Thu, 08/14/2025 - 07:59

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA TORA Smoky Mountain

 

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is excited to announce its networking mixer taking place during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. RSVP here

Located in the Staybridge Suites, the mixer will provide a great opportunity for current and prospective members to grow their professional network while celebrating all things Jeep with fellow industry professionals. Attendees will gain insight into TORA's ongoing programs designed to help businesses thrive, receive updates on recent advocacy efforts and wins, and learn how to get more involved in the truck and off-road industry through volunteering.    

TORA membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the truck and off-road aftermarket industry. If this sounds like your business, don't miss your chance to wrap up day one of the Jeep Club Invasion with great company, meaningful connections and engaging conversation.  

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 22:57

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA Show Exhibitor car unveil for Exhibitor Deadlines article

 

As specialty-equipment industry manufacturers once again prepare to descend on Las Vegas for the 2025 SEMA Show, November 4-7, it's important for exhibitors to keep critical deadlines and checklists at the forefront and take advantage of the many programs available to exhibitors that are designed to help your brand increase exposure and improve ROI.

In order to help your brand prepare to connect with dedicated buyers, influencers, dealers and automotive professionals, here are some exhibitor resources to help you track upcoming deadlines and stay on budget.

Products for Project-Vehicle Builders Program

SEMA Show exhibitors can expand their reach, product exposure and Show-floor presence through the exclusive Products for Project-Vehicle Builders program, which is now open at semashow.com/projectvehicle.

The Products for Project-Vehicle Builders list is designed for builders looking to collaborate and seek product offers straight from confirmed SEMA Show exhibitors.

Qualified builders interested in obtaining a product should contact exhibitors directly with the provided contact information. All product-placement decisions, negotiations and agreements are the responsibility of the exhibiting manufacturer and the builder, with each project vehicle on display at the SEMA Show required to be supported by a current 2025 SEMA Show exhibitor.

The list is open to exhibitors of the 2025 SEMA Show only. To be included in the list, complete the form at semashow.com/projectvehicle.


SEMA Show Deadlines List

This all-encompassing checklist provides a breakdown of deadlines for booth orders, rentals, booth vehicle applications, celebrity appearance notifications and more key dates, some of which are also detailed in this article below.

View the SEMA Show deadlines checklist.


Budget Checklist

This checklist allows exhibitors to keep track of all costs--like exhibit design, booth services, freight/material handling, labor and miscellaneous fees. Simply input the exhibiting company name for a personalized form.

View the SEMA Show budget checklist.


Upcoming Key Exhibitor Deadlines

Be sure to check out the complete list of deadlines for more dates. 

  • August 13: SEMA Show Directory listing information.
  • August 15: Press/Media Conference application.
  • August 22: SEMA Show Directory ad space reservations.
  • August 28: SEMA Show Directory ad materials due.

Placing Freeman orders before the Thursday, October 2, discount deadline, which offers discounted prices off regular rates on nearly all services, is one of the best ways to save ahead of the SEMA Show.

Don't forget that the Exhibitor Services Manual, accessed at semashow.com/esm, is a one-stop shop for all things related to exhibiting at the SEMA Show. It contains everything companies need to know to exhibit like a pro, including the deadline and budget checklists.

And now that you know these dates, exhibitors can also lock in the guaranteed lowest hotel rates by booking in the official SEMA Show Block provided by OnPeak.

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 22:55

By SEMA News Editors

SBN SEMA Show Booth

 

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is proud to announce the return of its engaging and expanded booth at the 2025 SEMA Show--this year with three powerhouse partners: Autofluencer, HAVEN Creative and Real Deal Revolution. Together, SBN and these women-owned businesses will help deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that educates, connects and celebrates women in the automotive aftermarket. 

Spanning 20x30 sq. ft., the SBN booth at the 2025 SEMA Show-- November 4-7, Las Vegas--will serve as a hub of learning, empowerment and professional development, while also shining a spotlight on the contributions of women across the industry. Attendees can expect a full week of hands-on workshops, interactive displays and meaningful networking opportunities.  

Autofluencer will host live panel discussions and interviews, provide content creation tips and offer exciting giveaways that support female creators in the industry. "I joined SBN at my first SEMA after starting Autofluencer, and the community has been a game-changer," said Erica Sietsma, Autoinfluencer's founder and CEO. "Being in the booth this year feels like coming full circle—it's my chance to give back."

HAVEN Creative will bring its "Make Mavens. Get Sh*t Done." activation featuring a collaborative Maven Wall, podcast interviews with women leaders, personal branding tools and more. "I'm most excited about the real, raw conversations that are going to happen in this space," said Jeni Bukolt, founder of HAVEN Creative. "I love helping people gain clarity and connect with others to unlock their potential."

Real Deal Revolution will offer hands-on technical workshops like pinstriping, carburetor rebuilds and plastic welding--designed to equip attendees with new skills and confidence. "Our hands-on workshops are designed to empower others to discover they are far more capable than they realize," said Theresa Contreras, co-founder of Real Deal Revolution. "By showcasing skilled women in their craft, we aim to inspire confidence, break barriers and spark the belief that they, too, can forge their own path."

"The SBN booth is more than just a display--it's a space where community is built, careers are supported and women are celebrated," said SBN Select Committee Member Annette Bauer. "Our partners share this mission and will help us elevate the presence and impact of women at the SEMA Show." 

Attendees can also learn more about SBN's year-round programming, member benefits and how to get involved. Stop by the SBN booth at SEMA Show this November. Whether you're a newcomer, ally or long-time supporter, this is your place to connect, grow and get inspired. 

To learn more about SBN or to become a member, visit sema.org/sbn.

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 22:06

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA Capitol

 

Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint, and we've reached a solid mid-way point in the year. With Congress back home during its summer recess, SEMA is preparing for a busy fall in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025. Here's where things stand.

Halting Electric-Vehicle (EV) Mandates and Preserving Vehicle Choice

The big win so far this year. SEMA didn't just play a pivotal role in killing EV mandates--we led the effort in Washington, D.C., on this issue, earning a visit to the White House when President Trump signed a Congressional Review Act resolution that protects more than 330,000 American jobs and preserves $100 billion in annual economic impact for the nation's economy by revoking a waiver that would have enabled California to ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles.

Along the way, SEMA mobilized an army of advocates to:  

  • Send more than 56,000 letters and make more than 2,000 phone calls to lawmakers in the House and Senate.
     
  • Build a coalition of 335 small businesses for an April letter urging House and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the ACC II regulation.
     
  • Host aftermarket business leaders and automotive influencers for 56 in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and staff.
     
  • Dominate the digital media landscape with countless memes and posts on the harms of EV mandates, reaching more than 2 million voters in key states, and running online ads that put pressure on lawmakers and staff around the Capitol. 

Meanwhile, other states wised up to the harms of EV mandates. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Vermont each backed off policies that followed California's emissions policies, while North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia and eight other states passed SEMA-supported "ban the ban" legislation to ensure such mandates can never take effect.  

Protecting the Right to Repair and Modify Vehicles

The REPAIR Act was introduced in the House and Senate and awaits committee action. However, SEMA has declined to support these bills, which do not provide sufficient protections for vehicle owners who want to legally and safely modify their vehicles, as well as the specialty aftermarket businesses that produce, sell and install products that modify vehicles. Our right to repair/right to modify principles document clearly outlines what must be done by lawmakers to earn SEMA's support.

Preserving Access to Public Lands for Recreational Use

Before departing from office, President Biden signed the SEMA-supported Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act) (HR 6492), thus establishing an important, comprehensive public lands law that will improve the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands and bolster the economic impact of outdoor recreation businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, guides and local businesses nationwide.

Then, in May, SEMA helped deliver a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts when the California Supreme Court declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California. This victory was a direct result of SEMA's lawsuit, which rightly argued that the CCC violated the state's Coastal Act when it ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Tariffs

SEMA continues to gather information on the impact of tariffs on our members and share this information with the Trump Administration and lawmakers. SEMA has met with the Department of Commerce to share survey data culled from our member businesses on tariff impacts, and established a strong set of guiding principles to serve as a north star for discussions with federal policymakers on international trade. Because tariffs remain a rapidly changing landscape, we'll continue to reinforce to the government how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Shaping Tax Policies That Help Small Businesses

SEMA advocated for and helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American businesses. The bill includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for R&D and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions, and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements. The new law is a massive win for specialty-aftermarket businesses. 

SEMA has also spent a great deal of time laying the groundwork for action in the fall to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation. The bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462) would permanently ensure that motorsports entertainment complexes can depreciate the money they invest in their facility over a seven-year period. 

Without congressional action, race tracks' depreciation period would revert to up to 39 years at the end of 2025. This is why making the incentive permanent would provide track owners with important certainty for making long-term investments.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA is leading the charge to improve the landscape in California for auto collectors, backing Leno's Law (SB 712), which would expand smog exemptions for a new swath of classic vehicles. This bipartisan bill represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades. It is foundational progress that shows the growing strength of SEMA and the automotive community to advance legislation in the most difficult political environments, like California.

Protection of Small Businesses From Regulatory Overreach

In a major development, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will begin rulemaking to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse-gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new-car requirements. The proposed rule will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse-gas limits, the latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009.

SEMA is reviewing the proposed rule to identify any potential additional impacts to the specialty automotive aftermarket, even as the rule is not expected to impact Clean Air Act requirements related to the maintenance of emissions controls after a vehicle has been purchased.

In the states, SEMA led successful efforts in Arkansas and Oregon to protect race tracks from orchestrated efforts to shut them down.


Want to learn more? Visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest and follow the SEMA Action Network on Instagram to get involved.

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 22:06

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

SEMA Capitol

 

Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint, and we've reached a solid mid-way point in the year. With Congress back home during its summer recess, SEMA is preparing for a busy fall in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

In January, SEMA mapped its advocacy agenda for 2025. Here's where things stand.

Halting Electric-Vehicle (EV) Mandates and Preserving Vehicle Choice

The big win so far this year. SEMA didn't just play a pivotal role in killing EV mandates--we led the effort in Washington, D.C., on this issue, earning a visit to the White House when President Trump signed a Congressional Review Act resolution that protects more than 330,000 American jobs and preserves $100 billion in annual economic impact for the nation's economy by revoking a waiver that would have enabled California to ban internal-combustion-engine vehicles.

Along the way, SEMA mobilized an army of advocates to:  

  • Send more than 56,000 letters and make more than 2,000 phone calls to lawmakers in the House and Senate.
     
  • Build a coalition of 335 small businesses for an April letter urging House and Senate leadership to hold votes to put an immediate stop to the implementation of the ACC II regulation.
     
  • Host aftermarket business leaders and automotive influencers for 56 in-person meetings in Washington, D.C., with lawmakers and staff.
     
  • Dominate the digital media landscape with countless memes and posts on the harms of EV mandates, reaching more than 2 million voters in key states, and running online ads that put pressure on lawmakers and staff around the Capitol. 

Meanwhile, other states wised up to the harms of EV mandates. Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Vermont each backed off policies that followed California's emissions policies, while North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, West Virginia and eight other states passed SEMA-supported "ban the ban" legislation to ensure such mandates can never take effect.  

Protecting the Right to Repair and Modify Vehicles

The REPAIR Act was introduced in the House and Senate and awaits committee action. However, SEMA has declined to support these bills, which do not provide sufficient protections for vehicle owners who want to legally and safely modify their vehicles, as well as the specialty aftermarket businesses that produce, sell and install products that modify vehicles. Our right to repair/right to modify principles document clearly outlines what must be done by lawmakers to earn SEMA's support.

Preserving Access to Public Lands for Recreational Use

Before departing from office, President Biden signed the SEMA-supported Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act (EXPLORE Act) (HR 6492), thus establishing an important, comprehensive public lands law that will improve the permitting process for motorized recreation events on federal lands and bolster the economic impact of outdoor recreation businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, guides and local businesses nationwide.

Then, in May, SEMA helped deliver a major, decisive win for off-road enthusiasts when the California Supreme Court declined to hear a petition from the California Coastal Commission (CCC), thus preserving access to Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA) located near Pismo Beach, California. This victory was a direct result of SEMA's lawsuit, which rightly argued that the CCC violated the state's Coastal Act when it ordered the phase-out of OHV use at Oceano Dunes. The ruling preserves motorized access to an area that's the only place in California where off-road enthusiasts can drive and camp on the beach, with unique sand dunes and options for off-roading, camping and exploring. 

Tariffs

SEMA continues to gather information on the impact of tariffs on our members and share this information with the Trump Administration and lawmakers. SEMA has met with the Department of Commerce to share survey data culled from our member businesses on tariff impacts, and established a strong set of guiding principles to serve as a north star for discussions with federal policymakers on international trade. Because tariffs remain a rapidly changing landscape, we'll continue to reinforce to the government how the automotive aftermarket is impacted by these policies.

Shaping Tax Policies That Help Small Businesses

SEMA advocated for and helped secure passage of the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which provides tax certainty to American businesses. The bill includes several key provisions that benefit SEMA member companies, including reduced tax rates for individuals and pass-through businesses, 199a deduction made permanent, Section 179 expensing cap increased, full expensing for R&D and capital investments, expanded business interest deductions, and 100% immediate deductibility of certain investments in new factories and improvements. The new law is a massive win for specialty-aftermarket businesses. 

SEMA has also spent a great deal of time laying the groundwork for action in the fall to secure a more sustainable economic landscape for race tracks across the nation. The bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (HR 2231/S 2462) would permanently ensure that motorsports entertainment complexes can depreciate the money they invest in their facility over a seven-year period. 

Without congressional action, race tracks' depreciation period would revert to up to 39 years at the end of 2025. This is why making the incentive permanent would provide track owners with important certainty for making long-term investments.

Defense of Classic Vehicles and Collector Rights

SEMA is leading the charge to improve the landscape in California for auto collectors, backing Leno's Law (SB 712), which would expand smog exemptions for a new swath of classic vehicles. This bipartisan bill represents the most significant progress we've made in California on this sort of bill in decades. It is foundational progress that shows the growing strength of SEMA and the automotive community to advance legislation in the most difficult political environments, like California.

Protection of Small Businesses From Regulatory Overreach

In a major development, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will begin rulemaking to overturn the 2009 "endangerment" finding on greenhouse gases and repeal the greenhouse-gas standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles. The EPA's proposed rule will directly impact federal new-car requirements. The proposed rule will ensure that automakers produce vehicles driven by consumer demand, rather than greenhouse-gas limits, the latter of which has significantly influenced the models of vehicles available to the American people since 2009.

SEMA is reviewing the proposed rule to identify any potential additional impacts to the specialty automotive aftermarket, even as the rule is not expected to impact Clean Air Act requirements related to the maintenance of emissions controls after a vehicle has been purchased.

In the states, SEMA led successful efforts in Arkansas and Oregon to protect race tracks from orchestrated efforts to shut them down.


Want to learn more? Visit sema.org/advocacy for the latest and follow the SEMA Action Network on Instagram to get involved.

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 13:22

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

 

Spy photographers have once again caught an upcoming vehicle undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before its official debut. 

 

Immediate Reveal Expected: The Facelifted '26 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio
'26 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio spy shots

Porsche is preparing to unveil the facelifted 911 Turbo Cabrio, and our spy photographers have captured it testing in southern Europe without camouflage ahead of its debut as a '26 high-performance hybrid model.

Compared to the last 911 Turbo Cabrio prototype spotted almost half a year ago, the front end of this car has shed not only the vinyl wrap but also the armor covering the air intakes.

These are now fully visible--bulky, of course--but they look standard, with their five vertical flaps and without the three thin horizontal bars seen before. The headlamps match those on the rest of the new 911 facelift, with integrated daytime running lights and turn indicators, while the daytime running light decals on the top of the bumper are fake.

'26 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio spy shots

This prototype features forged alloy wheels with a central locking nut and large carbon-ceramic brakes. There's little new to note until the rear, where the bumper has lost the panels concealing its design. The entire bumper is new, with vertical gills at the ends, four functional exhaust pipes inside rectangular trim pieces, and only the central section of the taillights still covered.

Inside, there's no roll cage, but also no rear seats—replaced instead by a storage box to reduce weight. This version is equipped with the "T-Hybrid" technology used for the first time in the new 911 GTS.

'26 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio spy shots

 

Third Update: Yet One More Facelift for the Hyundai i30
Hyundai i30 spy shots

The Hyundai i30, a mainstay in the European compact hatchback market, has been spied undergoing testing under heavy camouflage inside Hyundai's R&D Centre in Germany. The prototype suggests that Hyundai isn't done with the i30 just yet—despite the segment's increasing shift toward electrification.

The i30 last received its second facelift in 2024 (after the first in 2020), yet these new spy shots hint at another round of visual and mechanical updates. While at first glance it may appear to be another mild refresh, industry insiders suggest that Hyundai could be implementing design tweaks to mask more significant under-the-hood changes--possibly to meet the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards.

The camouflage is mostly focused on the front and rear fascias, indicating potential changes to the bumper design, headlights, and grille. These modifications may serve both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes, but more critically, they could be concealing upgrades to the powertrain or exhaust systems needed to comply with stricter emissions regulations in Europe set to take effect in 2026.

Hyundai i30 spy shots

According to industry sources, Hyundai's long-term strategy doesn't involve a direct internal combustion engine (ICE) replacement for the i30. Instead, the brand is focused on developing a fully electric hatchback that would eventually replace the i30 altogether—most likely based on the IONIQ platform or a heavily revised version of it.

This third facelift--or compliance update--may be a cost-effective way to extend the i30's life cycle while sales remain viable. It's a strategic move: rather than investing in an all-new ICE generation, Hyundai appears to be maximizing returns on an existing platform before the market fully transitions to electric vehicles (EVs)—a completely different strategy compared with the i20, which will receive a new ICE generation model.

While Hyundai has made significant progress with its IONIQ lineup, transitioning the i30 directly to an EV would require extensive re-engineering. Given the shrinking but still significant demand for ICE vehicles in certain European markets, Hyundai seems to be opting for a gradual phase-out strategy.

Moreover, adapting the current i30 to comply with Euro 7 standards allows Hyundai to keep a lower-cost alternative in showrooms, appealing to budget-conscious consumers who aren't yet ready to go electric.

Hyundai i30 spy shots

 

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 12:55

By SEMA News Editors

Queens of the Stone Age SEMA Fest November 7 2025 Las Vegas


Get ready--rock royalty is coming to Las Vegas. Queens of the Stone Age will headline SEMA Fest 2025 with a high-energy set that's guaranteed to shake the SEMA Show Bronze Lot on Friday, November 7. Known for hits like "No One Knows," "Go With the Flow," "Little Sister" and "The Way You Used to Do," the multi-platinum band will bring their iconic sound to one of the industry's most anticipated nights of the year.

But SEMA Fest is more than just a concert--it's a full-throttle celebration where music meets motorsports. Between sets, fans can check out wild custom builds, jaw-dropping drifting demos and burnouts, lifestyle vendors, and the kind of festival vibes you can only find among like-minded enthusiasts during SEMA Show week in Las Vegas.

This is your chance to lock in your spot at one of the most unforgettable nights of the year. 2025 SEMA Fest tickets start at just $70 (including taxes and fees). SEMA Fest ticket provider Tixr offers payment plans, where guests will pay the full ticket price in recurring payments until a final date determined when purchasing the tickets. Tickets must be paid for by the final payment date to be valid at the event. Complete payment plan details and an agreement are available on semafest.com when purchasing tickets.

🔗 Visit semafest.com for tickets, updates and full event details.
📩 Have questions? Email info@semafest.com.
🤝 For sponsorship or partnership inquiries, contact partnership@semafest.com.


This story was originally published on Tuesday, August 12.

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 11:06

By Ashley Reyes

MPMC Media Trade Conference conversation media member

 

The SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) Media Trade Conference returns to Anaheim, California, January 27-29, 2026, giving motorsports parts manufacturers unmatched access to private meetings with the automotive industry's top journalists, podcasters and content creators in one location.

Manufacturers can go to www.mediatradeconference.com to secure their exhibit suite, where their company will host more than 40 private meetings during the three days. The meetings give brands the best opportunity to share their latest news and products with the media in a focused environment.

Benefits of Exhibiting
  1. Customized meetings: Meetings are matched to the manufacturer's selected preferences during registration to ensure a personalized, brand-aligned experience.
  2. Time and cost efficiency: Exhibitors save time and money by gaining direct access to more than 40 media outlets that visit their suite, and many more outside of meetings.   
  3. Networking windows: Networking lunches and breaks scheduled throughout the week give attendees additional opportunities to build relationships with industry peers.
  4. High-energy reception: Attendees will enjoy an evening filled with conversation, community, and connection on Wednesday night of the event.

The Media Trade Conference is open to MPMC, Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) business members. Attendees can maximize their ROI by registering early. Early-bird pricing for exhibitors is $850 until September 8 and will increase to $950 beginning September 9. Media registration will open in September. Learn more and register at sema.org/mtc, and read a recap of the 2025 event here.

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 10:28

By Ashley Reyes

PRO Spotlight

 

The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Jonathan Barber, regional sales director at Bob Cook Sales, as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know Barber in his interview with SEMA News below. 

SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?  

Jonathan Barber: From a young age, I have been fascinated with cars and the ability to customize them. I was given the opportunity to work for a manufacturer in the automotive aftermarket in 2009 and have been hooked ever since. I now work as a manufacturer rep and get to work with numerous restylers across the Southeast, which is very exciting. No two days are the same. 

SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?  

JB: I decided to start volunteering for PRO because of the PRO Cup Challenge. Seeing the vehicles that were built and displayed at SEMA a few years ago made me very interested to learn more and work closer with restylers in the industry. There is a lot of symmetry with my profession and working closely with restylers to gain knowledge of the newest trends. This is impactful not only for me but for the industry as a whole. 

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

JB: My advice for anyone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket is to jump in feet first. This is an amazing industry with fantastic people who have a passion for all things automotive. 

SN: What is your dream vehicle?  

JB: My dream vehicle is a '69 Chevelle. If I were to ever have the opportunity to own one, you would find me cruising around or at a local car show/meet. 

SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?  

JB: The best advice I was given was to work hard, pursue your passion, and good things will come your way. 

SN: What keeps you in the industry?  

JB: The people are what keep me in the industry. As big as the industry is, the close connections and friendships I have made over the years are valuable to me. 

SN:Where can you be found on a Saturday?  

JB: On Saturdays, you can find me spending time with my family. 


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. 

Tue, 08/12/2025 - 09:20

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA TORA Smoky Mountain

 

The SEMA Truck & Off-Road Alliance (TORA) is excited to announce its networking mixer taking place during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on August 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT. RSVP here

Located in the Staybridge Suites, the mixer will provide a great opportunity for current and prospective members to grow their professional network while celebrating all things Jeep with fellow industry professionals. Attendees will gain insight into TORA's ongoing programs designed to help businesses thrive, receive updates on recent advocacy efforts and wins, and learn how to get more involved in the truck and off-road industry through volunteering.    

TORA membership is open to all SEMA member companies serving the truck and off-road aftermarket industry. If this sounds like your business, don't miss your chance to wrap up day one of the Jeep Club Invasion with great company, meaningful connections and engaging conversation.  

Light snacks and drinks will be served. RSVP here