SEMA News—October 2019
INDUSTRY NEWS
Fast Facts
 John Hotchkis |
SEMA PAC announced John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Performance as its new chairman. Hotchkis is no stranger to the industry. He founded his company—a manufacturer of performance suspension products—in 1992 and continues to serve as its president. While many are familiar with his tenure on SEMA’s Board of Directors, he was also awarded the Young Executives Network’s Vanguard Award in 2011 and previously served on the former Street Performance Council and the SEMA Cares Committee.
 DEI inside sales representatives Eric Baun (left) and Will Farkas. |
DEI announced two additions to the company’s inside sales department: Eric Baun and Will Farkas. Both will work with existing and new automotive and powersports accounts to grow sales of heat- and sound-control products in North America. Baun formerly worked as a senior production engineering technician with the rapid prototyping and manufacturing division of Thougus Products Co., located in Avon Lake, Ohio. Prior to that, he was a process technician at Thougus, working primarily in plastic injection molding. Farkas formerly worked for Porsche Beachwood (Beachwood, Ohio), preparing new and used cars for delivery and assisting with inventory. Prior to that position, while attending college, he worked for Wandering Washers in Cleveland as an automotive detailer and social-media manager, where he was successful in increasing business through client networking and social media strategies.
 Dan McKinstry |  Sean Sawyer |
COMP Performance Group announced that Sean Sawyer joined the organization in the new role of business development manager, and Dan McKinstry was named the new director of supply-chain management. Sawyer will put his 25-plus years of industry experience to work by exploring new markets, identifying potential new customers, determining better ways to serve existing customers and ensuring the company’s relevance in the marketplace. McKinstry brings with him 25 years of supply-chain experience, both with mid- and large-size companies. His skills include creating and implementing new supply-chain processes, inventory optimization, executing statistical forecasting technology and designing centralized demand planning processes. McKinstry will oversee the team responsible for purchasing, master scheduling/planning/forecasting, inventory control and project management.
 Josh McFarlin |
AirPro Diagnostics announced the appointment of Josh McFarlin as vice president of strategic business operations. In his new position, McFarlin will be responsible for daily service operations, including multiple technician service centers and all field personnel. McFarlin joins AirPro Diagnostics from I-CAR, where he was director of curriculum and product development. He played a key role in the establishment of a five-year strategy that included an overhaul of the entire professional development program and also led the curriculum and product development team for I-CAR.
 Heather Dorethy |
Borowski Race Engines Inc. (BRE) announced that Heather Dorethy joined the team as a sales and marketing representative. She is an active drag racer raised in a family of drag racers. Her professional credits include sales and marketing roles with automotive aftermarket firms and Precision Turbo & Engine. She has been a brand ambassador for sponsors of NHRA events such as Mellow Yellow and MOPAR. Dorethy has been an active participant and panelist at numerous trade shows.
Siegfried Tigges, formed his own sales organization and consultancy called S.A.T. Sales and Consulting LLC. The company will begin by representing Speed Autoteile of Berlin, Germany, in the North American market and will also serve clients in the automotive, heavy-duty, mining and industrial markets. Tigges has experience and expertise as a sales, marketing and product-management executive in both the aftermarket and OEM sectors of the aforementioned markets. He spent more than 40 years with the Hella organization in a variety of key marketing and sales roles.
 Denzel Lall |
Continental named Denzel Lall sales technical training specialist. In that role, Lall will join Continental’s training team and be responsible for the organization, coordination and execution of presentations and demonstrations for both existing and potential customers in the Western United States. He will provide training for both the VDO REDI-Sensor and ATE Brake Systems brands. Lall brings a wealth of experience in tire and wheel service to the team.
Edelbrock has announced that Cary Redman has been appointed vice president of Edelbrock brand sales. Redman will guide Edelbrock’s field sales team while expanding customer relationships. Redman will also manage the customer and tech service departments. Prior to the promotion, he served as Edelbrock’s national sales manager. Additionally, as part of Edelbrock’s evolution and need for channel focus, Steve Whipple will become vice president of Edelbrock foundry and private-label sales. He has served Edelbrock for 20 years.
Lynn Parker, president of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), has announced the appointment of David Young to its board of trustees. Young is vice president of Valvoline LLC and oversees the U.S. light-duty national account, heavy duty and Canadian businesses. Over his three-decade career, he has held leadership roles with Valvoline’s channel partner, national accounts, marketing and Valvoline Instant Oil Change businesses.
Neapco named Chris Youngs national sales manager for the company’s aftermarket group. Youngs’ aftermarket experience spans more than three decades, including positions in operations, logistics and, most recently, as senior manager of aftermarket sales for Dana Inc. As national sales manager, Youngs will be responsible for the strategic leadership of Neapco’s aftermarket sales group in North America. He will focus on development and execution of sales strategies to bring added value to the company’s customers in their respective markets.
