‘Dub Magazine’s’ Myles Kovacs Wins SEMA ‘Person of the Year’

As SEMA360 comes to a close, awards were handed out to honor achievements in the industry.

SEMA was definitely a different show this year. The annual trade show usually is a weeklong celebration in Las Vegas for the automotive specialty equipment industry. Crazy builds, amazing tech, and concept rides are a huge draw. But the show was cancelled for 2020, and went online for SEMA360. A special awards celebration was held last night to hand out top honors in the automotive industry.

Notable award wins include 2020 SEMA Person of the Year, Myles Kovacs of DUB Publishing. SEMA Gen-III Innovator of the Year went to Brendan McGrath, Dyme Performance Systems. And SEMA Manufacturer of the Year was Redline Detection.

SEMA Awards Online

Viewers watched the awards like on the SEMA Show YouTube Channel. The program not only celebrated the top leaders in the industry; it was a celebration of the industry itself. In particular, the drive and passion that inspires so many to just keep moving forward; no matter what obstacles come along.

“Through these extraordinary times, we are honored to recognize individuals and companies that have met the challenges of this year and embody the spirit of our industry,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO. “Now more than ever, it is important for our community to come together and celebrate our successes.”

Kovacs took home the coveted “SEMA Person of the Year” honors. As the cofounder of automotive magazine Dub, Kovacs has been a driving force in highlighting and elevating coverage of custom, car, and celebrity cultures. Founded in 2000, Dub has transformed the way businesses approach successfully reach the youth market. With a keen eye on exotics, muscle, supercars, and customs; Dub has not only followed trends; it has set a few.

As an avid supporter of SEMA, Kovacs his influence to promote the industry. He has volunteered for and served on several task forces, including the Chair of the “Gen-III Innovator of the Year” task force, the SEMA Show committee and as a Scholarship judge.

“I am just so thrilled; it’s emotional and overwhelming,” said Kovacs. “I’m being recognized by my peers and this is such a great industry to be a part of. And, they praise you for being different. That’s what I love about SEMA.”

Another highlight of the evening was the induction of new members into the Hall of Fame. This year, the four honorees included Rich Barsamian; Jack Chisenhall; John Gaines; and Joe St. Lawrence.

The evening included some great video packages with quite a few VIPs. While it wasn’t the usual SEMA, the online effort still repped the auto industry very well; with a hopeful and inspired eye focused on the future.

Check out this clip below, and the entire ceremony can be viewed below:

Photos: SEMA; Dub Publications

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.