By Michael Imlay
Of the several honors and recognitions that SEMA bestows each year, the SEMA Person of the Year Award is among the most prestigious. Determined by a special committee and presented at the annual SEMA Show's Industry Banquet, the award recognizes exceptional volunteerism and service to the association and the industry. Accordingly, on Thursday night, November 7, 2024, before a gathering of 1,400 SEMA Show banquet attendees, Trim Illusion President Colby McLaughlin was named the award's most recent recipient.
While the announcement took him completely off guard, those familiar with his work were not surprised. McLaughlin has distinguished himself as an enthusiastic volunteer on the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) Select Committee for many years, and now chairs the council, guiding it in creating valuable benefits that enhance the business practices and procedures of automotive restylers nationwide. In addition to his council endeavors, McLaughlin also actively supports automotive education programs, has mentored aspiring designers and engineers, and generously contributes to charitable initiatives that benefit automotive enthusiasts and their families. For these and other achievements, McLaughlin joins a select group of association honorees.
"SEMA is proud to recognize Colby for his contributions to the restyling industry and the entire aftermarket," said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. "His efforts have yielded solutions to many problems that SEMA members and automotive enthusiasts around the world face. We commend him for his passion, dedication to excellence and overall positive industry influence."
In the wake of the awards ceremony, SEMA magazine caught up with McLaughlin for his reflections on being named SEMA Person of the Year, his career and volunteer milestones and why he remains a steadfast industry advocate. What follows has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
SEMA Magazine: You seemed rather surprised at the SEMA Show's Industry Banquet when you were named SEMA Person of the Year. How did it feel?
Colby McLaughlin: Yeah, it was funny when [emcee] Jarod DeAnda was introducing the winner as a "philanthropist and innovator…" I've never been called those before, so I was just shoving buttered rolls in my face, and my wife nudged me. I don't know if she got tipped off or not, but it was a surprise. To be recognized by the people I respect a lot in this industry was an amazing feeling, for sure.
SM: That's great. And as you know, the award honors service to SEMA and the industry. But before we get into that, let's go into some background about who you are and what you do.
CM: I started in automotive; really, it's been my only career...
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Photography by Frederick Hardy