DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — The top 15 applicants of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) Launch Pad Competition have been selected and now move on to the online voting stage. Each applicant will receive a complimentary, one-year SEMA membership, as well as one professional Launch Pad video and widespread awareness of their business through SEMA communication channels.
The 15 SEMA Launch Pad semifinalists are:
- Justin Bradshaw (REVER); Product: Mobile App
- Joshua Carton (Curien); Product: Neuron N2
- Johannes Crepon (PDM Automotive); Product: Data Technology
- Roland Hence (FrontLane, Inc.); Product: Impulse–Emergency Brake Light
- Khanjan Desai (Alchemy); Product: ExoShield
- Luke Farley (Lynx Auto Wraps & More); Product: Lynx Auto Wraps TRD aps
- Keith Ferry (Cerebrum Sensor Technologies); Product: Cerebrum
- Brendan McGrath (Dyme PSI); Product: AN Hose & Fittings
- Timur Mukhtasibov (AK Software); Product: BodyShopFlow
- Matt Rafeld (Beachcomber Offroad, LLC); Product: Stowaway Door
- Eric Rivera (Dirt Dynamix); Product: Truck Accessories
- Patrick Sweeny (Blackgate Customs, Inc.); Product: KDSS Sway Bar Drop Spacer Kit
- Brett Turnage (Brett Turnage Industries); Product: Modular Intercooler
- Mike Unger (PICINH); Product: Tasker Tailgate
- Brock Winberg (GTe-413 Electric Crate Motor); Product: GTe-413 Universal Plug
The public will be able to vote in the online competition beginning August 3. Five top candidates will go on to pitch their business ideas at the 2020 SEMA Show, where a panel of iconic judges select one winner to receive a prize package that includes $10,000 to be used for the benefit of their business and exhibit space at the annual SEMA Show.
“The 15 semifinalists are a great representation of the passion and innovation that can only be found in this industry,” said Nathan Ridnouer, SEMA vice president of councils and membership. “While all products are unique and valuable, we’re excited to share their ideas with the public and learn what our consumers are most interested in.”
Since 2013 the SEMA Launch Pad program has given young entrepreneurs, students, and business owners age 18-39 an opportunity to launch their products into the $44.6 billion automotive aftermarket industry. The program will teach participants new business strategies on how to develop, market, and boost their automotive products or services used by industry experts.
To learn more about SEMA Launch Pad and each of the 15 semifinalists, visit www.sema.org/launchpad.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $44.6 billion specialty automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV, and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, IN. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, or www.performanceracing.com.
Source: SEMA