MIDLAND, Mich. – Twenty-six aftermarket professionals traveled to Northwood University’s Midland, Mich., campus in late September for the first session of the 2009-10 University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 program, and by all accounts returned to their jobs the following week with new energy and a host of new strategic skills. 
“It’s great to watch each class arrive on campus as a collection of individuals and leave after Week One as a team of professionals who share a vision for success,” said University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank, AAP.
Leadership 2.0 is the motor vehicle aftermarket’s premier leadership development program. The experience comprises two intensive five-day on-campus sessions. Between sessions, participants collaborate on projects that tackle aftermarket-specific leadership challenges. Teams will present the results of their projects during Session II, April 11-16, 2010, on the Northwood University campus in West Palm Beach, Fla.
“The first session was phenomenal – very fast-paced, filled with great information and structured in a way that fostered camaraderie,” said class member Sherri Rains of Hopkins Manufacturing.
Another participant, Tom Piper of ASA Parts Plus, said, “I was able to utilize the skills and ideas I learned during the very next week at a company business retreat. It was truly exciting to be able to help guide our company with confidence.”
The curriculum for Session I, which was held in the Sloan Family Building for Aftermarket Studies, included discussions of a variety of emerging industry challenges; exploration of the characteristics of effective leaders; classes on problem-solving, decision-making and strategic thinking; and presentations by Dow Chemical executive Mary Aurand, Federated Auto Parts Senior Advisor Larry Pavey, and former General Motors Dealership Operations executive Bruce Edwards.
“What really distinguishes this program from other management training and leadership programs I’ve been involved with is it is presented by people who really understand the aftermarket industry,” said class member Tom Myroniak of the Specialty Equipment Market Association.
Other members of the 2009-10 class are:
· Michael Anderson – Activant Solutions Inc.
· Carl Arnold – NGK Spark Plugs USA
· Gary Bostic – Remy International Inc.
· Jeremy Denton – Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
· Justin Dwyer – Heavy Duty America
· Todd Erwin – One Stop Parts Source
· Timothy Feddema – Automotive Parts Headquarters
· Joe Gage – International Parts Warehouse
· James Gonzalez – Gonzalez Auto Parts
· Lisa Henkel – Gates Corp.
· Bill Johnston – Tenneco Inc.
· Paul Kratzer - KYB America LLC
· Matthew Laguardia – U.S. Chemical & Plastics
· Mike McKee – Federal-Mogul Corp.
· Ron Rossi – Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
· Scott Sutton – Standard Auto Parts
· Ryan Tarbert – The Timken Co.
· Trevor Tennant, AAP – Piston Ring Service
· Loretto Thompson – CARQUEST
· Dean Toole – Alliance Parts Warehouse LLC
· Debbie Vandecaveye – Tenneco Inc.
· David Vaughan – Eastern Auto Warehousing
· Tony Zanders – Heritage Auto Repair
For additional information regarding the Leadership 2.0 experience and other University of the Aftermarket programs, please visit www.universityoftheaftermarket.com or call 800-551-2882.
