Long a fixture of the auto care industry, Michael J. Lambert, was presented with the Martin Fromm Lifetime Achievement Award by the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) at its 2015 annual conference in Las Vegas. Presenting the award was AWDA’s current chairman, Corey Bartlett.
This very selective award recognizes individuals who, over the course of many years, have distinguished themselves through their commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket. Recipients of this award are considered to be “backbones” of the aftermarket industry.
“Mike is a straight shooter; a calm leader on the outside, but always thinking on the inside. He’s got a knack for delivering the words that need to be said at the right time,” said Jeff Stankard, vice president of business development, Multi-Parts, Jupiter, FL.
Mike Lambert recently retired as president of the Automotive Distribution Network, Germantown, TN, after 26 years with the organization. During his tenure, he witnessed the rise of program marketing groups as a force in the motor vehicle aftermarket. Lambert’s aftermarket lineage runs deep, starting with NAPA and the earliest CARQUEST warehouse. In 1989, he joined the Parts Plus organization and in 1995 was named president. Parts Plus merged with IAPA in 2005 to form the Automotive Distribution Network, which Mike led until his retirement this September. The Auto Pride group subsequently joined the Network, bringing total group membership to 189.
Along the way, Lambert was deeply involved in the industry, serving in numerous leadership positions, including the AAIA (now Auto Care Association) Board and Trade Show Task Force. Lambert also served multiple terms on the AWDA Board of Governors.
Said Brent Windom, president and COO, U.S. operations, Auto Plus, Kennesaw, GA, “What pops into my head when I think about Mike’s earning this award is his ability to be a mediator. Mike’s just a smooth operator in every given situation. He’s been in a lot of difficult situations during his career; merging groups, handling different member conflicts…each has presented Mike with multiple opportunities to show his leadership. And he’s done a tremendous job.”
