By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) has named Steve Swanson of the The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels as the council’s newest volunteer spotlight member. A current WTC Select Committee volunteer and previous SEMA Board member, Swanson brings more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and nearly a decade of active involvement with the association.

Read how volunteering for SEMA has influenced his career in his Q&A with the WTC.

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

Steve Swanson: Honestly, I was brought in by one of my dearest friends and mentor Murray Diamond in 1979. Murray had been my district manager while we were both at Chief Auto Parts in the early ’70s, and I apparently impressed him enough to suggest to Don Turney, then national sales manager at Keystone Wheel and Murray’s new boss, to offer me a job as inside sales manager with Keystone Wheel in Ontario, California.

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

SS: Well, it most obviously has kept me employed. One of my close associations while on the SEMA Board of Directors in the early 2000s was with George Finch—a WTC (at that time, WIC) Select Committee member. After walking away from direct employment in the wheel industry to become an independent rep, I still maintained my connection through the Board of Directors work as the WIC Board liaison. Through that direct association, George and I developed a friendship that eventually led him to suggest me for my current position of national sales manager of the Styled Wheel Division at The Carlstar Group (Cragar/Black Rock/Unique).

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

SS: Bring passion for the automobile, a deep interest in style and a willingness to put in the hours.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

SS: At a Goodguys or NSRA event hawking our brand(s), out working in the yard, riding my BMW K1600GTLE motorcycle or chasing the grandkids around a park somewhere.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Wheel and Tire Council (WTC) has named Steve Swanson of the The Carlstar Group/Cragar Wheels as the council’s newest volunteer spotlight member. A current WTC Select Committee volunteer and previous SEMA Board member, Swanson brings more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket and nearly a decade of active involvement with the association.

Read how volunteering for SEMA has influenced his career in his Q&A with the WTC.

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

Steve Swanson: Honestly, I was brought in by one of my dearest friends and mentor Murray Diamond in 1979. Murray had been my district manager while we were both at Chief Auto Parts in the early ’70s, and I apparently impressed him enough to suggest to Don Turney, then national sales manager at Keystone Wheel and Murray’s new boss, to offer me a job as inside sales manager with Keystone Wheel in Ontario, California.

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

SS: Well, it most obviously has kept me employed. One of my close associations while on the SEMA Board of Directors in the early 2000s was with George Finch—a WTC (at that time, WIC) Select Committee member. After walking away from direct employment in the wheel industry to become an independent rep, I still maintained my connection through the Board of Directors work as the WIC Board liaison. Through that direct association, George and I developed a friendship that eventually led him to suggest me for my current position of national sales manager of the Styled Wheel Division at The Carlstar Group (Cragar/Black Rock/Unique).

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

SS: Bring passion for the automobile, a deep interest in style and a willingness to put in the hours.

SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?

SS: At a Goodguys or NSRA event hawking our brand(s), out working in the yard, riding my BMW K1600GTLE motorcycle or chasing the grandkids around a park somewhere.

By Fredy Ramirez

SEMA eNews highlights products from member-companies each week. This week’s submissions are listed below.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) is the largest database of specialty market product information and provides solutions to help you author, validate, store, and distribute industry-standardized ACES and PIES product data. SDC member companies below carry the SDC logo. Learn more about becoming an SDC member at www.semadatacoop.org.

Hurst Blackjack Manual Shifter Hurst introduces its Blackjack Manual Shifter for the Ford BorgWarner T-5 and T45 manual transmissions generally found in ’83–’04 Ford Mustangs, along with Tremec T5 transmissions in swap applications. Featuring a hardened chromoly steel stick adapter, dual stick centering springs, hardened chromoly pivot pins and a Delrin pivot ball, the shifter is designed to be smoother and more durable. The shifter includes all necessary mounting hardware and comes in chrome flat bar or round bar shifter sticks. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 3916051
MSD Dual Sync Distributor MSD announces the release of its AMC EFI Dual Sync Distributor for 290, 304, 343, 360, 390, and 401cid engine applications. The distributor features a billet distributor shaft, a distributor gear and a performance cap and rotor. The precision-machined shutter wheel design is manufactured to ensure accurate timing even at high engine speeds. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 2387
Warn Ascent Front And Rear Bumpers Warn Industries has launched its Ascent HD front and rear bumpers for a variety of applications. The bumpers are designed to be stout and to accommodate mid-frame winches up to 12,000 lbs. as well as large-frame winches up to 16,500 lbs. The front-end construction is designed to offer additional front-end protection from trail hazards. The rear bumpers are constructed to be able to allow for installation of flush-mount 6-in. lights. 800-543-9276 www.warn.com PN: Vary
Hooker Blackheart Swap Engine Mounting Brackets Hooker Blackheart has released its mounting brackets for the ’63–’67 Chevrolet C10 LS/LT. The brackets are designed to achieve optimized component clearances and drivetrain/U-joint operation angles when used in conjunction with other Hooker Blackheart swap components. Designed for both LS and LT engines, they are intended for use on trucks with factory wide-style frame rails. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com
Hooker Blackheart LT Turbo Exhaust Manifolds Hooker Blackheart announces the launch of its LT Turbo Exhaust Manifolds. Made from ductile iron, the turbos are designed to be more durable and retain more heat for aided turbo efficiency. The manifolds compact design is constructed to allow for better fitment in multiple applications and better spark plug access. The turbo manifold is engineered to work with most common LT swap parts. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: 8540HKR
Vintage Air Control Panel Vintage Air announces the release of its bolt-in replacement control panels for ’64–’66 Chevrolet C-10 Pickups. This control panel replaces the factory control panel and operates the Vintage Air Gen IV system. The control panel is designed to provide Chevrolet Pickup, Suburban, and Panel Truck owners with a way to upgrade the functionality of their climate control system and improve the look of their dash. These 6061-T6 machined aluminum upgrade panels bolt in and feature LED backlighting and A/C mode indicators, as well as variable slide adjustments for fan speed, temperature, and air delivery selections. These panels mount in the original dash opening and include new mounting hardware and a complete wiring harness. 800-862-6658 www.vintageair.com PN: Vary
Holley Single Plane Intake Holley has released its Single-Plane Race intake manifold for cathedral head port LS engine combinations. Featuring a two-piece split design, it is engineered to utilize shoulder bolt locators and an O-ring seal to ensure that disassembly/reassembly is simple and precise. Offerings include carbureted and EFI versions in both black and natural finishes. The EFI manifold(s) feature AN-8 fuel rails with a 4500 Dominator-style carb flange for EFI throttle bodies, or EFI throttle body elbows, and is configured with an LS MAP sensor port along with other NPT plenum vacuum or air-temp sensor ports. 866-464-6553 www.holley.com PN: Vary

SEMA-member companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities in the Classifieds page of SEMA.org.

Buyers: Register Here for SEMA360.

Available to SEMA-member buyers at no cost, SEMA360 is the new B2B online marketplace taking place November 2-6, 2020.

https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=725

Buyers: Register Here for SEMA360.

Available to SEMA-member buyers at no cost, SEMA360 is the new B2B online marketplace taking place November 2-6, 2020.

https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=725

By Ashley Reyes

Ian Lehn

Members of the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) continue to submit their insights and share ideas with others on how their companies are pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the network’s most recent interview, Ian Lehn of BOOSTane shares his solution for maintaining real-time access to office computers while working remote, and what changes his company has implemented to keep his employees safe during this time of social distancing.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?

Ian Lehn: Internally, we have had to make provisions by adding a third shift to account for distancing and warehouse capacity during work hours. BOOSTane has also redirected efforts into its inventory management software in order to account for supply and demand issues around the industry. This is helping us better plan for manufacturing and warehousing.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?

IL: We have utilized “AnyDesk” quite a bit to have real-time access to office computers while staying remote. A virtual remote access desktop software, AnyDesk allows us to control our various community computers (shipping, receiving, printing, etc.), while not coming into contact with the computer.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

IL: We have seen our sales increase during the pandemic. Seemingly, everyone has quarantined in their garage and with their cars. Now they need our products to go socially distance from their cruise.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

IL: I believe that working remotely, at least in some capacity, is going to be here to stay. Huge overhead for fancy/large offices aren't going to be something that businesses continue to want to carry, if their sales and travel staff can more easily work from home.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You will also have the opportunity to be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By Ashley Reyes

Ian Lehn

Members of the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) continue to submit their insights and share ideas with others on how their companies are pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the network’s most recent interview, Ian Lehn of BOOSTane shares his solution for maintaining real-time access to office computers while working remote, and what changes his company has implemented to keep his employees safe during this time of social distancing.

SEMA: How has your company pivoted during the pandemic?

Ian Lehn: Internally, we have had to make provisions by adding a third shift to account for distancing and warehouse capacity during work hours. BOOSTane has also redirected efforts into its inventory management software in order to account for supply and demand issues around the industry. This is helping us better plan for manufacturing and warehousing.

SEMA: What technology tools, new or old, have you leaned on recently?

IL: We have utilized “AnyDesk” quite a bit to have real-time access to office computers while staying remote. A virtual remote access desktop software, AnyDesk allows us to control our various community computers (shipping, receiving, printing, etc.), while not coming into contact with the computer.

SEMA: What new trends have you noticed with sales and marketing?

IL: We have seen our sales increase during the pandemic. Seemingly, everyone has quarantined in their garage and with their cars. Now they need our products to go socially distance from their cruise.

SEMA: What, if any, changes in business do you feel will outlive the pandemic?

IL: I believe that working remotely, at least in some capacity, is going to be here to stay. Huge overhead for fancy/large offices aren't going to be something that businesses continue to want to carry, if their sales and travel staff can more easily work from home.

Fill out this form for a chance to be featured in the next ETTN member insight. By sharing your experiences, you can inspire and motivate other members to learn new tips and ideas. You will also have the opportunity to be featured on ETTN’s social media and in SEMA eNews.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has acquired PartsHub.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has acquired PartsHub—a comprehensive catalog management solution that will enhance a participating manufacturer’s ability to create and update industry standardized product information, regardless of their product data knowledge or expertise.

The SDC is the leading product data service in the specialty equipment aftermarket. Using PartsHub’s expanded product information management (PIM) software, SDC manufacturers will be able to easily organize their data, reach more resellers and sell more products.

"SDC manufacturers typically are not data experts, and they have requested a simple, easy-to-use product information management system,” said Gigi Ho, SDC vice president of operations. "We’re excited to incorporate the PartsHub platform into SDC's system. Users will now have a simplified way to access, visualize and manage their product data, giving them even more control over their information.”

Integrating PartsHub's interface with the SDC product information management system makes it easy for manufacturers to organize and update their data for industry resellers. The updated interface also allows possible datasets that can easily be exported in formats that meet reseller needs.

Additional features include:

• Cloud-based, all-in-one solution for PIES/ACES/digital assets.
• In-line edits and real-time validations.
• Built-in workflows with view only and edit permissions.
• Import and export to Excel or bulk edit in-app.
• Receiver-specific scorecards and readiness reports.
• One-click exports to resellers (XML, XLS, etc.).
• A well-regarded DIY PIM system with customers scoring PartsHub at 9 out of 10 across criteria of ease-of-use, responsiveness, features and functionality.

PartsHub’s integration with the SDC PIM system will make the transition for current PartsHub customers seamless. They will continue to manage their product data within PartsHub without any rate changes. One-on-one orientation for the additional services provided by the SDC will be conducted for current PartsHub users, who will now be included into SDC’s robust and active reseller network, have access to SDC’s data experts for questions and guidance and participate in SDC’s Data Excellence Award program.

Additional transitions will be rolled out over the next 30-60 days as the SDC team gears up with training and data management for SDC’s current members.

Inquiries can be directed to info@semadatacoop.org and additional information about the SEMA Data Co-op can be found at www.semadatacoop.org.

By SEMA Editors

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has acquired PartsHub.

The SEMA Data Co-op (SDC) has acquired PartsHub—a comprehensive catalog management solution that will enhance a participating manufacturer’s ability to create and update industry standardized product information, regardless of their product data knowledge or expertise.

The SDC is the leading product data service in the specialty equipment aftermarket. Using PartsHub’s expanded product information management (PIM) software, SDC manufacturers will be able to easily organize their data, reach more resellers and sell more products.

"SDC manufacturers typically are not data experts, and they have requested a simple, easy-to-use product information management system,” said Gigi Ho, SDC vice president of operations. "We’re excited to incorporate the PartsHub platform into SDC's system. Users will now have a simplified way to access, visualize and manage their product data, giving them even more control over their information.”

Integrating PartsHub's interface with the SDC product information management system makes it easy for manufacturers to organize and update their data for industry resellers. The updated interface also allows possible datasets that can easily be exported in formats that meet reseller needs.

Additional features include:

• Cloud-based, all-in-one solution for PIES/ACES/digital assets.
• In-line edits and real-time validations.
• Built-in workflows with view only and edit permissions.
• Import and export to Excel or bulk edit in-app.
• Receiver-specific scorecards and readiness reports.
• One-click exports to resellers (XML, XLS, etc.).
• A well-regarded DIY PIM system with customers scoring PartsHub at 9 out of 10 across criteria of ease-of-use, responsiveness, features and functionality.

PartsHub’s integration with the SDC PIM system will make the transition for current PartsHub customers seamless. They will continue to manage their product data within PartsHub without any rate changes. One-on-one orientation for the additional services provided by the SDC will be conducted for current PartsHub users, who will now be included into SDC’s robust and active reseller network, have access to SDC’s data experts for questions and guidance and participate in SDC’s Data Excellence Award program.

Additional transitions will be rolled out over the next 30-60 days as the SDC team gears up with training and data management for SDC’s current members.

Inquiries can be directed to info@semadatacoop.org and additional information about the SEMA Data Co-op can be found at www.semadatacoop.org.