“You get to catch up with people,” says George ‘El Chingon’ Nevarez, Training Coordinator at Autobahn and Edge. “It’s been five years since I’ve been here. I’m seeing guys that I haven’t seen in 10 years. It’s a reunion.”
Together in Las Vegas
Held annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center, The SEMA Show merges and unifies all facets of the automotive industry. West Hall is home to many window film, paint protection film (PPF), coatings, detailing, and vinyl wrap exhibitors pushing their respective segments forward.
“It’s still a high for me,” says Nevarez, who’s attended more than a dozen SEMA Shows. “It’s great seeing what’s going on in the automotive industry. You get ideas.”
Nevarez currently trains and develops the next wave of installers in a state-of-the-art instructional space dubbed The Studio in Houston, Texas.
But Nevarez isn’t just known for his more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. His cookies and beef jerky are world famous. He came prepared to pass out samples to fellow showgoers in need of a sweet or salty treat.
“It’s my passion,” shares a smiling Nevarez, Owner of El Chingon Jerky Company.
Growing the Brands
“[It’s about] brand awareness and helping the brand grow,” says Eliu Albelo, Owner of Best Deal Window Tint in Orlando, Fla. “Every single week, people ask me how to become an Autobahn dealer. Or they tell me that they switched. I am glad that I am a part of it.”
A window film industry veteran of nearly three decades, Albelo is one of several Autobahn dealers who made the trip to Las Vegas this year.
Chad Ridgway, Owner of Infinite Distinctions in Enid, Okla., went full-time with window film in 2021. He’s using The SEMA Show to multiply his momentum after doubling 2022’s sales this year.
“New products, connections, and networking [opportunities],” Ridgway says of his motivations to attend the event.
Ridgway operates a 2,500 square-foot building with his son, Kedrick, who completed Autobahn’s Architectural Film Training and Automotive Window Tint Training courses. Their business, which joined Autobahn’s Dealer Network this year, specializes in automotive, residential, and commercial window film, paint protection film, and auto upholstery services.
“It feels like a family,” Ridgway says of Autobahn. “You can reach out to anyone there. They’re willing to help.”
The Eye of The Kiger
RUPES, a leading brand of professional car detailing technology and innovation, announced the all-new BigFoot iBrid polisher prior to The 2023 SEMA Show. The company’s booth (#52171) in West Hall was buzzing with excitment on day one of the gathering. Tony Kiger, Territory Manager and Trainer at Autobahn and Edge, was one of many detailing veterans testing out the new offering.
“Coming from the detailing industry and being in that for more than 18 years, I know a lot of people within it,” says Kiger, who helped facilitate a partnership between RUPES and Autobahn/Edge.
Kiger says Autobahn and Edge aim to be a one-stop-shop, offering everything a dealer needs in one central location. In addition to being a distributor for RUPES, the brands also offer The Rag Company and Autofiber products.
“We want to partner with like-minded individuals,” Kiger adds. “We have a certain culture within the brands, and we want to maintain that culture.”
Author’s Note: Stay tuned for coverage of The 2023 SEMA Show this week. Please reach out to me at ccollier@autobahnwindowfilms.com if you’d like to connect. – Chris Collier, Director of Communications.