James Lawrence Announces Departure From Power Automedia; Sale to New Ownership Group
Power Automedia, which includes Dragzine, LSX Magazine, Street Muscle, Off Road Xtreme, Ford Muscle, Chevy Hardcore, Diesel Army, Electrified, and new acquisition Mustang Week, has announced today James Lawrence will transition from his role of CEO at the end of the year—a decision by Lawrence, who founded the company more than 15 years ago. Lawrence, who currently serves as SEMA’s chairman of the board, will continue as a senior consultant for Power Automedia.
A new ownership group consisting of Scott Parker, Lloyd Hunt, Kevin McIntosh, Andrew Almazan, and Ivan Korda has acquired Power Automedia. As part of the transition, Parker has been named Power Automedia’s chief content officer and general manager and Hunt as chief revenue officer.
“After guiding and owning Power Automedia since 2006, I am excited to pursue new interests,” stated Lawrence. “It has been an amazing ride and experience. It’s been a tremendous honor serving as CEO and working with so many talented people. This company has a bright future and there is no better team to help accelerate it to new heights.”
Power Automedia recently announced the acquisition of Mustang Week. Lawrence advised the management team on that acquisition and will continue to advise Power Automedia’s leadership team as a senior consultant. The new ownership group will continue to evaluate growth and acquisition opportunities in the media and event space.
“We are excited to acquire this business, but we will all miss James on a full time basis at Power Automedia,” said Hunt. “He has helped build this business from the ground up, including developing a series of digital media innovations that pushed the envelope for everyone, helping bring new ideas to life that the automotive industry hadn’t seen before. His decisive leadership and business knowledge have been an incredible asset to grow the business and we’re very grateful for his leadership of our great brands.”
“We believe in Power Automedia and our new ownership group is prepared to manage this transition well,” declared Parker. “We wish James success in the future and look forward to working with him in an advisory capacity.”
Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournament a Success
The Bob Schoeberl Memorial Golf Tournament, held recently during the SEMA and AAPEX industry week in Las Vegas, was a testimony to work of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation’s (AACF) Board of Directors, AACF staff and volunteers and the large number of industry leaders who supported this annual event. It attracted 160 golfers and more than $600,000 was raised to help individuals and families in the automotive aftermarket in need.
AACF 30th Anniversary Golf Tournament Winners. (L–R): Don Daugherty, of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply; Barry Hills of Canammex/Thunderboldt; Pete Thomas of Parts Authority; and Bob Rescoe of Federated Auto Parts.
“We had a tremendous turn out for our AACF 30th anniversary charity golf tournament on Monday, October 31, at the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas,” said Larry Magee, AACF trustee and president of the board of directors. Magee, of Magee Ventures Group, led the annual board meeting on Sunday and hosted a cocktail party and festive gathering that evening.
“I was honored and humbled by the outstanding support from the automotive aftermarket’s industry members, our donors and the AACF Board of Trustees who participated to raise dollars and raise awareness of our charitable organization. This fundraising event will allow the foundation to continue the great work we do in providing support to men and women in the automotive aftermarket who have fallen on difficult times and have nowhere else to turn, added Magee.”
“We were so pleased at the level of support we received from the industry in making the 30th anniversary of our charity golf tournament a huge success,” said Joel Ayres, executive director of the AACF. “In addition to funds that come from the golf teams, we had an impressive array of gifts and prizes donated by members of the industry that supported our raffle and for our door prizes, making it a fun day for all who attended.”
Four industry leaders took home the top trophy, but all who participated are winners, as they helped the AACF grow its funds to support businesses and families in times of catastrophe in the aftermarket industry. From left, Don Daugherty, of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply; Barry Hills of Canammex/Thunderboldt; Pete Thomas of Parts Authority; and Bob Rescoe of Federated Auto Parts.
QA1 Awarded Business of the Year at the SEMA Show
SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) selected QA1 as Business of the Year from its member companies, representing many industries ranging from retail, manufacturing, distribution, publishing and more. Presented to QA1 at HRIA’s annual banquet at the SEMA show on November 2, this annual award recognizes a company that has made an exceptional contribution and has had a positive impact in the hot rod industry.
“On behalf of the entire QA1 team, we are truly honored and appreciative to the HRIA for this recognition,” said Melissa Scoles, QA1 president and CEO. “As we enter our 30th year, this award reinforces our guiding principle of developing high-quality, affordable products and enhancing customer experiences.”
QA1 was “nominated because of the impact they made in their Customer Service operations,” said Danny Agosta, HRIA select committee chair. “They work closely with builders, getting things set up, customized applications, etc., and it’s a level of service that is unfortunately rare today."
In recent years, QA1’s creation of the #goDRIVEit movement has encouraged hot rodders and street cruisers to go out and have fun with their vehicle. By supporting and facilitating numerous events around the country, the foundation of the #goDRIVEit movement is one of collaboration and enthusiasm.
Steve Whipple Joins PRW as President, General Manager
PRW Industries (PRW)—the designer and global manufacturer of racing and performance aftermarket engine parts and accessories in Perris, California—has announced Steve Whipple has joined the company as president and general manager.
Whipple brings more than 40 years of experience in the industry. He most recently served as the director of private-label new markets at JEGS in Delaware, Ohio. Prior, he served as the vice president of sales and marketing at Edelbrock, now based in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Whipple is also current member of the SEMA Board of Directors and the Custom Automotive Network (CAN) board of directors. He previously served on SEMA’s Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC).
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