By Ashley Reyes
The SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) has named Spencer Scala, sales lead at MARS of Billings, as the council's newest spotlight volunteer. Get to know Scala in his interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: What inspired you to pursue a career in restyling?
Spencer Scala: My wife. I was working a retail shoe sales job when she heard MARS/Devon was hiring. She knew I would be happier doing what I love, which is the car/truck industry. One of the first weeks I started, I got asked to go work a car show. I knew then I was home.
SN: Why did you decide to volunteer for PRO?
SC: Dealing with dealerships is one of my primary responsibilities. The effort that PRO is making to help with aftermarket/OEM relationships is huge. Each side of this market needs each other to make sure people of all walks of life can enjoy their vehicles, so anything to help that movement is something I could get behind.
SN: What advice do you have for someone pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket?
SC: Be passionate. People love vehicles, plain and simple. When you can show and share the passion you have for vehicles with customers, endless relationships can be built.
SN: What is your dream vehicle?
SC: I have two very different vehicles on the top of a very long list. First is a '68 Mustang Fastback with a pro-touring chassis and suspension, and a fuel-injected, supercharged Ford 427. The other is a true '92 Nissan Silvia lowered with mild bolt-ons. I'd have a warehouse if I had the funds.
SN: What is the best advice you have ever received?
SC: One day while venting about something that had gone wrong, my father told me something: failure and success go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. They build upon each other to help a person grow.
SN: What keeps you in the industry?
SC: My passion for vehicles and love for helping people design and build their projects to reality. I have been a vehicle enthusiast since I was a little kid. Doing what I love with other amazing people in our company and in our industry keeps me excited to come back each and every day.
SN: Where can you be found on a Saturday?
SC: Doing yard work, hanging out with the family, taking my son to local car meets or working at MARS.
Fill out a PRO member spotlight form to highlight how you or your company are contributing to the automotive restyling industry. Selected candidates are eligible to be featured on PRO's social media, SEMA News and future PRO-member updates.