WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Leadership 2.0, the University of the Aftermarket’s annual Leadership Development Program, officially began its second session yesterday at Northwood University’s West Palm Beach, Fla., campus. Former CARQUEST President and GPI Board Member Art Lottes served as the opening night speaker. 
The Leadership 2.0 experience brings together aftermarket professionals from every level of the industry. During the program’s two weeks, participants learn many of the skills needed to lead tomorrow’s motor vehicle aftermarket. Topics include a blend of industry research and market analysis, discussion and debate of new challenges and competitive strategies, individual leadership skills training and presentations by a variety of industry leaders. Session I was held at Northwood University’s Midland, Mich., campus in September 2012.
“Each year I am impressed by the caliber of professionals that attend the Leadership 2.0 program,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank. “Because these participants represent every level of the aftermarket – shop owners, distributors and manufacturers – Leadership 2.0 truly becomes a collaborative environment for debate and discussion about a variety of critical aftermarket issues.”
Participants receive 7.0 credits toward completion of their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certifications.
This week, several participants in this year’s class will bring us their firsthand perspective on the experience. Today, we present blog entry No. 1, from Jamie Ardis, sales and marketing coordinator for AGS Co. in Muskegon, Mich.
Well, it’s finally here! After months of preparation and anticipation, all of my fellow classmates have gathered in sunny West Palm Beach, Fla., for Session ll of Leadership 2.0. Any reunion jitters quickly gave way to smiles, hugs and handshakes as we reassembled for the first time in six months.
Following a terrific meal, the University of the Aftermarket staff officially welcomed us back and gave us a brief overview of the week. Our opening speaker was Art Lottes, formerly of the A.E. Lottes Co. and later General Parts International and CARQUEST. Art summarized his 30 years in the aftermarket with his top ten lessons he’s learned along the way, presented in “David Letterman” style.
According to Art, the No. 1 leadership lesson was that your people skills are the primary factor in determining your success and effectiveness in your job. How true that is!
Leadership 2.0 has been a great experience for me so far. The instructors have repeatedly brought me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to learn and grow personally and professionally through class discussions, activities, and of course, the team projects that will be presented on Thursday. I have been so impressed with the caliber and diverse backgrounds of speakers that the University of the Aftermarket has assembled for this course. Discussion topics have included not only general leadership skills such as communication, problem solving and conflict management, but in-depth conversations on aftermarket-specific issues. I’ll admit that our aftermarket finance class sometimes left my head swimming from all the financial information and concepts that were presented!
Initially, I really didn’t know what to expect as far as the different individuals who would be attending this class. A real wealth of knowledge was gathered in that classroom on that first day! We have participants from all aspects of the industry, from service providers to manufacturers to distributors, each bringing different areas of expertise from all levels within their organizations.
During Session I, we were put into project teams, and over the past six months we’ve been busy working on our team projects, each addressing a specific aftermarket issue. I truly hope everyone is coming into Session ll with the feeling that they have the best project team. However, I’m convinced that I’ve had the good fortune to be part of the very best team! From day one we have functioned as a truly cohesive group. Over the past six months, we developed our presentation during conference calls every two to three weeks. Each of us brought a unique skill set and perspective to the table. All discussions were handled with respect and even humor when technical difficulties arose. The process of creating our presentation was successful, largely because of the commitment and follow-through each of us made along the way. All assigned tasks were completed as promised and (most impressively) no one ever missed a meeting! A big thank you to my team: John Tully (Norwood Motor Parts Co.), Pat Cadem (Pat’s Garage) and Todd Bolon (CARQUEST)!
I also want to thank Christian Byar and Logan Pitts for giving me the opportunity to participate in this course. I look forward to applying my experiences and newfound outlook in a growing role and contributing to the continued success of AGS Company!
