MIDLAND, Mich. – The University of the Aftermarket kicked off this year’s Leadership 2.0 with the largest class in the program’s 20-year history. On Sunday, Aug. 25, the class of 40 aftermarket professionals gathered for a welcome reception, dinner and speech delivered by AASA President Bill Long. 
Leadership 2.0 is a two-week, residential aftermarket-focused education program designed to develop the leadership and business skills of the next generation of visionary professionals. Session I, which will conclude on Friday, is being held this week at the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies on Northwood University’s Midland, MI campus. Participants will reconvene in April 2014 for Session II, which will take place on Northwood’s campus in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Instructors blend decades of senior aftermarket experience with MBA-level instruction from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management faculty. The program includes discussion on industry trends and market analysis, debate of new challenges and competitive strategies, skills training in team and individual leadership, insight into supply-chain solutions and other critical issues facing the industry. Participants in this year’s program represent the widest range of aftermarket companies and market segments in the program’s history.
“Every year, the program grows in popularity and prestige,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank. “We are thrilled to have such a large and diverse class – thanks in large part to the generosity of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association.”
Members of the 2013-2014 class are:
· Mike Allen, Federated Auto Parts
· Barry Barker, Dayco Products LLC
· Lisa Boyle, Federal-Mogul Corp.
· Nicole Brennan, Continental Corp.
· Ben Butler, Parts Warehouse Inc.
· Todd Campau, AAP, Gates Corp.
· Matt Connelly, ITW Global Brands
· Sean Connolly, Tri-States Auto Warehouse Inc.
· Joe Davis, United Automotive Supply
· Kirt Denman, Federal-Mogul Corp.
· Brian Evanoka, Uni-Select USA
· Joe Hanson, Dorman Products
· Ted Hughes Jr., MAHLE Clevite Inc.
· Ed Keshen, Tenneco
· David LeMeilleur, LeMeilleur’s RV/Truck/Equipment
· Judy Love, Schaeffler Group USA Inc.
· Jim Lucas, Dorman Products
· Bill Maggs, National Pronto Association
· Ben Marcell, ZF Services
· Hal Mardis, Ridgeland Service Center
· Bob Myers, Gates Corp.
· James O’Dell, Motown Automotive Distributing Co.
· Dani Orlando, Trico Products
· Bailey Overman, AASA
· Rob Pietrowsky, Federal-Mogul Corp.
· Kevin Reamer, Tenneco Inc.
· David Riggs, Dayco Products LLC
· Cora Roark, Automotive Distribution Network
· Tyler Rossdeutcher, Gold Eagle Co.
· Tom Ruddy, Sanel Auto Parts
· Michael Rukov, One Stop Parts Source
· Jon Sipe, Interstate Muffler
· Jim Snipes, Standard Motor Products · Danielle Sonnefeld, N.A. Williams Co.
· Rick Spugnardi, Parts Warehouse Inc.
· Mike Staruch, NGK Spark Plugs Inc.
· Al Sutherland Jr., Al’s Certified Auto Repair
· Ray Wells, Wells Automotive
· Karl Westrick, WIX Filtration
· Terry Wynter, Terry Wynter Auto Service
Participants receive 7.0 credits toward completion of their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.
For more information and to reserve a spot in the 2014-15 Leadership 2.0 class, visit www.universityoftheaftermarket.com or call 800-551-2882.
