Coursework included discussion of market share, cataloging, customer service, distribution channel support, corporate agility and strategic thinking
Midland, Mich.—The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. brought six attendees to the first week of the 2023 Leadership 2.0 class, Aug. 20-24. The Alliance attendees work in a variety of positions, with a diverse experience base including IT, marketing, sales, and shop owner. The Alliance attendees were:
- Troy Devine, District Operations Manager, Eastern Warehouse Distributors
- Jack Mills, Director of Business Solutions, Eastern Warehouse Distributors
- Martin Lyon, Director of Marketing & Pricing ASE, Parts Warehouse Inc.
- Chris Reider, Regional Manager North, Parts Warehouse Inc.
- Brandon Burton, Shop Technician, Mastertek Auto Repair an Auto Value Certified Service Center
- Jim Holik, Director of Marketing, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc.
The program was a look behind the curtain for Brandon Burton, an experienced technician at Mastertek Auto Repair in Algonquin, Ill. “The opportunity to learn about the entire industry, see how the levels work together was eye-opening. It provided me a new viewpoint on the aftermarket, my role and the role of our shop.” Burton was a recipient of a Leadership 2.0 Scholarship through the Alliance and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
Leadership 2.0 is the aftermarket industry’s only formal leadership-development course that annually brings nearly 40 of its leaders together to network and grow through MBA-level instruction. The two-week residential course kicked off on Aug. 20, with the first week being held on Northwood University’s campus in Midland, Mich. Attendees will reconvene for the second week this coming spring 2024.
“The topics covered included DEI, leadership styles, installing change, and artificial intelligence,” said Jack Mills of Eastern Warehouse Distributors. “Part of what makes this week special is the combination of talent in the room, learning from each other and the sharing of ideas.”
Coursework for Leadership 2.0 included the discussion of market share, cataloging, customer service, distribution channel support, corporate agility, and strategic thinking.
“This training created a positive atmosphere for suppliers and competitors from across the automotive aftermarket industry to spend time together learning,” said Martin Lyon of PWI. “It’s helping create stronger leaders to benefit our industry. I’m looking forward to applying what I learned as I continue to grow my leadership abilities.”
The Alliance provides two scholarships each year worth nearly $7,000 to attend Leadership 2.0 through their relationship with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “This was an amazing first week at Leadership 2.0, lots learned, and many relationships formed,” said Troy Devine, District Operations Manager for Eastern Warehouse Distributors and a Bumper to Bumper Leadership 2.0 scholarship winner, “Thank you to Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper for this scholarship and for encouraging me to attend Leadership 2.0.”
At the center of Leadership 2.0 is a group project. Each student was assigned to a team that will collaborate on an aftermarket specific project over the ensuing six months and will present to their colleagues when they resume class in the spring.
“What a great experience at the University of the Aftermarket, Leadership 2.0. Amazing and thorough content provided by all presenters. It provided valuable insight into the Leadership Role, the Aftermarket Industry and Self Improvement,” said Chris Reider of PWI. “We want to thank the guest lecturers who joined us and helped guide the discussion.”
“The topics were energizing and thought provoking,” added Jim Holik, Director of Marketing for the Alliance. “The conversation that comes from this class is very valuable, it’s based on interaction and discussion amongst industry peers. It’s a unique opportunity to explore all corners of the industry and learn where there is opportunity to make an impact while being an effective leader.”
The 2023-2024 Leadership 2.0 class will reconvene in the spring to complete the second half of the leadership program.
To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket, visit https://admissions.northwood.edu/corporate/uofa
To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit https://uofa-foundation.org/
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