AAM tablet program

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The AAM Group has begun distributing Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 tablets with 4G LTE access to the outside sales teams of its warehouse distribution members. These mobile sales tools are at the heart of AAM’s “Launchpad” program, which aims to help illustrate the value of AAM’s support services to aftermarket retailers and installers.

“AAM recognizes the need of our local jobbers and installers to connect with digital marketing,” said AAM President Tim Odom. “We have created tools and services that make it remarkably easy for local brick-and-mortar businesses to address their two greatest digital marketing goals: to build store traffic by making their businesses more findable and to grow sales by converting more of their store traffic into customers. We made this investment to provide our WDs’ outside salespersons with the ability to demonstrate how quickly and easily any retailer can embrace and benefit from the tools.”

The AAM Group, which manages the automotive accessories marketing programs Parts Pro, Performance Corner and Total Truck Centers, maintains a diverse suite of tools for retailers, among them the Digital Showcase, a mobile-optimized online catalog with year/make/model lookup; the Insight app, with AAM’s Price Manager margin/cost calculator; the Digital Marketplace, a local-optimized website-building service and Member’s Edge, a free program that offers reduced costs on many common business expenses.

In addition to purchasing the Launchpad tablets, The AAM Group is providing everything the sales teams will need to demonstrate program features: a two-year, prepaid data plan for each device, teletraining seminars and ongoing technical support.

“The Launchpad program has been well-received,” said Fred Nowosielski, road sales manager with Racer’s Equipment Warehouse. “I’ve had success early and often with my demos. Several of our customers have requested additional information, signed up for one of the programs or contacted The AAM Group to get a Digital Marketplace website. Launchpad definitely helps us communicate the value of AAM, and I see great things ahead for the program.”

Federated Auto Parts Distributors announced it is entering into a collaboration with the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) – one it said will focus on mutual benefits for the respective members.

“Federated is constantly looking at ways to improve value for all constituents and this agreement provides that,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated. “This collaboration provides added volume and opportunities for our suppliers, new partners for our members, and added supply points and products for shop customers. We have enjoyed working closely with several AIOD members in the past and this agreement will expand and create further opportunities for both Federated and AIOD.”