SEMA Future Leaders Network - FLN

10/09/2026

Small wins deserve recognition. 👏

Today’s professional development tip: Praise the slightest improvement.

When someone on your team is learning a skill or working on something personal, acknowledge their progress. A simple “I noticed the work you’re putting in” lets them know their effort matters—and encourages them to keep growing.

Great leadership starts with paying attention. Who can you encourage this week?

Save this reminder for your next team check-in. 🔖

10/08/2026

09/22/2026

Stepping into management? Learn from those who’ve been there.

Join the FLN Lunch and Learn "The Accidental Manager" this Thursday and hear directly from aftermarket leaders who have successfully grown into management roles.

📅 Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026
⏰ 10:30 a.m. PT / 1:30 p.m. ET

Get practical advice for transitioning into leadership, managing with confidence and advancing your career.

👉 There’s still time to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9117854357448/WN_e4IX6lqTSoqTkgSRKIuyOA #/registration

09/17/2026

Small tasks can pile up quickly.

One simple way to stay ahead of them: if something takes less than two minutes—like replying to an email, confirming a meeting, or handling a quick follow-up—do it immediately instead of adding it to your to-do list.

Those small actions can help keep your workload manageable and your attention focused on the bigger priorities that move your career forward.

What’s one productivity habit that helps you stay on top of your day? Drop it in the comments. 👇

09/01/2026

Last chance! Know a young professional making a difference in the automotive aftermarket? Nominate them for the 2026 FLN Professional of the Year or FLN Vanguard Award by Friday, Sept. 4.

Help recognize the future leaders whose leadership, mentorship and commitment are making a lasting impact on the aftermarket.

Award winners will be announced and celebrated at the 2026 SEMA Show. Submit your nomination today at www.sema.org/cn-awards.

08/28/2026

Fuel Your Future! 🏎️

SEMA is partnering with Blueprint Engines to host an education seminar and networking event in Kearney, Neb., Sept. 25-26. 🤝

Built for shop owners & employees, builders, and automotive professionals, this new regional event will allow attendees to tour the Blueprint Engines warehouse, attend education seminars, and network with industry peers. 🏁

Don't miss out on this event, sign up now!

https://www.sema.org/event/fuel-your-future-regional-education-series-attendee

08/27/2026

Check this webinar out! Let's help bring awareness to careers in our great industry. Share it with students and automotive programs in your network.

🚗 Webinar for Students & Emerging Professionals: Beyond the Vehicle - Careers in the Aftermarket
At many colleges and universities, the aftermarket is rarely discussed as a career path. This session will help close that awareness gap by exploring available career opportunities in engineering, technology, marketing, business, supply chain management and more.
🛠️ Work in the industry? Help shape the next generation of industry professionals! Share this webinar with students, educators and industry contacts who support automotive education programs.
Registration link: https://brnw.ch/21x5gat

08/20/2026

FLN has named Hannah Pennington, Manager of Mayhem at FLATED, as the network’s newest spotlight member! 👏

It’s the people and the diversity of the industry that keep Hannah in the automotive aftermarket.

“You’ve got people behind everything from rebuilding old-school engines to inventing new tech like self-driving cars—all from different backgrounds, making it happen. There’s really a home for everyone in this space.”

The best advice Hannah has received is: Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never make it out alive.

On a Saturday, you can find Hannah enjoying Montana’s outdoors—at a high alpine lake in the summer or snowboarding at her local mountain in the winter.

📰 Read more: https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2026/34/fln-member-spotlight-hannah-pennington-flated

08/19/2026

Ready for a leadership role but don't which steps to take next? 🎯

Join FLN's virtual Lunch and Learn next month to hear from aftermarket professionals who successfully transitioned into leadership roles.

You'll learn:
✅ How to successfully step into a leadership role
✅ Real-world advice from industry leaders who have made the transition
✅ How leaders think and how to apply those principles within your organization
✅ Ways to expand your professional network with fellow FLN members

👉 Register today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5017854357506/WN_e4IX6lqTSoqTkgSRKIuyOA #/registration

08/18/2026

Looking for the next great addition to your team? Meet them in Detroit. 👏

On Saturday, September 26, automotive industry companies will have the opportunity to connect with talented students from more than a dozen local universities and trade schools at the ETTN Career Fair.

Whether you’re recruiting for internships, entry-level positions or future opportunities, this is your chance to meet the next generation of automotive professionals—all in one afternoon.

📅 Saturday, September 26 | 1–4 p.m.
📍 SEMA Garage Detroit | Plymouth, MI
✅ Complimentary for SEMA member companies
💼 Company tables available, but space is limited

Visit and use the link in their bio to register your company.

Questions? Contact Justin Starkey at [email protected].