It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome you, on behalf of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), to the 2015 Global Tire Expo (GTE)—Powered by TIA. You have traveled from near and far to a world-class show that is unmatched in the industry. Our valuable partner SEMA has worked tirelessly to ensure that this year’s Show will be the most successful to date. From discovering new products to networking, I hope that you will take advantage of all the opportunities that GTE has to offer.

Now in its fourth year, the SEMA News 35 Under 35 roster has become a much-anticipated annual feature. In the following pages, we are again pleased to present 35 young trendsetters who are bringing exciting new ideas and renewed enthusiasm to every segment of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Pouring through the nominations, SEMA News looks for candidates who are already making a significant industry impact through their leadership within their organization or business. Entrepreneurship, commitment, insight, innovation, integrity, responsibility, demonstrated skill, involvement and success within the marketplace weigh heavily in our decision-making.

At first glance, the 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame inductees may appear to have only one thing in common: farms. But upon closer inspection, you will notice something else. They are the epitome of “live your best life.” This is not always easy to do; there is no roadmap to that destination, yet the route defines who we are. And each Hall of Fame honoree embraced the crossroads as much as he chased the unknown. He exuded grace in hardships and saw chance in challenges. He believed in himself and in those around him when others may have disbelieved. What some called struggle, he called purpose. Their footprints leave invisible impressions on our own road map, reminding us of how to be on the way to where to be.

SEMA News: Why are you running for chair-elect on the SEMA Board of Directors (BOD)?

Wade Kawasaki: I was 10 years old and working at my father’s gas station in L.A., watching musclecars and hot rods drive in and out, when I realized that this is my passion. My passion is what drives me, and it has been a dream come true to work and learn about everything in our industry, from manufacturing to distribution. I have had the opportunity to travel the globe doing business, attending cool car shows and speaking on behalf of the aftermarket.

SEMA News: Why are you running for chair-elect of the SEMA Board of Directors (BOD)?

Donnie Eatherly: I am very passionate about this industry and channels of distribution. I think my perspective would be good on all distribution-channel issues as well as how industry changes, policies and legislation affect how our products make it to consumers.

Get to Know the Nominees

Eleven candidates entered this year’s election, each vying for a position on the 2015–2018 SEMA Board of Directors. The SEMA Board provides strategic direction to the association and plays a critical role in shaping the future of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Voting for the 2015–2018 SEMA Board of Directors Election opened May 13 and will be available online until June 9. Voting is open to current SEMA members, and votes must be submitted by the designated primary contact of each voting SEMA-member company.

A Look to the Future With SEMA Council Leaders

SEMA News annually turns to the leaders of the association’s councils and networks for the January issue to seek their views about how the industry is shaping up for the coming year. The chairs of each group provide responses based on what their organizations and companies are seeing within their marketplaces. Their responses provide helpful insights for businesses in every segment of the marketplace.

As a trade association, SEMA is governed by a Board of Directors, which is elected by the SEMA membership at large. Board members serve three-year terms, with the chairman-elect automatically assuming the role of Board chairman after completing his or her two-year term.

“The SEMA Board of Directors is vital for setting our priorities and addressing issues that promote growth for all the association’s member businesses,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “Our directors represent the breadth and depth of the $33-billion specialty-equipment industry, and we appreciate their spirit of volunteerism, along with the considerable industry experience and insight they bring to their leadership role.”

TIA Executive Vice President

On behalf of the Tire Industry Association (TIA), welcome to the 2014 Global Tire Expo—Powered by TIA. The Global Tire Expo (GTE) continues to be a world-class show that is unmatched in the industry. From discovering new products to networking, I hope that you will take advantage of all the opportunities that GTE has to offer.

I am excited that the Global Tire Expo continues to experience growth and am pleased to welcome many new exhibitors. TIA has worked closely with our valuable partner SEMA to ensure this year’s show will be a tremendous success.

The 2013 SEMA Show was by all accounts a record breaker. More people attended, there were more international visitors and more booth space was taken than ever before in SEMA’s history. I’m happy to report that the 2014 Show is on track to exceed all of those numbers. This year has been a great year for business, and we are all hoping for an even better 2015—and the 2014 SEMA Show is the right place to kick it all off.

This year’s Show promises to have more fabulous new project cars, custom builds and incredible vehicle debuts than ever before. But what really excites me is the number of first-time exhibitors we will see this year, and the even bigger news will be all of the creative and innovative new products that will be on display at the Show.