PRO named Joel Ayres as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Ayres is the executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources, guidance, and financial support to individuals and families of the automotive aftermarket industry that have fallen on hard times.
Get to know Ayres through the following SEMA interview:
SEMA: What inspired you to pursue a career in the restyling industry?
Joel Ayres: I grew up in the aftermarket industry for trucks and off road.
SEMA: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?
JA: Ellen McKoy got me involved years ago. PRO members have supported me through several SEMA Board ballots and helped me get elected. I was honored to have received the PRO Jim Borre Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. I have made some great friends in PRO.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
JA: Never be too old or too smart to learn. Always remain open to new ideas.
SEMA: What is your dream vehicle? Where would we find you in it on any weekend?
JA: I have so many dream vehicles – from European exotics to Classic American cars and some of the EV vehicles like the Rivian truck. Depending on the vehicle, but you can find me on a fun cruise down Hwy 1 on the California Coast.
SEMA: What is the best advice you have ever received?
JA: Be kind to everyone. Give more and you'll receive more.
SEMA: What keeps you in the industry?
JA: It's all I've known since high school. I left it for one year and couldn't wait to come back.
SEMA: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
JA: You can find me golfing, hiking, or at car shows.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.