September 10, 2025 - Economic Insider

Dan Kahn’s Involvement with the Specialty Equipment Market Association and His Role in Automotive Industry Engagement

Economic Insider Staff on September 10, 2025

The automotive aftermarket has long been shaped by a combination of technical innovation and enthusiast culture. Within this space, industry associations play a vital role in steering development, regulation, and community engagement. Among the prominent of these organizations is the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which serves as a hub for manufacturers, retailers, and media related to performance parts and accessories. Over the years, SEMA has evolved from a niche trade group into a multifaceted body representing more than 7,000 companies, many of which focus on customization, motorsports, and emerging vehicle technologies. The association hosts one of the largest automotive trade shows globally, drawing thousands of industry professionals annually to Las Vegas.

As the market has diversified, so too has the association’s focus. SEMA has extended its efforts into regulatory advocacy, youth outreach, and digital communication. These shifts reflect broader changes across the industry, where traditional marketing strategies have been replaced or enhanced by influencer engagement, social media campaigns, and online education. The association’s growth has required leadership that understands both its legacy and its future, balancing tradition with adaptation. Within this evolving landscape, professionals with cross-functional experience in media, marketing, and brand development have found increasing relevance.

Dan Kahn’s tenure within SEMA reflects this intersection of tradition and innovation. Kahn, a marketing executive and entrepreneur with experience in journalism and public relations, has served in multiple leadership roles within the organization. His contributions span more than a decade and include two elected terms on the board of directors. Kahn’s board service has placed him in strategic positions, allowing him to help guide SEMA’s response to shifting consumer expectations and the rise of digital communication.

Beyond board membership, Kahn has chaired two key initiatives within SEMA: the Show Committee and the youth engagement task force. The Show Committee is responsible for planning and executing the annual SEMA Show, which spans over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. The event is attended by more than 160,000 people, including exhibitors, media, and buyers from over 100 countries. Under Kahn’s chairmanship, the committee addressed logistical and promotional challenges during a period marked by rapid growth in digital marketing and social platform integration.

Kahn also led the youth engagement task force, an initiative designed to bring younger audiences into the aftermarket community. His role in this effort aimed to address a long-standing concern in the automotive space: generational disconnect. While car culture had historically been passed down through direct mentorship or family tradition, shifting consumer behaviors and priorities have changed how younger demographics interact with vehicles. The task force focused on making automotive careers more visible and attractive to students and early-career professionals by leveraging online media, industry mentorships, and hands-on experiences.

Recognition of Kahn’s contributions came in 2019, when he was named SEMA Person of the Year. This annual award, presented during the SEMA Show, is one of the organization’s notable honors. It acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated significant commitment to the industry and to SEMA’s mission. The award announcement highlighted Kahn’s service on the board, his leadership of the youth engagement initiative, and his work on the Show Committee. The May 2020 issue of SEMA News Magazine included a profile of Kahn, documenting the reasoning behind his selection and outlining the broader impact of his volunteer efforts.

While his work with SEMA is one aspect of a broader career, Kahn’s role within the association has positioned him at the center of discussions about the future of the aftermarket. His dual background in editorial publishing and integrated marketing has informed a leadership style that bridges communication gaps between legacy brands and new audiences. In this way, his service with SEMA illustrates how industry associations can benefit from leaders who operate at the convergence of media and manufacturing.

The influence of SEMA as an organization continues to expand. In recent years, the association has launched initiatives focused on legislative advocacy and compliance training, broadening its reach beyond trade shows and consumer engagement. Kahn’s efforts in the youth engagement task force aligned with these broader goals, ensuring that the organization’s growth remained inclusive and forward-facing.

As the automotive aftermarket continues to adapt to electrification, automation, and evolving regulatory standards, voices like Kahn’s—grounded in communication and connected to enthusiast culture—are likely to remain part of the conversation. His contributions to SEMA, both documented and ongoing, reflect the challenges and opportunities that face the sector. They also underscore the importance of cross-generational engagement, an issue that many industries continue to navigate.

A/B Testing: Comparing Two Versions of a Webpage or Campaign to Determine Effectiveness

Economic Insider Staff 2 on September 10, 2025

A/B testing is a method used to compare two versions of something—often a webpage, email, or advertisement—to see which performs better. It helps identify small changes that improve results. These changes might affect clicks, sign-ups, purchases, or other actions. The process doesn’t require advanced tools or deep technical knowledge. It works by showing one version to part of an audience and another version to the rest, then measuring the difference.

This article explores four areas that explain how A/B testing works and why it matters: setting up a clear comparison, choosing what to measure, interpreting results with care, and applying insights over time.

Setting Up a Clear Comparison

A/B testing begins with a question. A business may wonder whether a different headline, button color, or image will lead to more clicks. To answer this, two versions are created: Version A and Version B. Each version includes one change. This helps isolate the effect of that change.

The audience is split randomly. Half see Version A. Half see Version B. This split helps ensure fairness. It reduces the chance that outside factors—like time of day or device type—affect the results.

The test runs for a set period. This might be a few hours, days, or weeks. The length depends on how many people visit the page or receive the message. More visitors mean faster results. Fewer visitors require more time.

During the test, everything else stays the same. Only one element is changed. This keeps the comparison clean. If multiple changes are made at once, it becomes harder to know what caused the difference.

A clear setup helps reduce confusion. It supports better decisions and makes the results easier to trust.

Choosing What to Measure

Measurement is central to A/B testing. It shows which version performs better. The choice of what to measure depends on the goal.

Common goals include:

Click-through rate: How many people click a link or button
Conversion rate: How many people complete a form, make a purchase, or take another action
Time on page: How long people stay before leaving
Bounce rate: How many people leave without interacting

Each goal reflects a different type of success. A business focused on sign-ups may care most about conversion rate. One focused on engagement may care about time on page.

Measurement tools track these actions. They may include website analytics, email platforms, or custom software. These tools count clicks, visits, and actions. They also show patterns over time.

As explained in Web Analytics: Measuring Website Traffic and User Behavior to Inform Decisions, tracking user behavior helps businesses understand which pages are most effective and where improvements are needed. These insights support better decisions and help shape future tests.

Choosing one clear goal helps focus the test. It reduces distraction and supports better analysis. If multiple goals are tracked, it’s important to prioritize. This helps avoid mixed signals.

Measurement doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be consistent. Clear tracking supports better decisions and reduces guesswork.

Interpreting Results with Care

Once the test ends, results are reviewed. The goal is to see which version performed better. This may seem simple, but interpretation requires care.

A small difference may not mean much. If Version B gets slightly more clicks, the change may be due to chance. Statistical tools help check whether the difference is meaningful. These tools look at sample size, variation, and confidence.

Context matters. A version that performs better on one day may not do so on another. External factors—like holidays, news, or technical issues—can affect behavior. Reviewing results in context helps avoid false conclusions.

Sometimes, results are mixed. One version may get more clicks but fewer conversions. In these cases, it helps to revisit the goal. The version that supports the main goal is usually preferred.

Results may also reveal unexpected patterns. A change meant to improve clicks may reduce time on page. These patterns offer insight into user behavior. They help guide future tests.

Interpreting results with care supports better decisions. It helps avoid overreaction and supports steady improvement.

Applying Insights Over Time

A/B testing is not a one-time task. It works best as part of a routine. Each test offers insight. These insights build over time and support better design, messaging, and service.

After a test, the winning version is often used. But the process doesn’t stop there. New questions may arise. Another test may compare a new headline, layout, or image. This cycle supports steady progress.

Insights from one test may apply to others. A button color that works on one page may work elsewhere. A message that increases sign-ups may help in emails. These patterns help shape broader strategy.

Documentation helps. Keeping track of tests, results, and decisions supports learning. It helps avoid repeating mistakes and builds shared understanding.

A/B testing also supports teamwork. Designers, writers, and developers can use results to guide choices. This reduces debate and supports alignment.

Over time, A/B testing helps shape a product or campaign that feels more useful and clear. It doesn’t require dramatic changes. It supports small steps that add up.

A/B testing compares two versions to see what works better. Through clear setup, focused measurement, careful review, and steady application, it helps improve communication and design. The process supports calm decision-making and builds confidence through evidence.

Internal Links Used
Web Analytics: Measuring Website Traffic and User Behavior to Inform Decisions

How to Create a Strong Brand Identity for Your Startup

Economic Insider Staff 2 on September 10, 2025

Brand identity helps people recognize and understand a business. It includes visual elements like logos and colors, but also tone, values, and customer experience. For startups, building a clear identity supports trust and sets direction. It doesn’t require large budgets or complex tools. It grows through attention, consistency, and practical choices.

This article explores four areas that shape brand identity: defining purpose and audience, choosing visual and verbal elements, creating consistent experiences, and adjusting over time based on feedback and growth.

Defining Purpose and Audience

Brand identity begins with clarity. A startup needs to understand what it offers and who it serves. This helps guide decisions and reduce confusion.

Purpose refers to the reason the business exists. It may solve a problem, offer a service, or provide a product. This purpose doesn’t need to be unique. It needs to be clear. A business that helps people manage time, for example, may focus on simplicity and reliability.

Audience refers to the people who use or benefit from the business. Understanding their habits, needs, and preferences helps shape tone and design. A startup serving busy parents may use calm colors and clear instructions. One focused on students may use casual language and flexible options.

Defining purpose and audience helps avoid guesswork. It supports better choices about messaging, design, and service. These choices build recognition and trust.

Some startups use surveys, interviews, or informal conversations to learn about their audience. Others observe behavior or review feedback. These methods help shape a brand that feels relevant and useful.

Choosing Visual and Verbal Elements

Visual elements include logos, colors, fonts, and layout. These choices affect how people feel when they see the brand. Calm colors may suggest reliability. Bright colors may suggest energy. Fonts affect readability and tone. Layout affects how information is received.

Verbal elements include name, tagline, and tone of voice. These choices affect how people understand the brand. A short, clear name may feel practical. A playful tagline may feel friendly. Tone of voice affects how messages are written and spoken. It may be formal, casual, direct, or warm.

Consistency matters. Using the same colors, fonts, and tone across materials helps people recognize the brand. This includes websites, packaging, emails, and social media. Consistency doesn’t mean repetition. It means alignment.

Some startups create simple style guides. These guides list colors, fonts, tone, and usage rules. They help teams stay aligned and reduce confusion. Even small teams benefit from shared reference points.

Visual and verbal elements don’t need to be perfect. They need to feel connected to the purpose and audience. Adjustments can be made over time.

As explained in The Law of Focus: How to Own a Word and Build Brand Power, strong brands often become associated with a single word or idea. This clarity helps customers remember and trust the business. Startups that choose a focused message early may find it easier to build recognition and loyalty.

Creating Consistent Experiences

Brand identity isn’t just design. It’s how people feel when they interact with the business. This includes customer service, product quality, and communication. Consistent experiences support trust and recognition.

A startup that promises simplicity should reflect that in its website, instructions, and support. A business that values speed should respond quickly and keep processes short. These actions reinforce the brand and reduce confusion.

Consistency also includes timing. Regular updates, clear schedules, and predictable responses help people feel secure. Irregular communication or unclear steps may create doubt.

Training helps. Team members who understand the brand can reflect it in their work. This includes tone in emails, behavior during calls, and decisions about service. Shared understanding supports smoother experiences.

Feedback supports consistency. Listening to customers helps identify gaps or confusion. Adjusting based on feedback shows care and builds trust.

Brand identity grows through action. Each interaction shapes how people feel. Consistent experiences help the brand feel stable and familiar.

Adjusting Over Time Based on Feedback and Growth

Startups change. As products grow, teams expand, or markets shift, brand identity may need updates. These changes don’t erase the original purpose. They reflect growth and learning.

Feedback helps guide updates. Comments, reviews, and questions show what feels clear and what feels confusing. A startup may adjust tone, simplify design, or clarify messaging based on what people say.

Growth may require new tools. A business that starts with one product may add more. This may require new packaging, updated websites, or expanded messaging. These changes should still reflect the original purpose and audience.

Adjustments don’t need to be dramatic. Small changes—like refining a tagline or updating a color—can improve clarity. The goal is to stay connected to what matters and respond to what’s needed.

Some startups review their brand identity every few months. They check for consistency, clarity, and alignment. This habit supports steady improvement and reduces confusion.

Brand identity isn’t fixed. It’s shaped by purpose, audience, experience, and growth. Through attention and care, startups can build a brand that feels clear, useful, and familiar.

Internal Links Used
The Law of Focus: How to Own a Word and Build Brand Power