MIDLAND, Mich. – Twenty-seven heavy-duty aftermarket professionals gathered at Northwood University for the third annual Heavy Duty Leadership education conference, Aug. 3-8. Heavy Duty Leadership is a week-long leadership development program specifically designed for professionals working in the North American commercial vehicle aftermarket. Students in this year’s class represented a wide range of heavy-duty
aftermarket job functions and geographies and immersed themselves deeply
into understanding the nuances of the business of their chosen field. 
“This was a week to work on the business, rather than in it,” said Steve Goggins of Caterpillar. “I enjoyed the sessions as much as getting to know my classmates. We spent a lot of time – even after hours – talking about leadership, the industry and the challenges we all face on a daily basis.”
Participants in this year’s class included:
* Bob Angliss, AxleTech International
* Paul Boggeman, Plaza Fleet Parts
* Kevin Bouder, Navistar
* Joseph Boydstun, MTP Drivetrain Services
* Casey Brannigan, Advance Autoparts
* Thomas Braun, Royal Purple
* Curtis Burdick, Attica Auto Supply/CARQUEST
* Brian Burns, Great Dane Trailers
* Randy George, Betts Co.
* Steven Goggins, Caterpillar Inc.
* Steve Hansen, Minimizer
* Brian Jungmann, SKF USA Inc.
* Mark Kostecki, Gates Corp.
* Daniel Lewis, Commercial Vehicle Group Inc.
* Sam Marco, Meritor
* Kenyatta Matlock, SKF USA Inc.
* Thomas Muck, The Timken Co.
* Cynthia Norris, AxleTech International
* Nikki Paschall, HDA Truck Pride
* Steve Plomin, ORAFOL Americas
* Andrew Purcell, Stone Truck Parts
* Steven Quiet, Sanel Auto Parts
* Jaime Rogan, VIPAR Heavy Duty
* Timothy Sayers, The Marx Group
* Sharon Schafer, FleetPride
* David Shapiro, SRS Marketing Co.
* Cameron Van Steenburgh, Quinte Truck & Trailer Parts
“This is the third Heavy Duty Leadership program we’ve held, and each year the class size increases,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, MAAP. “Obviously, the commercial vehicle aftermarket needs this kind of program, and we are pleased that this is turning into an annual event.”
The program opened on Sunday night at the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies with a keynote presentation from AxleTech Vice President and General Manager Joe Mejaly. He spoke to the class about his view of career management and leadership in the commercial vehicle aftermarket. The week included other leadership and industry-focused sessions from faculty drawn from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management and the heavy-duty aftermarket industry.
“I really enjoyed hearing the different perspectives from around the industry and from different competitors and customers. The diversity of the class really added to the experience,” added Paul Boggeman of Plaza Fleet Parts.
“For me,” echoed HDA Truck Pride’s Nikki Paschall, “it was important to hear different opinions from suppliers as well as our HDA Truck Pride members and non-members.”
Graduates earned 3.5 continuing education units that can be applied toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. To learn more about Heavy Duty Leadership and other University of the Aftermarket programs, call 1-800-551-2882 or visit www.universityoftheaftermarket.com.
