The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund awarded $307,000 to 106 individuals this year, including scholarships for current students and loan-forgiveness awards to employees of SEMA-member companies.

“We’re excited to award this passionate group of individuals with our support as they embark on finding new ways to advance the future of the specialty-equipment aftermarket,” said SEMA Board of Director Chairman Tim Martin. “This year’s winners represent the diversity and young talent that our industry thrives on, and we look forward to how their contributions will drive us forward for years to come.”

More than $3 million has been awarded to more than 1,600 deserving students since the program’s establishment in 1984. The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the SEMA Loan Forgiveness Program are dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators by helping them get off to a successful start in their education and automotive aftermarket careers.

Online applications for next year’s awards will be accepted Nov. 1, 2020, through March 1, 2021, at www.sema.org/scholarships.

For questions or additional information, contact SEMA’s Youth Engagement Manager Katie Hurst at 909-978-6693 or katieh@sema.org.

SEMA Scholarship Award Winners
Recipient (Institution Name, Major)

• Jordan Aguana (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Trevor Andis (Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Mary Elizabeth Bannister (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Zachary Barton (Auburn University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacob Beshara (Bethel College, Business Management)
• Alec Bianco (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Martin Blair (Arizona State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Camden Boshart (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mechanical Engineering)
• Rebecca Brunner (Central Maine Community College, Automotive Technician)
• Omar Carrizales-Suarez (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Takeshia Carter (Kennedy-King College, Autobody Collision)
• Olivia Celinski (DePaul University, Finance)
• Nicholas Chan (Las Positas College, Automotive Technology)
• Dallin Clawson (Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Cameron Cocalis (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Elijah Collins (Valparaiso University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Corder (Oregon Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Kevin Dennis (Rochester Institute of Technology, Civil Engineering)
• David Dixon Jr. (Wesleyan University, Economics)
• Bonifacio Duller III (College for Creative Studies, Automotive Technology)
• Chad Eisele (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Colton Elfstrom (Gonzaga University, Computer Engineering)
• Isabelle Erickson (Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Emily Fuchsen (Lincoln College of Technology, Autobody Collision)
• Benjamin Glaus (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• April Graham (Utah Valley University, Autobody Collision)
• Samuel Griffith (Northwood University, Automotive Marketing & Management)
• Christian Gutierrez (Florida International University, Construction)
• Michael Hand (Pennsylvania State University, Electrical Engineering)
• John Hartman (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Aftermarket)
• Thomas Havemann (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Alix Helton (Colorado State University, Engineering)
• Ryan Hinchberger (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Mark Jaszkowiak (University of Idaho, Mechanical Engineering)
• Isaac Johnson (University of Indianapolis, Mechanical Engineering)
• Robert Johnson, Jr. (Highland Community College, Automotive Maintenance)
• Zachary Jones (Clemson University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Christopher Kay (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Jered Kennedy (Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering)
• Henry Kingwill III (College of Lake County, Autobody Collision)
• Tyler Kraft (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Matt Lambert (Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• James Larmour (Nashville Auto Diesel College, Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technician)
• Joshua Larson (Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Nicholas Lent (Monroe Community College, Information Technology & Computing)
• Francesco LoGiudice Jr. (Farmingdale State College, Automotive Technology)
• Scotty Lucas (University of the Pacific, Mechanical Engineering)
• Morgan Malencia (Ohio State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Samuel Maner (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Brandan Marhefka (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Welding)
• Spencer Marler (Brigham Young University-Idaho, Business Management)
• Omar Martinez (Stanford University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sydney McQueary (The University of Tennessee, Mechanical Engineering)
• Leticia Mercado (University of New Mexico, Mechanical Engineering)
• Caleb Messer (Mississippi State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Evan Mihalko (Gannon University, Mechanical Engineering)
• John Milbrandt (University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sloane Miller (North Carolina A&T State University, Computer Programming)
• Lauren Mims (Clemson University, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Dudley Moore (The University of Alabama, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nicholas Nicholson (University of Northwestern Ohio, High Performance Automotive)
• Christian Nisperos (University of California-Berkeley, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shane Olson (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Computer Engineering)
• Ryan Ott (Kennesaw State University, Marketing)
• Austin Owen (Western Michigan University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Sebastian Pereira (Harvard University, Computer Programming)
• Kenny Phan (Clemson University, Electrical Engineering)
• Anthony Plummer (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Rafferty (North Dakota State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Nathan Ragsdale (Montana State University, Mechanical Engineering Technology)
• Emma Ricketts (Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Sean Robinson (McPherson College, Automotive Technology)
• Brady Robling (University of Northwestern Ohio, Automotive Technology)
• Raquel Rodriguez (Southwest Career Institute, Automotive Technology)
• Corbin Russ (University of Arkansas, Mechanical Engineering)
• Shay Saarie (Dakota Wesleyan University, Business Management)
• David Scagliotta (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• John Shanahan (Western Technical College, Automotive Technology)
• Parker Simpson (Rhode Island School of Design, Fine Arts)
• Michael Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• Ashley Stamboulian (Villanova University, Business Management)
• William Sullivan (Pennsylvania College of Technology, Automotive Technology)
• Ethan Tai (University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Information Technology & Sciences)
• Matthew Trees (Texas A&M University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Michael Ustes (University of Michigan-Dearborn, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jacqueline van Zyl (Georgia Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering – Top Student Award)
• Luke Voldahl (Eastern Michigan University, Information Technology)
• Vance Weber (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• William Welch (University of California-Los Angeles, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joshua Wilhelm (Kansas State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kinzie Wilson (Belmont Abbey College, Business Management)
• Christopher Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Electrical Engineering)
• Madison Wong (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computer Engineering)

SEMA Loan Forgiveness Award Winners
Recipient (Employer, Institution Name, Major)

• Sophia Dancel (Ford Motor Company, Kettering University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Kyle Ebner (Ford Motor Company, University of Detroit Mercy, Product Development)
• Eric Harding (Pratt & Miller Engineering, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mechanical Engineering)
• Weston Kulman (Pratt & Miller Engineering, Northwestern University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Jay McFarland (Holley Performance Products, Mid-Continent University, Business Management)
• Mark Mollica (ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America, University of San Diego, Mechanical Engineering)
• Joel Negrete (Cummins, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Automotive Technology)
• Hunter Pauloski (Competition Cams, Minnesota State University-Mankato, Automotive Engineering & Technology)
• Christopher Pearson (Directed, University of Southern California, Business Management)
• Nicholas Soave (Race Winning Brands, Kennesaw State University, Mechanical Engineering)
• Janelle Storey (Automotive Lift Institute, SUNY College at Cortland, Graphic Design/Art)
• James Stray (SAM Tech, SAM Tech, Automotive Technology)
• Jamison Wilcox (COMP Performance Group, Brigham Young University-Idaho, Automotive Engineering & Technology)

Visit sema.org for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.12.2020) – SEMA’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series continues with “Cash Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry” on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with CPA and journalist Gene Marks, attendees will learn about the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.

The webinar is the second in SEMA’s four-part program that concentrates on tactics and concepts to help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

Register today.

Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (08.10.2020) – SEMA’s “Shifting Gears: Back to Business” webinar series continues with “Cash Flow Tactics for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry” on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:00 a.m. (PDT).

Presented by SEMA Education in partnership with CPA and journalist Gene Marks, attendees will learn about the latest trends, technologies and best practices that smart business owners and leaders are implementing to manage their cash flow and build reserves to see them through to future growth.

The webinar is the second in SEMA’s four-part program that concentrates on tactics and concepts to help businesses emerge from the current economic downturn stronger and more intentional than ever.

Register today.

Details about the series and additional webinars that are scheduled through September 2, as well as resources to help SEMA members navigate their businesses during this uncertain time, are available at www.sema.org/reopen.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.07.2020) – Even though 2020 has altered the vehicle landscape for many, the specialty-equipment market had shown impressive growth over the past 10 years with industry retail sales climbing nearly 4% to a new high of $46.2 billion in 2019, according to the new “2020 SEMA Market Report.” The report provides a comprehensive review of the automotive specialty-equipment market, market-sizing by vehicle segment, purchasing channels and trends to help SEMA-member companies make better business decisions.

SEMA estimates that with the impact of COVID-19, industry retail sales will likely be down 12% in 2020. However, most economists think that the recession hit its lowest point in mid-April, and companies within the specialty-equipment industry are optimistic about sales moving forward. By Q4 of 2020, nearly 50% of industry businesses expect their sales to be the same as or even better than 2019.

“While this year has presented its challenges, the SEMA Market Report can help our member companies identify the key areas of interest for consumers and prepare for the growth that we expect in 2021,” said Gavin Knapp, SEMA director of Market Research. “It’s still early to predict exactly how things will play out over the next couple years, but the positive news is that as the country re-emerges from the shutdown, we can expect that sales should rise back toward previous levels.”

In-store purchases accounted for the largest share of 2019 retail sales, representing almost 60% of the total. It is highly likely that online purchases will spike in 2020 due to COVID-19, but SEMA expects that many consumers will return to in-store shopping once restrictions are loosened. Word-of-mouth and the web were important sources of ideas and information for consumers researching potential upgrades. Forty-four percent of consumers used search engines or review websites; 40% went directly to manufacturers’ own websites; and 37% sought advice or recommendations from friends or relatives.

Pickup upgrades are the largest sector of the specialty-equipment industry, accounting for 31% of 2019 retail sales, although mid-range cars, CUVs and SUVs (including the Jeep Wrangler) are also major components of the market. Fifty-nine percent of specialty-automotive consumers are under the age of 40, and younger drivers are more likely than older drivers to buy performance parts or accessories and make heavier modifications to their vehicles.

To learn more about where the opportunity is for your business and to get the latest research on market sizing, consumer profiles and 2020 industry indicators, download the report for free today.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (07.06.2020) – The U.S. Congress passed a bill to extend the deadline for businesses to apply for Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans to August 8, 2020. The application deadline was June 30, 2020 but the program still has about $130 billion available for lending. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has a “Find Local Lenders” page to help locate the nearest PPP lending institutions.

Lawmakers recently enacted the PPP Flexibility Act to provide companies more options on how funds are used. Highlights include:

• Loan Amount: PPP loans equal the average of one month’s 2019 payroll multiplied by 2.5 (capped at $10 million).
• Amount Forgiven: The SBA will forgive that portion of the loan used to cover payroll, rent payments, mortgage interest, and the cost of utilities for a fixed period-of-time.  As a result of the PPP Flexibility Act, the employer may now choose the covered period, either: (a) 8 consecutive weeks from when the loan was received, or (b) up to 24 weeks from when the loan was received or on Dec. 31, 2020, whichever comes first.
• Use of Funds: PPP funds can be used to cover payroll, mortgage or rent payments, utilities and other specified expenses. At least 60% of the amount to be forgiven must be spent on payroll, which includes employee benefit costs for vacation, sick/parental leave, insurance premiums, retirement benefits, and state and local taxes.
• Interest Rate and Repayment Terms: The loan interest rate is 1%. Repayments on any amount not forgiven is deferred at least 10 months after the end of the covered period, with a two-year term for loans secured before June 5 and five-year term for loans on or after that date.
• Rehiring Workers: Employers have until December 31, 2020 to rehire workers and have their salaries count towards forgiveness.
• Payroll Taxes: Businesses receiving a PPP loan may also defer payment of 2020 payroll taxes.
• Forgiveness Application: The SBA has created two applications for seeking loan forgiveness, a standard form and an EZ version which requires fewer calculations and less documentation.

EZ Forgiveness Application

Standard Forgiveness Application

For more information: www.sema.org/corona-updates/small-business-administration-loan-info.html.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.05.2020) – The top 15 applicants of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Launch Pad Competition have been selected and now move on to the online voting stage. Each applicant will receive a complimentary, one-year SEMA membership, as well as one professional Launch Pad video and widespread awareness of their business through SEMA communication channels.

The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:

• Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
• Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
• Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
• Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse–Emergency Brake Light
• Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
• Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
• Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
• Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
• Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
• Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
• Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
• Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
• Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
• Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
• Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: GTe-413 Universal Plug

The public will be able to vote in the online competition beginning August 3. Five top candidates will go on to pitch their business ideas at the 2020 SEMA Show, where a panel of iconic judges select one winner to receive a prize package that includes $10,000 to be used for the benefit of their business and exhibit space at the annual SEMA Show.

“The 15 semifinalists are a great representation of the passion and innovation that can only be found in this industry,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “While all products are unique and valuable, we’re excited to share their ideas with the public and learn what our consumers are most interested in.”

Since 2013 the SEMA Launch Pad program has given young entrepreneurs, students, and business owners age 18-39 an opportunity to launch their products into the $44.6 billion automotive aftermarket industry. The program will teach participants new business strategies on how to develop, market, and boost their automotive products or services used by industry experts.

To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad and each of the 15 semifinalists, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (06.04.2020) – Ted Wentz III, CEO of Quadratec Inc., has been elected to the 2020-2021 SEMA Board of Directors in the Distributor / Retailer category. He will replace outgoing Board member Greg Adler of Greg Adler Motorsports, effective in July.

SEMA Board members are industry representatives who volunteer their time to lead and guide the association. They are elected by SEMA-member companies and represent the key membership categories: manufacturers, distributors/retailers, manufacturers’ rep and services.

The SEMA Board of Directors for 2020-2021 will be as follows:

Board Officers
• Chairman – Tim Martin, CEO, Aftermarket Advisors
• Chairman-elect – James Lawrence, CEO Power Automedia
• Immediate Past-Chair/Secretary – Wade Kawasaki, President, Coker Group
• Treasurer – Kyle Fickler, Owner, Fickler Enterprises LLC

Board Members
• Chris Douglas – COO, COMP Performance Group
• Donnie Eatherly – President, P&E Distributors Inc.
• Dan Kahn – President, Kahn Media Inc.
• Brian Lounsberry – CEO, Motovicity Distribution
• Kim Pendergast – CEO, Magnuson Superchargers
• Kathryn Reinhardt – Senior Marketing Manager, 4WP/ Pro Comp
• Bunyan L. (Les) Rudd, CPMR – President, Bob Cook Sales
• Ted Wentz III – CEO, Quadratec Inc.
• Steve Whipple – Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Edelbrock LLC
• Melanie White – President, Hellwig Products

Outgoing Board Member
• Greg Adler – CEO, Greg Adler Motorsports

Visit sema.org for more.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (05.20.2020) – Rich Barsamian, Jack Chisenhall, John Gaines, and Joe St.Lawrence will receive the specialty-equipment industry’s highest honor as the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame. The four are the latest representatives of an esteemed group of industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $44.6 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Rich Barsamian has been actively volunteering and helping to improve our industry since he joined the Young Executives Network (YEN) in 1995. He has helped bring many educational programs to SEMA members and worked tirelessly as an ambassador to help other SEMA members. Over the years he has earned numerous recognitions for his continued work in our industry, including SEMA Person of the Year in 2014, and exemplifies the SEMA Hall of Fame criteria with regard to professionalism, dignity, integrity, stature and growth of the industry.

Jack Chisenhall is credited with making climate control systems accessible by founding the San Antonio company Vintage Air, and also helped create what is now the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), among other innovations and contributions. His work made enthusiast cars more comfortable, easier to drive and that meant more miles logged behind the wheel, more money spent on modifications and more time on the road wrenching, driving, building and enjoying these cars. It was a cultural shift and a game changer.

John Gaines was an early pioneer in the automotive aftermarket warehouse distribution. His company, G&M Performance Parts was one of the first warehouse distributors in the country for the automotive aftermarket, and his distributorship was one of the first in the country to utilize a fleet of vehicles to distribute product direct to the local speed shops, truck accessory stores, car dealerships, machine shops, creating a much quicker and more streamlined process from manufacturer to end user. Gaines is credited with forward thinking early on that helped many manufacturers grow to where they are today.

Joe St.Lawrence started RTM, the industry’s first production company for auto how-to shows in the mid-1980s. He created PowerBlock, television’s first two-hour auto theme-block featuring how-to shows that introduced SEMA member products to million of viewers. His shows sparked parts buying on Monday, and gave DYIers the confidence to bolt on aftermarket parts and customize their vehicles. He introduced broad audiences to cool cars and helped change the image of the backyard mechanic into a tool-wielding expert.

For additional information about the SEMA Hall of Fame, visit www.semahof.com.