SEMA Member News—January/February 2016
PRO Presents Four Awards at SEMA Show
 The 2015 PRO Manufacturer of the Year honor was presented to Brandmotion. Representatives from the company accepted the award at the PRO reception. |
The Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) announced the winners of four awards at its annual reception during the 2015 SEMA Show. The reception provided an opportunity for members of PRO to mingle, discuss issues important to the industry and enjoy the camaraderie of colleagues and friends.
PRO Manufacturer of the Year: Brandmotion
Brandmotion is a dynamic and growing company within the automotive specialty-equipment accessories segment. The company’s continual expansion of the brand and its product line is a tribute to the organization’s commitment to high-quality products. Brandmotion has established strong brand awareness, and the company has been a welcome addition to the industry. Founder Jeff Varick is a welcome addition to the PRO select committee, as well.
Restyler of the Year: John Prosser/Dino Perfetti, Automotive Concepts
 The 2015 PRO Restyler of the Year award was presented to Automotive Concepts. On hand for the presentation were (from left) PRO Chair-Elect Ellen McCoy, John Prosser and Dino Perfetti of Automotive Concepts, and PRO Chair Scott Wolin. |
John Prosser owns an established restyling center that has served new- and used-car dealerships as well as consumers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Twin Cities market for nearly three decades. Automotive Concepts specializes in a full range of truck and auto accessories and is a state-of-the-art, highly regarded facility that sets the standard for a quality-focused restyling center. Prosser has also expanded his business into other branches of the automotive industry. National Sales Manager Dino Perfetti has 27 years of industry experience, is a frequent presenter at PRO-hosted seminars and is a member of the PRO select committee.
Nat Danas Person of the Year: Josh Poulson, Auto Additions
Josh Poulson has been in the restyling industry for 23 years. He is the principal of Auto Additions, a market-leading restyling center in Columbus, Ohio, where he began his career as an accessory installer. He worked his way up the ladder and took over control of Auto Additions in 2000. An active member of SEMA and PRO, Poulson sits on the PRO select committee and was named PRO Restyler of the Year in 2012. He is a frequent presenter at PRO-hosted seminars and is also a regular contributor to The Shop magazine.
Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award: Dwight Forrister, Distinctive Industries
 Dwight Forrister of Distinctive Industries was selected to receive the PRO Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement Award. Dave Edmondson (center) of Roadwire accepted on Forrister’s behalf. |
Dwight Forrister founded Austin, Texas-based Distinctive Industries (DI) in 1968 in Los Angeles, where he produced the first mass-manufactured restoration interiors for VWs and musclecars. In 1976, DI pioneered original-style Mustang upholstery for the aftermarket and led the way in 1986 as the first manufacturer to produce, sell and install leather interior upgrades for new-car dealers—a breakthrough that opened new doors of opportunity for restylers nationwide. Other achievements include being the first seat-cover company to utilize digital patterning and cutting technology and the first to develop and validate interiors for side-airbag and OCS compliance. Forrister currently serves as chairman of Roadwire Inc. and its subsidiaries, Roadwire Leather, Classic Soft Trim and Distinctive Industries. He actively supports SEMA councils through staff involvement on the PRO select committee, chairmanship of Automotive Restoration Market Organization and membership in the Truck and Off-Road Alliance and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance.
PRO Booth and Happy Hour
The PRO booth at the 2015 SEMA Show was located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Show attendees stopped by to meet council leadership, hear about PRO initiatives and network with fellow industry restylers. The booth served as a convenient daily meeting space where PRO members could connect.
PRO wrapped up Wednesday of the Show with a Happy Hour at the booth. Members and non-members were invited to network while enjoying a complimentary ice-cold beverage. There was a great turnout this year, and multiple business discussions took place in the laid-back environment.
