Custom Car Builders Wanted for “Fast N’ Loud” Build-Off
The producers of the TV show “Fast N’ Loud” are looking for a team of custom car builders to face off against the Gas Monkey crew on a brand new build-off TV special and live event. The producers will come to your shop or garage and film you designing, fabricating and building a four-wheeled, custom beauty to be revealed on national television during a live show. To prove who is the champ of the build-off, you will race your build against the Gas Monkey creation. The vehicle can be a hot rod or street rod and either a new or ongoing build.
Your crew must consist of two people who have the tools and skills to compete against the best. To apply, e-mail FastNLoudCasting@gmail.com and include your names and the name of the garage; your city/state; recent photos of you and your team, contact phone number; and a brief explanation of why your team can win. Complete details are available through the producers of “Fast N’ Loud.”
 Dionisio “Dino” Urena has joined Enduratex as sales manager for the company's Northeast territory. | |
Enduratex Names Dino Urena Sales Manager
Dionisio “Dino” Urena has joined Enduratex as sales manager for the company's Northeast territory. “Dino is a respected professional in our industry and brings more than two decades of coated fabrics experience to his new position at Enduratex,” said Jeff Post, vice president and general manager of Enduratex/CGPCA. “Dino’s work at O’Sullivan and Omnova demonstrated his thorough understanding of product development, sales and the vinyl marketplace.” Urena has achieved the Six Sigma Tools & Techniques Green Belt from the Juran Institute and is a member of the IFAI, the Marine Fabricators Association and the Society of Plastic Engineers.
Michael Klein Named Treasurer for AIAA Executive Committee
IDQ Holding Inc.'s President and CEO Michael Klein was recently elected treasurer for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association executive committee. Klein will account for all minutes of board meetings, help prepare the annual budget and supervise AIAA’s financial records. Prior to being elected to treasurer, he chaired AIAA’s investment committee for a number of years. In addition to his position with AIAA, Klein also serves on several other executive committees and boards, including Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Tom Marx to Lead Merger and Acquisition Presentation at Northwood University
Tom Marx, CEO of Marx Group Advisors, will present "Surviving and Thriving During a Merger, Acquisition, Divestiture or Other Change in Ownership" on Wednesday, July 24 at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Michigan. The presentation is part of the University of the Aftermarket's weeklong Heavy Duty Leadership educational conference. Marx will provide students with strategies on how they can be their best during a merger or acquisition. He will also provide advice on managing the people that work for them during this type of transition and how to contribute to make sure the deal is a success.
Western Technical College Students to Intern With Don Schumacher Racing
Two students from Western Technical College in El Paso, Texas—27-year-old U.S. Army veteran Kody Throop and 23-year-old Joshua Lerma—will work as interns for 11-time NHRA world champion Don Schumacher Racing when the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competes at Denver, near San Francisco and Seattle between July 19 and August 4. Throop will assist on the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster driven by seven-time NHRA world champion Tony Schumacher, while Lerma will work with the Matco Tools Top Fuel dragster driven by reigning champion Antron Brown. “The Western Swing internship program was made possible in part because of our longstanding relationship with Matco Tools, which is the official tool of Western Technical College and DSR,” said Jack Werner, director for the Automotive, Performance and Diesel Programs at Western Technical College. “Kody and Joshua will gain valuable experience and insight on the internal workings of a professional race team. They both look forward to the challenge with the ultimate goal to join one of the teams full time should the opportunity be presented to them.”
GM and UTI Develop Auto Tech Training Program
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and General Motors Co. have reached an agreement to develop a 12-week elective training program for UTI students. The program will first be available at UTI's Avondale campus. The goal of the new GM elective program will help provide a steady flow of well-trained, ready-to-work technicians to GM dealers and affiliates. UTI graduates will benefit from a specialized education that improves their opportunities for employment.
 Westin Automotive Products Inc. has relocated its Engineering R&D facility to San Dimas, California. | |
Westin Automotive Products Relocates R&D Facility
Westin Automotive Products Inc. has relocated its Engineering R&D facility to San Dimas, California. The 10,000-sq.-ft. facility has a staff of 12 full-time employees comprised of engineers, technicians and CAD specialists. The company reports that the facility is a primary cornerstone of the company's operating model to help ensure that all products are conceived, designed, developed, tested and quality controlled in the USA.
J.D. Hatton and Duane Blalock Form Rep Performance Marketing
Long-time manufacturers' representatives J.D. Hatton and Duane Blalock have teamed up to form Rep Performance Marketing covering the Southeast United States. The new team, with more than 40 years of combined experience in the automotive aftermarket, has announced that they are hitting the ground running with the following clients: B&M Performance Products, Hurst Shifters, Flowmaster Exhaust, Derale Performance and Pacer Performance Products.
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