By SEMA News Editors
Numerous industry suppliers, distributors and individuals were recognized throughout the 2024 SEMA Show, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment market over the past year. Below is a roundup of this year's major award winners.
SEMA Manufacturer of the Year: QA1
QA1 President and CEO Melissa Scoles accepts the SEMA Manufacturer of the Year honors during this year's SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast.
QA1 was named SEMA Manufacturer of the Year and Keystone Automotive was named SEMA Channel Partner of the Year at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Both companies were recognized at Tuesday's SEMA Show Kickoff Breakfast, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the automotive specialty-equipment industry over the past year.
"We are proud to honor QA1 and Keystone Automotive for their relentless dedication to advancing the industry," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "It takes hard work to drive meaningful change, and these companies have exemplified the teamwork, innovation, and service needed to propel the industry forward."
QA1 is an industry leader in high-performance suspension and driveline for the automotive aftermarket. From individual shock absorbers to suspension systems for entire vehicles, they are dedicated to designing and producing high-quality, cost-effective solutions across several markets. QA1's commitment to providing customers with high-quality product data, a passion for pushing boundaries and setting new standards, and investing in their employees through professional development opportunities are what made them the ideal recipient of this year's award. For more information, visit qa1.net.
SEMA Channel Partner of the Year: Keystone Automotive Operations
Keystone Automotive President Bill Rogers accepts the SEMA Channel Partner of the Year honors at the SEMA Kickoff Breakfast.
Keystone Automotive is a leading distributor and marketer of specialty automotive equipment and accessories, serving the diverse interests and needs of auto enthusiasts. With eight warehouses and multiple cross docks supported by their own fleet of trucks, their distribution network is second to none. The Channel Partner of the Year Award recognizes Keystone's ongoing commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements, embracing new technologies and trends, and investing in cutting-edge logistics and inventory management systems that have revolutionized the way aftermarket parts are distributed, ensuring that customers receive timely and accurate deliveries. For more information, visit keystoneautomotive.com.
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.
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.