By SEMA News Editors
SEMA has announced the recipients of its Visionary 8 honor program, recognizing rising stars who are making a positive impact within the automotive aftermarket.
New for 2024, the SEMA Visionary 8 program honors eight young professionals aged 35 and under who are on track to change and/or advance the automotive specialty-equipment market. Criteria include having active industry involvement and the demonstrated talent, innovation, integrity, success and leadership that is needed to become a driver of the industry.
"This year's honorees have a passion for the industry and a work ethic that is truly inspiring," said SEMA Manager of Recognition Programs Jose Escobar. "We are proud to recognize their fresh perspectives, dedication to personal advancement and out-of-the-box thinking that is pushing the industry forward."
Each Visionary 8 recipient was recognized at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas and will be featured in an in-depth article in an upcoming issue of SEMA magazine.
The 2024 SEMA Visionary 8 are:
- Cavan Cameron, car designer and student, Horizon Motorsports
- Joe Gregory, project engineer-TrailFX, LKQ Specialty Product Group
- Nicole Hamilton, director of marketing, Engaged Media
- Zack Hampton, owner, Chromotize
- Melanie Henry, communications and traffic manager, Martin & Company Advertising
- Solomon Lunger, founder, Solos MFG
- Kevin Sayo, founder, Dongar Technologies LLC
- Dan Ziegler, business partner integration manager, Turn 14 Distribution
"I'm honored. I've never won anything like this before," said Hamilton. "This is a huge accomplishment for me and I'm very excited for it."
Entrepreneurship, insight, integrity, responsibility, and demonstrated skill all weigh heavily in the judges' decision-making process. Nominations for next year's SEMA Visionary 8 will open in Summer of 2025.