Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA) is pleased to announce the 2021-2022 Leadership 2.0 Program Scholarships through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation at Northwood University have been awarded to MAPA members Josh Bisanz and Aaron Wisniewski, both of Auto-Wares Group of Companies located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
“I am now a District Manager for Auto-Wares Group and plan on continuing my climb. I believe the automotive aftermarket is the best industry to work for,” said Josh Bisanz. “The people, the relationships, the goals, the challenges, and the rewards. If there has ever been an opportunity to further my education, such as Leadership 2.0, I have jumped at it. It has been a humbling ride getting to the point I am at today, and if I can help anyone else achieve their goals in this industry, you can count me in”
Mr. Bisanz has nine years of management experience in the automotive aftermarket industry. He currently travels northern Michigan to company-owned parts stores helping store managers and crews with training, store operations, customer relations, hiring, employee retention, and assists another district manager in overseeing 27 locations.
“For the past several years I have had interest in growing my knowledge of more sectors in the Automotive Aftermarket. As Territory Sales Manager for Auto-Wares Group I have 12 years of experience dealing with WD coworkers, Jobber stores, Service Dealers, and also spent extensive time working with our manufacturer channel partners,” said Aaron Wisniewski. “I graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelors in Business and I have a strong desire for post graduate education that is specific to the Automotive Aftermarket. I have family ties that span 70 years in the Automotive Aftermarket and desire to grow that knowledge and lead our industry into the changes that we will see over future years.”
Mr. Wisniewski has a desire to learn from other leaders in various sectors of the automotive aftermarket to help create future relationships and grow himself into a future 2.0 leader. This year Brian Cruickshank, Director of the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University provided ASAAA members the opportunity to apply for two full $6,350 scholarships available from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. Recipients are only responsible for their hotel and travel for the highly-acclaimed 2021-2022 2-week Leadership 2.0 Program. Leadership 2.0 is conducted in 2 one-week sessions at Northwood University; Fall 2021 (August 22-27), Midland, MI and Spring 2022 (March 20-25), Raleigh, NC.
This scholarship is an exclusive offer to members of Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA) through its affiliation with the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA). Scholarship recipients are selected by ASAAA’s Scholarship Committee from applications submitted by member state associations. Leadership 2.0 is now in its 23rd year, is the industry’s premier leadership development program, and is described as a “mini MBA” with 100% focus on the motor vehicle aftermarket. Topics covered include leadership, finance, strategy, team building, winning cultures, customer service, business challenges/opportunities, etc., all using the aftermarket as their focus and is led by Northwood faculty and industry leaders. The program is appropriate for all levels of the aftermarket and all educational backgrounds.
Those interested in attending can register by visiting www.universityoftheaftermarket.com.
