Las Vegas might be known for bright lights and big bets, but this week, the real action was at SEMA and AAPEX. The Shop Boss crew rolled in with one goal: show how shops of all sizes can work smarter and provide top-tier service while exceeding their goals. Between new product demos, standing-room-only presentations, and an unforgettable awards celebration, we’d say mission accomplished. The Talk of the Show: BOSS AI and More This year’s spotlight was all about the customer experience—how shops show up online and what keeps drivers coming back. At our booth, attendees got a live look at the new BOSS AI: ProNotes, our brand-new assistant that helps technicians and service writers streamline communication, reduce wasted time, and keep repair orders crystal clear. We also showcased our Marketing CRM and Online Service Scheduler, giving shops better ways to get found online and stay connected with customers from the first click to the final handoff. The feedback? “Finally—tools that make sense.” We couldn’t agree more. Real Talk from the Stage One session stood out this year. Jessica Watkins, Client Success Manager at AutoShop Solutions, dropped some wisdom on shop hospitality (because how you treat people matters just as much as how you fix cars). If you were in the room, you saw it—shop owners weren’t just listening; they were taking notes. Celebrating the Real MVPs Of course, no Vegas week is complete without a little celebration. At Vehlo’s Shop Hero Awards, we cheered loudest for the Breakthrough Business Award winner, Stonecold Automotive and Recovery, a Shop Boss user who’s shown incredible year-over-year growth. Shop owner Doug flew 14 hours to join the party, proof that passion for this industry truly knows no limits! We also raised a toast to the overall Shop Hero Award winners, Eric and Jamie Carlson of Ervine’s Auto Repair, who embody what it means to lead with integrity, grit, and heart. The event, hosted at SUGARCANE in The Venetian, was a night of good food, better company, and plenty of well-deserved applause. The cherry on top of the night was the opportunity to hang out and catch up with Shop Boss founder, Chris Bowshaw. A true entrepreneur in the automotive aftermarket, Chris is driven by a passion for creating no-nonsense tools that support independent repair shops throughout each stage of business growth. Wrapping It Up, Boss Style SEMA and AAPEX 2025 reminded us that innovation isn’t about gadgets, it’s about people. From shop owners pushing boundaries to tech that keeps up with real-world challenges, this week was all about what makes our industry thrive: connection, curiosity, and community. Check out our photo gallery below for the moments, the laughs, and the legends that made Vegas one for the books. We’ll see you next year with even more bold ideas and zero plans to slow down!
