After more than a year of forced restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the automotive aftermarket industry is eager to conduct business in person. The demand to reconnect with colleagues and customers in a trade-show environment was clearly evident when SEMA officially announced the return of...

For builders, car-care and restyling products are essential tools in the arsenal of customization and maintenance. They can provide upgrades to OE paint, glass and chrome. They can dress up an interior or refine an exterior, often at a reasonable cost. And they’re available in a wide range of parts...

SEMA leadership, volunteers and industry icons are set to gather in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA Installation Gala on Friday, July 30. To underscore the significance of SEMA’s return to in-person events, the evening gala will take place in the new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)...

International travel restrictions are beginning to ease, and trade buyers from all parts of the globe are finalizing their plans to attend the 2021 SEMA Show. These global buyers join U.S.-based resellers and SEMA Show exhibitors eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet face to face once again and...

Colby McLaughlin’s first aftermarket experience occurred in high school when he enrolled in accelerated classes at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Though focused on business management, he registered for a Custom Cars & Concepts course, which taught fabrication, chassis design...

Tim McCarthy is the founder and CEO of HushMat and an active member of the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), but to hear McCarthy tell it, his career path into the aftermarket took a circuitous route.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing U.S. Representative John Curtis (R-UT), who represents Utah’s third congressional district, which borders Arizona and extends more than 300 mi. north to just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. It is home to Moab and some of the best outdoor recreation...

The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) continues to experience success with its virtual education platform tailored to a diverse membership. The Resource Committee created four separate series to help members in entry-level, management level and C-Suite positions. The topics range from career...

The Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has initiated quarterly membership meetings in order to keep members informed of the latest happenings and address important topics. The first virtual session was held in March. Others are slated for June, September and November.