Author: Jef White

Jef White is the executive editor of THE SHOP magazine.

A Daytime Walk Through SEMA Fest

Held Nov. 3-4 at the LV Festival Grounds on The Strip, SEMA Fest was a consumer-oriented festival built around the SEMA Show featuring concerts, demonstrations, project vehicles and more.

There was plenty to see & do, even while the sun was up…

Cargo Management: A Place for Everything

Efficient storage solutions are important to vehicle owners. (Photo courtesy DU-HA)

This article originally appeared in the November 2023 issue of THE SHOP Magazine. They slip and slide with every bump and turn—boxes, bags, tools and more, all carelessly thrown into the back of a truck bed or backseat. But what if we could bring order to that chaos? Aftermarket cargo management systems offer a place… Continue reading Cargo Management: A Place for Everything

Light Bars: Chasing Shadows

Light bars can be part of a total off-road package. (Photo courtesy Go Rhino – XPLOR Lighting)

This article originally appeared in the October 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. What lies on the road—or trail—ahead? Truck and SUV owners with light bars are the first to know. Among the industry’s most innovative product niches, light bars continue to serve as must-have add-ons for overlanders, off-roaders and seemingly anyone who drives a… Continue reading Light Bars: Chasing Shadows

Spray Lubricants: Canned Responses

End users are looking for specialized spray lubricant formulas to meet specific needs. (Photo courtesy WD-40 Brand)

This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Stuck on a project? There’s a spray lubricant that can help. A staple of any shop shelf, today’s lubricants are more effective, more versatile and more targeted than ever. Use them to break free stuck fasteners, protect metals and resist rust. While… Continue reading Spray Lubricants: Canned Responses

Rooftop Tents: Head in the Clouds

Social media has made consumers aware of rooftop tents. (Photo courtesy Tuff Stuff Overland)

This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. More and more travelers are taking a break from the corporate ladder to climb an aluminum ladder to a rooftop tent instead. With the popularity of camping and overlanding booming, aftermarket shops are finding their own little slice of heaven by offering… Continue reading Rooftop Tents: Head in the Clouds

Tonneau Covers

Today’s tonneau covers offer protection and functionality. (Photo courtesy EGR USA)

This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. When it comes to bed protection options for your truck-driving customers, tonneau manufacturers have you covered. Hard folding, roll-up, expandable and related models can fit any need, for work or play, while feature-rich offerings and quick installations allow shops to add a… Continue reading Tonneau Covers

Saving the Species: Land Rover Defenders

In 2004, Stephen Ogletree stepped away from his day job in construction and founded Adventure Motor Cars in Birmingham, Alabama.

In the early 1990s, having already conquered Europe, Land Rover decided to bring its distinctive Defender SUVs stateside. Between 1993-97, the company sold approximately 7,000 NAS (North American Specification) Defenders complete with lefthand drive, fuel-injected gasoline engines and other amenities designed to appeal to an American audience. When they arrived, no one had to tell… Continue reading Saving the Species: Land Rover Defenders

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coatings help make a vehicle’s paint depth and color pop like a freshly waxed car. (Photo courtesy XPEL)

This article originally appeared in the July 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Customers who view their accessorized vehicles as shining stars will want to keep them looking their best year after year. Enter ceramic coating, a long-term way to preserve and enhance paint finishes that can be offered as a professional service. Attractive to… Continue reading Ceramic Coating

Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part II

The latest aftermarket bumpers check all the boxes. (Photo courtesy ARB 4x4 Accessories)

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the July 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. It is the second in a two-part article highlighting trends and sales techniques related to aftermarket bumpers. Part I appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP. When selling aftermarket bumpers, the approach is simple—the products work better, look… Continue reading Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part II

Heightened Awareness: Lifts & Leveling Kits

Suspension upgrades are an off-roading staple. (Photo courtesy DPI Off-Road Brands – ToyTec Lifts)

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Whether they’re planning to tackle the toughest trails or simply want to look good while driving around town, truck and SUV owners continue to enthusiastically support the lifts and leveling kits market. Offering sophisticated designs to match today’s high-tech vehicle innovations, lift… Continue reading Heightened Awareness: Lifts & Leveling Kits

THE SHOP Accepting Submissions for Made in the USA Product Section

THE SHOP is now accepting press releases for its Made in the USA new product section, coming up in the magazine’s July print issue. Deadline for entries is Friday, May 12. Each July, THE SHOP shines a spotlight on American-made components with a special Made in the USA roundup. Manufacturers are invited to submit a… Continue reading THE SHOP Accepting Submissions for Made in the USA Product Section

Heat & Sound Control: In the Comfort Zone

Take every opportunity to make your customers comfortable. (Photo courtesy Design Engineering Inc.)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. For many drivers, there’s no place better than behind the wheel of their favorite vehicle. Is it possible for custom shops to further enhance that experience? Heat and sound control products deliver a safer, more comfortable cruise. Separately or combined, thermal and… Continue reading Heat & Sound Control: In the Comfort Zone

Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part I

Established manufacturers provide a wide range of choices for consumers. (Photo courtesy Fab Fours Inc.)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. When selling aftermarket bumpers, the approach is simple—the products work better, look better and offer a touch of personalization over stock options. Available for the front and rear of a wide variety of off-road, 4×4 and daily-driver trucks and SUVs, aftermarket bumpers… Continue reading Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part I

Anchor Points: Selling Aftermarket Winches

Spend extra time with drivers new to off-roading so they are safe and confident when they hit the trail. (Photo courtesy Warn Industries)

This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of THE SHOP. Increased interest in off-roading and overlanding means increased interest in the accessories that make trips on the trail safer and more enjoyable. Recovery winches fit that description. Available for a wide range of vehicles and with various features and accessories, winches are a… Continue reading Anchor Points: Selling Aftermarket Winches