SEMA News—October 2015
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fast Facts
 Nicholas Conti | |
Mitchell 1 named Nicholas Conti, a student from Falconer, New York, the 2015 Automotive Technology Outstanding Student. Conti received a $2,500 scholarship, a check for $500 and round-trip airfare and accommodations to attend the North American Council of Automotive Teachers conference. Conti will attend Alfred State, a college of technology, in the automotive service technician program in order to one day own and operate his family’s business, Conti’s Service Center Inc. Mitchell 1, Poway, CA, 858-391-5000.
 Jon Barrett | |
Kahn Media Inc. announced that public relations leader Jon Barrett has been named vice president of the company. Kahn Media President and SEMA Board of Directors member Dan Kahn called Barrett a “strategic leader.” Kahn Media also added longtime motorcycle racer, instructor and marketer Jason Thompson to the team as an account executive. Thompson will handle public relations and marketing for MotoAmerica, the official national road-racing series in the United States sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association/Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme. Creative Director Franco Gutierrez will continue to lead the company’s creative team. Kahn Media, Moorpark, CA, 818-881-5246.
Meyer Distributing Inc. announced the acquisition of the U.S. operations of 5 Seasons RV Distribution in Portland, Oregon. “With the recent consolidation activity in the RV parts-distribution business, it’s not surprising we have received an enormous amount of requests from both RV customers and suppliers to add additional product lines to this category, and quickly,” said Bruce Terwiske, director of purchasing for Meyer. Meyer Distributing, Jasper, IN, 800-639-3787.
 Daniel Clarke | |
Permatex, a manufacturer of chemicals for automotive maintenance and repair located in Hartford, Connecticut, named Daniel Clarke senior product manager. Clarke, who was a business unit manager at Coburn Technologies Inc., will be responsible for product management, new product development and research.
Television station KYNM in Albuquerque-Santa Fe, New Mexico, officially added Rev’n, a Luken Communications network, to its programming. Geared toward performance enthusiasts, Rev’n is dedicated to cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, events, auctions and more. Viewers in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas can now find Rev’n content, such as “Two Guys Garage,” “Bidding Wars” and “My Classic Car” on channel 21.4. Luken Communications, Chattanooga, TN, 423-468-5102.
 Samantha Young | |
Samantha Young has joined The Marx Group as the newest member of the agency’s creative team. In her new role, Young will assist The Marx Group in the areas of creative design for print and digital advertising, marketing collateral and social media campaigns. Most recently, Young was a graphic designer for Ogden Costa Creative Group, where she helped create website banners, emails and direct-mail materials. The Marx Group, San Rafael, CA, 415-453-0844.
RTM Productions, a television company specializing in automotive tech content, named Matthew Hawkins president, effective August 1. Hawkins joined RTM in 2006 as vice president of marketing and digital media and is currently serving as executive vice president. Current RTM President Joe St. Lawrence, who founded the company 26 years ago, will continue with the company as a senior advisor. RTM Productions, Franklin, TN, 615-503-9700.
Three America’s Car Museum cars will trek across the United States from December 27 to January 7. Called “The Drive Home,” the trip includes a ’57 Chevrolet Nomad, a ’61 Chrysler 300G two-door hardtop and a ’66 Mustang traveling from Tacoma, Washington, to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The journey will have stops along the way for enthusiast rallies. Proceeds will benefit the Hagerty Education Program, dedicated to preparing young adults for careers in automotive restoration via career-based training, scholarships, paid internships and apprenticeships. LeMay-America’s Car Museum, Tacoma, WA, 253-683-3972.
Tire Group International appointed Jeff DeVonde as its vice president of original equipment and fleet sales for its domestic division. DeVonde brings more than 24 years of experience in the transportation industry, selling and marketing truckload dry and refrigerated freight throughout the country. The Navy veteran previously worked as the director of sales for Alabama Motor Express.
Premier Performance Products relocated its Kentucky fulfillment center to a new location double the size of the previous site. The new 95,000-sq.-ft. warehouse will increase the company’s capacity to stock parts, expand the range of products offered and enable faster processing. Premier Performance Products, Rexburg, ID, 888-497-3666.
SEM Products, a manufacturer of interior paints and refinishing products, expanded its distribution by forming a strategic partnership with Vicar International. Vicar will be stocking three new lines—Color Coat, Classic Coat and Vinyl Coat—for indoor and outdoor applications, with plans to expand.
VP Racing Fuels introduced Parent Petroleum as its newest retail branding partner. Headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois, Parent owns and operates The Pride convenience stores in the greater Chicagoland area. VP Racing Fuels, Elmendorf, TX, 210-635-7744.
Hopkins Manufacturing Corp. announced the addition of David Moore as senior vice president of operations and L. Curtis Strong as vice president of product design and regulatory compliance. Both positions are based out of the Hopkins headquarters in Emporia, Kansas. Moore will lead and direct manufacturing, supply chain and distribution operations for all Hopkins locations. Strong will be responsible for all product design and regulatory-compliance matters for Hopkins. Hopkins Manufacturing Corp., Emporia, KS, 800-524-1458.
Design Engineering Inc. (DEI) announced that Bill Herrmann joined the company as vice president of operations. He will report directly to DEI CEO David Markley. Herrmann has more than 30 years’ experience in industrial and chemical distribution and chemical and food manufacturing. Prior to joining DEI, Herrmann worked at Palmer Holland, Sandridge Food Corp. and Lubrizol/Noveon, where he minimized asset risk, improved communications and brought new and innovative approaches to the companies’ warehouse and service networks. Design Engineering Inc., Avon Lake, OH, 440-930-7940.
CRP Industries Inc., an automotive parts and industrial products provider, acquired Atlantic Automotive Enterprises (AAE)—a steering systems manufacturer. AAE will continue to operate independently out of its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tabor City, North Carolina. John Treece, AAE’s owner and founder, will continue to lead AAE.
Hypertherm, a manufacturer of plasma, waterjet and laser cutting systems, acquired Jabez Technologies, which simplifies complex robotic programming. Hypertherm and Jabez believe combining Hypertherm’s cutting-edge expertise with Jabez’s skilled engineering and support staff will make it easier for robotic programmers and integrators to achieve optimal results. Hypertherm is not making major changes to Jabez’s operations, leadership or distribution. Chahe Bakmazjian, founder and president, will continue to lead his team. Hypertherm, Hanover, NH, 603-643-3441.
Kinderhook Industries acquired Bestop Inc. from Magna International Inc. in August. Bestop, headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, has been manufacturing soft tops and fabric accessories for Jeep vehicles for more than 60 years. John Larson is now the chief executive officer at Bestop.
The Aftermarket Foundation expanded its Awareness Partner Program, according to Executive Director Joel Ayres. To participate, an aftermarket company needs to designate a point person responsible for sharing foundation information with employees. Partner companies receive recognition on www.aftermarketfoundation.org. Contact Joel Ayres at joel@aftermarketfoundation.org. The foundation’s largest fundraiser is its Aftermarket Foundation Bob Schoeberl Charity Golf Tournament and Cocktail Reception, held in conjunction with the SEMA Show. This year’s event is November 1, at the Las Vegas Country Club. The golf tournament will be held at the country club on Monday, November 2. Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation, Sacramento, CA, 916-628-0271.
