Thank you to all SEMA members that took the time to cast their vote on my behalf for the SEMA Board of Directors. We are your voice and my role will be to do all in my power to represent all SEMA members big and small. I am truly humbled by your support.
”Growing up as an entrepreneur in the automotive OE and aftermarket industry has defined who I am today. I am founder and owner of two vibrant automotive businesses and face the same challenges that every member of SEMA confronts today. I will stand tall as a voice for all member businesses fighting for the issues that will allow our industry to thrive in the decades to come. I pledge to continue to represent, and hopefully assist, in growing our business membership as we pave an open road to prosperity. It is a humbling honor to be nominated as your Board of Directors representative and I ask for your vote.”
– Timothy “Tim” McCarthy, Founder/CEO, HushMat & ZyCoat
I began my automotive career in the late 1980s, acquiring and consolidating three parts suppliers, and expanding a Kansas City facility. Relocating my family there, I grew the automotive materials division from modest beginnings to over $110 million in revenue. Despite initial OEM resistance, I launched HushMat in 2002- the first fully American-made sound deadening and insulation brand for the aftermarket. A SEMA member for over 23 years, my wife Connie and I now own HushMat and ZyCoat. Our children helped in the early days, packaging and shipping products. Passionate about the aftermarket industry, I value American manufacturing and enjoy sharing my entrepreneurial, branding, and financial expertise with customers and fellow entrepreneurs all over the world.
My focus as a member of the 2025 Sema Board of Directors
We are under the constant pressure of political differences which will move to and from Washington DC to the state and local level depending on the party in power. This will require constant vigilance from SEMA leadership and the Board of Directors. We cannot allow our guard to drop just because a favorable party sits in the White House.
We are a community that gathers for a few days each year in Las Vegas and also Indianapolis. The other 355 days we will seek opportunities to gather our automotive enthusiast community. It happens in small pockets but not well coordinated. It just happens. At HRIA we placed strategic emphasis on creating networking and social events to bring members closer together at national and regional events throughout the year. Bringing more of these gatherings together for SEMA member companies outside of show will make our community stronger.
The Covid era was a financial wake-up call. A critical part of my involvement as Treasurer, SEMA Board of Directors consisted of working with SEMA Executive staff to restructure financial reporting information for ease of assessment by Executive Management and the Board of Directors. We accomplished that objective and now have a consistent financial reporting package by SEMA business unit. This method of reporting & consistent presentation provides an actionable basis for strategic and operational decision making.
As a long-term member of SEMA and the Hot Rod Industry Alliance – the right of choice and right to repair and the right to modify vehicles is vital to the wellbeing of our members and our industry. Allowing non-automotive bureaucrats to determine the life or death of our industry with a stroke of the pen, is beyond comprehension and I will fight for our right of choice, right to repair and right to modify vehicles. The future of our industry depends on winning this fight.
My approach is to serve members first. Our members are businesses, many of which are small and need to join other like-minded businesses to carry one voice – This is where SEMA has the capacity to shine. Building a servant culture will draw more businesses to the organization. Success on the Legislative and Regulatory front will continue to cast a spotlight on the organization making it a destination for likeminded businesses to gather and speak in a unified voice. Preserving the show as a Trade only event for Tuesday – Thursday is important to me as a small manufacturing business owner. Frankly most of the decision makers leave town on Thursday night or Friday morning during SEMA week. I am all in for opening the doors on Friday (only) to enthusiasts to come to the greatest automotive show on earth – SEMA.
I have been enamored by the Hot Rod market for over 35 years and a passionate fan of the creative artisans that bring these amazing vehicles to life every year.
I am and have been a fan of all forms of motorsports from dirt circle track to top fuel dragster the launch of ZyCoat was driven by the need to manage heat in the internal combustion engine. Heat is the enemy of speed, ZyCoat is the enemy of heat!.
A founding principle upon which both HushMat & ZyCoat were built is Made in the USA. We believe in and invest in American manufacturing. As a result, we are stronger than ever. The strength of family, faith and American manufacture combined with a passion for everything automotive is the foundation of HushMat and ZyCoat.
SEMA has been part of my story for 23+ years:
Tim is the definition of the kind of board member we need moving forward. Vote for a successful future. Vote for Tim McCarthy!
– Doug Evans, Former SEMA Chairman of the Board of Directors and SEMA Hall of Fame Member
“Through the mane years of my involvement in the restoration and hotrod industry, I have been very fortunate to work with some of the finest people you will ever meet. There are a few of those people that stand out above and beyond the rest. One of those people is Tim McCarthy. He is a true industry professional and a genuine car guy. Not only is he a driven businessman, Tim is also a driven volunteer. Tim has devoted countless hours to the HRIA councel and other SEMA programs. He will be a tireless hours to the HRIA council and other SEMA programs. He will be a tireless Board member That will always put the industry first and do what’s right in representing all segments of the SEMA family. I hope you will join me in supporting Tim for the SEMA Board of Directors.”
“I am delighted to offer my sincere endorsement of Tim McCarthy for the SEMA board of Directors. Considering everything Tim has already done for Sema, from being Treasurer to chairing HRIA, his commitment is unrivaled. A perennial SEMA PAC member and a proven entrepreneur with two successful businesses in our industry, Tim is the definition of the kind of board member we need moving forward. Vote for a successful future. Vote for Tim McCarthy!”
“I am honored to Endorse my friend and fellow automotive enthusiast, Tim McCarthy! He has many years as a professional in an industry that has grown and evolved substantially yet has SO FAR to go! The forward momentum that is required to keep this industry growing needs minds and abilities like Tim’s and I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in this role for such a powerful organization!”
“Dear Members,
I am writing to express my full endorsement of Tim McCarthy for a position on the SEMA Board of Directors. I have had the privilege of working with Tim in the automotive aftermarket industry for over 20 years, and I can confidently say that few individuals possess the same level of vision, commitment, and passion for advancing our industry.
Tim McCarthy brings a wealth of experience in his leadership in manufacturing, marketing and product, and has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing SEMA members today. Tim’s work has not only driven measurable success within his own organization, but has also positively influenced broader industry trends through collaboration and mentorship by leadership.
In addition to professional achievements, Tim has shown solid support for SEMA’s mission–championing small businesses, fostering innovation, and advocating for legislative interests that protect and grow our market. His unique blend of strategic insight and grassroots involvement makes him an ideal candidate to help guide SEMA’s future.
I firmly believe that Tim will serve with integrity, diligence, and a forward-thinking mindset that aligns with SEMA’s goals.” Sincerely,
“I am honored to endorse Tim McCarthy for the SEMA Board of Directors. Spending time with Tim over the past years, his passion and understanding of our industry is rarely matched. His belief and investment in “servant leadership” is proven, as he was Chair of a council while he was also Treasurer of the SEMA Board. Tim has a tenacity to expand our political outreach to the State and local level, ensuring that our industry will thrive for decades to come. Tim’s strategy to expand our membership will no doubt diversify and strengthen the financial health of the association so that we can continue to fight for our freedoms.”
“Tim McCarthy is one of the most dedicated and professional gentlemen in our industry that I have had the good fortune to meet. I met him at a SEMA HRIA banquet. Our company was one of the display vehicle guest. He took the time to meet all of the participants and made us feel very special about being there. In less than one year, I went from being an HRIA member to becoming a council elect member. I think back and feel that Tim inspired me to do more for our industry and so I did.
On the HRIA committee is where I got to know Tim. His dedication to SEMA, the industry and for what SEMA is fighting for is always present. His Leadership is extraordinary in that he listens to people and engages them. One would forget that he is also the owner and CEO of a successful SEMA member company. His life, his personality, his professionalism and his inspiration are why I endorse Tim McCarthy.”
“As the owner of Goolsby Customs, I endorse Tim McCarthy for the SEMA Board of Directors. Tim’s extensive industry experience and proven leadership make him an ideal candidate to help guide our automotive aftermarket through upcoming challenges and opportunities. His commitment to innovation and understanding of both traditional and emerging market segments will be invaluable assets to the SEMA Board. Tim’s collaborative approach and strategic vision align perfectly with what our industry needs to thrive in the years ahead.”
“We at Considine Sales & Marketing are proudly endorsing Tim McCarthy for a 2nd term on the SEMA Board of Directors.
Tim exemplifies dedication and professionalism in every aspect of his work. He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of customer needs, innovative product solutions, and strategic market insights. Tim’s ability to navigate challenges, such as training new staff on product knowledge, supporting customers with seamless catalog updates, and addressing market challenges for the ever-changing environment, highlights his adaptability and problem-solving skills. His commitment to ensuring HushMat/ZyCoat customers are supported and valued.
Tim’s leadership and expertise are invaluable assets to his team and clients. His forward-thinking approach to addressing economic and competitive pressures, coupled with his ability to identify actionable solutions, makes him a trusted and impactful professional in the industry. With Tim’s guidance, businesses can confidently rely on his insight to drive growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction.“
“It is my pleasure to recommend Tim McCarthy for the open manufacturer position for the SEMA board of directors. During my time working with Tim, I have found him to be knowledgeable at every level of our aftermarket industry. From the most challenging aspects of OE supply to the one on one nature of an installer / customer relationship, Tim has the ability to see and find solutions to each need from every aspect.
I believe Tim to be the exact match for our industry’s needs at this time, from recognizing our history and the path we have taken to seeing how to stay relevant in our ever more quickly changing demands. Our Industry is one of innovation, real world engineering, artistry, hard work and determination – these are the qualities Tim McCarthy represents every day.
Please cast your vote for Tim, he is one of us to the core.”
“Tim McCarthy has been a well-known figure in the automotive industry and a trusted name in business for years. There are not many people who I have had dealings with that I can say I would trust more with a leadership role on the SEMA Board. Tim is someone who I personally look up to and would trust to do what is needed. Not the easy path but the right path. I would like to say for my part he is a friend, a mentor and someone who we need to guide the future on SEMA in these “odd” times. “
“We’ve been bringing builds to SEMA for years—even taking home two Best in Show wins. But this past year felt different after meeting Tim McCarthy.
Tim’s insight and support pushed us to look beyond the show—to think more deeply about our business, our future, and our place in the industry. He encouraged us to become more than just attendees. He showed us how to become active members of the SEMA community.
Tim listens. He builds relationships. And he truly wants to see others in this industry succeed.
That’s why I fully support Tim McCarthy for a position on the SEMA Board. He’s exactly the kind of leadership this industry needs.”
Voting begins May 19th. To vote, your company must be a current SEMA member. SEMA will send voting instructions — including your Member Number and Election Passcode — to your company’s designated contact.
If you need help or have questions, feel free to reach out at tmac@hushmat.com