SEMA Launch Pad Competition Announces Finalists
Five finalists have been selected to advance in the 2022 SEMA Launch Pad Competition, SEMA announced.
During the competition, participants pitch new products or services for the automotive aftermarket.
Dustin Golat, co-owner of GolaTTaylor Tools; Jacob Hawksworth, CEO of Hypercraft; Susan Pieper, founder and CEO of DMOS Collective Inc.; Kevin Robinson, president of TRAC LLC; and Frank Terlep, co-founder and CEO of Auto Techcelerators LLC are headed to the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, this November, where they will pitch their ideas for a chance to win a prize package valued at $92,000, the organization said.
The four returning judges are Chip Foose, vehicle builder and artist best known from the TV series Overhaulin’; Jared Hare, founder of Addictive Desert Designs in 2007; Myles Kovacs, founder of DUB Magazine and TIS Wheels; and Alex Parker, CMO of the 2020 SEMA Manufacturer of the Year Winner, Redline Detection.
“This year’s SEMA Launch Pad competitors were amongst the best that we’ve ever seen,” said Kovacs, who is acting as a Launch Pad judge for the third time this year. “I’m constantly amazed at the ingenuity, passion, and drive we see from competitors. It’s going to be difficult to select just one winner from the group.”
The Top 15 semifinalists will have their products displayed in a special Launch Pad Corral at the 2022 SEMA Show (in Central Hall, booth 22970).
The Top 5 finalists, who will go before a live audience at the SEMA Show, are:
Dustin Golat, GolaTTaylor Tools
Thread Wizard: Tool engineered to remove all grime, dirt, surface rust, and fouling from a bolt in a fraction of the time when compared to traditional methods.
Jacob Hawksworth, Hypercraft
Hyper-Pack: Modular EV battery pack system that allows builders to easily configure a custom high-voltage battery system for their electric vehicle project.
Susan Pieper, DMOS Collective Inc.
Stealth and Delta Car Shovels: Premium indestructible advanced designed shovels that are easy to stow and mount on various vehicle racks and platforms.
Kevin Robinson, TRAC LLC
TRAC Tire Jack: Tool designed to make removing or installing a wheel/tire from a vehicle safer, simpler, and easier.
Frank Terlep, Auto Techcelerators LLC
Drive CoPilot Technology Platform: Technology platform designed to help properly perform, document, and invoice for ADAS safety system verification testing, dynamic calibrations, seat belt function tests, and more.
Two finalists will be announced on Nov. 2 and go on to pitch their products on stage at the SEMA Show Industry Awards Banquet on Nov. 3, SEMA Said.
“Winning SEMA Launch Pad is truly an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Kovacs. “Not only does each competitor benefit from the experience, but we are able to shed light on the products and services that fill a gap in the industry and can inspire future inventors to do the same.”
