SEMA News—October 2014
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fast Facts
Hastings Manufacturing Co. has appointed Sarah Kollar to the position of marketing manager. She will report to Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing Ken Holbrook. Kollar previously performed account management for the company’s OEM activities as well as significant interaction with aftermarket activities, including customer service. In her new role, Kollar will direct the sales and marketing team and develop both aftermarket and OEM partnerships that support the company’s strategic growth.
Amos Media, owners of the bimonthly magazine and website Cars & Parts, has hired Glenn Bucher as publisher for all its automotive platforms. Bucher has worked for more than 25 years in the field of automotive publishing. He and his team plan to reinvent Cars & Parts for high-performance, tech, DIY, all-out driving and maximum aftermarket sales. Amos Media, Sidney, OH; 800-834-5479.
Luke Perkowski has been named director of marketing and product management for ATP Automotive. Perkowski came to ATP Inc. from Bosch, where he served as senior product manager. His expertise includes a focus on customer acquisition and program development for automotive retail, traditional, buying group, mass, OES and e-commerce accounts. Prior to joining Bosch, Perkowski was part of the General Motors service engineering program, where he worked on key elements of the service parts release process and design release criteria.
Kit Car Builder magazine has changed its name to Car Builder. “Both our readers and advertisers have been requesting a broader editorial focus,” said Editor and Publisher Steve Temple. “While the term ‘kit car’ is familiar to most auto enthusiasts, the market has grown up considerably since the early days of dune buggies, and the magazine has matured as well. So our new name reflects these changing times.” Many of the project cars currently covered by the publication are more technologically refined and require a substantial investment of time and money. SCT Communications, Reno, NV; 310-377-6612.
Jonathan Hladney, from Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, was named the 2014 Mitchell 1 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student during the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) conference held in Greenville, South Carolina. Hladney received a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and round-trip airfare and accommodations for himself and a guest to attend the NACAT conference. Hladney is a graduate of Highlands High School (Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania). He received the National Technical Honor Society award twice, was a member of SkillsUSA and was employed as an apprentice technician at Spitzer Toyota/Scion (Monroeville, Pennsylvania). Mitchell 1, Poway, CA; 858-391-5000.
The Hybrid Shop named Dave Crawford chief executive officer. He is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations and management. The Hybrid Shop’s founder and former CEO, Matt Curry, will continue to oversee the company’s evolution in his new position as chief visionary officer. Crawford, who has more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, has a background that includes a full spectrum of skills and experience in operations, management and marketing at the executive level.
Scott Joseph, the owner and former president of J&L Marketing, has moved to the role of CEO and has named Jamil Zabaneh the company’s new president. According to Joseph, the move will allow him to put additional focus on the company’s long term. “The company has simply gotten too large for one person to oversee, which is a good thing,” Joseph said. “Naming Jamil Zabaneh as president will allow me to hand over the day-to-day duties of managing J&L Marketing to him.” Zabaneh has been with J&L Marketing for five years, most recently as vice president of national accounts. J&L reports that Zabaneh’s recent contributions to product improvements have been pivotal.
Drake Automotive Group hired Mark Mathews to manage the company’s growing marketing and advertising department. Mathews joins Drake after seven years with the Transamerican Manufacturing Group, where he managed the marketing for several brands. Mathews was previously the marketing and promotions manager for Automotive Engineered Products Inc., which manufactured JBA Headers & Exhaust. Mathews will be responsible for managing all aspects of marketing and advertising for Drake. Drake Automotive, Henderson, NV; 702-853-2060.
Kristin Grons has joined Brake Parts Inc. as marketing manager. In her new role, Grons is responsible for leading the planning and execution of marketing strategies for Raybestos brand brakes. She will provide leadership insights and support corporate strategic objectives as well as analyze research and manage advertising, social media, promotional programs and social, digital and web strategies. Prior to joining Brake Parts Inc., Grons served as product and creative services manager for Intermatic Inc. in Spring Grove, Illinois. Brake Parts Inc., McHenry, IL; 815-759-7658.
Through an initiative to help customers understand the importance of battery maintenance, CTEK Power Inc. has released the first two in a series of 10 educational articles. The first two articles cover the functions that a battery performs and how a battery works. The third article will provide insight on different battery types. The educational articles are available through CTEK’s website as downloadable PDF files. Visit CTEK at the 2014 SEMA Show in the Racing and Performance section, booth #24129. CTEK Power Inc., Twinsburg, OH; 330-963-0981.
Flaming River Industries Inc. announced that hot-rodding and racing veteran Ron Skyrme has joined its team. Skyrme will lead new-business development for Flaming River and will call on customers and represent Flaming River at industry shows and events in areas primarily west of the Mississippi River. Skyrme has been involved in the automotive industry since the early ’70s. He opened his own paint and striping shop at the age of 22. He recently finished a 24-year career with DuPont USA, working as a technical advisor in the automotive finishes division. Flaming River Industries, Berea, OH; 440-826-4488.
TA Associates, one of the world’s largest and oldest private equity investment firms, acquired Tectum Holdings Inc. (THI). THI manufactures tonneau covers, bedliners and related truck accessories. Kinderhook Industries formed THI in 2007 with a merger between Extang and TruXedo. THI has expanded to a family of seven recognized brands: Extang, TruXedo, BedRug, UnderCover, Advantage, Retrax and BAK Industries. “I’m convinced that we will continue to thrive and set the standard for the industry’s best truck accessories through the combined capabilities of our companies” said THI CEO and President Bill Reminder. Reminder will continue in his current role, as will all members of the company’s executive and management teams.
Snow Performance Inc. has announced that Jake Snow has accepted the position of director of operations of Snow Performance, reporting to President Matt Snow. Jake Snow [Matt Snow’s son] will have total oversight of day-to-day operations, including purchasing, receivables and social media. He will also be integral in all financial and strategic planning aspects of the company. Jake Snow recently graduated with a B.S. in finance from Colorado State University and has management experience as squadron leader and 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force ROTC, where he also earned a pilot slot. Snow Performance, Woodland Park, CO; 719-633-3811.
Trim Parts Holdings Corp. has acquired Mr. Mustang, making the company the latest member of a rapidly growing family of restoration parts manufacturers. Mr. Mustang manufactures and distributes high-quality ’64–’73 Ford Mustang restoration components. Founded in 1975 by Carl Pendley, Mr. Mustang became a highly respected and well-known name among Mustang enthusiasts around the world by manufacturing its brand of more than 200 components to exact OEM specifications. Upon the acquisition, Mr. Mustang will operate out of the Trim Parts facility in Lebanon, Ohio, and production will be headed by Pendley’s daughter, Connie Johnson. Trim Parts Holdings, Lebanon, OH; 513-934-0815.
Rattletrap Productions announced that “Stacey David’s GearZ” will air at 8:30 a.m. (EST) Sunday on the Velocity channel starting in October 2014. “GearZ” will also continue syndication on MAVTV on Fridays and Sundays, elevating the viewership potential of this award-winning DIY show to close to 100 million. Viewers can get access to full-length, commercial-free episodes through the online community, GearZNation. For advertising opportunities, contact Brian Zembrycki at brianz@rattletrapproductions.com. Rattletrap Productions, White House, TN; 615-868-6203.
Yokohama Tire Corp. announced that it is moving its western region distribution center from the current facility in Fullerton, California, to a new 658,000-square-foot facility in Chino, California. The company expects the move to be completed later this year. The new western region distribution center, located at 16388 Fern Avenue in the county of San Bernardino, is designed to hold tires at more than twice the capacity of the existing warehouse and bring together both fulltime and contract labor. Yokohama Tire Corp., Fullerton, CA; 714-870-3800.
The University of Northwestern Ohio will offer a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology supervision. This allows students who have obtained an associate’s degree in automotive technology, agricultural equipment technology, diesel technology, high performance motorsports technology or alternate fuels technology to complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in just two additional years of study. Prospective students fall into two categories: those who have already completed an associate’s degree and those who are just entering college for the first time. Those who have already received their associate’s degree in one of the above-mentioned fields can begin classes in the fall or spring quarter for 24 months. University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima, OH; 419-998-3120.
