By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Wheel & Tire Council (WTC) named Alexander Martinez as this week’s WTC spotlight volunteer. Martinez is a WTC select committee member and the chief marketing and customer officer at SD Wheel —a distributor of wheels and tires for the automotive aftermarket.
Get to know Martinez in his interview with SEMA below.
SEMA: What led you to obtaining a career in the wheel and tire industry?
Alexander Martinez: I’ve always been passionate about people finding ways to express their individuality. It just so happens that cars were the best way to do that. My passion for bringing people together and expressing themselves through their vehicles sparked various entrepreneurial businesses when I was 17-18. Over time, this scaled into launching brands and companies that specialized in aftermarket wheels, tires and suspension.
SEMA: How has being a WTC volunteer or member impacted your professional career?
AM: It's allowed me to connect with some incredible leaders in the wheel and tire industry. From new companies to well-established brands, being a part of WTC has allowed me to listen in and learn from so many exciting and incredible people with unique stories.
SEMA: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the wheel and tire segment?
AM: There are opportunities everywhere. Take the risk and make the jump! Just be sure to plan for those jumps through standard work, lean management, accountability and discipline. If you can do that, you’ll win.
SEMA: Where can we find you on a Saturday?
AM: I can be found at Road America driving my cars, hosting a car show or traveling with vendors learning about new products.
Fill out a WTC spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the wheel and tire segment of the automotive aftermarket. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on WTC’s social media, SEMA eNews and future WTC member updates.