When the subject of conversation turns to tires, few industry experts can speak with as much authority as Dick Gust. The current CEO of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), Gust started his decades-long career while still in college, and upon graduation was hired as a design engineer with Uniroyal. He subsequently spent time in a variety of managerial roles with Sears Roebuck, Lakin Environmental and Liberty Tire Recycling, where he served as director of government affairs. He has worked with a number of industry associations, including the National Tire Dealers & Retreaders Association, American Retreaders Association and International Tire & Rubber Association. He has also served on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee.

What’s the secret to impacting policy in Washington? The answer is easy—get to know your lawmakers by inviting them to tour your business and meet your employees. Hosting your elected officials gives them a chance to learn about your business and see firsthand the products you produce and sell. HP Tuners in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, understands this principle, recently hosting U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL) for a tour, Q&A session with its employees, and a private meeting with HP Tuners’ executive management team.

“Packed with husky new overheads, the typical street rods of today are high-tailed and handsome.” That’s how Hot Rod editors began a story in the November 1956 issue called “Now and Then,” contrasting rod-building trends of the past and present. This car, Dick Phillips’ ’49 Ford, was chosen to represent the “now” side of the coin.

SEMA invests in infrastructure that allows the industry to move forward. The SEMA Garage and SEMA Show are tangible examples. Another key infrastructure investment, less tangible but no less significant, exists primarily as a digital platform.