As with so many of his associates in the specialty parts business, Dennis got his start because he had an interest in racing—drag racing to be specific. He owned a dragster that toured the NHRA circuit, and he later became involved in the international distribution of performance parts. Beyond his role as president of Direct Parts Inc., he has served many terms on the SEMA Board of Directors, was on the Executive Committee and many other SEMA committees, and acted as a consultant for SEMA on industry-related issues.

Charles R. Blum, CAE, was appointed president of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in July 1980, where he served 22 years at the helm, until his retirement in 2002. As president and CEO, Chuck was responsible for all operational aspects of the Diamond Bar, Calif.-based specialty automotive trade organization.

An industry veteran, Chuck began his automotive career in sales at Keystone Wheels. He rose through the ranks to become vice president of sales and marketing, and distinguished himself by positioning the wheel company as a market leader. Prior to taking over the operations of SEMA, Chuck was an active member, serving on the Board of Directors and also in the elected position of Chairman of the Board.

Under his guidance, the association and the industry it serves experienced unprecedented growth, making it the largest automotive trade association in the world based on total dues-paying members. Today, SEMA offers an impressive array of educational, marketing, legislative and other business-related programs, all of which are in keeping with the association’s mission to help its members’ businesses succeed and prosper.

Chuck succeeded in strengthening the association's position as a major force in world trade, thereby providing SEMA-member companies with expanded trade opportunities through participation in foreign trade missions and expositions. SEMA maintains strategic relations with numerous foreign trade associations, and has overseas staff stationed in China.

In his role as president, Chuck also spearheaded the dynamic growth of the SEMA Show held annually in Las Vegas. From a small niche-market show, the SEMA Show has grown into an internationally recognized trade exposition with more than 2,200 companies occupying in excess of a million net square feet.

Chuck was a driving force in creating Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW). The resulting consolidation of aftermarket trade shows—which includes the concurrent SEMA Show and the AAPEX Show—has become one of the most important trade expositions on the international calendar of automotive events.

In 1990, Chuck was recognized by his peer group and given the designation of CAE, Certified Association Executive. This highly coveted recognition is sought after by all professionals engaged in association management. In 1998, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to SEMA and the specialty automotive industry, Chuck was inducted into the prestigious SEMA Hall of Fame.

Chuck, now president emeritus, retired from SEMA in July 2002. He remains active in the industry as a consultant. A long-time resident of southern California, Chuck has two children and four grandchildren.

John was with Hurst Performance in the 1960s as a factory representative. His innovative style of selling and serving customers resulted in an industry standard that is used today by reps in their service policies to clients. John also earned a reputation as a mentor and role model to members of the industry.

Bill founded Hays Clutches in 1958. His contributions to racing clutch technology are legendary, including safety issues and innovative performance on street and track. His clutch designs carried over into other lines. Bill was also behind the technologies at Centerforce. His innovations were lauded with the SEMA Best New Performance Street Product Award and Hot Rod Magazine’s Best New Performance Product Award (for the Dual Friction design), and Centerforce has won PWA Manufacturer of the Year. Bill was also a URSS Rookie of the Year and raced go-karts, mini-sprints and 305 sprint cars.

Steve was founder and owner of Competition Specialties in Auburn, Washington, and was an active force in the industry. As Chairman of the Board of Directors of SEMA, he "took charge" and, working closely with then-President Charles R. Blum, encouraged unprecedented growth of the SEMA Show and the Association itself. Steve was an innovator, an enthusiastic supporter of racing and one of the performance industry's most dedicated entrepreneurs. Additionally, he was a SEMA Memorial Scholarship subfund sponsor, and in 1997 received the PWA Pioneer Award for his outstanding contributions to the development of the Warehouse Distributor in the specialty equipment industry.

A respected expert in the automotive aftermarket, a dedicated supporter of specialty aftermarket industry causes, and a frequent contributor to SEMA projects and programs, Bob is also a former member of the SEMA Board of Directors. Patteri Sales, under his direction, is known for introducing specialty and performance lines into traditional automotive parts outlets, expanding the scope of the specialty industry throughout the aftermarket. Bob also founded the SEMA MRC Council.

As founder and president of Moroso Performance Products, Dick was an avid enthusiast, whose commitment to industry causes was matched by his support of racing and hot rodding programs and events. Dick saw much success as a Modified Production drag racer before making the switch to manufacturing speed parts, and worked hard to build awareness for the warehouse distribution network. Moroso racing products changed the industry, from revolutionary electric water pumps to racing vacuum pumps. The company also owns the Moroso Motorsports Park in Florida.

Roberts is the founder and president of McLeod Industries, and he has to his credit many innovations in the field of clutch and flywheel technology for the full spectrum of performance and racing applications. He developed the slider clutch in the 1960s, among other ideas and features to help competitors who have relied on McLeod products since the company was founded in 1971. But more important to Roberts and his customers are the many clutch and flywheel safety features for which his inventive mind is responsible.

Coleman is the president of Competition Cams, a world leader in valvetrain technology, and under his management the company has acquired several other businesses to make it the successful operation that it is today. He also founded the National Muscle Car Association, which is recognized as the largest national sanctioning group dedicated to street-legal vehicles.

Additionally, Coleman served on the SEMA Board of Directors for two terms and dedicated his professional time to a four-year stint as SEMA Chairman of the Board. He also served on the Joint Operating Committee for Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) and, at the governmental level, was elected to the White House Conference on Small Business twice. He was active in issues involving government regulations and taxation of business, and testified before the Senate Small Business Committee to encourage the reduction of regulations that impact small business.

With SEMA, Coleman was active in the U.S.-Japan Auto Parts Trade Agreement, which for the first time gave U.S. companies a fair chance to compete with product sales in Japan.

Although best known for his 36-year career as a journalist for Hot Rod magazine, honoree Jim McFarland has also made many significant contributions to the industry with his product designs.

During a 19-year tenure at Edelbrock Corp., McFarland designed induction and exhaust systems, camshaft and valve train components among many other products. Today he operates his own consultancy, AutoCom, using his skills as a journalist and engineer to assist OEMs and aftermarket companies.

Jim has been acknowledged for his accomplishments numerous times, including "Hi-Riser" by Car Craft magazine and as Person of the Year by SEMA in 1985.