By Jason Catullo

Ian Lehn and his BOOSTane product were chosen as the winners of the 2014 SEMA Launch Pad competition held at last year's SEMA Show. The competition offers innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plan for marketing a new automotive product or service. Finalists pitched their businesses to five industry leaders who selected the winner at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Launch Pad is returning to the SEMA Show for 2015, and entries are due soon. To sign up for the 2015 competition, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad.

SEMA Member News recently interviewed Lehn to learn about the entire experience and the benefits of program. 
 
Product Overview

BOOSTane is a premium octane concentrate that transforms regular pump fuel to anywhere from 94 octane all the way to 110 octane race-fuel equivalent.

SEMA Member News (SMN): What exposure has your company gained since competing in 2014’s SEMA Launch Pad?
 
Lehn: Our big focus since SEMA and the competition has been on marketing, which has been sort of a the missing link. Since the competition, one of the first items that went live was an article in Hot Rod magazine, which was incredible. We tracked it from day one and as far as website traffic and analytics, it’s been crazy. It’s definitely been a whirlwind.

SMN: Where did the BOOSTane concept come from?

Lehn: My concept came from a personal demand. We were doing a lot of racing, whether it was SPCA racing or powerboat racing. The difficulty we were having was obtaining and transporting race fuel. It came in bulky containers. Especially with powerboat racing, we needed hundreds of gallons of it, which we were transporting around in drums and drums. The transportation of the fuel was very dangerous, very expensive. So we started exploring some octane-boosting alternatives. Many of them didn’t work, and the ones that did had fatal defects. The engineers—a total of three of us at the time—put our heads together and solved some of these problems. It took us about four years before we had something that we could take to the marine market as a proof of concept and it just naturally progressed.

SMN: Did you make any notable relationships during the competition?

It’s hard not to find common ground with people who are young entrepreneurs and executives in the automotive aftermarket industry. For example, Sarah from Hybrid Haven on the stage said, “We’re having trouble stabilizing the fuel in our hybrid vehicles because they’re not burning through it fast enough. Would your product work?” And then Roger [Peterson, of MG Research] came up and said, “BOOSTane would slide right into this app. I’d be honored to have it.” It’s become this network for all of us.

SMN: How did SEMA Launch Pad impact the business?

Last year was our first year in the automotive aftermarket; we’re still in the first quarter and we’re already surpassing all of our sales from last year. I attribute that directly to all of my exposure from Launch Pad. We did a lot of marketing, but if I were to put a graph on it, the spikes came from the Launch Pad exposure.

For more information about YEN or the SEMA Launch Pad Competition for 2015, contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

By Jason Catullo

Ian Lehn and his BOOSTane product were chosen as the winners of the 2014 SEMA Launch Pad competition held at last year's SEMA Show. The competition offers innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs under the age of 40 an industry platform to showcase their business plan for marketing a new automotive product or service. Finalists pitched their businesses to five industry leaders who selected the winner at the 2014 SEMA Show.

The Launch Pad is returning to the SEMA Show for 2015, and entries are due soon. To sign up for the 2015 competition, visit www.sema.org/launch-pad.

SEMA Member News recently interviewed Lehn to learn about the entire experience and the benefits of program. 
 
Product Overview

BOOSTane is a premium octane concentrate that transforms regular pump fuel to anywhere from 94 octane all the way to 110 octane race-fuel equivalent.

SEMA Member News (SMN): What exposure has your company gained since competing in 2014’s SEMA Launch Pad?
 
Lehn: Our big focus since SEMA and the competition has been on marketing, which has been sort of a the missing link. Since the competition, one of the first items that went live was an article in Hot Rod magazine, which was incredible. We tracked it from day one and as far as website traffic and analytics, it’s been crazy. It’s definitely been a whirlwind.

SMN: Where did the BOOSTane concept come from?

Lehn: My concept came from a personal demand. We were doing a lot of racing, whether it was SPCA racing or powerboat racing. The difficulty we were having was obtaining and transporting race fuel. It came in bulky containers. Especially with powerboat racing, we needed hundreds of gallons of it, which we were transporting around in drums and drums. The transportation of the fuel was very dangerous, very expensive. So we started exploring some octane-boosting alternatives. Many of them didn’t work, and the ones that did had fatal defects. The engineers—a total of three of us at the time—put our heads together and solved some of these problems. It took us about four years before we had something that we could take to the marine market as a proof of concept and it just naturally progressed.

SMN: Did you make any notable relationships during the competition?

It’s hard not to find common ground with people who are young entrepreneurs and executives in the automotive aftermarket industry. For example, Sarah from Hybrid Haven on the stage said, “We’re having trouble stabilizing the fuel in our hybrid vehicles because they’re not burning through it fast enough. Would your product work?” And then Roger [Peterson, of MG Research] came up and said, “BOOSTane would slide right into this app. I’d be honored to have it.” It’s become this network for all of us.

SMN: How did SEMA Launch Pad impact the business?

Last year was our first year in the automotive aftermarket; we’re still in the first quarter and we’re already surpassing all of our sales from last year. I attribute that directly to all of my exposure from Launch Pad. We did a lot of marketing, but if I were to put a graph on it, the spikes came from the Launch Pad exposure.

For more information about YEN or the SEMA Launch Pad Competition for 2015, contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By AJ Carney

	SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

Main topics covered during the panel discussion included:

• What is the SEMA Data Co-op (SDC)?
• Consumer Awareness
• E.O. Certification

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.

By Amanda Gubbins

The election results are in for SEMA’s council and network Select Committees, and each group will welcome back seasoned incumbents, along with fresh ideas from new faces. These newly elected members will serve a two-year term (July 1, 2015–June 30, 2017), during which time they will assist in guiding each group's direction and key initiatives, while giving voice to their niche industry segment. The following individuals were elected to serve their market segments:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• Mark Cotter – Repops, Incumbent
• Todd McClure
• Ben Tucker – Camaro Central, Incumbent

• Michael Alvarez – Roush Yates, Incumbent
• Kent Bradley – Performance & Hotrod Business, Incumbent
• Chris Crecelius – Hypertech Inc.
• Gabe Hall – Magnaflow
• Kelleigh Ash – Pilot Automotive
• Rodney Esteban – Hybrid Haven International LLC

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

• Carmen Bélanger-Martin – AM Hot Rod Glass
• Scott Bowers – Ron Francis Wiring, Incumbent
• B.J. Elmore – Ridetech, Incumbent
• Jeff Major – Bed Wood and Parts, Incumbent
• Angela Schoof – TEN: The Enthusiast Network, Incumbent

Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA)

• Brant Combs – ATC Truck Covers
• Rick Hermann – WeatherTech/MacNeil Automotive, Incumbent
• Anne Johnson, TAG: Truck Accessories Group
• Sara Morosan – LGE*CTS Motorsports, Incumbent
• Troy Wirtz – Dee Zee Inc.

Manufacturers' Representative Network (MRN)

• John Keyes – Josco Sales
• Brian Hosenfeld – R&R Marketing Consultants
• Bill Eagan – Airheart Sales, Incumbent
• Bernard Bolisig – Upshift Marketing

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• Ed “Blake” Burgy – Flaming River
• Sean Crawford – JE Pistons/PMI
• Ben Knaus – Hellwig Products
• Jack McInnis – World Products, Incumbent
• Robert Wityczak – Magnaflow, Incumbent

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• Jeffrey Amegod – Pacific Dealership Services
• Mike Bacon – Webasto, Incumbent
• Kevin McGowan – Auto Trim Restyling, Incumbent
• Raymond Ott – Auto Trim of Cleveland, Incumbent
• Dino Perfetti – Automotive Concepts
• Josh Poulson – Auto Additions Inc., Incumbent
• Chris Sepanski – 3M, Incumbent
• Roger Tibbetts – Husky Liners
• Jeff Varick – Brandmotion LLC, Incumbent
• Carol Walsh – Southside Trim & Glass

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• Coelette Chenier – Transamerican Auto Parts
• Tiffany Dorin – Magnaflow
• Erika Klein – AutoAnything
• Jennifer LaFever – Roush Yates, Incumbent
• Lana Chrisman – McLeod Racing
• Sherry Kollien – Ford Motor Co., Incumbent

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• Kelly Austin – Tireco, Incumbent
• Tim Dietz – Standards Testing Labs, Incumbent
• Hank Feldman – Performance Plus Tire and Auto Superstore, Incumbent
• David Insull – American Tire Distributors
• Dave Johnson – Icon Media
• Bob Riegel – Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Incumbent
• Carl Robinson – Mickey Thompson Performance Tires & Wheels

Young Executives Network (YEN)

• Jared Chavez – Magnaflow
• Trent Goodwin – COMP Performance Group
• Lindsay Hubley – Family Events, Incumbent
• Derek Love – Painless Performance
• Jonathan Mill – E-Stopp Corp.

SEMA’s councils have company-based memberships and are designed to represent key segments of the larger market, while the networks provide professional communities for individual employees of SEMA-member companies. For more information about joining or volunteering, visit www.sema.org/councils-networks.