Bill Bryan
Store Manager
Bumper to Bumper
Elmhurst, Ill. – Auto Wares
Bill Bryan, store manager, Bumper to Bumper, Elmhurst, Ill. — Auto Wares, is the 2010 Counter Professional of the Year. 2010 marked the 25th anniversary of the Counterman magazine Counter Professional of the Year Awards, sponsored by Affinia Group Inc.
According to Mark Phillips, editor of Counterman, “Bryan is a consummate parts professional, having been in the parts field for 20 years and automotive in general for an additional four.” He manages nine employees, and currently works in a hub location that dispatches parts for a group of Bumper to Bumper/Auto Value stores in the Chicago metro market.
In this edition of “Five Minutes With,” we get to know Bill, and his longtime passion for cars, a little better.
What was your first job in the industry?
Pumping gas, cleaning windows and checking oil at an Amoco station.
What do you like best about your current position?
I enjoy the people I work with and my customers I get to interact with on a daily basis. If the customers are happy, it is a great day!
Did you initially intend to pursue a career in the aftermarket? If not, what drew you to the industry and what keeps you here?
I have always had a passion for cars, so I think I gravitated toward the industry. New technology and new challenges that go with that keep my interest piqued.
What one word best sums up your personality?
Dedicated.
What are you currently reading?
“High Voltage Tattoo” by Kat Von D
What was your first car?
A 1975 rust-primered Chevy Monza.
What kind of car do you drive today?
A 2002 Monte Carlo daily; and a 1968 Mustang Coupe to cruise nights.
What do you do when not at work?
Spending time with my family, watching sports or going to cruise nights with our ’68 Mustang when the weather is nice.
Who was your childhood hero?
My Dad.
