Vote Melissa Scoles for the SEMA Board of Directors

Meet Melissa

My name is Melissa Scoles and I’m running for the SEMA Board of Directors. As the second-generation leader of QA1, an industry leader in performance shocks and suspension components, I understand what goes into building, running, and scaling a successful business in our beloved industry. 

I’ve spent most of my life working in the automotive aftermarket, and with over a decade of leadership experience as President/CEO of QA1, I bring a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. In addition to my role at QA1, I have been deeply involved in SEMA leadership, serving as Chair and now Immediate Past Chair for MPMC and as a member of the PAC Board. I’ve also served on the SEMA scholarship committee and received the 35 under 35 award in 2013.  

 I’m very passionate about youth engagement and help run a program called Lakeville Works, which provides opportunities for students to learn about educational and career opportunities in the skilled trades. I also co-founded a program called Engineered for Speed, serving every 5th grader in our school district, where students build model cars, and learn about weight distribution and aerodynamics, culminating with schoolwide races. Additionally, I’ve helped raise approximately $150K to install inclusive playground equipment in local parks and playgrounds by hosting an annual memorial golf tournament in my dad’s name. I also serve as a Board Member for the Twin Cities Chapter of YPO and for the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce. 

Our industry has undergone a lot of change over the last few years, from electrification to changing regulations to a fluctuating economy. We need to engage the next generation of enthusiasts to ensure we have customers, employees, and shop owners well into the future. I’m doing that locally and will bring that experience to the SEMA Board. With your vote, I will be a voice for business owners large and small, family-owned and otherwise, to ensure the future of our industry.   

“As the second-generation leader of QA1, an industry leader in performance shocks and suspension components, I understand what goes into building, running a scaling a successful business in our beloved industry.”

Why I’m Running

I’m passionate about the health and success of our industry as a whole. I believe that the success of the industry is what helps drive growth at our companies.

A Voice for Business Owners

At QA1, we believe in optimizing experiences from the manufacturing floor to the end user. Our values-based approach has built a strong team culture where we are proud to be people-centric, create solutions, earn it, and do the right thing.

Youth Engagement

The automotive aftermarket has done so much for my family and I know we can do a better job of sharing this passion and getting the next generation involved in the industry as enthusiasts, employees and business owners.

Endorsements

  • Brian Appelgate

    "Your choice of who to vote for the SEMA board of directors is an important decision. The right person can make a significant difference. I have encountered many smart and talented people in my time in the industry, but rarely have I encountered people of Melissa Scoles caliber. Melissa is a respected leader serving as the CEO of QA1. She has served on many SEMA committees, task forces and councils demonstrating her commitment to the SEMA membership. She is an individual who wants to protect and to see our association and our industry continue to grow and prosper. Her passion for youth engagement has played out via several youth programs including involvement in Hot Rodders of Tomorrow and co-founding Engineered for Speed a program that engages every 5th grader (1,000) in her school district annually. Melissa believes that it is important to expand communication within the Association to be sure all members are informed about Association initiatives and engaged. Vision is critical for any successful endeavor and particularly for trade associations which must serve its members today and in the future. Vision and leadership are areas where Melissa excels. I encourage you to vote for Melissa Scoles for the SEMA board of directors."

    Brian Appelgate – Former SEMA Chairman of the Board, Chief Operation Officer | Holley Peformance Products

  • Amy Faulk

    "Melissa Scoles is an ideal candidate for the SEMA Board of Directors and I ask you to vote for her this election. She understands that the next generation is our future and has worked to grow the interest in our industry as well career opportunities in the skilled trades. As a race car driver myself, I’ve had many of these conversations with students and align with this approach. With her proven track record as a strong leader, Melissa is at a point to dedicate the time needed to help our industry grow and thrive in a time of many changes. Board meetings are more than just tea and coffee or drinks and smokes, and Melissa understands that and is prepared to dive in and do the work that is needed to truly connect with and understand the needs of SEMA membership. She will be an advocate for our member companies and will help to set a vision for the betterment of the industry."

    Amy Faulk – CEO | Hypertech

  • Brian Bohlander

    “I’ve been privileged to work directly with Melissa in leadership of MPMC where we’ve simplified and streamlined communication within the council and SEMA. As an industry, we need more leaders like Melissa who are passionate about developing the next generation. She’s demonstrated her mentoring skills through growing a young team responsible for the expansive growth of QA1 under her leadership. As the leader of a family-owned manufacturing company, Melissa brings an essential perspective to the SEMA Board that now, more than ever, is needed to advocate for automotive manufactures including the right to modify and repair that is critical for the aftermarket.”

    Brian Bohlander - MPMC Chair-Elect, Director of Marketing | Old World Industries

  • Doug Evans

    I’m proud to endorse Melissa Scoles for the SEMA Board of Directors. She is a second gen leader in a thriving family business, she believes in and supports American manufacturing and innovation, and she has a solid track record of community and industry leadership that SEMA needs now more than ever. Melissa understands that youth engagement is what drives the future of the industry and has already built programs to help fuel the next generation. We need new leaders that know what it takes to grow a business but also can provide strategic guidance to the association for future growth. I know she will do what is best for the aftermarket while empowering the SEMA staff. Through QA1, she has made a strong impact in many industries and markets, but most notably in restoration and performance, and I’m proud to endorse her for a manufacturer’s seat on the SEMA Board of Directors – please vote for her this election

    Doug Evans – Former SEMA Chairman of the Board, 2017 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductee, Senior Advisor | Radial Equity Partners

  • Matt Beenen

    I’m excited to endorse Melissa Scoles for a manufacturer seat on the SEMA Board. I have known Melissa for over a decade, have seen first hand what she's accomplished with QA1 and have recently had the privilege of working with her in SEMA volunteer efforts. She is passionate about the industry and her team and has demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision across her many roles. These attributes, coupled with her community involvement and dedication to getting youth involved in the industry, are the reason I'm confident she will be a board member that drives positive change and progress.

    Matt Beenen – President | BuiltRight Industries

  • James Bingham

    “Melissa's passion, love, and dedication to the aftermarket industry are exemplary. Her commitment is demonstrated through her extensive history of volunteering with SEMA councils and task forces, along with her active engagement in various youth initiatives to propel the industry forward.”

    James Bingham – 2015 SEMA Hall of Fame Inductee, President and CEO | Winner’s Circle Speed and Custom

  • I'd like to endorse Melissa Scoles for the SEMA Board of Directors. Her ability to patiently listen to problems and issues that can affect our members along with her reasonableness on what's best for the industry. When you take her experience, her leadership as a volunteer and couple that together with her passion, really she's the perfect candidate for the SEMA Board of Directors. I hope you'll give her your support as well.

    Josh Poulson - VP | Auto Additions