Multi Parts today announced the SPARK 2018 Guiding Lights and Corporate Hosts. The group of 13 aftermarket professionals and six corporate hosts are a vital component of the 2018 SPARK initiative, serving as both personal guides and liaisons to students attending AAPEX 2018, taking place Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Las Vegas.
“SPARK doesn’t happen without these volunteers,” said Multi Parts President Brian Cohn. “Their very unique experiences and insights are the real fuel behind the power of SPARK. The SPARK students understand that these professionals have successfully made their way in our industry.”
He continued, “Every SPARK participant should leave Las Vegas having been included and engaged. Guiding Lights and Corporate Hosts are a crucial factor in ensuring this is the case. They help them connect the dots and see clearly their opportunities and appropriate next steps to enter and thrive within our industry.”
Thirteen students, selected by Multi Parts for their interest in pursuing careers in the core business areas of the automotive aftermarket, will shadow Guiding Lights throughout their time at the AAPEX show and tour the corporate exhibits. From this experience, students receive a personal introduction to the industry, designed to broaden their understanding of what aftermarket professionals do and how they can pursue similar career paths.
SPARK 2018 GUIDING LIGHTS
David Boer
Vice President; Business Intelligence & Strategy, MotoRad of America
Ira Davis, AAP
President, AutoFocus Consulting & Research LLC
General Manager, Alliance of Independent Manufacturers
Tom Fritsche
Director of Product and Purchasing, SLI – Supply Line International
Julian Hentze
Sales and Marketing Director, Global Parts Distributors
Judy Love, MAAP
Marketing Manager, Automotive Aftermarket – Americas, Schaeffler Group USA
Jeff McCurley
President, Rostra Powertrain Controls
Meagan Moody
Marketing Communications Manager, ZF Services
Jon Owens, MAAP
National Sales Manager, Epicor Software
Mike Palm
Vice President of Marketing & Sales, CRP Automotive
Alex Parker
CMO and Executive Vice President, Redline Detection
Beth Skove
General Manager – Aftermarket, NGK Spark Plugs
Ryan Smith
Sales and Marketing Manager, Cloyes Gear and Products Inc.
Vic Tarasik
Director of Corporate Sales and Major Accounts, RLO Training
SPARK 2018 CORPORATE HOSTS
ACDelco: David Mestdagh and Josh Shuck
Airtex/ASC: Bruce Tartaglione and Jonathan Triola
Delphi: Adam Dawson and Juliana Sanchez
Gates: Mark Osterman and Matt Paulsen
Mahle Aftermarket: Ted Hughes
OptiCat: Marc Paulsen
