Every so often, our editorial staff selects one aftermarket industry professional to get to know a little better. Participants are asked to respond to a series of questions that can be answered in about the same amount of time you might spend chatting at the office coffee pot or waiting for an elevator. In today’s installment of “Five Minutes With,” we get to know a little more about Daniel Tristan, international sales manager for Tracer Products. Tristan was recently appointed as vice chair of AASA’s Overseas Automotive Council.
What was your first job in the industry?
Changing oil at a Texaco service station.
What do you like best about your current position?
Making friends from all over the world and opening up new markets.
What word or two best sums up your personality?
Driven and curious.
What are you currently reading?
“How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking” by Jordan Ellenberg
Favorite quote/motto?
“Pedidos, pedidos, pedidos!” (Orders, orders, orders!) — Steven Dreyfus (member of the OAC Advisory Council and managing director of Dreyfus Global Trade, LLC)
Any advice for someone just entering the industry?
This industry touches every aspect of the global economy — try and get to know as many of its participants as possible. From the technician to the venture capitalist to the president of an Asian conglomerate, they all offer learning opportunities.