Editor’s Note: Today we kick off our annual series of blog posts from automotive aftermarket professionals who are currently participating in the University of the Aftermarket’s (UofA) Leadership 2.0 executive education experience.
UofA’s Leadership 2.0 program began in 1995. For this 24th annual class, 45 aftermarket professionals representing all levels and channels in the light vehicle aftermarket will spend two weeks together learning executive-level business expertise while earning credits toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations.
Session I was held on Northwood University’s Midland, Michigan, campus. Between Sessions I and II, participants work on team projects that tackle critical industry issues and opportunities. Those projects will be presented this week. The next class of Leadership 2.0 will take place Aug 11-16. To learn more, click here.
Today, we hear from Leadership 2.0 participant:
Rob Blitzstein
Vice President, Vendor Management
Parts Authority/IMC
Tonight was our first time together since Session I ended in August, and the vibe in the class is like no time has passed. As Session II of Leadership 2.0 2018-‘19 kicks off, it’s amazing to be part of blossoming relationships that are sure to last a lifetime. To me, that has been the best part of all of this: meeting and developing relationships with people from different channels within our industry.
Following our dinner at The Carolina Exotic Car Club, with guest speaker Advance Auto Parts’ Executive Vice President Bob Cushing, we gathered back at the hotel for some “auto parts chat.” Literally, it was just a bunch of guys talking shop around the hotel’s fire pit. It’s encouraging to see people wanting to work together and debate ways to solve current industry issues, like “Right to Repair.” While it may take an act of Congress for that one (literally), it’s reassuring that the future of our industry is in good hands.
This is a small group, but where there’s few, there’s many. If this blog says anything, it’s this: Get involved in our industry and it will help your business. Focus on the people who will be running your businesses in the future and our industry will live on. Without the people I’ve met in this class, plus the good people at the University of the Aftermarket, our future wouldn’t be as bright. Thank you to everyone who supports their efforts.
