Author: Josh Poulson

Named the 2022-23 SEMA Person of the Year, Josh Poulson is the principal of Auto Additions in Columbus, Ohio, which was named Restyler of the Year, 2012-13. Auto Additions offers a complete line of product upgrades including 12V and appearance packages with a specific focus on the dealership segment. Josh is chairman of the SEMA PRO council.

Your Goals for the SEMA Show

The idea behind this successful Lincoln Navigator package was sparked by a project vehicle I saw at last year’s SEMA Show.

This article originally appeared in the November 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. I don’t remember the exact year of my first SEMA Show, but I know it was more than 25 years ago. In fact, it was long enough ago that when I ate breakfast at the casino that morning, the steak and eggs… Continue reading Your Goals for the SEMA Show

AutoPlex: A Mile High & Climbing

AutoPlex, a four-store restyling center in Colorado, was named the LLumar Select PRO National Dealer of the Year for 2022.

This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. In 1995, Josh Elliott was 19 years old when he started Auto Trim Design in Denver. Installing pinstripes, moldings and spoilers like many restylers did in those days, he simply reacted to whatever the needs of the car dealers were at that… Continue reading AutoPlex: A Mile High & Climbing

Combatting the Technician Shortage

Our industry is facing a worker shortage, but there are factors in our favor for winning over new employees.

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. One of the constant issues I hear about from all shops is a shortage of skilled technicians and/or installers. Why is this and how can we work around or with it? Let’s dive in! Q: Why is it so hard to find… Continue reading Combatting the Technician Shortage

Building Your Restyling Business in 2023

Lessons learned over the past couple of years will strengthen your shop and the industry as a whole.

This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. So, how was your 2022? I would venture to guess that, like many shops I’ve encountered, overall business was pretty good. One thing I have always been fascinated by is how well we as restylers, along with our manufacturer partners, manage to… Continue reading Building Your Restyling Business in 2023

Restylers Ready for What’s Next

The “Forecasting the Future of the Restyling Industry” panel included, from left, Ron Leslie, vice president of sales for Katzkin; Kevin Gillis, general manager at Integrity Customs; Josh Poulson, principal of Auto Additions; and Steve Gilmore, design chief of vehicle personalization at Ford Motor Co., and was moderated by Rod Bennett, general manager of Chrome Enhancements.

This article originally appeared in the January 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. What does the future hold for the restyling industry? A panel of experts at the 2022 SEMA Show debated the big questions and came away optimistic that the market is ready to handle whatever comes next. Here are the questions and a… Continue reading Restylers Ready for What’s Next

From the Mag: Selling at a Sales Meeting

As a restyler, it’s important for you to sell your products and services to dealership professionals. If you’re enthusiastic and honest, and deliver what you promise, the process can be fun and rewarding. Selling to Dealerships Two things I appreciate about car salespeople is that they know a good thing when they see it and… Continue reading From the Mag: Selling at a Sales Meeting