STAUNTON, Va. – Gene Jeffries, a 50-year veteran of the automotive aftermarket, will begin his retirement at the end of December, after working for Federated Auto Parts Distributors for the past 13 years.

Jeffries began his career in the automotive aftermarket 50 years ago, working as a technician and shop owner in Indianapolis, Ind. In 1967, Jeffries began working as a sales engineer for Monroe Equipment Co. until he joined Unit Parts Co. in 1978. He joined Raybestos in 1980, holding several key positions throughout his career including district manager, regional manager, director of programmed distribution and sales manager overseeing sales to Federated. He was honored by Federated in 1995 with induction into the Federated Vendor Hall of Fame.

In 1997, Jeffries joined Federated as president, a position he held for 10 years before transitioning into a reduced schedule as director of membership development, the position he currently holds. Among his many achievements at Federated is the expansion of the Federated motorsports program to allow Federated members across the country to host hospitality events at race tracks in their area.

“We want to congratulate Gene on his well-deserved retirement,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “Gene has been an integral part of the growth and success of Federated, first working with us in his role with Raybestos and then joining our team 13 years ago. Gene has served our membership well and we are proud to have him as part of the Federated family.”