SAN ANTONIO — Two members of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance family were awarded full scholarships to the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 program.
Each year, the Alliance is allocated two scholarships by AWDA and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation to send deserving individuals to the intensive leadership course. This year, one went to Sean Connolly, vice president of operations for Alliance Auto Value affiliate, Tri State Automotive Warehouse Distributors. The other was awarded to Alton Sutherland, president and owner of Al’s Certified Auto Service, an Auto Value Certified Service Center. Al’s is a customer of Alliance Auto Value affiliate, Carparts Distribution.
Leadership 2.0 is an intense and intellectually challenging two-week executive development and learning experience deeply rooted in the application of automotive aftermarket leadership principles. Ideal candidates for the program are mid-career managers at the service dealer or warehouse level. The two recipients fit the criteria to a tee, according to the Alliance. Al Sutherland, based in Augusta, Maine, has owned his own shop for almost 10 years. He is an ASE-certified Master Technician who has been named a “Best of the Best” service adviser by American Honda nine times.
Sean Connolly from Marianna, Fla., is a third-generation participant in his family’s business. He brings 20 years of experience from the United States Marine Corps, including recognition for outstanding service and leadership.
As part of their participation in Leadership 2.0, Sutherland and Mr. Connolly will attend two intensive one-week sessions at two different campuses of Northwood University. The first session will take place this month at the Northwood University main campus in Midland, Mich. It will focus on industry trends, research and market analysis, competitive strategies and supply chain solutions, including numerous lectures from industry leaders. Each attendee will be assigned to a team that will collaborate on an aftermarket specific project over the ensuing six months.
Their second week will be in April of next year at the Northwood University West Palm Beach Campus. At that session, they will again be exposed to industry experts on a variety of subjects including business ethics, risk management and a variety of other subjects, all while reviewing and completing their assigned team projects.
