John Menzler was a man whose effusive handshake and disarming persona could not be resisted. Charming and full of life, I had the opportunity of first meeting him just over two years ago when I attended a SEMA function in Long Beach. I was instantly taken by his gregarious nature, even though I had no idea how well-loved he was in the aftermarket world.

John received Mentor of the Year award from SEMA in 2010. Photo: SEMA

My father likes to share stories of the days when the two of them had worked together. It was back in the 1970s, at a place called Darvan, which specialized in retrofitting trucks, ambulances, and buses with four-wheel drive. Though the stories were funny, it became clear to me that John had a great take on common sense and a healthy dose of optimism.

Throughout his career, Menzler worked for or affiliated himself with numerous organizations and companies: NHRA, MPMC, Goodguys, Classic Instruments, and more all had him on their team at some point. His last position found him as a sales leader at COMP Performance Group, while at the same time working from home as owner of Inventive Marketing-MotoFeet, a company that produced engine stands. 

After decades of working in the aftermarket industry, Menzler had touched many people for his kind humor, optimism, and hard work, garnering honors like the MPMC Industry Recognition Award in 2000, MPMC Hall of Fame in 2010, and SEMA Person of the Year in 2011. I remember him best for the “Mornings with Menzler” segment that he started doing sometime in 2010, where I could best glean some of what the man had to say, whether it made me laugh or made me think.

He could make you feel like every cloud had a silver lining, and just generally make you laugh or feel better no matter how hard the day was. So it is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Mr. John Menzler, and thank God for his spirit and good nature which he shared with us all. Mr. Menzler passed away after his long-fought battle with cancer, and he will be missed by the entire automotive community – “if you knew him, he was your friend.”