MIDLAND, Mich. – They might not have worn caps and gowns, but 18 independent CARQUEST store owners and managers returned home this week as the latest graduates of the CARQUEST School of Business. This intensive, four-day education experience was developed through a collaboration between CARQUEST, the University of the Aftermarket and faculty from Northwood University’s Richard DeVos Graduate School of Management.
Held in the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies on Northwood’s Midland, Mich., campus, this session of the CARQUEST School of Business covered a broad range of management topics, including study of relevant, timely strategies for increasing sales, operational efficiency and profitability. Participants learned about and shared insights relating to economic conditions and overall industry performance, operations and leadership, strategic thinking, brand management, technology and more. The daily schedule featured lectures, group assignments, roundtable discussions and networking sessions.
University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, MAAP, noted that participants immediately become engaged in the curriculum and emerged with important new strategic tools and capabilities.
“It’s great to see the group respond to topics and challenges that will ultimately help them succeed in everyday business situations,” Cruickshank said. “This real-world learning model provides relevant, practical solutions for parts store owners and professionals.”
“I certainly learned a lot. The program exposed me to areas of the business that I really need to focus on. I hope CARQUEST develops more of these kinds of programs for store managers,” said Tim Summerlin, general manager of Ritchie Auto Parts, Norwood, N.C.
“The program was very enlightening,” added Bob Curtis, owner of Rieth Auto, Mesa, Ariz. “It provided a completely different view and perspective on my business.”
In addition to Summerlin and Curtis, graduates of this session of the CARQUEST School of Business were:
- Randy Aldrich, Central Automotive Supply Inc., Centralia, Wash.
- Mike Alley, Little Johns Wellington Co. Inc., Williamson, W. Va.
- Marc Blanc, Schulz Automotive, New Glarus, Wis.
- John Caesar, Medina Auto Parts, Medina, Ohio
- Dwayne Cole, Cole’s CARQUEST, Munford, Tenn.
- Andy Erickson, CARQUEST of Delano, Delano, Minn.
- Brad Gough, Wendell Truck & Auto, Wendell, Idaho
- Bob Grider, Donnelly Auto Machine Inc., Decatur, Ill.
- Carl Hestand, Willcox Auto Parts, Willcox, Ariz.
- Frank Kalebich, Jr., Harlem Auto Parts & Paint Supply, Bridgeview, Ill.
- Allen Kilburn, North Side Auto Parts Inc., Elkhart, Ind.
- Glenn McAdam, Sure-Fire Auto Parts, Lemont, Ill.
- Jake Pileggi, C-M Auto Parts, Mukwonago, Wis.
- David Thomas, East Coast Auto & Marine, Nags Head, N.C.
- Jeff Thomas, Thomas Auto Parts Inc., Alexander, Ala.
- Dennis Verhoff, Parts & Co. Selma Inc., Selma, Ala.
