The awards recognize the recipient’s outstanding contributions to the specialty equipment industry over a year-long period

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced the winners of its coveted Content Creator of the Year, Gen-III Innovator of the Year, and Person of the Year awards. Presented during the SEMA Industry Honors at the 2025 SEMA Show, these awards recognize industry members for their significant and transformative contributions to the automotive aftermarket during the past year.

Person of the Year: Dean Case (Motivo Engineering)

An unwavering advocate for SEMA and the Emerging Trends & Technology Network (ETTN), Case played an instrumental role in bridging the gap between aftermarket industry and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) community in 2025.

Case was pivotal to the success of the ETTN/SAE student career event at the SEMA Garage, the largest career fair the association has ever hosted. The impact of this event extended far beyond attendance numbers; it also created meaningful connections with students and educators, helping to attract fresh talent into the industry.

Thanks to Case’s contributions, the event brought together a diverse range of experts, actively engaged schools, and was carefully documented through professional videography, amplifying SEMA’s mission to a wider audience.

Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Andrius Liskus (LABA7, UAB)

Liskus solved a major barrier in advanced suspension testing: accessibility. High-speed, high-precision damper testing typically requires large, stationary machines with high-voltage, high-amperage power inputs, which limits their use to specialized R&D facilities. With the EMA, or Electromagnetic Damper Test System, Liskus and his team developed a solution that delivers lab-grade performance -- up to 7,000 mm/s velocity, 100 G acceleration, and 150 Hz frequency -- while running from a standard 110V socket. The system condenses energy using supercapacitors to drive electromagnetic motors efficiently and with precision.

This means cutting-edge damper testing no longer needs to be tied to infrastructure-heavy environments. Race teams, independent developers, and workshops can now run the same level of dynamic testing that was once only available inside OEM labs. The EMA is even transportable, making it viable for on-site testing and trackside diagnostics.

Gen-III Innovator of the Year: Andrius Liskus (LABA7, UAB)

Content Creator of the Year: Westen Champlin

The SEMA Content Creator of the Year Award recognizes and celebrates a content creator's exceptional dedication to enriching automotive culture. This accolade applauds Champlin’s significant impact in shaping a vibrant community and fostering a positive environment among automotive enthusiasts. Garnering over 4 million subscribers on YouTube, 3.8 million followers on TikTok, 2.5 million followers on Instagram, and 3.3 million followers on Facebook, his creative efforts on social media have not only elevated the discourse around automotive passions but have also inspired a deeper appreciation for the art and innovation within the industry.

Continuing through November 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the SEMA Show is the ultimate trade show for aftermarket professionals to see thousands of the newest automotive performance products from new and iconic exhibitors, discover the latest product and vehicle trends, and develop essential skills. For more information, visit SEMAShow.com.

Content Creator of the Year: Westen Champlin

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org.

Tagged: SAE

2025 SEMA Content Creator, Gen-III Innovator, and Person of the Year Announced