By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) is seeking women-owned businesses and organizations to partner on an interactive SBN booth at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. 

The 20x30-sq.-ft. SBN booth will unite women in the industry, as well as provide them with networking and educational opportunities that are not accessible at other industry events. SBN is seeking organizations that can provide interactive education and/or networking activations at the booth during the entire week of the SEMA Show. SBN hopes to have several partners in the booth to provide an action-packed week for all women and allies.

"We are looking to partner with organizations that are committed to empowering women and providing opportunities that support education, professional development and awareness," said SBN Chair Sara Morosan. "These companies will be able to connect with thousands of automotive enthusiasts, professionals and members of the media all in one place while gaining significant industry exposure." 

Interested organizations must be a SEMA member company, be female-owned or -operated (51% owned and involved in the company’s day-to-day operations and long-term decision-making), and be dedicated to supporting women in the automotive aftermarket industry.

"We are excited to provide a dedicated space where women can expand their professional networks, feel connected and grow in this industry," added Morosan. "By coming together, we can highlight the many ways that women advance, educate and contribute to the success of the aftermarket." 

The deadline to submit applications is May 10. Learn more and apply here. 

Contact SBN Council Director Nicole Bradle at 909-323-2149 or nicoleb@sema.org with any questions.  

By Ashley Reyes

Employees of SEMA member companies have until Friday, April 18, to apply to join a SEMA council or network select committee at sema.org/volunteer.

Each of the nine SEMA councils and networks is led by a select committee, a small group of volunteers who donate their time, passion and expertise to help create valuable programs for their members.  

By lending just a few hours a month, volunteers gain hands-on leadership experience, establish valuable professional connections and play a direct role in strengthening their market segment. Examples of contributions made by volunteers include planning and attending online and in-person networking events, developing resources in response to the needs of members, speaking at membership meetings, planning council and network SEMA Show events, and contributing ideas for leadership development programs and webinars. 

"Through my involvement, I've been able to learn from mentors, expand my network, and even take on more challenging roles that have boosted my confidence," said SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) volunteer Paris Hull of Yokohama Tire Corporation. "Volunteering has also given me the chance to contribute to meaningful initiatives that support women in our industry, which has been both empowering and fulfilling." 

Applicants must be employed by a SEMA member company and be willing to serve a two-year term. Planning skills and aftermarket knowledge are helpful, but the most desired trait is a passion for giving back to the industry. Don't miss this opportunity to get more involved and make a difference.

Apply here.

By SEMA News Editors

This year’s Bin Program is in full swing, and we want to make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to get your magazine in front of the SEMA Show’s 160,000-plus attendees and exhibitors. 

In exchange for one standard full-page color ad in your publication, you get to display and distribute your publication at the 2025 SEMA Show. 

Get your magazine seen by thousands of potential subscribers and advertisers--act now!

Submit your details here. 

By SEMA News Editors

Content Creator Spotlight: Marissa Halee

Instagram: @marissahalee

TikTok: @marissahalee

Facebook: @marissahale

Follower counts: 11k on Instagram; 4.5k on TikTok; 107 on Facebook

Focus: Fords and classic Mustangs and cars

Marissa Halee is a content creator and passionate Ford enthusiast who's carving out her place in the classic car scene—one Mustang moment at a time. With a love for vintage that started at car shows during childhood and a growing online audience across Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, she's using her platform to inspire others to dive into the world of classic cars, no matter their gender, age or background. And recently, she brought that passion to Washington, D.C., to join SEMA/PRI in the fight to stop the ban on internal combustion engines (ICE).

Get to know Marissa Halee in her interview with SEMA News below.

SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?

MH: I started going to car shows and races with my dad when I was little, and Mustangs were instantly my favorite. Back in the day, my mom had a white '65 Mustang coupe, and both of my parents had muscle cars when they were younger, but I don't think that influenced my gravitational pull to the pony car. I got my first Mustang through a conversation with a family friend in Washington when I was 17, looking to buy my first car. I never planned to get a classic Mustang, but it fell into my lap and was meant to be.

SN: What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community?

MH: [My favorite part is] how many genuine connections I make on a daily basis. When people stop to share a story with me at the gas station about a car they had like mine, or when people message me about how my car is inspiring them to work on theirs, it fills me with so much joy. Life can be busy, and you forget how many others are around you going through it just the same. Those little moments of connection are so special.

SN: As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience? 

MH: To really inspire people that it is never too late, too expensive or too daunting to own a classic car! When I got my car, I was a 17-year-old girl who knew nothing about cars. I had just graduated high school and was working part-time. So, if you want it hard enough, you can make it happen. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions! And do not be afraid to buy a classic if you are young or a woman.

SN: What's been your biggest motivator?

MH: Personal enjoyment! Driving my car, working on my car and even talking about cars to other people is like therapy to me. The growth I have seen in myself from being able to learn and do something I am so passionate about, share my passion with others, and connect with my followers has humbled and inspired me to continue pushing hard. I cannot imagine what my life would be like right now if I hadn't bought that car almost 10 years ago and I am so excited to see where I will be in 10 years from now.

SN: Why is advocacy important to you?

MH: Advocating for my biggest passion comes so naturally, and it is important to make sure you are using your voice. It is something so innately American to have a choice and a right to be heard.

SN: What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?

I am thanking my lucky stars on a daily basis to be able to do what I do. Being able to meet the CEO of Ford personally and show him my Mustang absolutely tops the list (thank you, Friends of Ford!). Editor's Note: Friends of Ford is a community of passionate Ford fans.

SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?

MH: I am honestly not sure what is in store for me, but all I can say is that I am so excited, and I am ready! I fully feel with my heart and soul that the automotive industry is where I belong, careerwise. I am excited to plan more car shows with Ford, continue my automotive sponsorships and build my Mustang further, attend SEMA and other fun events, and meet more industry members!

Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In the latest indication that states are growing weary of tethering themselves to California's oppressive emissions policies, Maryland is making a significant change to its compliance with the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order late last week delaying enforcement of the state's adoption of ACC II, which bans the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. ACC II begins phasing in with model-year '26, requiring 35% of new vehicle sales to be electric. 

Maryland is one of 11 states that have adopted ACC II, but the new order acknowledges that the state isn't ready to fully implement the rule. It pauses penalties for manufacturers that miss electric vehicle sales targets in 2027 and 2028 and establishes a working group to recommend ways to make the mandate more workable. 

While this delay does not repeal ACC II, it nonetheless signals serious concerns about the regulation's rollout. SEMA, which is a champion of technology-neutral government policy, continues to oppose mandates that restrict consumer choice and threaten small businesses in the specialty automotive aftermarket. 

The specialty-equipment industry is a key driver of Maryland's economy, contributing $3.24 billion in total economic output, supporting 14,946 jobs and generating more than $530 million in state and local taxes.  

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

In the latest indication that states are growing weary of tethering themselves to California's oppressive emissions policies, Maryland is making a significant change to its compliance with the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) regulation.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order late last week delaying enforcement of the state's adoption of ACC II, which bans the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. ACC II begins phasing in with model-year '26, requiring 35% of new vehicle sales to be electric. 

Maryland is one of 11 states that have adopted ACC II, but the new order acknowledges that the state isn't ready to fully implement the rule. It pauses penalties for manufacturers that miss electric vehicle sales targets in 2027 and 2028 and establishes a working group to recommend ways to make the mandate more workable. 

While this delay does not repeal ACC II, it nonetheless signals serious concerns about the regulation's rollout. SEMA, which is a champion of technology-neutral government policy, continues to oppose mandates that restrict consumer choice and threaten small businesses in the specialty automotive aftermarket. 

The specialty-equipment industry is a key driver of Maryland's economy, contributing $3.24 billion in total economic output, supporting 14,946 jobs and generating more than $530 million in state and local taxes.  

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org.  

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

By Jack Haworth

In late 2023, fabricator Riccardo Salatino and his customer-turned-business partner, Jason Zimmerman, launched Blazin' Rodz—a custom car building shop in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. The duo wasn't interested in easing into the new business; they wanted to make a statement.
"What do we need to do to put ourselves on the map right away?" asked Zimmerman.

A daunting question for a brand-new business, but Salatino had a radical idea for what to do with a '70 Chevrolet Chevelle. This would not be a sleek restomod, but a mind-bending design that pushed the boundaries of custom car building—a classic car that possesses the handling of a Porsche, the power of a drag-racing car and the luxury of a modern sports car.

"I gave this idea to the guys and said, 'Let's all brainstorm this together to make this thing just an absolute monster,'" said Salatino. "That's how the Chevelle was born."

At 370 days and $2.8 million later, the masterpiece dubbed "Doughboy" was ready for its debut at the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Once the Blazin' Rodz team rolled their creation onto the show floor, there was an immediate buzz.

The heavily modified '70 Chevelle drew plenty of attention from SEMA Showgoers and media, all trying to get a closer look of the radical build that combines a twin-turbo Chevy-based big-block delivering 2,800 hp, a full coach-built steel widebody, front suspension geometry from a C7 Corvette, custom CNC-machined billet components throughout, and dozens of 3D-printed parts for both the exterior and interior.

To celebrate their ingenuity and design, Blazin' Rodz was presented with the 2024 SEMA Best Engineered Vehicle of the Year Award—a coveted accolade honoring a SEMA Show feature vehicle that demonstrates exceptional engineering throughout the entire vehicle or an aspect of the vehicle that goes beyond just physical appearance.

"It was really nice to be able to step back and watch how much people enjoyed it," said Salatino. "Our crazy idea came to fruition; I couldn't put into words how we all felt [at SEMA]."

It took long hours, embracing new technology, and the creative synergy of a talented team, but Salatino's "crazy idea" proved to be just the answer their team was looking for.

Blazin' Rodz is officially on the map.

Building a Monster

Salatino began his career in the off-road industry, before eventually changing course to pursue his passion for classic cars and hot rods. He opened his own shop in 2019—RFS Motorsports—where Zimmerman became one of his customers.

Impressed by his work, Zimmerman offered to help...

To read the complete article for free, sign up for a digital subscription to SEMA Magazine on Zinio here.

Once you download the Zinio mobile app or are logged into Zinio on a desktop browser, you will gain immediate access to more than a year's worth of content, including "Old School Meets New School" and more business-related coverage in the March/April 2025 issue here.

Photography courtesy of Blazin' Rods

By Ashley Reyes

Colby McLaughlin, president of Trim Illusion Inc. and the most recent SEMA Person of the Year, will discuss how to increase sales by developing strategic relationships during the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) Lunch and Learn webinar on April 24, at 10:30 a.m. PDT. Register here.

McLaughlin is an industry advocate and business leader who is no stranger to building strong industry connections. He currently serves as chair of the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO), a council that provides resources aimed at enhancing the business practices and procedures of automotive restylers.  

During this session, SEMA members will have the opportunity to engage with McLaughlin as he shares how businesses can increase sales by developing long-term business-to-business relationships, how to market a brand through SEMA and the benefits and drawbacks of mentorships.   

McLaughlin's contributions to the restyling industry and aftermarket community have yielded solutions to many problems that SEMA members face. Speaking from experience, he will share how a well-rounded and strategic network can increase sales and contribute to career advancement. 

Register for the webinar here.

The first 20 members to register will receive a $20 Uber Eats voucher for the day of the webinar. 

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Elizabeth Bosley, OEM MP and L account analyst at Dee Zee Inc., as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member. 

Get to know Bosley in her interview with SEMA News below.  

SEMA News: How many years have you been with your current company and what do you enjoy most about working there?  

Elizabeth Bosley: I've been with Dee Zee for eight years. I love the fact that the company has that "family-business" feel to it. Everyone is willing to help everyone, regardless of which department they belong to.

SEMA: What is the most challenging part of running your business or job?  

EB: One of the biggest challenges I face on a day-to-day basis would be finding a healthy work/life balance. I am literally on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This makes it difficult to enjoy any time away.

SEMA: How many years have you been in the industry and what was your first industry job?  

EB: I actually began in the agriculture sector 20 years ago as a data-entry clerk in the brakes and actuators department. Within three years, I worked my way up to the OEM department there and after nine years, I had the opportunity to move into the automotive industry with Dee Zee. I've been here ever since!

SEMA: What are three qualities that got you to where you are today?  

EB: Three of the most important qualities that got me where I am today are resilience, patience and commitment. My resilience helps when things inevitably get difficult and helps me to bounce back, allowing me to face any problems or mistakes head-on to get a resolution.

My patience, I feel, is my most difficult yet most valued quality. Only through patience can you overcome problems that occur in work life and home life.

I am truly committed to the company I work with and what it stands for. This is what drives me to do the very best job I can do to ensure Dee Zee is successful in all its endeavors.            

SEMA: Being a woman in the industry, what have been your biggest challenges and accomplishments?  

EB: I honestly don't think I've faced any challenges or accomplishments that were due to my gender as a woman. Dee Zee is a company that has a very strong female leadership team, from the president down to floor supervisors and production line leads. As a whole, Dee Zee is very diversified, cultivating a positive work culture.

SEMA: Who are your role models or mentors in the industry?  

EB: Kelli Gallagher, president of Dee Zee Manufacturing, would be my most valued role model. She leads with a skilled hand and an open door. She has encouraged me on my developmental journey and provided resources enabling me to reach the goals I set for myself.

SEMA: What is the best career advice you have received?  

EB: Long ago, someone told me to work hard and don't sweat the small stuff. Because of this, I live my life with intention, making conscious choices that align with my personal values and goals. I don't beat myself up over mistakes I've made--I try to learn and grow from them.

SEMA: Have you always wanted to work in the automotive industry? What keeps you here? 

EB: While on my career path, I never truly pictured myself in the automotive industry. I mean, I never looked in the mirror when I was 17 years old, fresh out of high school, and told my reflection, "You will be in the automotive industry someday!" But now that I'm here, I tell everyone who will listen that I love what I do. I wouldn't trade it for the world, stress and all. I love the daily challenges and the satisfaction I feel when I've accomplished something difficult. I enjoy everyone I've met along the way and the relationships I've built, with the accounts I manage as well as the people I work with on a day-to-day basis.

SEMA: Who was the most influential person on your career/goals? 

EB: The absolute most influential person in my entire life was my grandmother. She raised me (with the help of my grandfather, of course) while working a full-time desk job as a parts specialist and a second full-time job managing our family's restaurant we had at the time. I credit my work ethic as well as my strong sense of self all to her and her influence.

Fill out a #SheIsSEMA spotlight form to submit a self-nomination or nominate a colleague and highlight how you or she is contributing to the specialty-equipment industry. Selected candidates are automatically eligible to be considered for SBN's #SheIsSEMA Woman of the Year award, featured on SBN's social media, SEMA News and recognized on the sema.org/she-is-sema website. 

By Ashley Reyes

On Thursday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. PDT, the SEMA Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC) will host a virtual general membership meeting and panel discussion titled "Innovate to Survive: How New Product Ideas are Born." Registration is open now at this link.  

The discussion brings together a diverse panel of industry leaders experienced in market research, media relations, professional racing and manufacturing. These experts will share their insights into how the motorsports markets, track experience, sanctioning rules and safety, and the manufacturing process all play a role in product development and marketing.  

Panelists include Gavin Knapp, director of market research, SEMA/PRI; Pat Musi, owner/professional racer, Pat Musi Racing Engines; and Karl Fredrickson, publisher, Speedway Illustrated. Moderator Mike Sanders, senior director of product at Edelbrock Group, will guide the discussion and facilitate the question-and-answer period.   

Discussion topics include:  

• How to find opportunities through market research
• What to know about sanctioning body rules and safety
• What you can learn and create from going racing
• Ways manufacturers can help take you from an idea to a product

Tailored to professionals in marketing, sales and engineering, this event will provide the knowledge to stay competitive in today's motorsports market. Register here.   

Can't make the webinar? Register today to receive a copy of the recording.