Author: A.J. Hecht

A.J. Hecht is the managing editor of THE SHOP and host of the In Gear with THE SHOP podcast. Have an idea, a tip, or a question you’d like to see answered? Contact A.J. at ahecht@cahabamedia.com.

Nomination Period for Techs Rock Awards Opens May 15

TechForce Foundation’s 5th annual Techs Rock Awards will be accepting nominations for technicians beginning on May 15, the organization announced. TechForce created the awards to honor professional technicians who are full of passion and grit, exhibit true excellence in their work and inspire the next generation of techs, the group said. The Techs Rock Awards… Continue reading Nomination Period for Techs Rock Awards Opens May 15

NFIB: Labor Quality Now Top Small Business Owner Concern

The most recent edition of the NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index found that labor quality is now the top small business owner concern, the organization announced. Labor quality was the top business problem at 24%, with inflation in second place by one point at 23%, according to the report. “Optimism is not improving on Main… Continue reading NFIB: Labor Quality Now Top Small Business Owner Concern

Timbren Names New VP of Sales

Timbren has appointed John Marshall as its new vice president of sales, the company announced. Marshall has 28 years of experience in the industry, serving in roles centered in account development, brand management and customer relations with distributors, retailers, OEMs and more, the company said. “I am thrilled to be joining the team. Timbren has… Continue reading Timbren Names New VP of Sales

Yokohama Tire Celebrates NORRA Mexican 1000 UTV Class Win

Yokohama Tire is celebrating after Team Yokohama driver Kristin Matlock secured victory in the UTV class at the Yokohama NORRA Mexican 1000, the tire manufacturer announced. Kristin Matlock beat her husband Wayne Matlock by 1.46 seconds to win the UTV class and finish third overall. She also became the first woman ever to win the… Continue reading Yokohama Tire Celebrates NORRA Mexican 1000 UTV Class Win

MB Quart Signs Distribution Partner for Australia, New Zealand

Maxxsonics and MB Quart have named Connected Audio Visual (CAV) as the exclusive distributor of MB Quart products for Australia and New Zealand, the companies announced. The partnership includes the entire MB Quart product line of powersports, marine and mobile offerings. “This is an incredible opportunity for Maxxsonics and MB Quart to branch out to… Continue reading MB Quart Signs Distribution Partner for Australia, New Zealand

Turn 14 Distribution Adds Michelin to Line Card

Performance parts distributor Turn 14 Distribution has expanded its tire selection by adding Michelin to its line card, the company announced. “Michelin is a household name with huge potential, and the addition of Michelin’s extensive lineup of tires roots Turn 14 Distribution deeper in the replacement passenger car tire world. Michelin’s Pilot Sport product line… Continue reading Turn 14 Distribution Adds Michelin to Line Card

SEMA Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Inductees

Steve Ames of Ames Performance Engineering, John Iannotte of Kunzman & Associates, and Mitch Williams, who recently left StopTech Performance Brake Systems to join Rigid Industries, will join the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2023, the organization announced. Created in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame honors trailblazers who have significantly enhanced and contributed to… Continue reading SEMA Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Inductees

Austin Hatcher Foundation Partners with Craton Promotions

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer has been chosen as the Official Charity of Craton Promotions, an official promotional production center for many major brands associated with motorsports, the organization announced. Craton features a wide selection of gear from the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) along with many other prominent racing brands such as… Continue reading Austin Hatcher Foundation Partners with Craton Promotions

iKamper Hosting Community Camping Event

iKamper is now offering early bird ticket access ahead of CAMPOUT, a community camping event open to all outdoor recreation enthusiasts, the company announced. The roof top tent and outdoor equipment manufacturer will host the three-day event (Oct. 13-15) at Songdog Ranch in Cuyama, California, to celebrate the outdoor lifestyle, the company said. iKamper has… Continue reading iKamper Hosting Community Camping Event

What’s More Important: Marketing or Branding?

Most shop managers believe they should be pumping money into a marketing program. The more marketing you have, the better off your auto performance and restoration shop is, right? But what if that that isn’t entirely true? A new blog from Motorhead Digital examines the balance between marketing and branding, and how solid branding can… Continue reading What’s More Important: Marketing or Branding?

Meyer Distributing Adds Pet Travel Products to Line Card

Meyer Distributing has added Fido Pet Products to its line card, the distributor announced. Fido Pet Products offers a variety of pet products, including the FidoRido pet booster car seat, the company said. The seat has a two-point harness and is made of rigid polypropylene material. The company also offers the Paws Aboard dog life… Continue reading Meyer Distributing Adds Pet Travel Products to Line Card