The Council That’s Quietly Shaping the Future of the Auto Industry

Mike Lusso is a seasoned engineer at Coats Company in Nashville, Tennessee, specializing in tire changers, wheel balancers, lifts, and alignment machines. A lifelong gearhead with a passion for modifying cars, Mike channels his love for the automotive space into leadership roles, most notably as Chair of the WTSBC, a leading automotive industry council under SEMA. Through his volunteer work, Mike helps shape best practices and raise industry standards across the wheel, tire, suspension, and brake sectors. In this episode…

If you’ve ever wondered what real influence looks like behind the scenes of the automotive aftermarket, look no further than the automotive industry council known as WTSBC (Wheels, Tires, Suspension, Brakes Council) under SEMA.

In this episode of the Gain Traction Podcast, host Mike Edge sits down with WTSBC Chair Mike Lusso to unpack the vital; yet often overlooked role that industry councils play in shaping the future of auto repair and tire service. From data access to networking, from fitment guides to leadership opportunities, this is where real progress happens.

Mike explains how he first got involved (spoiler: it starts with a free lunch ticket), and why shop owners, engineers, and suppliers alike should consider participating. It’s not just a resume booster, it’s a direct line to decision-makers, early tech adopters, and industry-shaping initiatives.

Whether you’re running a five-bay shop or managing dozens of locations, joining an automotive industry council gives you the insider edge you can’t Google. What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• [01:37] How Mike was recruited into the WTSBC at a trade show
• [03:29] Why every shop owner and tire dealer should consider joining a SEMA council
• [05:51] Examples of the educational resources the council provides (fitment posters, torque specs, bolt pattern data)
• [06:40] Mike’s leadership timeline: From co-chair to chair
• [07:30] Strategic goals for the WTSBC in the next 1, 3, and 5 years
• [10:15] How to sign up for the council through SEMA or Gain Traction
• [13:07] Mike’s background in engineering and the automotive aftermarket

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mike Lusso LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lusso-engprofile/
• SEMA Website https://www.sema.org/
• SEMA Garage Detroit https://www.sema.org/get-involved/councils-networks/ettn/sema-garage-detroit-benefits-get-your-product-market
• SEMA Data https://www.semadata.org/
• Gain Traction Podcast Episode #179: How To Build a Culture While Scaling Fast with Logan Leslie https://gaintractionpodcast.com/how-to-build-a-culture-while-scaling-fast-with-logan-leslie/
• Tread Partners https://treadpartners.com/
• Gain Traction Podcast https://gaintractionpodcast.com/

Why Join an Automotive Industry Council?
Joining an automotive industry council like WTSBC isn’t just about “giving back”, it’s a competitive advantage.
Members gain:

• Early access to emerging tech like ADAS calibration trends
• Networking with top leaders from SEMA, MIMA, and major aftermarket players
• Tools that improve service accuracy like fitment charts and torque spec guidelines
• Exclusive access to Detroit Garage and SEMA Data resources
• Brand visibility through leadership opportunities and public representation

And the best part? Membership typically costs less than $100/year and offers a return on investment many times over. Quotable Moments

• “You’re not just getting information — you’re getting access.”
• “We’re not just supporting SEMA — we’re shaping what comes next.”
• “Smaller shops have just as much to gain — the value is tenfold.”
• “If you want to grow, you’ve got to plug into where progress is happening.”

Action Steps:

1. Visit Gain Traction’s WTSBC Page to find the direct council link and learn more.
2. Apply for membership via the SEMA Council Portal, it takes just a few clicks.
3. Leverage your membership by downloading fitment guides, attending council meetings, and volunteering on task forces.
4. Connect with other leaders like Mike Lusso and your regional reps to maximize industry relationships.
5. Promote your involvement on your website, social media, and customer channels, it boosts credibility.