Multi Parts has announced the SPARK Luminaries for 2018. In this, the SPARK initiative’s fifth year, nine of the automotive aftermarket’s biggest names will share their expertise and insights with 13 SPARK student-participants from across the U.S.
Multi Parts President Brian Cohn commented, “We are gratified that our industry’s leaders have taken time from their schedules during the busiest week of the year to spend their energy with the SPARK participants. These young men and women are the future of our industry. Thank you to every single person who gives of themselves to support SPARK. Ultimately, we all benefit.”
SPARK again takes place at AAPEX, being held Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Las Vegas. The SPARK event will kick off with a “Welcome to the Aftermarket” from Bill Hanvey prior to the AAPEX Reception. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, Mort Schwartz, founding partner of Schwartz Advisors, LLC and former chairman and CEO of Strauss Discount Auto Import Parts of America and Chanslor & Lyon, along with Bill Long, president and chief operating officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association, will kick off SPARK at a session designed to formally introduce participants to the aftermarket and all its opportunity.
On Wednesday, the day starts with Jarod Adams of Robert Bosch leading a session titled, “Organizational Understanding and Career Paths in the Aftermarket.” APA Search’s Howard Kesten will shares insights from his career as a highly regarded global recruiter to numerous aftermarket companies in their search for great talent. His topic: “How to Differentiate Yourself from Your Peers.”
Following their time with Kesten, SPARK participants will glean perspective from three panelists about their decades of experience in the industry, having held numerous positions, both domestically and internationally, in sales and marketing, supply chain management and manufacturing.
Luminary Panelists will include:
- Tammy Tecklenburg, vice president, global sales and marketing operations, Spectrum Brands
- Dave Peace, president and CEO, Airtex/ASC
- Matt Buchholz, president and general manager, MotoRad of America
Wednesday will end with a special session hosted by Michael Klein, chairman of the board for APC Automotive Technologies and United Components Inc. His topic: “The Bright Future of the Aftermarket.”
