By Kristopher Porter

Kim Pendergast

As we wrap up 2018, December’s #SheIs SEMA Member Spotlight is dedicated to Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Products. Take a look at her Q&A with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) below:

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

Kim Pendergast: You spend most of your waking hours working. Find an industry you love, people you admire and who share your moral compass, and work there.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

KP: This industry is dynamic. We push the limits of technology every day. People work here because they want to, not have to. That creates an energy that draws you to work every day.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

KP: At Magnuson. I love my work. Saturdays are for catching up on what I didn’t get done during the week. They are a time to reflect and to think about the future. If there is a Saturday shift—and there often is—I can spend time with the guys.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

KP: I’m on time and prepared. Part of being prepared is understanding my communication goal before I walk into a meeting. I imagine how the meeting will play out and where the conversation will lead us. Then I re-imagine another line of discussion that will take the conversation in a different place. Repeat until I see success.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

KP: Jay Leno! He epitomizes our industry with humor, fun and grace.

Check out the #SheIsSEMA website to see other amazing women in the industry. If you or an SBN member you know deserves to be recognized as a #SheIsSEMA Spotlight, fill out this form to be considered for a feature. Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Kristopher Porter

Kim Pendergast

As we wrap up 2018, December’s #SheIs SEMA Member Spotlight is dedicated to Kim Pendergast, CEO of Magnuson Products. Take a look at her Q&A with the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) below:

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

Kim Pendergast: You spend most of your waking hours working. Find an industry you love, people you admire and who share your moral compass, and work there.

SEMA: What keeps you involved in this industry?

KP: This industry is dynamic. We push the limits of technology every day. People work here because they want to, not have to. That creates an energy that draws you to work every day.

SEMA: On a Saturday, where can you be found?

KP: At Magnuson. I love my work. Saturdays are for catching up on what I didn’t get done during the week. They are a time to reflect and to think about the future. If there is a Saturday shift—and there often is—I can spend time with the guys.

SEMA: How do you prepare for going to an important meeting?

KP: I’m on time and prepared. Part of being prepared is understanding my communication goal before I walk into a meeting. I imagine how the meeting will play out and where the conversation will lead us. Then I re-imagine another line of discussion that will take the conversation in a different place. Repeat until I see success.

SEMA: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?

KP: Jay Leno! He epitomizes our industry with humor, fun and grace.

Check out the #SheIsSEMA website to see other amazing women in the industry. If you or an SBN member you know deserves to be recognized as a #SheIsSEMA Spotlight, fill out this form to be considered for a feature. Not an SBN member? Fill out this form to join today.

By Kristopher Porter

For the first time ever, SEMA Cares held a fundraiser for the association's three partner charities at SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Taking place the morning of December 1, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., “Cars & Coffee” gathered nearly 250 unique vehicles showing off their custom metal and vintage style to hundreds of attendees and volunteers. The coffee was flowing all morning, and by the end of the event nearly $6,000 was raised to support SEMA Cares.

SEMA Cares provides a forum from which association members can act as a collective influence toward making a positive impact beyond the automotive community.

SEMA Cares helps improve the lives of many in need through the great work done by the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp's prevention and treatment of child abuse, and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and serious illnesses.

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares steers the same dedication and passion SEMA members have for the automotive aftermarket industry to support the care of children with illnesses and others in need.

If you enjoyed the fundraiser, check out all the photos on SEMA Cares Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SEMACares. Head over to www.sema.org/SEMACares to donate and learn more about SEMA's partner charities.

By Kristopher Porter

For the first time ever, SEMA Cares held a fundraiser for the association's three partner charities at SEMA Headquarters in Diamond Bar, California. Taking place the morning of December 1, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., “Cars & Coffee” gathered nearly 250 unique vehicles showing off their custom metal and vintage style to hundreds of attendees and volunteers. The coffee was flowing all morning, and by the end of the event nearly $6,000 was raised to support SEMA Cares.

SEMA Cares provides a forum from which association members can act as a collective influence toward making a positive impact beyond the automotive community.

SEMA Cares helps improve the lives of many in need through the great work done by the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer, Childhelp's prevention and treatment of child abuse, and the Victory Junction camp for children with serious medical conditions and serious illnesses.

Established in 2007, SEMA Cares steers the same dedication and passion SEMA members have for the automotive aftermarket industry to support the care of children with illnesses and others in need.

If you enjoyed the fundraiser, check out all the photos on SEMA Cares Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SEMACares. Head over to www.sema.org/SEMACares to donate and learn more about SEMA's partner charities.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” Report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Newer vehicle platforms, such as crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs), are becoming increasingly popular. Many automakers are adjusting their lineups away from traditional sedans to account for this. Not only have SUVs, CUVs and pickups collectively outsold cars, but they also tend to be more profitable for auto manufacturers. By 2025, SEMA projects that 69% of all light vehicles sold will be classified as light trucks (pickup, SUV, CUV, van)—more than half of which will be from CUVs.

Many factors have contributed to this. Gasoline prices have remained low until recently, which has made fuel efficiency a smaller factor for purchasing. Moreover, a strong economy and relatively low interest rates on new car loans have encouraged people to spend more. Barring an economic downturn, expect CUV and light-truck sales to continue to rise over the coming years.

Want to learn more? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends” Report. This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to give readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” Report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Newer vehicle platforms, such as crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs), are becoming increasingly popular. Many automakers are adjusting their lineups away from traditional sedans to account for this. Not only have SUVs, CUVs and pickups collectively outsold cars, but they also tend to be more profitable for auto manufacturers. By 2025, SEMA projects that 69% of all light vehicles sold will be classified as light trucks (pickup, SUV, CUV, van)—more than half of which will be from CUVs.

Many factors have contributed to this. Gasoline prices have remained low until recently, which has made fuel efficiency a smaller factor for purchasing. Moreover, a strong economy and relatively low interest rates on new car loans have encouraged people to spend more. Barring an economic downturn, expect CUV and light-truck sales to continue to rise over the coming years.

Want to learn more? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends” Report. This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to give readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

By Kyle Cheng

The “SEMA Future Trends” Report includes economic and industry forecasts to provide readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

Newer vehicle platforms, such as crossover-utility vehicles (CUVs), are becoming increasingly popular. Many automakers are adjusting their lineups away from traditional sedans to account for this. Not only have SUVs, CUVs and pickups collectively outsold cars, but they also tend to be more profitable for auto manufacturers. By 2025, SEMA projects that 69% of all light vehicles sold will be classified as light trucks (pickup, SUV, CUV, van)—more than half of which will be from CUVs.

Many factors have contributed to this. Gasoline prices have remained low until recently, which has made fuel efficiency a smaller factor for purchasing. Moreover, a strong economy and relatively low interest rates on new car loans have encouraged people to spend more. Barring an economic downturn, expect CUV and light-truck sales to continue to rise over the coming years.

Want to learn more? Check out the new “SEMA Future Trends” Report. This report, published twice per year, includes economic and industry forecasts to give readers the insights they need to help move their businesses into the future.

To download, visit www.sema.org/research.

By Linda Spencer

“With more American trucks going to Australia and the excitement around the Jeep JL, this was perfect timing for S&B Filters to make the trip to Australia,” said Cayman Carter (center), owner of S&B Filters. “By broadening our vehicle coverage and the increase in crossover of vehicles with the Australian market, we anticipate sustainable growth for many years.”

Join SEMA for an hour-long conference call Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) to learn more about the 2019 SEMA Middle East (March 26–31) and Australia (May 9–13) Business Development Programs. 

During the conference call, participants will learn the following:

• What’s included in the fees (turnkey booth, hotel, meals, pre-vetted buyers).
• Costs.
• Available government grants to help defray the costs.
• What’s new for 2019.
• Information on the booth and setup.
• Schedule.

Additional markets for potential SEMA overseas programs will also be discussed, including:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Scandinavia

Register now for the call. 

By Linda Spencer

“With more American trucks going to Australia and the excitement around the Jeep JL, this was perfect timing for S&B Filters to make the trip to Australia,” said Cayman Carter (center), owner of S&B Filters. “By broadening our vehicle coverage and the increase in crossover of vehicles with the Australian market, we anticipate sustainable growth for many years.”

Join SEMA for an hour-long conference call Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) to learn more about the 2019 SEMA Middle East (March 26–31) and Australia (May 9–13) Business Development Programs. 

During the conference call, participants will learn the following:

• What’s included in the fees (turnkey booth, hotel, meals, pre-vetted buyers).
• Costs.
• Available government grants to help defray the costs.
• What’s new for 2019.
• Information on the booth and setup.
• Schedule.

Additional markets for potential SEMA overseas programs will also be discussed, including:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Scandinavia

Register now for the call. 

By Linda Spencer

“With more American trucks going to Australia and the excitement around the Jeep JL, this was perfect timing for S&B Filters to make the trip to Australia,” said Cayman Carter (center), owner of S&B Filters. “By broadening our vehicle coverage and the increase in crossover of vehicles with the Australian market, we anticipate sustainable growth for many years.”

Join SEMA for an hour-long conference call Wednesday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m. (PST) to learn more about the 2019 SEMA Middle East (March 26–31) and Australia (May 9–13) Business Development Programs. 

During the conference call, participants will learn the following:

• What’s included in the fees (turnkey booth, hotel, meals, pre-vetted buyers).
• Costs.
• Available government grants to help defray the costs.
• What’s new for 2019.
• Information on the booth and setup.
• Schedule.

Additional markets for potential SEMA overseas programs will also be discussed, including:

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Scandinavia

Register now for the call.