People Places & Racing News

Movers & Shakers: CT Performance Opens New Facility; Aaron Kaufman to Appear at Carlisle GM Nationals

Compiled by SEMA Editors

Diode
Diode Dynamics has announced that the company has achieved
ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Diode Dynamics Announces ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Automotive LED lighting manufacturer Diode Dynamics has announced that the company has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification. The company was audited by SRI Quality System Registrar, and received their certificate on May 25. The scope of Diode Dynamics’ certification includes the design, manufacture and distribution of automotive lighting products.

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized quality management standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification provides a model for companies of all types to use in building an effective quality management system, with a focus on risk-based thinking, accountability, and continuous improvement in all organizational processes.

This certification was not contractually required by any existing customers. Instead, Diode Dynamics’ decision to work towards ISO 9001:2015 certification was the result of its ongoing commitment to providing industry-leading, high-quality products to its customers, and the company’s focus on continuous improvement and excellence, according to the company.

Competition Specialties Inc. Adds Charlie Jensen to Team Roster

Competition Specialties Inc. has announced Charlie Jensen as the newest team member of its purchasing department. Jensen has been in the automotive specialty-equipment industry since 1989, when he went to work for Flex-A-Lite in Tacoma, Washington, as a customer service rep. Over the next seven years, he worked his way up in the company, achieving the ranks of production coordinator and sales manager. In 1996, he joined K&N Engineering as its international sales manager in Southern California. In 1998, he accepted a job with the independent sales rep company R & R Marketing. For the next 12 years, he excelled in all aspects of managing the challenges of marketing multiple product lines to a wide variety of wholesale distribution companies throughout the Western States region. In 2010, through a partnership with Jerry Nunez, IMS Marketing was launched. The company received recognition for outstanding service from SEMA in 2012. Due to Nunez’s unexpected passing in November 2012, Jensen took over IMS Marketing, rebranding it as Jensen Marketing Services, which for eight years thrived as a rep services company until the 2020 global pandemic.

Kaufman
Aaron Kaufman

Aaron Kaufman, Builder and Show Host to Appear at Carlisle GM Nationals

Carlisle Events announced that Aaron Kaufman will sign autographs on Saturday, June 26, at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania, during the Carlisle GM Nationals. Kaufman is a builder and TV personality who is known for his time alongside Richard Rawlings on “Gas Monkey Garage,” and is also the owner of Arclight Fabrication located in Dallas. Sessions with Kaufman are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., and again from 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. The autograph and photo opportunity with Kaufman is free once on Carlisle grounds. The two-day gathering of all things GM takes place June 25–26, and includes competitions, special displays and automotive guests and personalities.

RRMCI to Represent McGard Through Western United States and Canadian Territories

McGard will now work with R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. (RRMCI) for North American sales and marketing representation. RRMCI will represent McGard throughout the Western United States and Canada. McGard is the latest brand to retain the sales and marketing services of R&R Marketing Consultants Inc. The Kansas City-based firm has earned six SEMA Representative of the Year Awards for their work in the automotive aftermarket. For more information on McGard’s security products, wheel locks and chrome-plated lug nuts or to become a dealer, visit www.mcgard.com.

Peter Rogers
Peter Rogers

Sonoma Raceway Names Peter Rogers Vice President of Sales

Peter Rogers, a long-time executive in the music and entertainment industry, has been named vice president of sales for Sonoma Raceway. In his new role, Rogers will oversee all aspects of sponsorships and sales for the 1,600-acre Northern California facility, including title sponsorships, premium sales, corporate events and official speedway partnerships. Rogers holds former experience with Sony Music and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. His most recent position was serving as vice president of partnerships and business development for the Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas. Rogers will report to Speedway Motorsports Chief Sales Officer Kevin Camper. Rogers will relocate from Las Vegas to Sonoma.

Thermo-Tec Automotive Inc. Launches New Website

Thermo-Tec Automotive Inc. announced that the company has revamped and launched a new website to modernize the online presence of the company. The updates feature a new rotating banner, product categories on the homepage, and many updated images and videos, as well as a new enticing layout to browse products. The new website still has its e-commerce features, allowing visitors to continue purchasing Thermo-Tec products directly from the manufacturer.

CT Performance
CT Performance has relocated to a brand-new 12,500-sq.-ft. facility
in Stockbridge, Michigan.

CT Performance Opens New Facility

CT Performance has announced its relocation to a brand-new facility in Stockbridge, Michigan. The 12,500-sq.-ft. facility is situated on five acres of land and is expected to allow CT Performance to offer additional services, including tire mounting, balancing, alignment, and in-house machining and parts manufacturing. The new facility also features a five-axis CNC machining center, giving CT Performance the ability to manufacture performance components in-house.

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