Patel joins Sonic after a tenure as SVP of marketing and merchandising at ISN and roles at Advance Auto Parts / Carquest, Pep Boys, XL Parts, and NAPA.
Aftermarket Matters
The new Plaza Tire in Kentucky represents the brand's 8th in the state; the addition of a Checkpoint Tire & Service location and a Checkpoint Express Lube Center bring Sun Auto's total to 15 locations in Illinois.
His most recent role at First Brands saw him lead significant product line growth while supporting customers through hands-on training and account management.
These trends will directly shape the training curriculum and hands-on learning opportunities featured at the 2026 Worldpac STX, Aug. 19-23, in Maryland.
This contribution marks I-CAR's 18th consecutive year of support for the foundation and brings its cumulative giving to more than $2.3 million.
The event welcomed a broad cross section of the aftermarket, including store managers, outside sales representatives, territory, regional, and district managers, and others.
The three-location store is owned by Frank Marz and his business partner, Matt Green, who bring than two decades of industry experience to APA/TruStar.
