Author Archives: wanda

Wanda Ushers in the Spring Season at Detroit Autorama and I-X Piston Power Show

2013 Detroit & Cleveland Autorama

Hi Everyone,

I can’t think of a better way to usher in the spring season than by attending the 61st Annual Detroit Autorama at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan! This city is famous for its love of automobiles and the Detroit Autorama is one of their favorite ways to show it. More than 150,000 car builders and enthusiasts attended the show March 8-10th to view hundreds of gorgeous hot rods, competition cars, specialty and concept vehicles, manufacturer’s displays—and even three generations of the “Batmobile”—from the 1966 Dean Jefferies original Batmobile, to the 1989 Batman Returns model, and the 2005 “Tumbler” from Batman Begins. Lots of other celebrities made appearances, including Gene Winfields, “Chop Shop,” who had everyone amazed by their live demonstrations.

The Detroit Autorama is hosted by the Michigan Hot Rod Association and one of the show’s highlights was the unveiling of the 50th Annual Ridler Award winner. The Association presented Ron Cizek with the award for his beautiful custom burgundy 1940 Ford. More than 30 previous Ridler Award recipients were also present at the ceremony. Part of what makes the Ridler Award so special is that it’s given to the best custom vehicle that makes its debut at this show exclusively. The award is affectionately named after Don Ridler, who was hired by the Association back in the 1950’s to help promote the fledgling Autorama show. Don’s creativity and professionalism were foundational in helping Autorama become the success it is today and even paved the way for the show to move to its present home at the Cobo Center in 1961. After Don’s untimely death in 1963, the Association decided to honor him by naming an award given in his name.  The Ridler Award is presented to the best vehicle that emphasizes creativityengineering, and workmanship.

But the fun didn’t stop there. I was honored to be a guest at the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) booth, where I signed autographs and posters that promoted the upcoming Wanda Blue Suede Cruise car show at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH, in July. LPE showcased three of their spectacular concept cars, one of which was painted with custom Wanda finishes and styling effects. I also made appearances at the Summit Motorsports Parkexhibit and the Bearing Burners Auto Club booth, where I got to see lots of Wanda fans from last year’s events!

Next, I headed to Cleveland, OH, for the second annual I-X Piston Powered Show, March 15-17, at the million-square-foot I-X Center. The show is unique in that it’s based around classic cars, vintage airplanes, boats, and custom motorcycles. In the fall of 2012, organizers of the Cleveland Autorama agreed to sell the 46-year-old sanctioned custom car show to the I-X Center, which enabled a combined mega production featuring the best that both shows have to offer. I was amazed at the tens of thousands of show-goers who came to this new show from Northern Ohio and beyond, and appreciated the great response from folks who visited me at the Summit Motorsport Park exhibit.

To check out where I’ll be in April, or to get regular updates on all of my upcoming activities, visit Facebook andTwitter. For more information about Wanda Waterbase and the full range of Wanda products and color tools, visit our website.

Until then,

Wanda

Pulling Out the Stops for Wanda’s Blue Suede Cruise

BSC Card front final (1)

Hi Everyone,

Most of you know that I’m super proud of the fact that my Wanda brand has been the title sponsor of the AkzoNobel Wanda Blue Suede Cruiseat Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH, for the last two years.  Well, I’m excited to announce that Wanda will again sponsor this fun family event July 19-21, 2013—which promises to be even bigger and better than ever! (Check out these great shots from last year)

You can still expect so see lots of 1972 and older hot rods, muscle cars, trick trucks, and customs and classics at the car show; participate in the unlimited quarter-mile fun runs, dance to some fantastic 50’s music, explore the exhibitor booths (including my own Wanda exhibit displaying my Wanda Waterbase and Wanda brand products), and enjoy the spectacular fireworks and Neon of Lights parade—but there are a few new additions this year you won’t want to miss, so make plans now to attend!

For starters, the first-ever Cruisin’ Times Hot Rod Build-Off which features two amateur builders selected from amongst hundreds of applicants vying for the opportunity. Congrats to Bill Huff of Canton, OH, and Jeff Shuman of East Rochester, OH. They’ve each built some pretty impressive cars in the past and are excited about the magazine’s challenge to “utilize a Model A sedan body” and paint the finished car in “Blue Suede,” using Wanda paint. Both cars will leave their garages and roll into Summit Motorsports Park on Friday, July 19th under their own power as crowds cheer them on! Stay tuned, as we keep you posted on the build-off’s progress. Or follow the story in its entirety atwww.cruisintimes.org.

Other Wanda Blue Suede Cruise “firsts” include:

  • Nitro Dragsters and Jet Cars
  • Appearance by chart topping vocal group, Jay & The Americans (“This Magic Moment”)
  • Major Door Prizes
  • Special Nostalgia Drag Racing Show

In the meantime, I’m getting ready for my upcoming appearances at the famed 61st Annual Detroit Autorama Car Show March 8-10, and theAnnual I-X Piston Power Show March 15-17, in Cleveland, OH—I hope to see you there! Get regular updates on all of my upcoming activities on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Wanda Waterbase and the full range of Wanda products and color tools, visit our website.

Until then,

Wanda

Happy Holidays from Wanda!

2012 Year End Blog Photo

Hi Everyone,

We’re headed into the final home run stretch of a fantastic year, and we’re extremely grateful for all of you— including our 65+ new Distributors who’ve played an important role in helping Wanda Automotive Finishes expand into new markets across the US and Canada. Thank you, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Here a few highlights from my 2012 travels: (Click on my Photo Gallery to see the pix from these fun Wanda events):

At the turn of the New Year and throughout spring, I was busy traversing the US attending the educational  “Evening with Wanda” events hosted by our new and long-time Warehouse Distributors and Jobber Distributors—AB Warehouse in Montreal, Ontario, Canada, Paul’s Paint Center – Weston, WI, Auto Color Industrial Supply – St. Cloud, MN, 66 Auto Color – Joplin, MO, Wholesale Auto Paints – Springfield, MO, LKQ/Keystone Automotive in Largo, Ft. Meyers and Medley, FL, and Industrial Finishes & Systems in Ogden, Salt Lake City and Orem, UT. Each high-energy event was a great opportunity to meet new shop owners and painters, and share with them the many benefits and features of using my Wanda and Wanda Waterbase refinish systems.

In April I headed to Ft. Worth, TX, for the fun two-day “Home Run Celebration” trade show hosted by WM Automotive Warehouse. I signed lots of autographs for event goers, and even got an autograph from the former Dallas Cowboy defensive lineman, Chad Hennings.

The momentum kept building in May as I attended a casino-themed trade show hosted by Warehouse Distributor, PBE Jobbers Warehouse, in Sharonville, OH. Next, I came back to Warren, MI, for the 35th annual Bearing Burners Auto Club Car Show. Show attendees just couldn’t get enough of the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering LTA concept car painted in Wanda’s custom Orange Mocha finish, and the Camaro proto-type painted in Wanda’s custom Black Matte finish, both on display. I then headed south to Florida, to take part in the North Florida Autobody Association Golf Outing. I gave away lots of Wanda product literature and cool Wanda gear and coolers. The month wrapped up with an “Evening with Wanda” event at Two Guys Autobody Supplies in Florence, AL.

In June I was excited to visit Canada to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Camaro Country F-Body Group, by participating in the club’s biggest event of the year, “Show N’ Shine,” in, Ontario. I brought the Lingenfelter concept cars with me to make the bash complete!

Following July 4th celebrations, I travelled back up to Canada to make an appearance at the Atlantic National Car Show co-sponsored by Wanda Distributor, Hub City in Moncton, NB. The three-day event was well-attended and I was excited to talk about the Wanda Waterbase system to all the car lovers. At the same time, members of our team headed west to Prescott, AZ to represent Wanda brand products at the fun KC Auto Car Show hosted by our distributor, KC Auto. Then, it was my great pleasure to participate in a special Customer Appreciation event sponsored by our LKQ-Keystone Automotive distributors in Loves Park, IL. Customers were treated to an evening of refreshments, prizes and more great information about Wanda and other LKQ supplier partners.

The eventful month wrapped up with the exciting three-day Akzo Nobel Wanda Blue Suede Cruise event held at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. Set to a vintage 1950’s theme, car enthusiasts gathered to view the beautifully painted Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars, and Trick Trucks. As the title sponsor of the event two years in a row, the Wanda brand was front and center to many of the fun events that weekend, including the concept and show cars on display that were painted in custom Wanda colors and finishes.  I had the privilege of serving as Grand Marshall over the spectacular “Neon Parade of Lights,” while show-goers enjoyed watching the exciting Wanda Challenge Run down Summit Motorsports Park’s famed quarter-mile drag strip. The Wanda Diner served up my delicious, hand-crafted Wanda burgers, and attendees learned about proper vehicle repair and care through an interactive and educational car clinic sponsored by Wanda and Presta Products. Kids loved the special Wanda Coloring Land area, and the whole family enjoyed the fireworks display and live 50’s music and entertainment. Hope you all can join me for the fun next year!

Whew, what a busy summer schedule! In August, I participated in the 18th annual Woodward Dream Cruise event in Detroit, MI. An estimated 1.35 million classic car owners and enthusiasts flocked to the event. Roughly 40,000 gleaming classic cars participated in the daylong cruise up and down Woodward’s main street, while everyone else just had fun cheering them on or hanging out with friends and enjoying the beautiful weather. What a blast!

In September I returned to Ohio to attend the inaugural Lingenfelter Performance Nationals, held at Summit Motorsports Park. The unique three-day event was an opportunity to level the playing field between professional and amateur drivers via a myriad of drag and autocross races, and included an “Outlaw ProMod Quick 8 Shootout,” and Show N’ Shine car show. I was especially proud that Wanda helped sponsor the inaugural event, and I even got to serve as the official starter for the OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational qualifying event—too cool!

My event schedule came to a close as I headed west to attend the automotive industry’s biggest event of the year—but not before hosting one of our final Evening with Wanda events of the year with Big Pete Tools in Phoenix, AZ. Then, of course, there was SEMA 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, October 30 – November 2. What a show it was! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting thousands of show-goers and signing autographs. More than 60,000 industry professionals attended the show and for the third straight year, Wanda Refinish received rave reviews for its continued promise to deliver simplicity, color, and value to the collision repair industry!

My Wanda Waterbase system was on display, along with two gorgeous retro concept cars upgraded with modern-day improvements.  The vehicles showcased both Wanda Waterbase and solvent basecoat finishes and styling effects. The Lingenfelter Performance Engineering’s retro-style C6 LZ06 Karl’s Kustoms-Corvette painted in Wanda’s Retro Red with Black accents and the 1947 Street Rodder Chevy Pickup painted two-tone, with the main cab painted in Wanda’s Vanilla under Low-Gloss Performance Clear, and fenders in Apple Red.

Be sure to get regular updates on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Wanda Waterbase and the full range of Wanda products and color tools, visit our website.

Until next time,

Wanda

Wanda’s Fall Wrap-Up

2012 Blog Photo Final

 

Hi Everyone,

Can you believe we’ve already rounded the corner of summer into the fall season? The year has certainly flown by fast, and it’s impossible to count all of the wonderful shop owners, distributors and car enthusiasts I’ve met during the many events I’ve participated in throughout the year. One thing is for sure, I have more Wanda fans than ever, and my Wanda Waterbase system is quickly becoming a favorite amongst shops in Canada and on California’s West Coast!

Following a busy summer schedule, I travelled back to Detroit to attend the famous Woodward Dream Cruise annual event on August 18. An estimated 1.35 million classic car owners and enthusiasts flocked to the event, which sits between the cities of Ferndale and Pontiac, MI. Roughly 40,000 gleaming classic cars participated in the daylong cruise up and down Woodward’s main street, while everyone else just had fun cheering them on or hanging out with friends and enjoying the beautiful weather. From dawn, until past dusk, I had a blast meeting with new and existing Wanda fans and signing autographs. Whew! What a memorable day it was celebrating the event’s 18th year, which began as fundraising event for a new soccer field in Ferndale.

I then returned to Norwalk, OH, to attend the inaugural Lingenfelter Performance Nationals, held at Summit Motorsports Park, September 21-23. The unique three-day event was an opportunity to level the playing field between professional and amateur drivers via a myriad of drag and autocross races, and included an “Outlaw ProMod Quick 8 Shootout,” and Show N’ Shine car show. I was especially proud that Wanda Refinish helped sponsor the inaugural event, and I even got to serve as the official starter for the OPTIMA® Ultimate Street Car Invitational qualifying event—it made me want to grab my helmet and compete myself! Click on my Photo Gallery to see fun Wanda events throughout the year.

Now it’s time to set my sights on the automotive industry’s biggest event of the year—SEMA 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, October 30 – November 2. I’m looking forward to meeting collision repair professionals, distributors, and enthusiasts alike. I’ll be at booth #24649 located in the Central Hall Performance & Racing area, and sharing with visitors how Wanda brand products measure “performance” in three exciting ways—simplicity, color, and value. Of course my Wanda Waterbase system will also be on display, along with two stunning Lingenfelter Performance Engineering concept cars, both painted in custom Wanda finishes!

If you’re planning to attend SEMA 2012, be one of the first 150 visitors to receive a free Wanda t-shirt (limited sizes). Just click on www.wandarefinish.us/sema2012.aspx to register now. Then show your ID at the booth to verify registration and receive your new shirt.

For more information about Wanda and Wanda Waterbase products, visit the Wanda website atwww.wandarefinish.com. And be sure to visit my Facebook page, or follow me on Twitter to learn more about new events and activities I’m cooking up for 2013!

Until next time,

Wanda

Wanda’s July Wrap-up – Fireworks, Fun, and Fans!

2012 BSC - 19wbHi Everyone,

Well, the fireworks never stopped this month as I traversed the US and Canada to attend several fun July events. Below are a few of the month’s highlights, but be sure to also check out the Wanda Photo Gallery to see the great pix we took at each location:

Following July 4th celebrations, I headed to Canada on July 13th, to make an appearance at the Atlantic National Car Show co-sponsored by Wanda Distributor, Hub City. The three-day event was well-attended and my Canadian fans were out in force! I was excited to meet them and talk about the Wanda Waterbase system to all the car lovers.

On July 14th, we headed to Prescott, Arizona, to represent Wanda brand products at the KC Auto Car Show hosted by our distributor, KC Auto. Word is spreading fast about our Wanda Waterbase products in that region, with new distributors and body shops joining the Wanda team each month.

It was my great pleasure to participate in a special Customer Appreciation event sponsored by our LKQ Distributors on July 18th, in Loves Park, IL. Customers were treated to an evening of refreshments, prizes and more great information about Wanda and other LKQ supplier partners.

The month wrapped up with the exciting three-day Akzo Nobel Wanda Blue Suede Cruise event July 20-22, at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. Set to a vintage 1950’s theme, car enthusiasts gathered to view the beautifully painted Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars, and Trick Trucks. As the title sponsor of the event two years in a row, theWanda brand was front and center to many of the fun events that weekend, including  the concept and show cars on display that were painted in custom Wanda colors and finishes.  I had the privilege of serving as Grand Marshall over the spectacular “Neon Parade of Lights,” while show-goers enjoyed watching the exciting Wanda Challenge Run down Summit Motorsports Park’s famed quarter-mile drag strip. The Wanda Diner served up my delicious, hand-crafted Wanda burgers, and attendees learned about proper vehicle repair and care through an interactive and educational car clinic sponsored by Wanda and Presta Products. Kids loved the special Wanda Coloring Land area, and the whole family enjoyed the fireworks display and live 50’s music and entertainment. Hope you all can join me for the fun next year!

As you can see, I’ve had a busy summer meeting great new distributors, new body shop customers, and new Wanda fans―sharing with them all how Wanda’s unique simplicity, color and value brand proposition can help their business grow. It just doesn’t get more rewarding than that! But stay tuned, because August and September are jam-packed with even more fun events and shows. To learn more about these and other activities I’ll be a part of visit Wanda’s Facebookpage, or follow me on Twitter.  For more information about Wanda and Wanda Waterbase products, visit the Wanda website.

Until next time,

Wanda

Wanda’s Spring Tour Round-Up

Blog 6.11.12 Photo (3)

 

Hi Everyone,

I’m on a short break after a whirlwind spring tour, so I wanted to bring you up-to-date on some of the fun events I was fortunate to participate in over the past few months.

In March I emceed four “Evening with Wanda” events in the northeast. First up was Paul’s Paint in Schofield, WI, then over to Auto Color Industrial Supply in St. Cloud, MN, followed up by 66 Auto Color in Joplin, MO, and Wholesale Auto Paint and Supply in Springfield, MO. All of the events were well attended and I met some terrific painters and shop owners who were eager to learn more about Wanda brand products. Our visit to MO was especially moving, because it was the anniversary date of the tornado disaster in Joplin one year ago. It was a humbling experience to see so much of the city still in ruins, yet we also witnessed the indelible spirit of the residents who are determined to rebuild their lives there.

April was a flurry of events beginning with a triple-header in Florida. LKQ Distributors held “Evening with Wanda” events in three of their warehouse locations — Medley, Fort Meyers, and Largo. Leaving the east coast, I headed to Fort Worth, TX, for the fun two-day “Home Run Celebration” trade show hosted by WM Automotive Warehouse. I signed lots of autographs for event goers, and even got an autograph from the former Dallas Cowboy defensive lineman, Chad Hennings. From there I headed further west to Orem, UT, to host an “Evening with Wanda” event at Industrial Finishes and Systems.

The momentum kept building in May as I attended a daylong trade show hosted by Warehouse Distributor, PBE, in Sharonville, OH. Next, I hopped over to Warren, MI, for the 35th annual Bearing Burners Auto Club Car Show. Show attendees just couldn’t get enough of the Lingenfelter Performance Engineering LTA concept car painted in Wanda’s custom Orange Mocha finish, and the Camaro proto-type painted in Wanda’s custom Black Matte finish, both on display. I then headed south again to Jacksonville, FL, to take part in the North Florida Autobody Association Golf Outing. I gave away lots of Wanda product literature and cool Wanda gear and coolers. The month wrapped up with an “Evening with Wanda” event at Two Guys Autobody in Florence, AL.

In June, I was excited to visit Canada to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Camaro Country F-Body Group, by participating in the club’s biggest event of the year, “Show N’ Shine,” in Fort Erie, Ontario. I brought the Lingenfelter concept cars with me to make the birthday bash complete!

Needless to say, I’ve had a great time travelling across the US and Canada to take part in fantastic events where I’ve met so many great distributors, body shop professionals, and car enthusiasts!  I’m thrilled to report that brand awareness and preference for Wanda and Wanda Waterbase refinish systems has grown dramatically over the last couple of years. No matter where I travel, I always hear great feedback about Wanda’s simplicitycolor, and value brand proposition.

Well, it’s good to be back at headquarters to re-charge, but it won’t be for long. I’ll be heading out soon to attend some exciting events coming up in July, so stay tuned and get regular updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time!

Wanda

 

CCFBG 10th Annual Shine N’ Show Event

Wanda & CCFBG Show N Shine (3)

Hey Wanda Fans,

As a proud sponsor of the Camaro Country F-Body Group (CCFBG), Toronto’s fastest growing and award-winning car club, the Wanda team helped celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary by participating in the club’s biggest event of the year ―Show N’ Shine―June 1-3, 2012, at the Fort Erie Leisureplex in Fort Erie, Ontario.

The two-day show featured F-Body Camaros and Firebirds owned by club members and area car enthusiasts, and offered event-goers a host of fun-filled activities including cruises , a banquet dinner, awards presentation, prize drawings, and special car displays showcasing two Lingenfelter concept cars, the SLP, ZL1, and 2012 Bumblebee. In addition, I was at the Wanda booth greeting visitors, signing autographs, and sharing information about our Wanda Waterbase basecoat system.

“Our very first Show N’ Shine event 10 years ago featured 22 Camaros. We’ve come a long way since then and have a lot to celebrate, thanks to our fantastic members and sponsors,” said CCFBG President, Mark Foster.

CCFBG is well known for its strong relationship-building culture and active outreach to non-profit causes; which have played a key role in the club’s dynamic growth and appeal to both members and sponsors. For more information about the 10th Annual Show N’ Shine event visit www.ccfbg.com.

And be sure to keep up-to-date on upcoming Wanda events and activities scheduled for summer 2012 right here on Facebook and Twitter.

The Red Carpet Rolls Out for “Evening with Wanda” Season Launch in Montreal

Hi Everyone,AB Warehouse EWW-27

Can you believe we’re already heading into March and a new spring season? I know that’s good news for many of you who are ready to shake the winter chill and move outdoors. I want to share with you what the Wanda team has been up to during the first quarter of 2012, and whet your appetite for some of the exciting activities we have planned for spring.

Our first event of the New Year took place in late January, as I headed north to Montreal, Canada, where A.B. Warehouse, our very first Canadian warehouse distributor to carry the Wanda Waterbase system, rolled out the red carpet for the 2012 “Evening with Wanda” season kick-off. I emceed the event and shared with new customers how theWanda Waterbase system is helping the Canadian collision repair industry utilize our core brand proposition of simplicity,color, and value, to get great finish results and exceptional color match accuracy—all through a an easy-to-use, value-priced system.

More than 30 area distributors and jobbers attended the Montreal event and were treated to refreshments and a special anniversary cake featuring my Wanda illustrated character. The Lingenfelter Performance Engineering LTA concept car that was first unveiled at SEMA 2010, was also showcased at the event, where guests could see firsthand the car’s custom Wanda Orange Mocha paint finish. Everyone was invited to come back the next day to attend a complimentary application demonstration of the Wanda Waterbase system at the A.B. Warehouse training facility. Check out some of the great pictures of the event at wanda.wpengine.com/news-events/wanda-photo-gallery.

In February, I headed to Detroit, MI, to attend the popular Autorama show and had a great time meeting lots of collision repair professionals and car enthusiasts alike, who wanted to know more about the Wanda brand! I then skipped over to sunny California to participate at the M.E.S. Autobody & Detail Supplies event in Bloomington. Next, I’ll be hosting several Evening with Wanda events throughout March and April in Wisconsin, Minneapolis and Missouri. If you live in or near any of those states and want more information on locations, check out the calendar of events. Hope to see you there!

 

 

Celebrating a Wonderful Year with Wanda

Wanda with Holiday PresentsHi Everyone,

It’s hard to believe that 2011 has flown by so fast and nearly at its close; what a wonderful, whirlwind year it was! Here are some of the highlights:

As you know, we introduced our new Wanda Waterbase basecoat system into the Canadian collision repair market in January, with a formal unveiling at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario in February. The waterborne system was met with great enthusiasm and to date we have several Canadian distributors working with us to install Wanda Waterbase into small-to-medium-sized body shops throughout the region.

The Canadian launch definitely provided a great spring board for much more excitement to come. The Wanda team hit the road again in March to expand brand awareness about our VOC-compliant products at AASP/NJ’s Northeast Automotive Services Show in Secaucus, NJ. Next, we headed to St. Charles, IL to participate in the Bodyshop Business Conference and Expo in May, followed by another trek to Toronto in June to attend the CCFBG 9th Annual F-body spring event. In July, the Wanda brand was proud to host the 10th Annual Summit Motorpark’s “Blue Suede Cruise” car show in Norwalk, OH, where I got to preside as Grand Marshall over the “Neon Parade of Lights” and other weekend show events. Then in August, the Boys & Girls Club of Southeast Michigan invited me to participate in their annual charity golf tournament event. Finally, the Wanda team headed to Las Vegas, NV in November to attend the exciting SEMA Show. I hosted a press conference at SEMA announcing the successful launch of our Wanda Waterbase products into the US collision repair market.

We displayed a stunning Lingenfelter Performance Engineering Supercharged Camaro painted in Wanda Black with Fire Red Stripes under Stealth Clear. It was named one of Motor Trend magazine’s “Top 6 Chevy’s” at the SEMA Show for its “stand-out paint job” and called one of the show’s best executions of matte paint schemes. Whew, that’s a lot of shows!

But that’s not all—Wanda distributors across the US scheduled a record 22 “Evening with Wanda” events, where I emceed the fun-filled, educational evenings that put a spotlight on the many features and benefits of using Wanda brand products. The Wanda team met hundreds of body shop owners and painters at these events and helped them learn how Wanda’s simplicity, color and value proposition offers exceptional ease-of-use, color match accuracy and a “right-the-first-time” finish—all at affordable pricing. Check out some of the great photos we captured at the events.www.wandarefinish.photogallery.

Whether it was welcoming 52 new distributors to the Wand team, expanding distribution into new regions across the US, or meeting lots of new Wanda fans and collision repair professionals during our yearlong shows and events, one thing is for sure—we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for your ongoing, enthusiastic support of Wanda brand products and for making this our best year ever!

The Wanda team and I would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas season with family and friends, and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

And while you’re busy celebrating the holidays, we’ll be busy cooking up lots more great new events and activities for 2012, so be sure to get updates on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Wanda Waterbase and all of the Wanda brand products, visit www.wandarefinish.com.

Until next time!

Wanda

Wanda Steps into the Spotlight at SEMA 2011

Wanda SEMA Show 2011 Blog PhotoHi Everyone,

The Wanda team just returned from the SEMA 2011 show in Las Vegas and the week-long event was a huge success. More than 170,000 car enthusiasts and automotive professionals attended the show to check out new product offerings for 2012 and the excitement over Wanda brand products was no exception. Be sure to visit our photo gallery to see some great pictures of the show at http://wandarefinish.us/news-events/wanda-photo-gallery/.

The Wanda brand was definitely in the spotlight as I hosted a press conference in the Wanda Refinish booth to announce the US launch of the new Wanda Waterbase basecoat system. I introduced the brand’s business manager, Mark Rapson, who spoke about Wanda’s simplicity, color and value proposition and how Wanda Waterbase is making it easier than ever for small-to-medium body shops to become VOC-compliant. I also interviewed Ken Lingenfelter, owner of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE), who explained why he chose the Wanda brand to achieve the Performance Yellow Pearl with Titanium accents on his Signature Series Camaro, and the matte-Black with Fire Red Stripes under Stealth clear on his Supercharged Camaro concept car―both on display in the Wanda Refinish booth. Media and show attendees alike really enjoyed the press conference (see clips from the press conference here) and many collision repair professionals stayed afterward to learn more about the many segment-leading benefits of using Wanda brand products.

But the media attention didn’t stop there―the black Supercharged Camaro captured so much attention for its “sinister” looking, silky-smooth Wanda finish, that Motor Trend magazine gave it their “Top 6 Chevy’s at SEMA” designation. That story can be seen at http://wot.motortrend.com/2011-sema-sonic-and-camaro-overload-%e2%80%93-our-top-6-chevys-of-the-show-132371.html.

Needless to say, Wanda played a starring role at SEMA and we’re grateful for all of the positive feedback we’ve received. I want to extend a big “thank you” to all of you for helping make the 2011 launch of Wanda Waterbase a great success!

For more information about Wanda Waterbase and all of the Wanda brand products, visit www.wandarefinish.com. Updates on upcoming Wanda events and activities can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Until next time!

Wanda

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