Once again, in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket, we offer you a front row seat into the Leadership 2.0 experience thanks to participants in this year’s session. Today, we hear from Lee Walker of Walker Auto and Truck Parts (NAPA).
Blog 2
Today was a very successful first full day of our second session of Leadership 2.0. University of the Aftermarket Director Brian Cruickshank began the day with recognition of some career promotions and job changes within the class. Then, he introduced our first speaker: Joe Sparacino, senior vice president and head of the automotive aftermarket group with BB&T Capital Markets.
Joe set the tone for the day, highlighting the current market fundamentals that support continued growth in the aftermarket. It’s exciting to be a part of an industry that is so fundamental to modern life. Automotive and truck travel remains at the center of our lives. Whether we’re going from home to work, from school to soccer practice, or from farm to table, we rely on our over-the-road vehicles to get the job done. Miles driven, average age, vehicle parc and total aftermarket revenues are all up – so let’s get after it!
John Passante took over after Joe. Wow! I need a shot of that passion every morning. To me, John is the Jim Valvano of the aftermarket. Passante’s message was this: In your career, is someone truly dedicated to supporting you and having your back at all times? Do you dedicate yourself as a leader to others in the same way? Think about it.
After lunch, Dr. Frank Morgan worked on team-building through a simulated crash landing in the sub-arctic, equipped with only a compass, mirror, rum and various other supplies. After going to work in our small groups to figure out what of our remaining possessions were important, we compared our group results to our individual results. Interestingly, seven of the eight groups made better decisions as a group versus their best scoring as an individual. I’d be proud to be stranded in the sub-arctic with this group – at least for the first half-hour. After hours, we reconvened for some laughs and networking at a Durham Bulls baseball game.
If you missed yesterday’s blog from Auto-Wares’ Attila Hardy, click here.
