By Ashley Reyes
Holland Communications Inc. is the latest company to be recognized by the SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) member spotlight program. Holland Communications Inc. is a full-service PR/advertising agency that specializes in the automotive aftermarket and has been a SEMA member since 1975. Hear from company founder Bill Holland as he shares the story of his business.
SEMA: Tell us the story of your business. How did you start?
Bill Holland: I was editor of NHRA's publication National Dragster and spent much of my time creating ads for companies (as my background was in art and marketing). I went out on my own to perform these services for companies in the performance aftermarket and became a SEMA member in 1975.
My first exposure to hot rodding came from the pages of Hot Rod magazine when I was about 13 and rode my bicycle over to watch Von Dutch pinstripe cars. Lucky to have grown up in Hollywood during hot rodding’s halcyon days. I also raced T/F and F/C, with a dragster sponsored by TV personality Art Linkletter.
SEMA: What was your breakthrough moment?
BH: I have had the opportunity to work with a number of industry pioneers. Having them recommend me to others is a sense of pride.
SEMA: Tell us about your business now in 2021 and what projects you are working on.
Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster
Show and was also featured in Hot Rod magazine.
BH: From being essentially focused on the print media, we are now very much involved with digital and social media and are working on programs with our clients to expand in those areas. There’s also an ever-increasing demand for videos, and that’s another area where we are active.
SEMA: Tell us about a build you are proud of.
BH: From an enthusiast standpoint, it was having my 23-GT track roadster featured in the HRIA booth at SEMA, and having it become a contender for the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award at the Grand National Roadster Show and also featured in Hot Rod magazine.
SEMA: What advice do you have for young professionals contemplating a career in the automotive aftermarket?
BH: I spent 20-plus years on the SEMA Scholarship Committee and have encouraged young professionals to get a solid educational background and seek the wisdom and experience of industry veterans, most of whom are more than willing to provide guidance in their particular niche.
Fill out an HRIA member spotlight form to highlight how your company is contributing to the Hot Rod industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on HRIA’s and media, SEMA eNews, and future HRIA-member updates.