By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) has named Julieanne DeVooght, senior sales manager at Sprintex Superchargers, as the network's newest #SheIsSEMA spotlight member.  

Get to know DeVooght 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?  

Julieanne DeVooght: Sprintex USA added me to their dynamic team a year ago. With my racing background, love and passion for empowering women in and out of the industry, running a female-centric podcast "Chic Chat" and owning WranglHer, they felt I could be a positive addition to their team and customers. I love that they empower all I do and all their customers on their builds, consistently molding to the newest technology, being heavily involved in so many automotive sectors and consistent innovation. 

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

JD: Learning and understanding tuning. 

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

JD: I have been in the automotive industry since I was 18, racing many different vehicles, building many vehicles, teaching women how to off-road across the country and empowering women all over the world. 

My first industry job was when I opened WranglHer over five years ago now. 

SN: What three qualities got you to where you are today?   

JD: Empowering others, creating teams, leadership, maintaining a positive outlook in all facets of life and teaching others. All have benefited me tremendously and surrounded me with other amazing leaders and partners. 

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

JD: The biggest challenge for me has always been my size; I am a small female, and with that, vehicle builds have been tough. However, to overcome it, I partnered up with amazing sponsors and partners to assist such as your "Male Ali" program. Like a relationship, it is good to show how the opposite sex can work as a team together to reach a goal, accomplish a task and cheer you on. 

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

JD: My grandparents always said there is nothing I cannot do. Be determined, set the path, take your time, focus and achieve it. 

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

JD: The best advice I received was to plan as perfectly as you can, whether it was a business plan, a plan for a race, evaluating competitors, understanding their style, or the terrain with off-roading, or understanding how Mother Nature adds to the difficulty and how to be prepared if she decides she wants to rain that day, what gear to bring, etc. This advice is why I feel success has joined me on so many occasions. 

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

JD: Yes, ever since I was a young girl, my entire family worked for the automotive industry in some fashion. 

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

JD: My grandmother, she was so wise, kind, good to the world and always positive. She always saw the way from start to finish with any goal. 

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 SEMA News Editors

Are you hunting for a new job? The SEMA Career Center has a comprehensive listing of automotive-related job openings nationwide. Below are a few of the latest postings.

ARB

Shock Application Engineer and Suspension Engineer in Corona, California

The selected candidates will play a crucial role in the design, development and optimization of ride-control systems for various automotive and off-road vehicle applications. These positions will be responsible for delivering optimal ride comfort, handling performance and overall stability in challenging terrains. This position requires a background in mechanical engineering, relevant simulation and modeling tools, and an understanding of vehicle suspension dynamics.

Day-to-day responsibilities include product design, product vehicle fitments, product testing, building prototypes, creating installation instructions and more.

Bestop

Northeast Business Development Manager (remote)

Bestop is seeking a business development manager to serve its Northeast territory. This role will be responsible for expanding Bestop's reach across the territory and becoming a strategic partner to the company's channel partners. The selected candidate must live in the territory, which encompasses Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Eastern Canada.

Racing and Performance Holdings

Operations Director in Oxnard, California

The parent company of Scat Crankshafts, Vortech, Paxton Superchargers, RaceTec and Air Flow Research is searching for an operations director. This position will lead the production, inventory, warehouse and order fulfillment, supply chain and logistics, development and manufacturing teams at the company's Oxnard facility.

Brosseau's Coachworks

Fabricator – Sheet Metal in Estacada, Oregon

This hot-rod and classic-car restoration business is seeking a metal fabricator with years of verifiable experience in a reputable shop. Daily tasks may include small and large panel replacement, fabricating and installing patch panels, custom panel fabrication, rust repair and more.

By Juan Torres

SEMA is preparing for a momentous event this year. More than 2,400 brands will exhibit at the 2024 SEMA Show, including hundreds of new companies revealing their products and services. 

"The industry continues to innovate, creating new solutions to shape the future of automotive. In turn, this has fueled demand and increased sales, and the tremendous support for this year's SEMA Show is a reflection of the growth and energy of the marketplace," said SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso. "The industry is eager to come together, conduct business and make connections that will result in future success." 

Among the more than 2,400 companies exhibiting at the November 5-8 event in Las Vegas are iconic brands such as Flaming River, Katzkin, Kia, McLeod, Mopar/Stellantis, Snap-on and Real Truck. 

"There are many line items in Katzkin's marketing expenses, and nothing comes close to the investment we make in attending the SEMA Show every year, but in our experience, the returns far exceed the investment," said Katzkin Creative Director Miles Hubbard. "SEMA provides a venue unlike any other where we can launch new products, demonstrate our existing capabilities, speak face-to-face with thousands of people who work in our industry exclusively and just show off."

Automaker Kia is returning to the SEMA Show after a brief hiatus. "Kia has been a fan of SEMA and the larger tuner community for many years," said Kia Vice President of Marketing Russell Wager. "This event has provided the backdrop for many of our most iconic vehicle programs, including concept versions of Stinger, Forte and Soul. We look forward to shaking things up and sharing 'electrifying' news once again in 2024." 

Simple Green, a global market leader in environmentally safer cleaning products, is among the hundreds of first-time exhibitors at this year's SEMA Show. "SEMA Show attendees represent the full spectrum of auto professionals--you'll find media, manufacturers, buyers, retailers, exhibitors, detailers, fabricators and more. This mix of tradition and experience, coupled with youthful enthusiasm and innovation, makes the SEMA show such an attractive place for brands like Simple Green," said Simple Green Content Marketing Manager Selena Nutter. "This is an audience that is hungry for high-performance, innovative aftermarket products, which makes it the ideal place for any brand to showcase products designed for people that love vehicles both inside and out."

In addition to connecting with thousands of leading brands, SEMA Show attendees will experience the world's largest display of new automotive aftermarket products at the New Products Showcase, the latest vehicle builds and new activations and areas dedicated to future technology. Showgoers can also participate in world-class education tracks and seminars, unique events and SEMA Fest, a celebration of music and car culture (sign-up on semafest.com to be among the first to receive updates).

Attendees are encouraged to register early to maximize their ROI; registration is only $40 for qualified attendees who register by Friday, June 28. Register here.

Participants can also make hotel reservations at guaranteed low rates exclusively for Show attendees through SEMA's official hotel provider, onPeak. 

"With the latest products, leading brands, immersive experiences and thought-leaders from every facet of the industry, this is a can't miss event," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "We're dedicated to providing attendees with an unparalleled experience that will help their business and professional career grow." 

Spaces are still available for companies who would like to exhibit and connect with tens of thousands of qualified buyers at the 2024 SEMA Show. For more information, visit semashow.com/exhibitor. 

For information about the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com. To view this year's floorplan, log on to semashow.com/floorplan.  

By the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

The SEMA California Rally, hosted in Sacramento on June 5, brought together businesses within the automotive specialty-equipment industry to amplify their voices and advocate for policies conducive to industry growth and innovation. 

Participants engaged with influential California lawmakers, leveraging their collective voice to champion policies supporting industry growth. Key legislative topics included supporting cutting-edge vehicle technologies, Proposition 65, emissions compliance and a SEMA-opposed proposal mandating speed limiters in new vehicles.  

Lance Hastings, president and CEO of CMTA, speaks at the SEMA California Rally luncheon.

The specialty automotive aftermarket industry's significant contribution to California's economy was highlighted, showcasing the industry's vital role in the state's economic landscape. California is home to more than 1,500 SEMA-member companies, and the industry supports more than $40 billion in economic output and nearly 150,000 jobs.  

The rally culminated with a reception featuring several prominent lawmakers, including Senator Bob Archuleta, Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, Assemblymember Mike Fong, Assemblymember Juan Alanis, Assemblymember Diane Dixon and Senator Anthony Portantino, underscoring the event's significance and the industry's influence. 

Assemblymember Mike Fong (left) and Todd Payne of Magnussen Products (right) discuss issues of importance to SEMA-member companies.

At a luncheon during the event, Lance Hastings, president and CEO of the California Manufacturing and Technology Association (CMTA), delivered a compelling address highlighting the intersection of business interests and legislative initiatives impacting the automotive aftermarket in California. 

Christian Robinson, SEMA’s senior director of state government affairs and grassroots, emphasized the importance of member engagement in events like the SEMA California Rally. "Member participation is crucial in amplifying our collective voice and shaping policies that directly impact our industry," Robinson said. "Events like these provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, driving positive change and ensuring a vibrant future for the automotive aftermarket in California." 

For more information, reach out to Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.  

By Juan Torres 

The SEMA Show Online Media Center is now available for exhibiting companies to upload SEMA Show-related press releases. Exhibitors can post Show-related press releases at semashow.com/press-release to generate excitement and awareness among attendees and media members and possibly be included in SEMA publications and promotions. 

With thousands of media covering the SEMA Show, the Online Media Center provides exhibiting companies opportunities to spotlight their products, make pre-Show announcements and direct media to their booths in the Las Vegas Convention Center, November 5-8.  

Here are a few press release submission tips:  

• Post early. Media run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. 
• Use a strong, short headline that will catch the media's attention.  
• Keep the press release brief. Journalists want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning.  
• Include a photo; releases with photos are more likely to be used. Submit photos in a high-resolution (300-dpi) image format.
• When you upload a press release, make sure it's tagged correctly. Many editors use the site's search function to find relevant news. 
• Always include your booth number and contact information.  

To learn more about the Online Media Center, or other PR resources, like press conferences, available to SEMA Show exhibitors, contact pr@sema.org.  

Have other Show-related questions? Contact your SEMA Show sales representative at sales@sema.org, +1 909-396-0289 or semashow.com/contact. Still need booth space for the 2024 SEMA Show? Get started at SEMAShow.com/buyabooth.

By Ashley Reyes

SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Education Days at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals will provide visitors with the chance to participate in seven seminars led by top manufacturers in the hot-rod space. The seminars--scheduled for July 12-13 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio--will highlight important information regarding the manufacturers' product lines, as well as best practices for installing, working with and choosing certain products.

"We're excited to offer a lineup of seminars that will enrich the knowledge and confidence of the hot-rod community," said HRIA Council Director Marcy Yanus. "By attending the seminars, participants can engage directly with the manufacturers, gain clarification on processes and discover build tips that may be hard to find anywhere else."

Seminars include:

Friday, July 12:

• 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Taking the Mystery Out of Tube Bending | Presenter: Trick Tools 
• 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: The Basics of Hot Rod and Musclecar Air Conditioning | Presenter: Vintage Air
• 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Instruments and Gauges: The Finishing Touch | Presenter: Classic Instruments

Saturday, July 13:

• 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Brake System Basics | Presenter: Wilwood Disc Brakes
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: An Introduction to Digital Gauge Systems | Presenter: Dakota Digital
• 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Modern Suspension Technology for Your Classic Car | Presenter: Detroit Speed
• 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: So You Want to Build a Hot Rod? | Presenter: Garret's Rod Shop

HRIA Education Days is a part of the council's mission to ensure the prosperity and longevity of the hot-rod industry. Seminars are free to all Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals attendees and pre-registration is not required. Descriptions of each seminar can be found at www.sema.org/hria-education-days.

By SEMA News Editors

Holley Performance Brands Names Charan Mann CIO

Holley Performance Brands, the performance solutions provider based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has named Charan Mann as its new chief information officer (CIO).

Mann will oversee the direction of the Holley Performance Brands information technology (IT) strategy. She will develop and execute a technology roadmap to elevate the online experience for Holley's retailer and distributor network, and enthusiasts.

In her most recent role at OneAmerica, Mann led IT operations across all IT disciplines. Before OneAmerica, she held various leadership positions at Zeta Interactive, Selligent and Cummins.

For more information, visit holley.com.

Lucas Oil's Corydon Facility Achieves ISO 9001:2015 Recertification

The Lucas Oil production facility and laboratory in Corydon, Indiana, has met all the standards for recertification as ISO 9001:2015-Quality Management Systems.

The audit process of an ISO 9001:2015 certification consists of a detailed and thorough evaluation of an organization's entire quality management system in two stages. The first audit stage is a document review to examine a company's quality policies, scope statement, testing and evaluation processes and procedures and record keeping. The second audit stage evaluates how the quality management system is conducted by employees to verify it matches the process outlined in the document review. This is done through employee interviews, by observing employee activities and by reviewing sample records to ensure everything matches, the company said.

"The recertification of ISO 9001:2015 reflects the world-class facilities, technologies, teams and processes that deliver products that boost power, fuel efficiency and engine longevity for customers all around the globe with our proprietary science," said Matt Conrad, general manager of Lucas Oil. "We're proud to have been manufacturing the very best oils, additives and lubricants for more than 30 years, and this certification validates the hard work being done by our entire team. This globally recognized standard exemplifies excellence exhibited by the entire organization and our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction."

For more information, visit lucasoil.com.

I-CAR Launches New Early Career Technician Program, I-CAR Academy, Plus Unveils Updated Collision Careers Website

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) has launched I-CAR Academy, a comprehensive educational program that includes a revolutionary entry-level collision-repair curriculum for both career and technical schools and collision-repair centers. Now in its 45th year, I-CAR provides educational programming, technical information and services, and talent crisis solutions for the industry and its related value chain. I-CAR Academy is the first industry-neutral, comprehensive early career program designed specifically to attract, train, and retain technicians, and recognize the schools and repair centers training new entrants.

I-CAR Academy is designed to kickstart a technician's education journey, providing an engaging, solid foundation to launch into I-CAR Professional level (ProLevel) curriculum and Platinum Technician certification, along with OEM and supplier certified programs. For shops, additional training and best practices for effective mentoring, which is key to technician development and progression, and culture best practices for shop leaders, which aids in retention, will be available.

Available to schools for the 2024-2025 academic year, I-CAR Academy will ultimately replace the existing education edition curriculum (PDP-EE). A similar curriculum will be available to shops in August, with additional tools tailored to improve shop culture and enhance the leadership and mentorship experiences. Schools and shops interested in the I-CAR Academy program can learn more at i-car.com/academy. 

For more information, visit i-car.com.

I-CAR has launched an enhanced version of CollisionCareers.com.

The updated website now includes career path details and downloadable resources for parents, educators and school advisors, as well as a new, engaging video to better serve the collision-repair industry in attracting and retaining skilled collision-repair technicians.

The website and new video feature real, working technicians and students who demonstrate that today's professionals work in a clean, safe, cutting-edge environment, the organization said. The website also houses information outlining career paths, descriptions for different roles within the industry, a search for accredited shops and schools and career guidance tools to illustrate the importance of a career in this field. Additionally, the website connects technician candidates with schools, industry partners and potential employers.

For more information, visit collisioncareers.com.

By SEMA News Editors

Rydeen Mobile Electronics

TESLAspec.com

Rydeen Mobile Electronics has unveiled a new line of Tesla-specific vehicle accessories under the new brand, "TESLAspec.com." In addition to the product line, which includes displays, lighting, powered accessories, steering wheels, carbon-fiber parts and more, the brand has launched the TESLAspec website that is tailored to the Tesla market. It features a user-friendly menu system, comprehensive information on products and more.

TESLAspec.com.

Zumbrota Drivetrain's New Performance Axle Line

zumbrotadrivetrain.com

The new Zumbrota Performance Axle (ZPA) line of performance axles is designed with a variety of aftermarket gear ratios tailored to the customer's needs. Bigger tires, lifts and a variety of driving variables were considered including off-road, street and track style driving. ZPA offers more than 160 applications that optimize the vehicle's performance according to driver preference. And, rear axles come standard with ZPA nodular iron performance rear differential covers for years of protection, according to the company.

zumbrotadrivetrain.com.

Releasing a new product? Contact editors@sema.org. 

By SEMA News Editors

SEMA News sources recently got a glimpse of an undisguised '25 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands.

While the changes aren't drastic, there are a few notable updates, including new headlights and a front bumper with an integrated skid plate. The presence of tow hooks indicates that this is likely the Badlands trim, as it's the only model in the lineup with that feature. A revised rear bumper also features an integrated skid plate.

In addition to the exterior updates, the mid-cycle refresh also features several interior revisions, including a larger infotainment screen and a 360-degree camera system. The powertrain options are expected to remain the same, with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), along with the premium 2.0L EcoBoost.

Expect an official debut in the coming months, insiders said.

By Ashley Reyes

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) will host an online General Membership Meeting and panel discussion on Thursday, June 27, at 10:00 a.m. PDT. Register here.

During the meeting, the ARMO Select Committee will share important updates regarding the council’s member benefits, followed by a discussion on how to address and manage online business reviews. Led by Jeff Farina of JEGS, Barry Alt of Motorhead Digital, Bryan Stone of Classic Recreations and Jeremy Dominic of SMG Speed, the discussion will cover the importance of businesses having an online presence and tips for responding to positive and negative comments. 

"In today's digital age, customers can easily access information about a business's reputation with just a few clicks," said ARMO chair Randall Bates. "During this session, we'll cover best practices for evaluating comments left online and replying in a manner that encourages positive engagement and continued success."

Discussion topics will include an overview of the various online review platforms, what kind of controls businesses have on each platform, and how to take advantage of positive reviews and respond to negative ones.

ARMO membership is open to all companies serving the automotive restoration market, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, media, restorers or car clubs. Attending the meeting is a great way for current and prospective members to connect with other like-minded professionals and stay informed on important industry issues.

Register here to attend the live session or receive the recording.