MIDLAND, Mich. – CARQUEST and the University of the Aftermarket have partnered in the development and successful launch of the CARQUEST School of Business, a new university-level business educational experience.

The inaugural CARQUEST School of Business session took place Nov. 9-14 in the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies on the campus of Northwood University in Midland, Mich., with 20 CARQUEST independent store owners and managers in attendance. Sessions will be offered throughout 2009 and beyond. Content will be expanded to serve the owners and managers of TECH-NET Professional Auto Service centers and other key CARQUEST customers.

Developed and presented in conjunction with the University of the Aftermarket and the Northwood University Richard Devos Graduate School of Management, the CARQUEST School of Business is designed to help participants drive their businesses forward by exploring and implementing the latest proven, industry-specific competitive strategies. The four-and-a-half-day sessions are co-facilitated by Devos Graduate School faculty members and CARQUEST instructors.

“The CARQUEST School of Business is an important competitive tool that will help support the long-term growth and success of every CARQUEST Independently owned store and TECH-NET Professional Auto Service member location,” said Mike DeSorbo, MAAP, vice president for General Parts Inc. and CARQUEST. “We’re providing real-world solutions that help our business partners drive sales, increase operational efficiency and enhance profitability.”

Topics covered in the session included Processes Development, Strategy & Vision, Brand Management, Financial Management, Sales Management, Employee Management and Customer Retention. Content is customized to address the specific interests and concerns of participants. The daily schedule features lectures, group assignments, roundtable discussions and networking sessions.

“Collaborative projects of this nature are integral to our role as the industry’s premier education provider,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, AAP. “We congratulate Mike DeSorbo and the CARQUEST organization for the success of this innovative program and thank them for choosing the University of the Aftermarket and Northwood University as their education partners.”