GILBERT, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Veteran automotive aftermarket executive and current RIGID Industries President Mitch Williams has been named a 2023 inductee to the Specialty Equipment Market Association Hall of Fame. Founded in 1969, the SEMA Hall of Fame honors automotive aftermarket trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the industry. Williams joins two other inductees for 2023, Steve Ames of Ames Performance Engineering and John Iannotte of Kunzman & Associates, as the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame and joins an elite group of individuals that includes Carroll Shelby, Jack Roush and Chip Foose, among others.
“Mitch’s induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame is a testament to his commitment to the transportation industry and exemplifies his continued dedication to innovation, leadership, and service,” said Doug Wolma, President of Safety Solutions for Clarience Technologies, parent company to RIGID Industries, the leader in high-performance LED lighting for off-road racing professionals and enthusiasts.
Williams has nearly 40 years of automotive aftermarket industry experience and has served six terms on the SEMA Board of Directors – one as SEMA Chairman of the Board. As such, he introduced lean concepts to SEMA and expanded SEMA’s global influence by founding the SEMA International Task Force to connect SEMA members with international business opportunities. Additionally, Williams founded the SEMA Lighting Task Force and was a charter member of the SEMA Political Action Committee (PAC). Clarience Technologies appointed Williams to the role of President of RIGID Industries earlier this month.
“It is an incredible honor to be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame,” said Williams. “I am humbled to join the ranks of members whose visionary leadership and tireless work earned respect across the industry.”
About Rigid Industries
Rigid Industries is an off-road performance lighting company that specializes in premium LED lighting products and accessories for off-road, off-highway, and powersports applications. Known for its reliable and innovative lighting solutions, the company has a long history of providing cutting-edge solutions to enhance visibility of off-road vehicles. Their extensive product line ranges from lightbars and spotlights to wiring and wiring harnesses and accessories. The company is a member of Clarience Technologies.
About Clarience Technologies
Clarience Technologies is a global transportation technology solutions provider serving vehicle manufacturers, aftermarket retailers, commercial fleets and consumers worldwide. Founded in 2020 and based in Southfield, Michigan, the company’s mission is to bring total visibility to transportation by delivering the technologies that keep the world moving forward—made possible by the nearly 3,000 employees who are guided by the company’s CLEAR Principles: Curiosity, Leadership, Enthusiasm, Accountability and Respect. The Clarience Technologies team of companies include Truck-Lite (1955), Road Ready (2017), ECCO Safety Systems (1977), Code 3 (1974), RIGID Industries (2001), Lumitec (2007), DAVCO (1976), LED Autolamps (2002), Pressure Systems International (1993) and Fleetilla (2000). Learn more at www.clariencetechnologies.com.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $50.9 billion specialty-automotive industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. Association resources include market research, legislative advocacy, training and product development support, as well as leading trade shows such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Indianapolis, Ind. For more information, visit www.sema.org, www.semashow.com, or www.performanceracing.com.