On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.
The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.
SPC Select Committee Nominees and Bios:
Roger Castro – Zoops Products Inc.
I am currently the managing partner of two companies; one that has been manufacturing aftermarket billet auto parts for the past 12 years and the other that has been successfully selling to the hot-rod-car show market for more than 40 years. I have an extensive background in business development for the wireless communications industry and in digital media distribution, which afford me a unique perspective on how to bridge the gap in today's ever-growing motorsport enthusiast consumer. Reaching our customers has never been more important. I feel that in order to acquire their business and keep them engaged, it will take a collaborative effort among forward-thinking industry leaders to meet the motorsport enthusiast where they live, work and play.
George Ciordas – KW Automotive North America
Like every other graduate, I decided to pursue the career I studied in school. Within a few short years, I refocused my energies and pursued a love for cars and competition. Drag racing became the main focus of my concentration as a photo journalist. I started in 1999 with my first company, Import Society—my first foray into the sport-compact racing segment. Later, and after two highly successful seasons on SPEED Channel, I established myself as an authority in the sport-compact community and solidified a developing foundation for this newly adopted career. In 2006, I became marketing manager for KW automotive North America.
Baadal “Bottle” Deliwala - Titan Motorsports Inc., INCUMBENT
Building Titan Motorsports from the ground up has given me unique views on how to deliver both excellent customer service as well as keeping the company efficient to deliver maximum savings to our customers and clients. These same principals have allowed me to help manage the winningest team in NHRA Sport Compact history as well as multiple NOPI Championships. In our ever-changing industry, we need to not only be able to adapt but also anticipate new trends. If elected I will bring my point of view and ideas as well as team-leading skills to SEMA and not only work to help our industry survive, but also grow in these harsh economic times.
Chris Dye – Club RSX, INCUMBENT
I run Club RSX Inc. It has been a great honor to serve on the council. I have operated a sport-compact parts business for nine years now and have been involved in the industry for more than 16 years. I feel that I have the qualifications and the experience to continue to represent the retail side of our industry in the SPC. I want to be involved in creating positive change within the sport-performance community. During my time on the SPC I have been an active participant with the membership and communications task forces. We have developed plans that are going to expand SPC member benefits for the long term. I look forward to continuing the work we have started.
Gigi Ho – Digital Performance Inc., INCUMBENT
As a founder of Digital Performance Inc., a leading digital technology and service provider, I have been dedicated to the growth and development of the automotive aftermarket for the past 8 years, which has given me the opportunity to connect with and learn from many women leaders in our industry. Focusing on data standardization tools for the industry, and connecting buyers and sellers via our widely syndicated parts search engine, gives me a unique perspective on the future of the marketplace. I have been serving and contributing at numerous AAIA and SEMA events for many years and have presented for AAIA and SEMA-sponsored webinars. My goal, when elected, will be to apply my experience and expertise to strengthening the council’s objectives of member outreach and opportunities and facilitate the survival and prosperity of businesses as our industry continues to evolve.
Albert Reda - Vibrant Power Inc., INCUMBENT
I have been a part of the automotive industry for more than 12 years and have set a successful track record as the sales manager for Vibrant Performance. Most notably, I have spearheaded the establishment of our company’s distribution network with partners in over 18 countries worldwide. As a candidate for the SPC, I plan to draw from this international sales experience on future council matters. As a member of the Sport Compact/Street Performance Council from 2007 to 2009, I focused on the business issues that impact the automotive performance jobber and hope to continue on this track during the next two years.
Famous Rhodes – eBay Motors
I am the parts and accessories director of eBay Motors, the Internet’s largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive. I am responsible for the strategic direction, technical execution and overall success of the automotive parts and accessories category. I have been an automotive enthusiast since birth and want to give back and serve the industry which inspires me every day. My career and leadership roles have provided me exposure to the latest technologies and strategies for success on the Internet with eBay, Car.com and KPMG. I intend to leverage this experience to help the council build a working strategy of expanding online for enthusiasts. Promoting and growing the street-performance industry both online and offline.
MK Sathya - Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., INCUMBENT
As a business leader with more than 18 years experience in the areas of global business, manufacturing, quality and operations, distribution, global procurement and supply chain, I am capable of bringing an unbiased perspective to the various constituents of the SPC. I find this industry fascinating and uniquely American—representing passion, entrepreneurship, independence and individual expression. The people I have met have educated me on its opportunities and challenges alike. I will bring in the leadership capability necessary to deal with those challenges and opportunities. If extended the opportunity, I remain committed to serving the needs of the SPC to my fullest capability and as I reach out for your support and vote; please accept my personal thanks in advance.