After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH) recently hosted its 2022 Independent Store Meeting. The two-day business event opened at Target Field, where Corey Bartlett, APH president and CEO, led off with a report on the company’s growth, personnel additions, aftermarket industry trends and Auto Care Association/Right to Repair legislative efforts. A special virtual appearance from John and JC Washbish, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, got everyone excited about the upcoming Aftermarket Jackpot Convention in Las Vegas.
Business training was conducted by APH staff members Tim Feddema and Jim Pascale in the areas of online reputation and search engine optimization, as well as employee retention and recruitment. Jim Becker and Kevin Mack, also from APH, discussed future merchandising opportunities and updated attendees on current supply chain challenges. Channel partner representatives from MacPherson struts (FCS Automotive), MacPherson hubs (MPA), Parts Master filters (First Brands Group), Prestone and Milwaukee Tools wrapped up the first day with product information and selling seminars.
All guests and their families then enjoyed an evening of food, fun and camaraderie while watching the Minnesota Twins battle the Los Angeles Angels from the comfort of their Skyline Suite seats. Recent Twins Hall of Fame inductee, Dan Gladden, entertained the group with fun stories from his 1987 and 1991 World Series Championship playing years, and also joined everyone for a group photo.
Auto Value independents, APH staff and channel partners spent the final day of the meeting at APH’s store support center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for a vendor brunch show followed by tours of the distribution center, BENCO Equipment, and flagship store, Auto Value St. Cloud.
