AKRON, OHIO --
Following a day full of insightful presentations at this year’s Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS), an evening cocktail reception gave GAAS attendees the perfect opportunity to network and discuss the day’s events. The reception, sponsored by Industrial Marketing & Research and Universal Underwriters with transportation provided by BB&T Capital Markets, took place Wednesday, May 18 at the Automotive Hall of Fame. Counterman Managing editor Michael Freeze interviewed a number of industry execs at the event, and asked:
What GAAS presentation has been most valuable to you and why?
Bob Tschppert, Universal Underwriters Insurance Co.:
"José Maria Alapont’s presentation on the drive for global profitable growth was very good. He explained clearly what we had to do to become competitive in this industry. The topic was very appropriate for this symposium."
Jim Ryan, Visteon Corp.:
"The panel discussion (“Who Needs Marketing?”) was informative. The panel did an excellent job, especially Lisa Kranc from AutoZone. She was really passionate. It was nice to see different competitors work together. If we’re going to compete with the OEs of the world, then we need to collaborate at some point."
Jerry Crokovich, Brakes USA Ltd.:
"One session that stood out was the “Who Needs Marketing?” panel. There are many opportunities for collaboration and it’s good for companies like AutoZone and Parts Depot to express that."
Barb Miller, A.N. Deringer Inc.:
"I really enjoyed Mark Paling’s discussion (“Outsourcing for Success”). It was very well laid out in specifics. I would like to see the topic of outsourcing touched upon more often. It’s a strategy that everybody uses but no one talks about.
"Another speech that was enjoyable was Dennis Welvaert’s “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to GAAS.” He took the subject of IT implementation and made it funny as well as informative."
Ed Rammel, MAAP, Dayco Products, LLC:
"The panel discussion on 'The Myths and Realities of Automotive Service Repair' was impressive. It was important to understand the issues related to automotive repair shops. Also, I was impressed how the panel stressed the realities of their industry, like good service and the relationships with suppliers and manufacturers."
Summary by Michael V. Freeze, Managing Editor, Counterman:
Although all the presentations were insightful and thought provoking, it was the panel discussions that caught the interest of most of the attendees. From the straight-forwardness of KYB America’s Mike Howarth in day one’s suppliers’ roundtable to Kathleen Schmatz’s moderated Distribution Leaders panel on day two, “passion” was the word frequently used when describing the speakers.
Attendees also found value in the insights shared by the panelists. The attendees we spoke to were very intrigued by their channel partners’ issues. For instance, suppliers learned of distributors’ challenges, and manufacturers had a glimpse into the world of automotive service and repair.
If passion and insight were the intended goals for event planners, then mission accomplished. Hopefully, industry guests left the symposium with enough buzz to implement new ideas and strategies to their own businesses.
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