The Auto Care Association has announced the 2017 recipients of its Impact Award: Four for the Future, which annually honors four aftermarket professionals, age 40 or younger, who have made remarkable contributions within the auto care industry. The award was created in 2010 and is administered by the Auto Care Association Marketing and Communications Committee on behalf of the association, with support from the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG).
The 2017 winners are:
- Kyle Byrne, The Merrill Co.
- Chris Pacey, National Performance Warehouse (NPW)
- Sarah Shelstrom, Integrated Supply Network (ISN)
- Katina Wall, STP at Spectrum Brands – Global Auto Care
Kyle Byrne, vice president, distribution, The Merrill Co., is passionate about the auto care industry. He is actively involved in YANG and has taken advantage of continuing education opportunities and networking. As part of the Merrill Co. 90th anniversary celebration in April 2017, Byrne was instrumental in the creation and development of its parts distribution story.
Chris Pacey, vice president and general manager, National Performance Warehouse, started in the auto care industry and his family business at age 13. He has been passionate and working in the industry ever since. During his tenure at the executive level, National Performance Warehouse has tripled in size. In addition to the growth of NPW, Pacey is active in the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and YANG.
Sarah Shelstrom, director of media and public relations, Integrated Supply Network (ISN), is a very successful and active member of the industry. She is the marketing chair for Women in Auto Care, sits on the Tool and Equipment Committee for the Auto Care Association and is a member of YANG. In her 14 years serving in the automotive aftermarket, she has made her mark on the tool and equipment segment serving as publisher for two trade magazines and now consistently delivering sales growth through effective marketing campaigns with strategic vendor partners at ISN.
Katina Wall, director of marketing, STP at Spectrum Brands – Global Auto Care, has dedicated more than 17 years to driving innovation on the Fram and STP brands. Recently, she was part of a team that executed a marketing campaign that won a silver Effie Award for TV advertising. Wall’s love for the industry, technical experience and commitment to mentoring the next generation make an impact both within and outside of her company.
The four winners were selected by the Auto Care Association Marketing and Communications Committee during their recent meeting at Fall Leadership Days in San Francisco. The recipients will be recognized during AAPEX 2017 in Las Vegas. They also will be featured in AAPEX Express and Auto Care Insider magazine.
