Back to resources Shop-Ware’s CX Solutions Shine at SEMA and AAPEX 2025: Where Innovation and Connection Collide Posted on November 10, 2025 in Blog Las Vegas delivered another unforgettable week for the automotive aftermarket as industry leaders gathered for the SEMA and AAPEX shows. Shop-Ware was right in the middle of it all, connecting with shop owners, partners, and innovators who share our passion for progress. From live product demos to a powerful awards celebration, the week was full of energy, ideas, and inspiration. The Future of the Customer Experience Everywhere you turned, the conversation came back to one thing: the motorist. Shops are finding new ways to make every interaction easier, faster, and more transparent. That focus was front and center at the Shop-Ware booth, where our team showcased the new Marketing CRM and Online Service Scheduler. Attendees saw firsthand how these tools help shops reach more drivers online, communicate clearly, and manage appointments with less effort. It’s not about adding more technology—it’s about removing friction and helping shops deliver the kind of experience today’s customers expect! Smart Insights from Industry Experts Two standout sessions left a mark on the crowd. Jessica Watkins, Client Success Manager at AutoShop Solutions, spoke about the power of hospitality in repair shops, reminding everyone that marketing doesn’t stop when a customer walks through the door. Later, Andrew McAllister, Principal Product Manager at Shop-Ware, shared how modern data tools can help shop owners better understand repair order trends and improve daily operations. Attendees were fully tuned in. These talks reinforced how much opportunity there is when people and process meet purpose. Honoring the Heroes of the Industry At the Shop Hero Awards on Wednesday night, Shop-Ware proudly sponsored the Customer Champion Award, recognizing Green Drop Garage for leading the way in customer care and innovation. The evening also celebrated the overall Shop Hero Award recipients, Eric and Jamie Carlson of Ervine’s Auto Repair, who embody the best of the industry through their leadership, community spirit, and relentless commitment to excellence. One of this year’s winners even traveled 14 hours to join us in Las Vegas—a true example of the dedication that drives this community forward. Held at SUGARCANE in The Venetian, the awards brought together shop owners from across the country to honor creativity, integrity, and a shared vision for the future. A Meet & Greet to Remember On the SEMA show floor, Shop-Ware hosted a meet and greet with Lucas and David from the Changing the Industry podcast. Visitors lined up to say hello and receive limited-edition CTI × Shop-Ware merch. Lucas and David wrapped up with a live recording with Vehlo CEO Josh Weis. The conversations were genuine, the laughs were real, and the community spirit was unmistakable. Photo Gallery: See the Highlights! It was a week full of ideas, connection, and celebration. Shop-Ware left Las Vegas more inspired than ever. The energy, collaboration, and vision we saw this week prove one thing—the future of auto repair belongs to shops that care deeply about their customers and embrace meaningful change. View our favorite snapshots of the week in our photo gallery. About the Author Shop-Ware Founded by a fellow shop owner, Shop-Ware understands the importance of your shop’s management system. Our staff have decades of combined experience in the Aftermarket. We are accustomed to meeting complicated needs and offering new solutions.
