january-february

18 T he reasons for attending the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show are as varied as the vehicles and products on display at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Educational seminars, product innovation, big reveals, celebrity appearances, networking opportunities, and industry recognition are a few of many examples. “There are constants at the SEMA show that you can always count on. Ford will be drifting Mustangs out front, Mopar will hold a press conference at 4:26 to announce something absurd and amazing, and no matter how carefully you think you’ve walked the miles of halls, tents, and outdoor lots, someone will mention a phenomenal build that you somehow missed. What isn’t certain is what the new trends will be and what previous hot style will die off,” said Hagerty. On the heels of such SEMA excitement, those trends will define the year ahead. There are too few pages to discuss every fine detail, but here is a snapshot of insight that undoubtedly will influence 2019. Classroom News As always, SEMA’s educational lineup was first class. Among the many talented professionals engaging with audiences about a number of important topics was Gene Marks, a columnist, author, and small business owner who discussed today’s labor landscape at length. “It’s a millennial world, with this generation now making up 50% of the U.S. workforce,” he stated. Theirs is the most diverse and tech-savvy generation to date. As employees, millennials emphasize a sense of corporate purpose and value flexibility, mobility, and independence over compensation in many cases. Marks explained that millennials are socially conscious, thirst for regular feedback, like team-building activities, seek environments with transparent leadership, and want opportunities for advancement. Though sympathetic to businesses struggling with or reluctant to embrace a generation so vastly different than any one preceding it, his perspective was clear: deal with it, adjust accordingly, and find common ground because your business footprint depends on it. Attracting the right talent is a primary concern for shop owners such as yourselves, and a valid one nonetheless. Three important takeaways: invest in partnerships with local schools to groom the upcoming generation, better engage with millennials on the social platforms they are most comfortable (Hint: Instagramand Snapchat), and consider a new twist on company benefits such as wellness programs and a student-loan reimbursement structure to assist with retention efforts. Additionally, Rob Infantino, CEOat Openbay andTimHaydenof Brain+Trust Partners both discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive services business. Though their presentations had different granular focuses, they both cited a boom in mobile connectivity, consumer demand for quality service, and a desire for maximum convenience and immediate gratification as primary reasons for utilizing data unification, automation, and conversational AI tools to streamline workflow and enhance real time communication for a better customer experience all around. Category News Indeed, millennials and Gen Zers are influencing everything from electric and autonomous agendas to advancements in technology, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, all of which are redefining the industry. “The one major observation from SEMA is that new cars are turning into people’s second personal device,” commented Dave Burke, Category Manager of OEM and Diesel. “Such technical advancements mean less in the area of engine maintenance because everything is turning to sensors and other luxuries. So now more repairs are centered on electrical failure, which favors dealers and experienced mechanics who can afford the tools and training required to service these new vehicles,” he continued. Highlights, Trends, & Takeaways from the 2018 SEMA Show