David Wilson

President, Toyota Racing Development USA
Group Vice President, Toyota Motor North America

“It is my pleasure to put forth my strong recommendation and endorsement of Marcus Umlauff to serve as a Director on SEMA’s Board in the upcoming election. In my capacity as TRD USA President, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Marcus in his position as Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), General Manager, Truck Strategy.

My endorsement of Marcus is based quite simply on Marcus’ demonstrated passion and leadership in his position over Truck Strategy for Toyota. Marcus’ enthusiasm and love for everything automotive comes thru genuinely and authentically. His leadership, industry insight and consensus building across multiple Toyota business units including sales and marketing, product planning, accessories and vehicle engineering has helped spur Toyota’s bold and aggressive direction in the marketplace.

Marcus has an entrepreneurial spirit about him and he’s not afraid to ask, “why or why not?” in challenging the corporate status quo. This spirit is backed by broad industry experience and a keen understanding of market dynamics, strategy, and consumer trends.

All the above on top of Marcus’ experience and passion for motorsport, performance automotive and vehicle personalization and accessorizing make him an ideal candidate for a seat on SEMA’s Board of Directors!”

Kurt V. Lacks

Owner and Executive Director of Business Development, Lacks Enterprises

“As a tier one automotive manufacturer for Toyota North America, I’ve interacted with Marcus Umlauff on several major component development programs over the past several years. 

Toyota’s North American success is not accidental based on Lacks Enterprises business partnership with Marcus. Marcus’ commitment to excellence is fundamental and his passion for the automotive industry encompasses many disciplines. His ability to focus on details while seeing the big picture, all while allowing for creative solution development is extraordinary. 

It’s often said that “nothing great happens without passion,” and Marcus lives this every day. His interest and curiosity for the ever-evolving automotive industry is infectious.  He is an industry visionary who pursues “outside the box” ideas and challenges the typical approaches that large corporations and OEM’s have towards collaboration and product development to achieve breakthrough opportunities.

Marcus is a man of strong values and character. While supplier-customer relationships are often tested, Marcus continually ensures that the product will never be compromised. He’s able to see all angles of development for all parties. This characteristic has continually revealed Marcus’s business acumen and leadership – two vital areas of business development our industry could use more of. 

It’s without hesitation that I believe Marcus would be a valuable asset to the SEMA Board of Directors.”

Bob Carter

Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor North America

“I strongly endorse Marcus Umlauff for SEMA Board of Directors. 

Marcus is a respected leader, both within Toyota and the industry. He builds strong relationships and engages people with his energy and vision.

Marcus’ experience is unique – his deep knowledge of the US market is complemented with his global experience. His career has been built around all aspects of the automotive industry – all sizes, big and small. His entrepreneurial spirit matched with his business acumen allows him to inspire others with a vision of success that remains credible and attainable – challenging to do things differently. 

Toyota has maintained a strong relationship with SEMA for many years. Now more than ever, it is important that OEMs and SEMA members work together - adapting to meet to challenges faced by the industry. Marcus has been a vocal advocate for the accessory business and challenging Toyota to partner with aftermarket brands to provide the richest customer experience. 

Above all, Marcus is a passionate automotive enthusiast with an infectious energy that drives others.

I am confident that Marcus would be a powerful addition to the SEMA board. His new perspectives, experience and relationships will only serve to strengthen SEMA and the future for its members. 

Marcus has my vote!“

John Coletti

President, Automotive Performance Partners
(Previous) Director of SVT and Ford GT

“Marcus is true enthusiast that has a deep passion for automotive industry.  His broad experience and background will make him a valued addition to the SEMA Board of Directors”

Andrew Brown

Chief Executive Officer and Founding Family Member, ARB Corporation

“The Australian 4x4 aftermarket is unlike any other globally, the necessity of remote area travel coupled with tough terrain was foundational to the emergence of Overlanding.  In his role at Toyota Australia, Marcus championed the accessory vision through excellence in engineering, quality, but importantly collaboration with the aftermarket to develop quality accessories that meet customers Overlanding needs and wants.

Now with Toyota US, Marcus is driving the same strategic vision of collaboration between the OEMs vision for the future of automotive transport, and the aftermarket’s innovation and creativity to provide quality accessories for customers.

As a 30+ year SEMA member, I see Marcus as a strategically unique candidate for the SEMA Board that will add international experience, a vision of the future of vehicle development and a profound understanding of the aftermarket, particularly in the Overlanding segment, to help the SEMA Board better support its members.

Marcus is an intelligent, driven and honest professional, and a good bloke, that I strongly recommend in his candidacy for the SEMA Board.”