SEMA announced it has selected the top 15 applicants of the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) 2020 Launch Pad Competition.

The 15 participants will advance to the six-week 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.

Tagged: Young Executives Network

SEMA selects top 15 applicants for 2020 Launch Pad competition