By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) named Tara Demuth, administrative director of R&S Truck Caps and Truck Accessories, as the network's newest spotlight member.
Get to know Demuth in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What is the best advice you have ever received?
Tara Demuth: That depends on the day. The beauty of advice (valuable advice from mentors or family) is that we gather it and can reference what we need when we need it. One of my favorites is: don’t be afraid to explore. In 2019, I took a crazy culinary adventure to Italy by myself. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The week before, I remember thinking how crazy I was not to speak Italian and go alone. But I did it! I learned so much about the food and culture, and also about myself and what I could accomplish. Don’t give yourself time to second-guess a decision to explore. Exploration could be a destination, but it could also be opening up to a new idea.
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
TD: Since I work in my family’s business, the automotive industry has always been in my life in some shape or form. I enjoy exploring the variety of products available and the creativity in customizing vehicles to fit people’s lifestyles.
SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
TD: If I’m not in the barn hanging with my fainting goats and other small, feathered friends, you’ll find me with my husband out adventuring with our side-by-side and working on our LMTV overlanding project.
SN: How do you prepare for an important meeting?
TD: I prepare for a meeting by being as knowledgeable as I can about the meeting topic. Think ahead for possible questions to ask, or that could be asked of you. Always come to the meeting with notes but leave with more.
SN: If you could go to lunch with one industry leader, living or dead, who would it be?
TD: Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. A woman with such a platform possesses a wealth of knowledge. I’m certain she has her doctorate degree in overcoming obstacles and dealing with difficult people. That’s the kind of brain I would love to pick over lunch.
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