585hp, all-wheel drive and supercar-baiting performance figures.
Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde
Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings around the country. Here are some of the latest jobs posted to the website.
Sales Support Representative
Addictive Desert Designs
Addictive Desert Designs is hiring a sales support representative responsible for answering incoming phone calls and emails, processing return documentation, tracking orders and providing status updates to customers, inputting new orders, processing order corrections and replacements and managing warranty claims. Candidates should have general knowledge and understanding of automotive/off-road parts.
CNC Doosan Cylinder Operator
King Shocks
King Shocks is hiring a CNC Doosan cylinder operator to interpret blueprints, manuals and other work instructions; set up machine(s) and load with correct cutting tools; inspect work pieces throughout a production run; and measure and mark dimensions and reference points on material or work pieces as a guide for subsequent machining. Candidates must have more than four years of experience as a CNC lathe setup and operator and Doosan cylinder experience.
Senior Vice President of Marketing
Hemmings
Hemmings is hiring a senior vice president of marketing responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of Hemmings marketing, events, branding, paid advertising and public-relations initiatives. The ideal candidate will work proactively to secure appropriate opportunities among industry and consumer media to generate print, online, social media and broadcast opportunities to generate maximum, positive publicity for the company’s branding, marketing, special projects and community outreach. This position plays a vital role in Hemmings’ growth across marketplace, media, events and all other business lines. Reporting directly to the president, the senior vice president of marketing’s primary responsibility is to increase audience patronage and sales through successful marketing for the entire organization, using market research, pricing, product marketing, marketing communications, advertising, public relations and off-platform extensions.
By SEMA Editors
Dates and locations have been scheduled for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows, measuring sessions and activities.
For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstore.com) at Travel Store USA, 949-930-9268.
By Ashley Reyes
SEMA members are invited to connect with Jarod DeAnda—notable industry host, presenter and ambassador of motorsports—during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Facebook and Instagram live chat on Wednesday, November 16, at 12:00 p.m. (PST).
DeAnda recently emceed the SEMA Show Kick-Off Breakfast, Industry Awards Banquet and SEMA Ignited, and will be going live to share his favorite moments. He’ll also share details on his career journey and how he got started hosting events for leading brands, such as Formula DRIFT, Snap-on Tools, Harley-Davidson, Hot Wheels, Nitro Rallycross and the global launch of the all-new ’24 Ford Mustang.
DeAnda has attended the SEMA Show since 1998 and met his wife at the 1999 SEMA Show. His history and knowledge are far and wide, and just like him, his tattoos tell a story. Don’t miss out on his industry expertise and what he has to share. Tune in on November 16.
Live Chat Location: FLN Facebook page and FLN Instagram live (@fln_sema)
By Ashley Reyes
The automotive specialty-equipment industry’s record-high sales growth over the past two years is beginning to level off or subside, according to the newest SEMA market research report. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, supply-chain issues and rising costs, companies continue to be optimistic as sales remain solid and above pre-pandemic levels.
The “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2022” report is the latest study to explore how businesses are doing post-pandemic.
Filled with 60 pages of data, the “SEMA State of the Industry – Fall 2022” report is the latest study to explore how businesses are doing post-pandemic. Members can use the report to gain valuable insight into key industry trends and metrics, challenges and opportunities, and an outlook for 2023 and beyond.
By downloading the report, members will gain access SEMA’s research designed to help them plan and succeed in the year ahead.
Key findings include:
Electrify Expo closes out its 2022 U.S. tour on November 12–13 in Austin, Texas, by launching two new show features—Electrify Show Off and Electrify Speed Shop.
Electrify Show Off will be a display of customized electric vehicles and can only be found at Electrify Expo’s 2023 events. Hundreds of EV owners across the United States have registered their EVs with Electrify Expo, providing an opportunity to display their custom creations at upcoming 2023 Electrify Expo events. Many of these customized rides will be displayed at Electrify Expo’s 2022 festival taking place in Austin. Interested EV Enthusiasts can submit their vehicles for consideration at www.electrifyexpo.com/showoff.
From electric cars to e-motorcycles and tricked-out e-bikes, an all-new car culture is emerging in the form of customized EVs. The automotive aftermarket is beginning to launch many go fast and styling modifications allowing EV owners to express their unique style. Everything from EV-designed tires, body kits, wheels, brakes, custom wraps and coatings, and modifications that enhance speed, torque, and all-around good looks, make driving an EV fun and stylish.
“Electrify Show Off is a major initiative for Electrify Expo to accelerate custom car culture in the EV industry,” said Peter MacGillivray, vice president of B2B and industry growth at Electrify Expo and former SEMA executive. “EV Customization is happening, and it’s reflective of the personalities stepping into EVs, and Electrify Expo aims to provide a platform for these owners to showcase the aftermarket parts specifically created to shape an electrified future.”
In addition to Show Off, the Electrify Expo Austin stop will also feature, Electrify Speed Shop, an interactive display where EVs will be modified live for attendees throughout the two-day event. The team from Austin Auto Finishes will transform an EV from stock to modified in a behind-the-scenes experience, including a color change vehicle wrap, full vehicle tint, along with tire, wheel and suspension upgrades from show open on Saturday to show close at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Known for some famous EV customizations, Austin Auto Finishes has retrofitted and upgraded hundreds of EVs from factory finish to show-ready.
“EV customization is something we know well, but with the depth and breadth of vehicles and aftermarket parts available today, the movement has grown exponentially in the last two years,” said Brian Daly, owner of Austin Detailing. “We’re the largest modification shop for EVs in Texas, and we look forward to showing attendees all of the possibilities for upgraded styling and speed.”
While Show Off and Speed Shop are launching in Austin in 2022, the entire 2023 Electrify Expo schedule will provide mass opportunities for EV enthusiasts to show off their rides at Electrify Expo. These new features will have a major footprint at each event dedicated to showing off all forms of electric vehicles.
The final event of 2022 expects to be Electrify Expo’s largest event to date, generating more than 30,000 test rides among top EV brands in attendance. From electric cars, e-bikes, e-motorcycles, e-skateboards, and e-scooters to the latest in EV charging technology, attendees can ride, drive and demo the latest in electric mobility at Electrify Expo Austin.
For more information, visit www.electrifyexpo.com/austin.
Among the big announcements and news made at the 2022 SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet were winners of two prestigious awards:
Poulson and Burns were presented with the honors in front of nearly 3,000 industry leaders and icons on Thursday evening, November 3, 2022.
Josh Poulson, owner of Auto Additions, was recognized as SEMA Person of the Year for his volunteer leadership contributions, philanthropy and overall influence on the industry.
Poulson, owner of Auto Additions, was recognized for his volunteer leadership contributions, philanthropy and overall influence on the industry. He has been volunteering on the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) select committee since 2012. His years of advocacy for restylers and manufacturers to have a voice in the industry earned him recognition as SEMA PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012, and SEMA PRO Person of the Year in 2015.
Mike Burns (center), CEO of ValvoMax, was recognized as Gen-III Innovator of the Year for his outstanding commitment to the industry and a high level of involvement with SEMA committees, task forces, councils and overall participation.
As Gen-III Innovator of the Year, Burns, CEO of ValvoMax, was recognized for his outstanding commitment to the industry and a high level of involvement with SEMA committees, task forces, councils and overall participation. The award is presented annually to a young, entrepreneurial individual, 40 years old or younger, who is creating new innovative breakthroughs within the area(s) of industry opportunities and advancements. He was a 2018 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalist for developing an oil-change system that removes the hassle associated with traditional oil changes.
The two awards are among the most prestigious SEMA honors given to individuals in the industry. To learn more about SEMA, visit www.sema.org.