PRO Salutes Industry Leaders, Raises Profile at 2010 SEMA Show

SEMA Member News—January/February 2011

There’s nothing quite like the SEMA Show to pump up enthusiasm and provide a venue in which to rub shoulders with industry movers and shakers. To kick off the week, the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) hosted the second annual NovemberFest reception at the Las Vegas Hilton on Tuesday, November 2. PRO used the gala occasion for the 16th consecutive year to salute key players who have made outstanding contributions to the restyling industry.

Top honors for Restyler of the Year went to Josh Elliott of Auto Trim of Denver in Denver, Colorado. The award, sponsored by Katzkin Leather, was given to Elliott in recognition of his professionalism, marketing savvy and success in elevating his company’s profile in the Denver market. The Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by Restyling magazine, was presented to Advantage Truck Accessories. The company was recognized for its outstanding customer service, creativity and ongoing support of the industry.

The Nat Danas Person of the Year award was presented to Diana Braschler, co-owner of Dealer Source in San Antonio, Texas. The award—named for the founder of Auto Trim & Restyling News magazine and sponsored by PRO—acknowledged
Braschler’s expertise, professional attitude and efforts to boost the status of the industry in her local market.

The 2010 PRO Restyler of the Year award, sponsored by Katzkin Leather, went to Josh Elliott of Auto Trim of Denver in Denver, Colorado. Ron Leslie of Katzkin (left) and PRO Chairman Karl Stearns (right) presented the award. (Photo Courtesy of Ray Ott)		The Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by Restyling magazine, was presented to Advantage Truck Accessories. Bob Carnahan (left) of Restyling joined Stearns in presenting the award to (center) of Advantage Truck Accessories. (Photo Courtesy of Ray Ott)

The fourth award was for lifetime achievement. Named in honor of the late PRO chairman, the Jim Borré Lifetime Achievement award was bestowed on Rick Jones, president of Auto Sun Roof in Cinnaminson, New Jersey. The award, also sponsored by PRO, honored Jones for his creativity, dignity, integrity and career-long accomplishments, which have enhanced the stature of the restyling industry on both a national and local level.

The PRO booth in the North Hall was a beehive of activity throughout the week. Its display attracted a number of prospects and resulted in sign-ups that brought the total new-member count to approximately a dozen companies. PRO also sponsored the “Selling to Car Dealers” seminar on Tuesday, November 2, and the council raised its visibility as a co-sponsor of the Dealer Day program on Wednesday, November 3, where Stearns urged dealers to learn more about the industry and PRO. And on Thursday, November 4, nearly 30 members, including newcomers, gathered to attend the general membership meeting. Agenda items included an update on various council initiatives, such as the 2011 Technical Skills & Training Conference, the PRO Sales Training Manual and Business Development Manual, membership outreach and cultivating future leadership.

PRO Reception and NovemberFest Sponsors