Eric M. Johnson’s promotion at The Merrill Company and Arnold Motor Supply, a Midwest-based Automotive parts chain, follows the retirement of Dennis Spooner at the end of 2020
Spencer, Iowa—Eric M. Johnson has been promoted to managing partner and president of The Merrill Company and Arnold Motor Supply, a Midwest-based Automotive parts chain, following the retirement of former managing partner Dennis Spooner at the end of 2020.
With a varied career path that has included finance, marketing, public relations, and IT, Johnson said he transitioned to different areas primarily because he questioned processes and was continually commenting, “There has to be a better way.”
Twelve years ago, he joined The Merrill Company to head up its IT department. In 2018, the senior partners unanimously voted to name Johnson, then vice president of Information Systems, as the next managing partner/president.
The story of how EP Arnold started the company and the economic principles he used fascinated Johnson, he said. In 2013 he authored a book about the company, “You Build a Business with People.”
Johnson has earned the Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) designation from Northwood University and has a BA in Economics and Finance and an MS in IT. Raised in Northwest Iowa and living on the farm his grandparents first bought, he and his wife have raised two sons.
Johnson is active in the community and the aftermarket, having served as chair of the IT committee for the Automotive Aftermarket Alliance (Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper). Moving forward, Johnson said he is excited about the future of Arnold Motor Supply.
“We’re a great company, and we can keep getting better!”
About Arnold Motor Supply
Arnold Motor Supply is a member of the Auto Value network of independent distributors, auto parts stores and professional service repair shops located throughout the world.
The Arnold Group of Companies includes Arnold Motor Supply, Auto Value, Industrial Paint Solutions, Auto Refinish Solutions, Midwest Cylinder Head and Machine, Specialty Sales of Omaha, and The Merrill Company.
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