OXNARD, CA (05.21.2021) – Becker Automotive Design, a staple in the southern California automotive aftermarket electronics community, is celebrating its 25th year in operations under its current format. The Oxnard, Calif., -based retailer started as a car audio business but in 1996 dedicated its focus to become one of the nation’s premier upfitters of luxury and secured transport. Becker Automotive Design caters to high-net worth individuals, celebrities, sports stars, municipalities and even governments, providing one-of-a-kind, on-the-road experiences that have advanced the retailer’s reputation over the past quarter century.

Becker Automotive Design’s website at beckerautodesign.com is not shy to tout the company’s creations while name-dropping the associated high-profile figures for which they were built. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Mark Wahlberg and Sylvester Stallone fare prominently on the homepage. Beyond the luxury transformations, the company’s capabilities include specialty seating layouts and armoring for security and government applications.

“Our business model is simple: create a driving environment configured to exacting client needs on top of tried-and-true build and design practices. Our clients tell their friends, and those friends tell their friends,” explained Howard Becker, owner, founder and namesake of the business. “This business strategy has allowed us to deliver unique creations that rival OEM specifications but splurge on aftermarket amenities and uniqueness.”

As the fame of the business has grown, Becker has maintained his love for the community, especially when it involves developing a love for working on cars. The company is an active sponsor of DRAGG, an automotive after-school program that encourages kids to stay in high school and work toward graduation by providing an incentive in the automotive industry through career exploration.

“DRAGG is a great program that gives high school graduating credits to kids who are learning about cars hands-on,” explained Becker. “Also, it’s terrific for building trust between the kids and law enforcement and between law enforcement and the kids, something our society needs a lot more of.”

Though celebrating 25 years, Becker Automotive Design still has a single location, employing 30 people including Becker’s son Troy, and covering 25,000 square feet in three closely located facilities near the corner of Ives Ave. and Jones Way. Yet Becker Automotive is bracing for monumental growth and therefore working aggressively to enhance the staff with the right people. Insurance, competitive salary, weekends off and relocation assistance are all on the table to bring in quality technicians to join a stable team in a stable market.

“It’s a blessing to start a business, develop a vision and then be able to achieve that vision,” added Becker. “Along the way, we’ve helped our family of employees build meaningful careers and in turn support their families with a stable work environment in a recession-proof segment of the market. It’s our plan to continue to innovate, stay on top of the market and be here to celebrate another 25 years.”

Visit beckerautodesign.com for more.

CUMBERLAND, RI (05.20.2021) – John F. Sylvester, Founder of Sylvester Electronics, passed away on Sunday, May 16th. He was the husband of Jacqueline R. (Turner) Sylvester and they had been married for the past 58 years.

John F Sylvester founded Sylvester Electronics in 1976. Sylvester Electronics has served dealers in the Mobile Electronics industry for over 40 years. He worked in Cumberland RI for over 46 years. John F Sylvester was previously employed by Jabour Electronics for more than 15 years where he was the manager for many years.

Along with his wife Jacqueline of 58 years, he is survived by his two sons; Robert J. Sylvester and his wife Susan Perrino of Warwick and Thomas J. Sylvester and his wife Julie Griffin of Burrillville. Also surviving is brother Norman Sylvester of Cumberland and five grandchildren; Vittoria, Nicholas, Aidan, Patrick, and Liam along with two nieces.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to John’s Life Celebration to begin with Visiting Hours on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 6 pm to 8 pm and continuing on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 9 am in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Cumberland. A Prayer Service will be held at 10 am.

Burial will follow with Military Honors in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.

Online Memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com

To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of John F. Sylvester Jr., click here ot visit the Sympathy Store.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.20.2021) – SEMA is seeking entrepreneurs and inventors who have the next big automotive-related product or accessory. Through the SEMA Launch Pad, those with a functioning automotive-related product that will hit or has recently hit the market are invited to submit their 2021 SEMA Launch Pad applications for a chance to win a prize package valued at up to $92,000.

Since 2013, the program has helped entrepreneurs launch their products into the marketplace, providing them with cash prizes, next-level marketing opportunities, access to business tools and resources and more.

Originally created to support emerging entrepreneurs under the age of 40, this year’s program does not have an age cap and is open to qualified individuals 18 and over. The prizes have also increased to include a grand-prize package valued up to $92,000, cash awarded to the top three finalists and featured video interviews promoting dozens of applicants on SEMA’s social media networks.

Fifteen semi-finalists will also be selected to attend the 2021 SEMA Show in November, where the top five will pitch their products to a panel of industry judges and be recognized at the industry’s premier celebration—the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet.

”Before going through the Launch Pad program, I wasn”t even a blip on the industry’s radar,” recalls Jonathan Mill, who won the first-ever SEMA Launch Pad competition for this product the E-Stopp Emergency Brake. “After winning it, my product, career and network skyrocketed. All because I chose to get involved with SEMA.”

Past products included have been selected from segments such as vehicle technology, restyling, truck and off-road and more, although the program is not limited to any product that has the potential to positively impact the future of the aftermarket industry.

To qualify, applicants must be a business owner, company-leading executive (president, CEO, CFO, COO) or vice president of a company, and must offer a product or service that is a functioning prototype, functioning concept or currently for sale. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2021.

Click here to apply now for SEMA Launch Pad.

This article was written by Ashley Reyes for sema.org