Why FLN? The Future Leader’s Network (FLN) provides industry young future leaders with an opportunity to network with other SEMA members in various market segments and influential industry leaders. It also gives you a unique chance to listen and learn, as well as provide the industry a youthful voice to be heard. FLN members are industry leaders who are 39 years of age or younger and are actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism in the specialty equipment market. The current membership roster represents some of the top technology, marketing and sales, operations and executive minds in the automotive industry.

Matt Beenen - FLN Chair
FLN Chair
Matt Beenen
Council Director - Denise Waddingham - YEN | TORA | PRO
Council Director
Denise Waddingham
(909) 978-6691

Who is FLN?

The SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) members are young future leaders who are actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism in the specialty equipment market. FLN provides an opportunity to network with other SEMA members in various market segments and influential industry leaders. The current membership roster represents some of the top technology, marketing and sales, operations and executive minds in the automotive industry.

At the SEMA Show, the reception is the ultimate networking event to meet and connect with up-and-coming likeminded individuals in the industry. It is the perfect event for young professionals looking to make new business connections and learn about the latest resources and programs that FLN has to offer.

Council Leaders

YEAR-ROUND FLN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES AVAILABLE

 

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FLN Lunch & Learn Series - Navigating the Ever-Changing Digital Marketing Landscape

FLN Lunch & Learn Series

Check out the first session focused on ‘Navigating the Ever-Changing Digital Marketing Landscape.’

You’ll learn how the digital business and marketing landscapes are in constant flux. Gain an understanding of the digital marketing environment as Dan Kahn, president and CEO of Kahn Media, dives into the state of the social-media landscape as well as the state of influencer marketing. Learn about first-party data, why it plays a central role in digital marketing efforts and how to gather and use first-party data to create effective marketing campaigns.

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FLN Professional Development Program - Group Photo

FLN Professional Development Program

May 16-17 - SEMA Detroit Garage

The Professional Development Program helps aspiring leaders in the automotive aftermarket reach greater levels of success. Sponsored by FLN in partnership with Dale Carnegie, the two-day, in-person program focuses on improving individual and business performance and is available exclusively to FLN members are a significant discount.

“The Future Leaders Network is committed to helping aspiring leaders advance in the industry,” said FLN Chair Matt Beenen. “Partnering with a world-class organization such as Dale Carnegie is just one example of what we are doing to invest in the membership. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to participate in the Dale Carnegie Training, and I’m excited that other FLN members will have access to the program as well.”

The cost of attending this program is $800.

It is available at half of Dale Carnegie’s regular fee and includes complimentary meals and hotel accommodations for three nights and meals for two days to a limited number of participants. (Cost for the program is $1,600 direct from Dale Carnegie.) Participants will also need to arrange their own travel to the event.

This is specifically designed for FLN members. In addition to gaining knowledge from the Dale Carnegie program, participants will have the unique opportunity to connect and network with other future industry leaders in a small group setting.

Applications have closed for this year's program. Email Denise Waddingham at deniselw@sema.org if you'd like to be contacted when applications open this year in October.

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Your future begins today. Shift it into overdrive by joining this active community.

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Mission Statement

To empower emerging leaders in the automotive industry through education and networking.

 

About FLN

Interested in FLN?

Membership in FLN provides young executives with an opportunity to network with other SEMA members in various market segments and influential industry leaders. It also gives you a unique chance to listen and learn, as well as provide the industry a youthful voice to be heard. By joining the FLN, you'll be taking the first step to becoming one of the future leaders of the automotive specialty-equipment market.

Who Qualifies for Membership?

FLNsters are industry leaders who are 39 years of age or younger. FLNsters are entrepreneurs, leading top businesses and actively pursuing a higher level of professionalism in the specialty equipment market. The current membership roster represents some of the top technology, marketing and sales, operations and executive minds in the automotive industry.

What Benefits Does FLN Offer?

FLN membership provides the ideal opportunity to become actively involved with SEMA and the specialty automotive aftermarket. By participating, FLNsters are given networking opportunities with prominent and accomplished industry leaders. Additionally, the program creates a forum to:

  • Tap in to the networking power of nearly 1,500+ of the industry's top young executives.
  • Exchange personal experiences with your industry peers.
  • Exclusive connection with other FLNsters on MySEMA.
  • Share your original content with over 150k via FLN-sponsored SEMA eNews articles.
  • Shine a spotlight on you and your company as a FLN Member-of-the-Month.
  • Open new business opportunities and career paths via exclusive networking with other FLNsters.

Connect with FLN on Facebook

Did you know FLN also has pages available on Facebook and LinkedIn? Check us out next time you're on your profile and help bring our industry in to the 21st Century! Better yet, go on and friend a FLNster today! 

Membership

Membership in FLN is open to all SEMA-member company employees under the age of 40 at no cost. If you are not a SEMA Member, join SEMA now. If you are already a SEMA Member, apply for FLN here. Confirmation and a welcome package will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks. Apply for FLN here.

If you should have any questions or need any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact a FLN Select Committee Member - check out the full roster at www.SEMA.org/FLN. You can always contact SEMA staff for more information by emailing Denise Waddingham at DeniseLW@sema.org or calling 909-979-4144.

We look forward to working with you as part of the Future Leaders Network!

Sincerely,
FLN Membership Task Force Chair

 

Testimonial: Emily Humphrey Shares Her FLN Professional Development Program Experience
August 14, 2024
Discover how the FLN Professional Development Program exceeded the expectations of RealTruck's Emily Humphrey, and why she recommends the course to other members.
See More

FLN Updates

Welcome New FLN Members!
August 14, 2024

FLN Select Committee


Matt Beenen, Chair
Mountech

Jerid Suchy, Chair-Elect
BuiltRight Industries

Nicholas Caloroso, IPC
Driven Lighting Group

Kia Aghai
Warn Industries

Jonathan M. Barber
Bob Cook Sales

Emily Boden
Emerald X

Evan Cook
Trim Illusion Inc.
headhsot of Tara Demuth
Tara Demuth
R&S Truck Caps and Auto Accessories

Robert Fisher
Power Automedia

Zack Hampton
Chromotize
headhsot of Dallas Johannes
Dallas Johannes
Restoration Parts Unlimited Inc. (RPUI)

Dave Kass
QA1

Dan LaRou
Chrome Enhancements

FLN Resources

 

FLN Member Logo

FLN Member Logo Download

Guidelines for Proper Usage of the SEMA Logo(s)

  1. SEMA encourages FLN members to post the FLN Member logo on any personal professional websites and use it on individualized professional-related materials such as letterhead, catalogs, business cards and advertisements.
  2. A FLN member may not use the FLN Logo to market a particular product, or affix the logo to a product or to product packaging.
  3. The FLN Member logo may never be used by a FLN member as a "stand-alone"; the logo must clearly say "Member" exactly as it is placed shown to the left.
  4. The FLN Member logo may not, under any circumstances, be distorted in its display; the logo must be vertically positioned as originally intended (not tweaked, turned upside down, etc.).
  5. The FLN Member logo may not be printed in any other color(s) than the original red, black and white scheme. If red is unattainable, then all black is permissible.

If you require a hi-res version of the logo, please email member@sema.org.

Download Logo