Keep its focus on independent distributors, watch for attractive acquisition targets and continue to foster an entrepreneurial spirit — that’s what Richard Roy, CEO of Uni-Select, told attendees of AASA's Executive Breakfast Tuesday that his company aims to do in the years ahead.

"What's our business model? We've always had a focus on independent distributors to help them hold their place against all the others," Roy said. He added that Uni-Select also will increase efforts to recruit new independent jobbers.

"We believe the independent jobbers are here to stay," he said. "And we'll maintain an open warehouse concept featuring national brands."

Roy believes the company's flexibility is what makes it so attractive to its customers.

"Everything is a la carte. Nothing is bundled. You choose and you pay for only what you use, and that offers flexibility. And that's something (our customers) really appreciate."

Roy outlined Uni-Select's strategic corporate plan and one of the plan’s aspects revolves around company culture. The company recently added 2,000 employees to bring its total count to more than 5,000.

With that kind of growth, planning is essential. "Make sure the people you hire know what you expect of them," he said. And while planning is great, Roy said, you must have a strategy to implement it all, or it will fall apart.

Uni-Select is always looking for companies that could make attractive acquisitions. "There are a lot of opportunities with the fragmented market we have here." Expanding its foreign nameplate coverage is another company goal, Roy said.

Uni-Select also will be making major investments in technology to ensure its processes are up-to-date, he said. More than $50 million has been committed over the next three years to ensure that happens.

Since Uni-Select was founded by entrepreneurs, the company aims to maintain that spirit, he said.

"Yes, we're now larger, but we also must remain entrepreneurial. We want our employees to be the very best they can be, and we want to give them the tools they need to succeed."

MEMA Triangle Award
Also at the Executive Breakfast, Bob McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA, presented the 2009 Triangle Award to Gene Ezzell, retired president of Crane Cams. (For more on Gene Ezzell and his award click here.)

"It's really important to recognize what a great industry we're part of," McKenna said. "The trials that we've been through have been unprecedented."

For more than 30 years, MEMA has presented the Triangle Award to those who make selfless contributions to the automotive aftermarket industry, McKenna said.

"This year's recipient exemplifies the spirit of the award," he said. "He's contributed to the success of AAPEX for many, many years. I've never met an individual in this business who has given more of himself. Gene, we want to thank you and recognize you for your many, many years of contributions to the automotive aftermarket."

In accepting the award, Ezzell said he was, "humbled and honored to accept this award."