MIDLAND, Mich. – Twenty-four heavy-duty aftermarket professionals gathered on July 8 at Northwood University for the start of the inaugural Heavy Duty Leadership conference. Heavy Duty Leadership is a week-long leadership development program specifically designed for professionals working in the North American heavy-duty aftermarket. 
Participants in this year’s class represent a wide range of heavy-duty aftermarket job functions and geographies. Organizations include manufacturing, warehouse distribution, logistics, association, OES and program groups. Specifically, this year’s class includes:
· Cory Beeler, BBB Industries
· Philip Brown, Veyance Technologies Inc.
· Michael Copeland, The Timken Co.
· John Devany, Betts Truck Parts and Service
· Brad Drake, WIX Filtration
· Matt Durham, Meritor
· Anthony Emmi, FleetPride
· Yolanda Flores Montes, Friccion Y Tecnologia Sa de Cv
· Mike Harris, Navistar Parts
· Jennifer Hjalmquist, HDMA
· Ted Hughes, MAHLE Clevite Inc.
· William Humber, General Parts International
· Jason King, WIX Filtration
· Dino Marutsos, K&N Engineering Inc.
· Jack Mitchell, Commercial Vehicle Components
· Jeffrey Paul, VIPAR Heavy Duty Inc.
· Steve Peeples, FleetPride
· Marcelo Pereira, ThyssenKrupp Crankshaft Co.
· Thomas Ruddy, Sanel Auto Parts
· Rich Rychetsky, BDP International
· Scott Saxton, Gabriel Ride Control LLC
· Shawn Shumaker, HDA Truck Pride
· Ignacio Vega, SKF
· Vicki Webster-Calcagno, Potter Webster Co.
“We’re so pleased that the industry has supported this valuable program by sending their best and brightest employees. Participants will gain a lot, not only from our faculty, but also from the perspective their fellow classmates bring to class discussions,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, MAAP.
The program opened on Sunday night with a keynote presentation from Meritor’s Aftermarket & Trailer Group President Joe Mejaly, who spoke to the class about his view of career management and leadership in the heavy-duty market. The week will include other leadership and industry-focused sessions from faculty from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management and heavy-duty leaders. Presenters include:
• Dr. Frank Morgan, Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management
• Bill Wade, president, Wade & Partners
• Don Reimondo, president, HDA Truck Pride
• Steve Crowley, president, VIPAR
• Dr. Tim Nash, vice president strategic and corporate alliances, Northwood University
• Tim Kraus, president, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association
• Dr. Todd Thomas, Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management
• Tom Marx, president, Marx Advisors
• Dr. John Passante, Northwood University
Graduates earn 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.
