By SEMA News Editors
SEMA has announced the recipients of its Person of the Year, Content Creator of the Year and Robert E. Petersen Lifetime achievement awards. Presented on November 7 at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet, these awards honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry over a yearlong period.
Person of the Year: Colby McLaughlin
2023 SEMA Person of the Year Ian Lehn (left) presents the award to 2024 winner Colby McLaughlin (center) alongside Industry Awards Banquet Host Jarod DeAnda.
McLaughlin, President of Trim Illusion Inc., was awarded Person of the Year for his exceptional contributions and leadership in the automotive aftermarket industry. As a volunteer of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee for many years, he is now chair of the council, guiding PRO in creating valuable benefits that enhance the business practices and procedures of automotive restylers nationwide. In addition to his work with PRO, McLaughlin actively supports automotive education programs, has mentored aspiring designers and engineers, and generously contributes to charitable initiatives that benefit automotive enthusiasts and their families.
Content Creator of the Year: ChrisFix
ChrisFix accepts the award for SEMA Content Creator of the Year at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.
ChrisFix started his YouTube channel with the goal of helping people learn how to fix their car so they could save money and maybe even start a new hobby with cars. Since then, he has amassed 10.4 million subscribers on YouTube and has taught millions of people all over the world how to fix and maintain their car. Each video is a step-by-step, how-to style demonstration that he films, edits and publishes on his own. His content is concise with all of the essential information so anyone can follow along, from beginners to experts.
"SEMA is proud to recognize Colby and Chris for their contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "Their contributions have offered solutions to many problems that SEMA members and automotive enthusiasts around the world face. We commend them for their passion, dedication to excellence, and overall positive industry influence."
Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Prudhomme
Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Don Prudhomme at the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet.
A drag racing legend, Prudhomme began his NHRA top fuel and funny car career in 1962, collecting the first of 49 career wins as a driver, good for fifth in NHRA history, and later became just the third owner/driver in series history to secure more than 100 total wins.
The SEMA Industry Awards are among the most prestigious honors given to individuals in the industry.
In 2025, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet will move to Fontainebleau Las Vegas from the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, which has hosted the event since 1977. The SEMA Show is dedicated to evolving to provide a better event experience for industry members.
Additional details are available at semashow.com or sema.org.