Burger and Fudge Join Quadratec Wholesale
Sean Burger and Sean Fudge will represent Quadratec Wholesale in their outside role as southeast and midwest regional sales manager, respectively. Burger brings many years of experience working with Jeep accessory sales across retail and wholesale channels in the southeastern United States to Quadratec Wholesale. Having worked in various capacities for a leading manufacturer of Jeep and off-road accessories, Burger brings product technical knowledge, sales training and account management skills to Quadratec Wholesale.
Fudge brings 10 years of experience in account management and outside sales in the truck and off-road accessory market to Quadratec Wholesale. His previous experience managing hundreds of accounts and developing new business will be crucial to his new responsibilities.
In their new roles, Burger and Fudge will be responsible for managing sales growth, existing and new account development and promoting the benefits of Quadratec Wholesale and the Quadratec family of brands within their territories.
Race Winning Brands Acquires Haltech
Race Winning Brands (RWB), a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, has announced the acquisition of Haltech Engine Management Systems based in New South Wales, Australia, and with offices in Lexington, Kentucky, and Lake Forest, California.
Haltech specializes in electronic engine management systems for performance and racing applications, including a wide range of domestic and sport-compact engine platforms. Haltech will continue to operate and serve its customers from its existing locations in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Austria. For more information, visit racewinningbrands.com or haltech.com.
Mullen Automotive Announces Key New Hires
Mullen Automotive Inc. has announced a number of new hires across vehicle engineering, vehicle integration, powertrain systems and manufacturing in support of EV vehicle programs, including the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover and Mullen ONE EV Cargo Van programs. The following individuals who have recently joined Mullen Automotive are located across Mullen’s different facilities in California and Mississippi:
Product Engineering:
- Robert Huotari – director of interiors
- Mark Jenkins – design engineer
- Ameil Kapadia – senior manager, BIW engineering
Manufacturing:
- Cesar Aguirre – manager, BIW advanced manufacturing engineer
- Amanda Hancock – HR manager
- Allen McDonald – plant controller
- Kyler Ohl – IT systems architect
- John Roberts – facilities supervisor
- Jesse Satterfield – manager, PC and L
- Jack Saylor – production manager/tech specialist
- Michelle Saylor – global manufacturing assistant
Vehicle Integration:
- Vedanth Basappa – manager, virtual simulation
- Scott Newton – packing engineer
Thermal Systems:
- Albert Lizardo – senior manager
Mullen recently announced the “Strikingly Different” U.S. Test Drive Tour, covering 19 cities across the United States. The tour will begin this fall in Southern California and work its way throughout the United States. Further details can be found here, or place your Mullen FIVE reservation here.
Michael Graber Appointed President, CEO of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.
Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas has announced that Michael Graber has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp., the aftermarket sales unit for Toyo branded tires. He was promoted from the position of vice president of sales. In his new position, Graber will lead a team and will be responsible for replacement market sales, strategic sales planning, pricing, marketing, product planning and consumer affairs.
The Shop Magazine Acquired By Media Company
Cahaba Media Group has announced the acquisition of The Shop’s assets—the automotive aftermarket print magazine, website and podcast based in Broomfield, Colorado—from National Business Media. Previously the editor of Cahaba Media Group’s Pumps & Systems magazine, Jennifer King will lead The Shop team as the executive editor. Jef White will remain the editor, while AJ Hecht will remain the associate editor. The acquisition also included the RV Pro brand, including a print magazine, website and more for the RV market and related products. For more information, visit theshopmag.com and cahabamedia.com.
S&W Performance Group Acquired by Private Investment Firm
Ken Wible, Terri (Weney) Gdowik and Jay Lankford
The S&W Performance Group—the drag-racing and performance street vehicle chassis and components manufacturer—has been acquired by Ken Wible and Jay Lankford’s private investment firm. S&W will continue to operate out of its Spring City, Pennsylvania, headquarters, which first opened in 1959. For more information, visit swracecars.com.
SSBC-USA Adds Digital Marketing Coordinator
SSBC-USA—home of American Stopping Power—has announced the addition of its newest team member, Joey Williams, digital marketing coordinator. As SSBC-USA enters its third year of increased business and product expansion, the 40-year-old brand reputation has undergone a new light. The addition of a marketing professional will allow SSBC-USA to increase its digital footprint and highlight all that the new company has become. It will bring awareness to the latest in performance braking products, exclusively from SSBC-USA. Williams will manage the SSBC-USA website, monitor social media, develop sponsorships, implement new traffic drive and run email campaigns.
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