By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Education remains committed to empowering industry professionals by sharing innovative strategies, information and learnings through new and engaging webinars.

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming webinars and stay tuned to SEMA eNews as additional sessions are announced throughout the year. For a comprehensive library of on-demand sessions that members can access anytime, visit www.sema.org/virtual-education.

Wednesday, March 10–Facebook Live Chat Featuring Matthew Boice, presented by SEMA YEN
Track: Industry Talks

Having started his career in print and now working at the MotorTrend Group, a Discovery Communications company, Matthew Boice will discuss and field questions on direct-to-consumer, subscription-based streaming services. He brings firsthand insight about the cable distribution model and the increase in platforms catering to consumers’ specific interest. All SEMA members will benefit from learning about the changing media landscape.

Location: SEMA Association Facebook page

Wednesday, March 17–Facebook Live Chat Featuring Donna Wagner, presented by SEMA PRO
Track: Industry Talks

With 30 years’ aftermarket experience in various roles from association executive to supplier marketing and educator, Donna Wagner will discuss and answer questions live on “Filling Your Technician Pipeline: What Your Company Can Do to Help Fill Open Positions.” While skilled technicians is at an all-time low, Wagner will explain why it’s important to actively engage with local automotive tech programs and share tips on how to connect easily and productively.

Location: SEMA Association Facebook page

Thursday, March 18–4 Tips to Double Your Company’s Annual Sales
Track: Marketing & Sales

Whether you’re a CEO, manufacturer or in sales and marketing, knowing how to increase your customer base, the total number of purchases per customer, as well as their average order value through data-driven decisions are vital for growing a business. You’ll walk away from this session with strategies that will change the way you think about your business along with effective methods to double your annual sales. This seminar will guide you to bring maximum value to your company and your customers.

Register here.

Tuesday, March 23–Asserting Yourself in the Workplace  
Track: Industry Segments, powered by SEMA Councils and Networks
Series: Sharpen Your Soft Skills, powered by SBN

Learn how to be assertive in difficult work situations, best practices for dealing with situations in public, and how to follow up after an uncomfortable encounter. You’ll hear from a panel of industry professionals as they share personal stories, and you will have an opportunity to participate in a breakout that will allow you to put what you learned into action.

Register here.

Wednesday, March 24–Turning Great Ideas Into Strategies to Produce Real Results
Track: Business Management

Ideas are great, but without a well thought-out strategy and plan, the results will be dismal. A comprehensive strategy, however, can be time-consuming. Find out what the 30-minute strategy is all about and how it can turn your ideas into real results during this webinar.

Register here.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) named Tyson Boyer as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Boyer is the director of sales, key accounts at Dill Air Controls and the current chair of the WTC.

As WTC chair, Boyer helps facilitate and execute many of the WTC programs that deliver educational solutions and provide unique networking opportunities to its members. It is through his leadership and working closely with WTC task force volunteers that the council is able to address the educational, technical and communications needs of various companies in the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket.

SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?

Tyson Boyer: My entry into automotive was a temporary one- to two-month plan during a career transition period. With only a 12th-grade education behind me at that time, I struggled to find a role to match where my mind thought I could be. After a couple of months with a Chicagoland Auto/Tire Retailer (Cassidy), my commitment and desire to succeed was recognized, then rewarded with further opportunities. The Cassidy family also provided flexibility that helped me attend night classes, which I am very thankful for. It allowed me to obtain an MBA while applying my learnings on both sides. As a few years went on and my network started developing, the pieces continued to fit correctly for me and my family.

SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?

TB: Volunteering with SEMA and the WTC continues to impact me personally, as well as professionally. Sometimes we forget about the personal wins, like meeting outstanding industry experts with brilliant personalities that you may have never encountered. They want to share experiences, milestones, family events and war stories that highlight reality in our fast-paced world.

Professionally, volunteering continues to provide paths for education, experiences and exploration within the wheel/tire segment. Learning or hearing about new content on topical areas that I felt I was well versed in is a reminder to not assume, rather keep rising and swim forward for more. Most importantly, the networking and relationships are a new level of energy that reinforces the value of volunteering and humbling balance it can provide in life and in my career.

SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?

TB: Meet new people at all levels when possible, grow your career network and embrace the many relationships onward. Always ask when a question is on your mind, become involved in a volunteer association when the time is right, and listen to those not just in your circle but in the outer/unknown circle, too.
Remember, you make the choices. So if you have a dream or passion, pursue it because you can.

And feel free to reach out to any select committee member on the WTC. We want you to stake your career marker in this awesome segment!

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

TB: You can find me with my family hanging out, playing games, kicking the soccer ball, hiking/camping, or just chilling; pondering the many wonders of life while enjoying as much time with them as possible.  

Of course, if you ask them, I frequently build things for hours on end.

Fill out a WTC spotlight application to share how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates have the opportunity to be featured on SEMA eNews, social media, and WTC member updates.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) members and women in the industry are invited to join in on a virtual wine tasting and networking event on March 11, at 5:00 p.m. (PST).

Reserved specifically for women in the industry, the event provides participants with an opportunity to connect with long-time friends and new colleagues in the industry. The network will celebrate Women’s History Month through a toast to acknowledge the amazing role females play in this industry. A sommelier will take attendees through a virtual wine tasting with suggested food pairings. Participants will enjoy good conversation, many laughs and two great bottles of wine with SBN.

Register here.

*Registered attendees will be emailed a list of wines and food pairings to purchase prior to the event.

By Stephanie Martinez

In partnership with Aston Martin, the SEMA Garage has announced a Measuring Session for the ’21 Aston Martin DBX.

This event will allow SEMA members to test-fit prototypes, 3-D scan, measure and have a close-up experience with the ’21 Aston Martin DBX, featuring:

• A 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine.
• Nine-speed automatic transmission.
• Adaptive air suspension.
• Electric anti-roll control system (eARC).
• Aston Martin’s first full-size five-seat model.     

Please note that this will be an in-person event at the SEMA Garage in Diamond Bar, California. In order to comply with state and local health guidelines, this event will take place over one week with scheduled appointments. Due to high demand, your appointment will be time limited.

Week 1: March 22, 2021–March 26, 2021

*All registered attendees will be required to take an initial temperature check, wear face coverings and gloves, as well as practice social distancing during their appointment. The vehicle will be sanitized in between each appointment.

Register now!

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Moroso Performance to Line Card

Turn 14 Distribution has expanded its product range with the addition of Moroso Performance Products catalog of equipment for racing and street performance to its line card. Moroso manufacturers more than 4,000 products, including deep-sump oil pans, electric water pumps tall valve covers, lightweight front drag tires and racing vacuum pumps.

Steve Whipple Joins JEGS Private Label Department

Longtime industry veteran Steve Whipple has joined JEGS as its new director of private-label sourcing, where he will work with racing manufacturers to help bring products to market through the JEGS brand. Whipple comes to JEGS from Edelbrock, where he had served as vice president of sales and marketing since joining the company in 1999. Prior to Edelbrock, Whipple was a general manager for Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS), and before that the national sales manager for Super Shops Inc. Whipple currently serves on SEMA’s Board of Directors, and previously on SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).

VP Racing Fuels Names Freddie Turza Lubricants Sales Manager

VP Racing Fuels Inc. has announced the appointment of motorsports veteran Freddie Turza as lubricants sales manager. Turza became part of the VP team in 2008 after a successful career as an engine builder in NASCAR with Richard Childress Racing, Labonte Racing, and as the head of Turza Racing Engines when he built race-winners for Billy Pauch, Craig VonDohren and many others. At VP, he was instrumental in introducing VP spec fuel to the Super DIRT Car Series, developed a global program with M-Sport, and has worked with OEMs, engine builders, tuners and racers around the world.

Dana Acquires Pi Innovo LLC

Dana Inc. announced that the company has acquired Pi Innovo LLC, an embedded software solutions and electronic control units provider for the light-, commercial- and off-highway markets. Dana had previously held a non-controlling interest in the company.

The software and controls expertise of Pi Innovo builds on Dana's capabilities in designing, engineering, and delivering complete vehicle integration for e-Propulsion systems.

PerTronix Performance Brands Acquires Taylor Cable

PerTronix Performance Brands has acquired Taylor Cable Products Inc., located in Grandview, Missouri. The announcement follows PerTronix’s acquisition of Aeromotive Inc. in November 2020.

Evolve Transporters Adds Marketing Exec to Team

Evolve Transporters, based in Painesville, Ohio, has announced Seth Kimberlin as its new director of partnerships. In his new position, Kimberlin will lead the management, collaboration, growth and development of relationships with race teams, sponsors and property partners. Kimberlin brings nine years of motorsports experience to the position, including his most recent stint at GMR Marketing managing the NASCAR Xfinity & Cup entitlements for Comcast. He also started his career overseeing client service and business development at Kentucky Speedway.

Covercraft Expands Sponsorship With Major League Fishing

Major League Fishing (MLF) has announced that Covercraft has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2021 MLF Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit presented by Bad Boy Mowers, Covercraft Stop 2–Lewis Smith Lake, March 11–14, in Cullman, Alabama. The Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit is professional bass fishing’s premier five-fish-limit tournament series, showcasing a field of 163 of the top bass anglers in the world competing for up to $135,000 at each regular-season tournament and up to $235,000 at the Tackle Warehouse TITLE, the Pro Circuit Championship.

Meyer Distributing Announces London, Ontario, Canada, Location

Meyer Distributing Inc. has announced the addition of its London, Ontario, Canada, location. This is Meyer’s second location in the nation in addition to its Milton, Ontario branch.

The Tuning School Announces Changes for 2021

The Tuning School announced several company changes for 2021. The Tuning school has a new logo, new products in development, and a new building purchase that the company says will increase the quality of education for all students. The Tuning School is also developing live virtual training courses to accommodate all potential students.

Alex Goodemoot of N.A. Williams Selected as World Class Technician

Alex Goodemoot, regional manager for N.A. Williams, has been selected as a “World Class Technician,” by the Auto Care Association and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Goodemoot grew up in the industry, spending most of his childhood in his family’s Carquest store. Throughout his 20’s, he worked in multiple repair facilities as both a technician and manager, sharpening his skills as a technician. He has worked at every level from the jobber store, warehouse, installer and manufacturer.

The Auto Care Association and ASE work together to recognize professional technicians who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas to earn “World Class Technician” status. There are an estimated 879,000 technicians in the United States and approximately 250,000 of those techs are ASE certified. Goodemoot was one of only 42 individuals to earn “World Class Technician” recognition for 2021.

LSI Chemical Signs Trinidad and Tobago Distributor

LSI Chemical signed a new distributor for Trinidad and Tobago, and the country of Guyana, to the company’s rapidly growing roster of international distributors—TechMotive Imports. Located in San Juan, this distributor will immediately work with downstream companies in the oil and gas industry and automotive retail to promote and distribute LSI Chemical additives and specialty oils for a wide range of applications and markets. Serving customers throughout the Caribbean region, TechMotive specializes in innovative technology solutions and has a thriving compatible business, Maraj Air Conditioning Ltd., distributing automotive air conditioning and refrigeration parts and service since 1983, in addition to residential and commercial.

TechMotive specializes in improving lubricant, petrol, and diesel quality using cutting edge formulas derived from nano technology. TechMotive is now authorized to sell LSI Chemical oil and fuel additives as well as the full line of Hot Shot’s Secret products via retail in Trinidad and Tobago.

Have some company news you would like to share? Let us know and the news may appear in an upcoming issue of SEMA eNews. Send your items for consideration to editors@sema.org.

Here’s the ’21 Ford F-150 Raptor riding on the 35s with new rims with a first look at the optional graphics package.

At the front, the package features a set of thick black graphics in the shape of lines on the hood accompanied by a set of thin white lines. The black graphics transition into “dots” as they reach the rear end of the hood. Things get a bit more interesting on the side of the box, where the thick black lines give way to a sparser pattern. The box also features the letters FP (with what appears to be a QR code tucked inside the P) for Ford Performance, the U.S. flag, and the number 03 to designate the third generation of the F-150 Raptor.

Looking at the rims, they appear to be an evolution from the rims found on the ’20 Raptor, which were also aluminum with a black machined finish. The difference between the 37s and 35s can be clearly seen, as the 35s on this Raptor still have a lot of room to encompass.

Expect official photos to be released in the coming weeks.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Here’s the ’21 Ford F-150 Raptor riding on the 35s with new rims with a first look at the optional graphics package.

At the front, the package features a set of thick black graphics in the shape of lines on the hood accompanied by a set of thin white lines. The black graphics transition into “dots” as they reach the rear end of the hood. Things get a bit more interesting on the side of the box, where the thick black lines give way to a sparser pattern. The box also features the letters FP (with what appears to be a QR code tucked inside the P) for Ford Performance, the U.S. flag, and the number 03 to designate the third generation of the F-150 Raptor.

Looking at the rims, they appear to be an evolution from the rims found on the ’20 Raptor, which were also aluminum with a black machined finish. The difference between the 37s and 35s can be clearly seen, as the 35s on this Raptor still have a lot of room to encompass.

Expect official photos to be released in the coming weeks.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

By SEMA Editors

The September 2021 issue of SEMA News will highlight rising stars in the automotive aftermarket industry who are age 35 and younger. If you know a leader in that age range as of September 1, 2021—whether they are in manufacturing and design, marketing, retail, events and media, or distribution—we would like to hear from you.

Many SEMA members are currently working with creative young professionals who are already industry trailblazers. They may have played key roles in leveraging new and emerging technologies with a traditional automotive aftermarket business to expand company reach, improve product development, energize marketing efforts or upgrade customer interaction.

They could be budding talents at an established company, entrepreneurs building their own brands or innovators who have launched companies that might become big names in the future. What they all will have in common are fresh ideas, enthusiasm, charisma and the drive to succeed.

SEMA News looks for candidates drawn from diverse industry segments who are already making a significant impact through their leadership within their organizations or businesses. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in the decision-making process. We’ll honor the winners in the September issue of SEMA News and on www.sema.org.

Nominate a candidate now for the 2021 SEMA News 35 Under 35. Nominations are due May 31.

  By Ashley Reyes

Submissions are still being accepted for SEMA-member companies to participate in the 2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program.

Open to SEMA-member company manufacturers, designers and/or retailers dedicated to supporting new product development, companies must be willing to actively promote the vehicle with their products through an established marketing plan and be financially capable of spending promotional dollars.

The Ford booth at the 2021 SEMA Show will highlight the following vehicles in addition to the OEM’s existing lineup. The provided links below will allow you to research these products as well as find high-resolution images for your proposal rendering.

• ’21 Ford Bronco (2-Door/4-Door)
• ’21 Ford Bronco Sport
• ’21 Ford Transit
• ’21 Ford Super Duty
• ’21 F-150 (with Pro Power Onboard)
• ’21 Ford Ranger
• ’21 Mach E
• ’21 Ford Expedition
• ’21 Ford Mustang (2.3L EcoBoost/5.0L GT)

Information for the above models can be found at Ford’s media website.

2021 Ford Project Vehicle Program

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 8, 2021
Award Recipient Notification Date: by May 7, 2021

All project vehicle requests must meet the Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria shown below.

Please submit your project request in two parts:

1.  E-mail a one-page project summary—must be received by February 15, 2021.

Include bullet points for:

• Vehicle/theme.
• Vehicle modifications.
• New product development.
• Promotional plan.
• Vehicle display location at the 2021 SEMA Show.

2. E-mail, mail or send a link to where the files can be download of a detailed project proposal—must be received by March 8, 2021.

Include detail supporting the one-page project summary on company letterhead, a color rendering, and past project vehicles examples.

Information on Ford vehicles is available at www.ford.com.

Ford Aftermarket Project Vehicle Program Criteria

Aftermarket companies requesting project vehicles should be:

• A Manufacturer or Designer/Restyler dedicated to supporting new-product development.
• Financially capable and willing to spend promotional dollars.
• Actively promoting the vehicle with their product(s) through an established marketing plan.
• A current SEMA member.

Aftermarket companies receiving project vehicles must:

• Feature the vehicle in a booth at the 2021 Las Vegas SEMA Show.
• Use Ford accessory products as specified and provided by Ford Motor Company.
• Register and keep the vehicle in your company name during the entire contract period.
• Purchase and maintain $3 million in general liability Insurance, $3 million in automotive liability insurance, $1 million employer liability and demonstrate workers compensation coverage; an umbrella policy may be used to achieve coverage limits.
• Commit to feature the vehicle with the Ford logo intact and visible.
• Order a California-certified vehicle if you intend to register or use the vehicle primarily in California or any other state that has adopted California emissions standards. Failure to do so may subject you to a state fine.
• Make vehicles available to Ford or its dealers for display, at the owner’s discretion.
• Submit written quarterly status reports for a period of 18 months, as specified in the contract, stating:

1. Product development.
2. Modifications to the vehicle.
3. Events (including dates, location and type of event).
4. Media exposure (originals or color copies).
5. Company advertising featuring the vehicle.
6. Social Media exposure with statistics.
7. A copy of your current vehicle registration.

Please submit Project Vehicle proposals to:

Ford Motor Company
21175 Oakwood Blvd., PDCDC MD579        
Dearborn, MI 48124    
Attn: Nick Terzes and Kyle Ebner                      
semainfo@ford.com

By SEMA Editors

Exhibit at the 2021 SEMA Show to shine the spotlight on your company in front of tens of thousands of qualified buyers looking for the best that the specialty automotive market has to offer.

In addition to buyers, the Show also attracts thousands of traditional media and social-media influencers, ready to let the rest of the world know about your products and applications, opening up even more sales opportunities well after the Show concludes.

Access SEMA's worldwide network and create more opportunities to sell. Be there to reconnect at the 2021 SEMA Show, Tuesday-Friday, November 2-5, Las Vegas.

Reserve your spot for 2021 at www.SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

Below are key dates that SEMA Show exhibitors are encouraged to mark on their calendars.

• The Exhibitor Services Manual (ESM) will be live in May. The ESM contains all of the forms and applications required to prepare for the Show: feature vehicles, new products, booth vehicles, celebrity appearances, etc.
• The Exhibit Space Rental Application and deposit are due May 7.
• Dates for the SEMA Show Early Space Selection: June 7-23

For additional information about exhibiting at the SEMA Show, visit www.SEMAShow.com/exhibitor.