Larry Montante – SEMA Board of Directors 2021
Thank You and Ready to Serve
I would like to thank all those that followed, engaged with, and supported my campaign. I am honored and humbled to have been elected to the SEMA Board. I will do my best to represent the membership and tackle key matters that face our industry. Please follow relevant industry happenings and updates on my LinkedIn or Facebook pages.
“As a SEMA Hall of Fame member and former SEMA board member, I fully endorse Larry Montante as candidate for 2021 SEMA Board of Directors. Larry’s 37+ years of experience is unrivaled in the automotive industry. His work ethic is the perfect storm of professionalism, experience, common sense, and street smarts. He joined Keystone Automotive as a young man, learned the business from the ground up, and as Keystone grew so did Larry. Ultimately, Larrys unmatched work ethic and industry knowledge made him a key player in the overall sucess of the company. I am confident that Larry will bring that same knowledge, energy, and passion to SEMA as a board member. “
 |
Joe Amato – 5X NHRA Top Fuel Champion |
The Market is Changing … It’s Time for Action with a Fresh Approach & Perspective
Larry Montante
My name is Larry Montante
I'm excited to have the opportunity to serve the SEMA Membership
A Proven Creative Leader / A Driver of Change
- 37+ Years Experience in Multiple Functions and Channels
- Knows the Needs of the Supplier, Retailer, and Consumer
- Get-It-Done Attitude / No Tolerance for Bureaucracy
- Energetic / Passionate / Transparent
A Man of Action, Focused on the Future
Jobbers, Suppliers, Consumers, and eTailers: We’re All One Community
My Proactive SEMA Agenda Focuses on The Industry as a Whole
Preserve
Focus Area #1
Grow
Focus Area #2
Engage
Focus Area #3
37+ Years of Relevant Experience
More About Me and Why I'm Qualified to Represent You
About Me
Experience
Key Qualities
About Me
Experience
Key Qualities
Career Accomplishments
Given the length of my career, the various leadership roles I have been in, and the opportunities presented to me as Keystone has grown, I had the freedom to innovate, construct and drive a variety of programs, systems, and initiatives. Here are some of the highlights:
Major Business Impacts
- Developed and launched the Category Management organization and structure at Keystone.
- Created and executed much of KAO’s geographic expansion strategy and plan
- Spearheaded KAO’s market facing plan to execute the expansion into new market segments including RV, Trailer and Marine
- Guided the Launch of multiple New Brands & Products
- Built the architecture, content, and launch of many B to B customer-centric systems and websites including eKeystone.com
- Established a variety of internal mainframe and web based analytical, process improvement, CRM tools and systems that drive sales, growth, and profitability
Major Marketing Innovations
- Founded and developed the innovative Parts Via omnichannel click-to-mortar supplier and jobber affiliate program
- Developed and launched the TrailFX private label brand and product offering
- Conceptualized and organized the Keystone Big Show now in its 22nd year
- Created and launched over 25 unique programs including Affiliate programs, Catalogs, web sites, events, and more
- Drove the evolution from print-based marketing programs to digital programs
- Created, launched, and managed the KAO customer incentive Trip and Loyalty programs
Industry Involvement & Recognition
- Multiple WD of the Year Awards and SEMA product awards
- 30+ Supplier Top Customer Awards
- SEMA event host: Town Hall and Big Shows
- Advisor to SEMA and Member companies
- Attended 30+ SEMA Shows
- Graduate of the Wharton School’s Advanced Management Program
- Federated Group Executive Board Member
Listen to My Speeches
Most Recent Speeches
Latest News & Events
The Latest News
02 December, 2021
Education Association Conference
Please consider making a donation to support future development.
Thank you for the right choice!
Testimonials
What People Say About Me
Endorsements
What My Colleagues Say About Me
David MacNeil
Founder/CEO – WeatherTech
“I would like my fellow SEMA members to know that I fully support Larry Montante becoming a SEMA Board member. There are very few people that have the stellar reputation that Larry does in our industry, which includes decades of priceless knowledge of the aftermarket industry, both domestic and international, government regulations, and of course all while maintaining an ethical course with suppliers and customers alike. Our industry needs leaders like Larry. Please vote for Larry Montante for the SEMA Board.”
Myles Kovacs
DUB Founder, 2020 SEMA Person of the Year
“As a former member of the SEMA Board of Directors along with serving in many different capacities over the years, I am proud to lend my support to Larry Montante in his candidacy for the SEMA Board Directors. Over the span of his decades-long career, Larry has been a passionate industry leader and a champion for his customers, large and small. The automotive industry is about innovation and Larry has utilized his extensive experience in all aspects of the business to envision what’s around the next corner to the benefit of the Keystone organization as well as the suppliers, manufacturers and customers he has done business with for more than 37 years.
As our industry moves forward through the decade, Larry has the vision, insight, perspective and most importantly, the leadership, to roll up his sleeves to get the job done for all of us.”
Amy Faulk
CEO – Hypertech, SEMA Hall of Fame Member
“Larry is a proven leader, a problem solver, a forward thinker and a team player but most importantly, Larry will represent all SEMA members without bias. As a past member of the SEMA Board of Directors myself, I understand the commitment and work ethic needed to be a contributing SEMA Board member and I am convinced Larry Montante is this the exact type of person our association needs on the SEMA Board of Director. Your vote can make a difference, I recommend casting your vote for Larry Montante.”
Jim Cozzie
Biz Dev Director – Ridetech, SEMA Hall of Fame
“I have worked with Larry Montante over the course of my career. Larry has always demonstrated not only a passion for his life’s work, but always carried a steadfast commitment to driving change in the way business was done. His approach of doing research prior to making changes is and extension of his personality no matter work or leisure.”
“My experience serving on the SEMA Board and my term as Chairman taught me that Board service requires doing the work, forming a position, and become committed to that position for the good of all and not swing views because one’s position is not popular. Larry has that skill set and I am sure will apply those skills as a member of the SEMA Board.”
“Larry Montante has my vote!”
Joe Amato
5X NHRA Top Fuel Champion – Keystone Founder
“As a SEMA Hall of Fame member and former SEMA board member, I fully endorse Larry Montante as candidate for 2021 SEMA Board of Directors. Larry’s 37+ years of experience is unrivaled in the automotive industry. His work ethic is the perfect storm of professionalism, experience, common sense, and street smarts. He joined Keystone Automotive as a young man, learned the business from the ground up, and as Keystone grew so did Larry. Ultimately, Larry’s unmatched work ethic and industry knowledge made him a key player in the overall success of the company. I am confident that Larry will bring that same knowledge, energy, and passion to SEMA as a board member.”
Bill Reminder
President & CEO – Truck Hero
“I believe Larry Montante would be an outstanding addition to the SEMA Board of Directors. I’ve known Larry for over 20 years and during this time he has consistently demonstrated a thoughtful and leading expertise on our industry. Larry has led an incredible array of successful initiatives throughout all the years I’ve known him. He has been incredibly insightful on proactively adapting to our changing landscape.
As we all grow awareness to the aftermarket and strengthen our engagement with our customers, he brings a wealth of proven success that is unmatched. As I have grown my business he has and remains a trusted advisor. Larry has my vote!”
Jim Oostdyk
President – OK Auto, 4WD & Tire
“I’ve known Larry Montante since he was first joined Keystone 37 years ago. For the entirety of the period, I’ve known Larry as someone who is passionate about his work and as someone who cares about his customers, his company, and his industry.
From a customer perspective, Larry has always given us personalized attention, made us feel appreciated, and expertly solved issues as they arose. Likely due to his passion for the industry as well as the loyalty amongst his customer base, I’ve watched him grow within the Keystone organization that he has helped build from a small partnership to a publicly traded company.
The bottom line is that our industry needs passionate, loyal, enthusiasts who effortlessly adapt to the changing marketplace by exhibiting a keen vision for our future. This knowledge and experience is exactly what SEMA needs as we adapt to the disruption occurring in our industry and is also why I wholeheartedly support Larry’s candidacy for the SEMA Board of Directors.”
Nick Gramelspacher
VP of Brand Strategy – Meyer Distributing
“As a two-term former SEMA Board member I understand the importance of Distributor representation on the board. Larry Montante has the experience, knowledge, and passion needed and brings a new perspective to the table. His agenda focuses on protecting and growing our industry. I know Larry will get things done on our behalf so he has my vote for the SEMA Board.”