Published On 11/09/2023
SEMA 2023 came and went, but we’re still riding the wave of excitement from attending this mecca of all things automotive. Sharing floor space with jaw-dropping custom car builds and exciting product launches. This year, XPEL went all out in turning booth 52065 into a home, literally. The XPEL House created a welcoming atmosphere, providing guests with a firsthand experience of the Protect Everything lifestyle.
XPEL at SEMA 2023 showcased a wide range of automotive and home products. Experts were on hand to answer questions and give live demonstrations of several desirable vehicles. Plus, motorsport celebrities stopped by to hand out autographs and social media photo opportunities. These are the highlights and unforgettable moments from the XPEL booth at SEMA 2023.
During SEMA week, the XPEL House booth hosted guests to a gallery of products designed to protect everything. Each room catered to a different product. InvisiFRAME had its own space to explain the benefits of bicycle protection films. Meanwhile, guests could lounge in the sitting area on furniture treated with surface protection. Or examine the various home window films ranging in clarity, function, and privacy.
Naturally, the garage and driveway hosted several vehicles showcasing automotive protection products. Daily live demonstrations showcased paint protection film (PPF) , ceramic coating, and window tint, allowing guests to see the product’s benefits activated in real time.
An XPEL home wouldn’t be complete without a set of wheels parked in the garage. This year, XPEL brought two fast and pretty machines to gleam under the spotlights. The BAC Mono is a premium sports car that gains more with less, featuring ultralight bodywork that cuts its weight to less than 1,300 pounds.
The featherweight body is powered by a mid-mounted 2.5-liter engine, producing a healthy 311 horsepower. As a result, the BAC Mono can sprint from zero to 60 in 2.7 seconds.
The Mono’s graphene-carbon composite bodywork became the perfect canvas to perform live XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS paint protection film demonstrations. At SEMA, guests got to see the PPF application process in real-time, showcasing the quality of the product and expertise honed by our trained installers.
Nestled in the XPEL House garage was an Alpine white 2024 BMW M2. This coupe came fitted with an assortment of the M Power branded goodies designed to boost its TwinPower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine to its full potential. While the gloss white paint gleamed under the spotlight, the BMW M2’s glass showcased premium PRIME automotive window films.
Guests could see the window tint application process on the BMW during live demonstrations. Moreover, they had the opportunity to talk with veteran XPEL installers and ask questions about the process. This display allowed people to see firsthand how this window tint improves privacy without affecting the clarity of looking out.
The McLaren P1 GTR is a special variant designed as a track car with a nearly 2 million dollar price tag. A lighter, faster, and more extreme variant of the standard McLaren P1, producing 986 horsepower. Capable of reaching a limited top speed of 217 mph!
With only 45 examples built, having the P1 GTR in front of the XPEL House was an honor. Guests could get close to the supercar with its Team Lark racing livery protected with ULTIMATE PLUS PPF.
The XPEL booth at SEMA 2023 also hosted celebrities from the fast lane world of motorsport. Professional INDYCAR racing driver Scott McLaughlin signed autographs and gave guests a reason to post on social media with photo opportunities. In addition, Street Outlaws Ryan Martin shook hands and posed for photos with fans and enthusiasts alike. We want to thank both gentlemen for being there and providing a memorable experience to all who came to see them.
As this year’s SEMA event moves into the past, XPEL looks forward to the near future – XDC. Next year’s 2024 Dealer Conference in San Antonio, Texas, is scheduled for February 23-24. Registration is open to attend this annual gathering of all things XPEL. Big plans are in the works that we cannot wait to show you at XDC 2024.
See you then!
Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Wood has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since June 2016. Mr. Wood is responsible for the Company’s Finance/Accounting, Risk Management, Treasury Management, Investor Relations and Corporate Development functions. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Wood served as Vice President – Dispensing Operations for Optum Rx (previously Catamaran Home Delivery), Chief Financial Officer of PTRX, Inc., a pharmacy benefits and prescription home delivery company and served in various executive finance roles with AT&T (formerly SBC Communication, Inc.). Prior to this, Mr. Wood served as an Audit Manager for Ernst & Young.
Mr. Wood holds an MBA from University of Texas – Dallas and a Bachelor of Science – Accountancy degree from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. Mr. Wood also holds Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant designations.
VP, Asia Pacific
Mr. West joined XPEL in 2021 and currently serves as the VP of Asia Pacific where he oversees all of XPEL’s business affairs in the region.
Prior to his current role, Mr. West was the Director of Automotive Films, followed by Sr. Director of Install Operations. He has been involved with the automotive aftermarket industry for 20 years and owned a successful shop in Anchorage, Alaska. He also founded Tracwrap, which was sold to XPEL in 2013.
He has traveled the world installing, training, and consulting businesses in the automotive films industry. Mr. West holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
VP, People Services
Ms. Steiner recently joined the Company, serving as VP of People Services.
Ms. Steiner is responsible for shaping the Company’s people strategies and growing the global capabilities of the Company while aligning it with the overall strategic direction of the organization.
Ms. Steiner brings over 20 years of multi-industry, global HR experience. In her most recent role, she was responsible for leading HR for E. & J. Gallo’s US Sales Organization. Prior to that, she was VP of HR, Americas at Otis Elevators and spent 21 years at General Electric in HR and engineering leadership roles.
Ms. Steiner holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering as well as an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University.
VP, Revenue
Mr. Rimas recently joined the Company, serving as VP of Revenue. He leads the global sales team, partnership and commercial strategy.
Mr. Rimas was the President of Repairify, which empowers the vehicle-side repair professional with software, intelligence, and access to the proprietary Repair OnDemand marketplace. Mr. Rimas also has a wide range of experience in many segments of the automotive industry, including retail, financial services, aftermarket, and fleet services.
Mr. Rimas was the co-founder and Managing Partner of FM Capital, where he led and managed many disruptive automotive investments including Autoniq, Frontier Car Group, Vroom, Autopay, and Revolution Parts. Before FM Capital, Mr. Rimas was the Director of Operations of the Red McCombs Automotive Group where he also helped lead successful investments in both HomeNet Automotive (acquired by Cox Automotive) and ClickMotive (acquired by DealerTrack).
Mr. Rimas is the current Chairman of NitroFill and a former board member of ProCare Collision (acquired by Classic Collision). Mr. Rimas is also Managing Partner of AuctionXM, and an advisor to WarrCloud, Zohr, and NuBrakes. Recently, he joined the board of Work Truck Solutions, Vincue, and exited his vehicle reconditioning business (Streamline Recon) in a merger with SolutionWorks.
Mr. Rimas holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Ball State University.
VP, Corporate Development
Mr. Mayall has worked for/with XPEL since 2000 and currently serves as XPEL’s VP of Corporate Development. He joined XPEL full time in 2016 when his businesses, PRO-TECT FILM and PROFORM, were acquired by XPEL.
Mr. Mayall has been involved in the film, adhesive and automotive aftermarket since 1993 where he started as an installer of window films and paint protection films. In 2004 he founded a film distribution and installation company, PRO-TECT FILM, where they grew to be the largest installer of automotive paint protection film and residential safety/security film in Las Vegas at the time it was acquired. During that time he was also co-owner of PROFORM, a design and software business that operated out of Las Vegas until the time it was acquired.
VP, Product
Mr. Joshi currently serves as XPEL’s VP of Product and has worked at XPEL since 2018. Mr. Joshi oversees Product Management, Manufacturing, Research & Development, Purchasing and Planning functions for the company.
Prior to joining XPEL, Mr. Joshi served as the Deputy General Manager at Garware Hi-Tech Films and oversaw the North American business for the company.
Mr. Joshi holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University.
VP, Services
Mr. Gotro joined XPEL in 2022 and currently serves as the VP of Services. In this role he is responsible for overseeing Dealership, Retail, OEM, Design and Training Operations.
Prior to joining XPEL, Mr. Gotro spent 17 years at entrotech in a variety of positions, including Director of OEM Integration and Director of Paint Protection Film. He also worked in consulting.
Mr. Gotro holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering from The Ohio State University.
VP, Controller
Ms. Coffee joined XPEL in January 2008 and currently serves as the Company’s Controller. She is responsible for all Accounting, Treasury Management and Payroll functions for the company. Prior to joining XPEL, Ms. Coffee served as an Accounting Manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Ms. Coffee holds and M.Ed. from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Texas. Ms. Coffee is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Senior VP, General Counsel
Mr. Awodiran recently joined the Company, serving as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.
Mr. Awodiran is responsible for all legal and compliance matters affecting the Company, including managing the legal function, providing effective advice on Company strategies and their implementations, corporate governance and securities law compliance, Board and Board committee matters, commercial and corporate transactions, ethics, and compliance.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Awodiran served as Group Counsel, Securities and Corporate Law and Assistant Corporate Secretary for Ashland Inc., a global additives and specialty ingredients company. Before this, Mr. Awodiran served in various legal roles at Caterpillar Inc. during his 14 years, most recently as Senior Corporate Counsel, supporting the Industrial Power System Division’s global sales and marketing operations.
Mr. Awodiran holds an LL.M. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an LL.B. from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Mr. Awodiran obtained his US bar license from New York State.
VP, Operations
Mr. Alvarez joined XPEL in December 2017 and currently serves as the VP of Operations. In this role he is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing, quality, distribution, logistics, purchasing, and customer service functions within XPEL.
Prior to joining XPEL, Mr. Alvarez served in a variety of operational leadership roles within AT&T and KCI/ Acelity.
Mr. Alvarez holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from St. Mary’s University, and an MBA from Texas A&M University – San Antonio.
Chairman, President & CEO
Mr. Pape serves as XPEL’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and previously served in a variety of positions within the XPEL until his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2009.
Prior to joining XPEL in 2004, Mr. Pape was in technology consulting.
Mr. Pape has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Mr. Pape has served on XPEL’s Board of Directors since 2010 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board.
Director
Mr. North serves as CEO of Lazydays RV Holdings, Inc., a $1.3 billion leader in the RV industry providing RV sales, service, and ownership experiences. He previously served as CFO of global auto reseller Copart, Avis Budget Group and Lithia Motors, one of America’s largest automotive retail groups. While at Lithia Motors, Mr. North helped successfully manage the company’s financial transformation as Lithia grew from $2.1 billion in revenue in 2010 to $12.0 billion in 2018.
Mr. North has a deep knowledge of the automotive industry with proven experience in global retail operations, finance, acquisitions and integrations.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce with an emphasis in Finance from Santa Clara University.
Director
Mr. Klonne built a successful career from entry level sales to President and CEO. He played a major part and led the growth of Findley Adhesives from a $20 Million, regional company to a $300 Million global company which led to the ultimate sale of the company to Bostik, S.A.
Mr. Klonne served as CEO of Bostik, Inc, a subsidiary of Bostik, S.A., of Paris France, for nearly 15 years helping grow Bostik, Inc.’s revenue to $1 Billion with over 1,000 employees at 20 sites across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Mr. Klonne has served on XPEL’s board since 2017 and currently chairs the Audit Committee.
Director
Mr. Crumly has been investing in start-up companies and other entrepreneurial ventures for more than 30 years. Mr. Crumly has been involved in ventures ranging from consumer products to telecommunications from start-up to the transition to the public marketplace.
Mr. Crumly also has years of experience investing in various real estate ventures, from raw land to developed properties and also has interests in the timepiece and estate jewelry market.
Mr. Crumly graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science.
Director
Ms. Bogart serves as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Corporate Responsibility of Winnebago Industries. Prior to joining Winnebago Industries, Bogart was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary at Polaris Industries where she joined in November 2009. Previously, Bogart was General Counsel of Liberty Diversified International; Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary at The Toro Company; and a Senior Attorney for Honeywell Inc.
Ms. Bogart is an accomplished business executive who is known for partnering with senior management to achieve long-term strategic transformational goals, working with public company Board of Directors, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, risk management, strategy, and mergers and acquisitions.
Ms. Bogart has a Bachelor of Arts degree and Juris Doctorate with Distinction from the University of Iowa.