SEMA News—August 2015
FAST FACTS
 Lee McGuire | |
Superlift hired Lee McGuire as director of marketing. McGuire has been in the automotive aftermarket for more than 11 years, serving most recently as the sales and industry relations director for Fab Fours Inc. She has also served on a number of SEMA select committees and task forces and is currently the incoming chair of the association’s Truck and Off-Road Alliance. She is also the immediate past chair for the SEMA Young Executives Network. Superlift, West Monroe, LA; 318-397-3000.
 Jim Trent | |
PRW Industries Inc. hired Jim Trent as national sales manager. Trent is a 20-plus-year veteran of the aftermarket in performance, traditional hard parts, tools and equipment. He has sold to and worked with most of the outlets within the SEMA, Performance Warehouse Association, Performance Racing Industry and Automotive Parts & Accessories Association Inc. accounts. In addition, he was involved not only with aftermarket products but also serviced allied accounts in the medical, commercial and industrial markets. PRW Industries, Perris, CA; 951-436-7900.
Restoration Parts Unlimited Inc. hired Ray Gorman as key accounts manager for The Right Stuff Detailing. Gorman brings more than 36 years of automotive expertise to The Right Stuff. He has been involved in every aspect of the automotive industry, from working with OEMs to the automotive aftermarket. Gorman is also deeply involved with several aftermarket associations, including SEMA, the Automotive Restoration Market Organization, Performance Warehouse Association and Hot Rod Industry Alliance, where he serves on the group’s select committee.
 Ray Gorman | |
The Marx Group and Marx Group Advisors added Kristine “Krisey” Banton to its team as executive assistant. In that role, Banton will support President and CEO Tom Marx and serve as the key support person to make sure that both companies run smoothly. Her additional responsibilities include office management and client support. The Marx Group, San Rafael, CA; 415-453-0844.
Tint World was selected as a top 25 finalist for Retailer of the Year–Store Chain for Mobile Electronics magazine’s 2015 Industry Awards. As a finalist, the international franchise is eligible for the Retailer of the Year–Store Chain award, which Tint World earned in 2013–2014. The magazine’s awards recognize companies and individuals that exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, business ethics, service and expertise. Winners for 2015 will be announced in August at KnowledgeFest, held in Dallas. Tint World, Weston, FL; 800-767-8468.
Hella Inc. launched a brand-new website at myhellalights.com. The new site delivers a complete online guide to Hella’s full line of auxiliary lamps, daytime running lights, accessories, bulbs, wiper blades, horns and Optilux products. The site is designed to meet the needs of enthusiasts and consumers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America and features French Canadian, Spanish, Portuguese and English languages. Hella Inc., Peachtree City, GA; 770-631-7500.
Cascadia Capital announced that it served as the exclusive advisor to Rosen Electronics on its sale to AAMP—a manufacturer of automotive audio, video and connectivity products and a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity. Rosen Electronics is a manufacturer of automotive electronics, including rear-seat entertainment, in-dash multimedia systems and a full range of safety products. Cascadia Capital’s representation of Rosen Electronics marks the fourth deal in the firm’s automotive aftermarket practice, which also includes Grease Monkey, Bully Dog and Western Peterbilt. Cascadia Capital, Seattle, WA; 204-436-2500. Rosen Electronics, Corona, CA; 951-898-9897. AAMP, Clearwater, FL; 800-477-2267.
Ringbrothers formed an alliance with 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division. The partnership will result in the development of new tools and comprehensive solutions for the enthusiast market. The announcement was made at the Ringbrothers headquarters in Spring Green, Wisconsin, among the automotive enthusiasts attending the kick-off party for the 2015 Hot Rod Power Tour. The 3M store at Ringbrothers.com is expected to launch in July 2015. Ringbrothers, Spring Green, WI; 608-588-7399. 3M Automotive Division, St. Paul, MN; 888-3M-HELPS.
Betts Truck Parts & Service added Bee Line computer alignment to its services offered for heavy-duty vehicles. Bee Line’s computerized alignment systems utilize lasers, which are designed to provide more accurate alignment than manual or infrared sensors. Utilizing this system, Betts Truck Parts & Service can provide service customers with complete alignment of steer, drive and trailer axles. Bee Line laser alignment service is available at all five California service locations in Fontana, Fresno, Sacramento, Santa Fe Springs and San Leandro.
Omix-ADA added a ’78 Jeep J-10 pickup and a ’59 Jeep FC-150 cab-forward pickup to its Jeep collection at the company’s headquarters. The Omix-ADA Jeep Collection was started by company president and founder Al Azadi and currently showcases more than 20 rare and unique military and civilian Jeeps, ranging from pre-WWII prototypes to modern-day JK Wranglers. The collection is a representation of all the models for which the company offers parts and accessories. Omix-ADA, Suwanee, GA; 770-614-6101.
The Valspar Corp. completed the previously announced acquisition of the performance coatings businesses of Quest Specialty Chemicals Inc., which includes automotive refinish and industrial coatings. The acquired businesses had 2014 sales of approximately $190 million. The acquisition strengthens Valspar’s value proposition in automotive refinish and industrial coatings. Valspar Corp., Garland, TX; 800-444-2399.
At The AAM Group’s recent annual membership meeting held in St. Louis, Joy King, office manager, received the W.O.W. Award as the organization’s 2015 employee of the year. Given annually to the AAM Group employee who best exemplifies the qualities of commitment, creativity, initiative and resourcefulness, the W.O.W. Award is named after Wilbur and Orville Wright. Also during the membership meeting, a special dedication was held for Ralph Accinno, where he was recognized and honored with a custom painting. Accinno, retiring founder of Racer’s Equipment Warehouse, provided many years of leadership on AAM’s board of directors and served as an advocate for the group to affiliated vendors and other members.
HRE Performance Wheels was selected as the official Akrapovič distributor of its car exhaust systems for the United States and Canada. Akrapovič’s relationship with HRE has grown over the years from a close partnership at marketing events to now leveraging HRE Wheels’ expertise, experience and extensive dealer network as its main point of contact for U.S. and Canadian luxury, sports and super-car customers. HRE Performance Wheels, Vista, CA; 760-598-1960.
APA Search Inc. launched a new division of the company at APASelect.com to offer a web-based service that provides job candidates the benefit of remaining anonymous until job opportunities open that match their career interests. For industry employers, APASelect provides companies with instant access to a pool of qualified, prescreened job candidates who were previously unreachable by traditional means. The website is now open for candidates to submit their credentials for membership in the site. APA Search Inc., Armonk, NY; 914-273-6000.
ATC Truck Covers introduced an all-new website at atctruckcovers.com, offering improved functionality, a full accessories list, more product photos, updates to the dealer lead application and more. The website also features a newly designed downloadable product brochure with more photos, detailed info on specific products and models and expanded features information. ATC Truck Covers, Ottawa, KS; 800-983-2787.
Gold Eagle Co. announced that the company received the Honda Supplier Performance Award for its outstanding service delivered to American Honda Service Parts. With a network of more than 600 OEM and service parts suppliers in North America, Honda recognized top-performing companies for excellence in areas of operation, including quality, value, efficiency and delivery. This is the eighth consecutive year that Gold Eagle Co. has been recognized by Honda. Gold Eagle, Chicago, IL; 800-223-4303.
Gulf Racing Fuels entered a partnership with Granatelli Motor Sports to be its chief marketing partner and distributor for its new and improved leaded and unleaded street and racing fuels. The relationship between Granatelli and Gulf dates back to the 1960s when they teamed to compete in both USAC and Formula One. Gulf Racing Fuels has developed a complete line of ethanol-free fuels for street and racing with octane ratings of 105, 110 and 116. Granatelli Motor Sports, Oxnard, CA.
Weld developed a new certified dealer program to help counter the importation of knockoff and counterfeit overseas products that claim to be genuine Weld wheels. According to Norm Young, Weld president and CEO, only genuine Weld wheels are built using the company’s approved materials, construction techniques and quality standards. He pointed out that imitation wheels may not perform as well, with the potential for premature failures and safety issues. Weld, Kansas City, MO; 800-788-9353.
Ford honored Pirelli as a top-performing global supplier during the 17th annual World Excellence Awards. Pirelli was presented with a Green Pillar Award by Hau Thai-Tang, Ford Motor Co. group vice president of global purchasing. The award recognizes Pirelli’s leadership in sustainability and support of Ford’s “Reinventing Green” brand pillar. Ford recognized 52 top-performing suppliers for achieving excellence in key areas, including quality, cost, performance and delivery. The World Excellence Awards were given in 10 categories. Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, MI; 313-322-3000. Pirelli Tire North America, Rome, GA; 212-497-8823.
