DST Asks: What Value Do You See in Sharing Detailed Sales Data?
An ongoing dilemma exists between all tiers of the supply chain due to the gulf caused by lack of collaboration and sharing of sales information that would ultimately benefit all — manufacturers, distributors, parts retailers and service providers. Where do you stand on these issues? Our objective is to generate the thought and dialogue that might provide energy to new initiatives. See our special offer at the end of this week’s column!
Executive Interview with Howard Kesten, President and Founder of Workboards
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Howard Kesten, president and founder of Workboards, which launched the automotive job site, aftermarketJobs.com, in December 2003. A two-time guest speaker at AAPEX, Kesten is also founder and CEO of APA Search, Inc., an executive search and human resources consulting firm serving the automotive industry. In 18 years, he has placed more than 1,600 automotive professionals. Join us as Kesten provides an introduction to aftermarketJobs.com and shares with us his predictions for the future of the aftermarket and the job market.
Final Deadline for AASA Top Suppliers List — Friday, March 5
The final deadline to submit information for the 2004 Top Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List is quickly approaching. Information for this free listing must be submitted by Friday, March 5. Published by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), and produced by Babcox Publications, this multi-page, full-color publication will be distributed with the May issue of Counterman magazine, which reaches more than 50,000 automotive aftermarket parts distribution professionals every month.
Advance Auto Parts Hopes to Maintain Fast Pace of Earnings, Expansion
Roanoke, Va., is home to an automotive parts retailer that keeps pushing the pace. Advance Auto continues to expand, stretching itself across many markets. By the end of 2003, it had 2,546 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with plans to open up to 135 in 2004. But how long can it keep up this speed?
Timken Transfers Some Logistics Operations to Joint Venture
Timken is transferring the balance of its Toronto, Ont., and Reno, Nev., warehousing operations to its joint venture CoLinx. CoLinx was formed as a joint venture between INA Holding Schaeffler KG, Rockwell Automation, The SKF Group and Timken. The company provides Web-based services and integrated logistics for premium-brand industrial manufacturers. Timken is transferring the balance of its Toronto, Ont., and Reno, Nev., warehousing operations to its joint venture CoLinx. CoLinx was formed as a joint venture between INA Holding Schaeffler KG, Rockwell Automation, The SKF Group and Timken. The company provides Web-based services and integrated logistics for premium-brand industrial manufacturers.
Goudy Named Vice President PPG Automotive Aftermarket
Garry Goudy has been appointed vice president of PPG Industries’ automotive aftermarket, comprising automotive refinish coatings, automotive replacement glass and insurance and services. While continuing to lead PPG’s refinish coatings business, in this new role Goudy will assume broader responsibility for all of PPG’s automotive aftermarket business initiatives.
GPI Announces Merger with Straus-Frank Co.
David J. Straus, chairman and CEO of Strafco, Inc. and O. Temple Sloan, Jr., chairman and CEO of General Parts, Inc. (GPI), have jointly announced an agreement to merge the two companies. Both GPI and Strafco, also known as Straus-Frank Co., have been members of the CARQUEST Distribution Group for more than 30 years.
“DST Asks” Parts Distributors: Which Features of a Computerized Business Management System are Most Useful to Your Business?
Our youngest readers may not be able to remember that there was a time before remote control technology when changing the channel on your television actually required getting up off the couch and making the long walk over to it. “Channel surfing” only existed when you could get one of your kids to sit next to the TV and turn the dial for you. Life was brutal then.
Executive Interview with Jim Taylor, CEO of Thomas Group
Our latest edition of “Executive Interview” features Jim Taylor, CEO of the Thomas Group. Taylor joined the Thomas Group in 2001 as vice president and CFO. From 1997 to 2001, Taylor served as president of the Chancellor Group, a Dallas, Texas, management consulting firm, where he assisted companies in restructuring, raising funds and completing initial public offerings. Join us as Taylor tells us more about the Thomas Group culture and how it works for its clients.
Friday is Deadline to Submit Info for AASA Top Suppliers List
Friday, Feb. 13 is the deadline to submit information for participation in the 2004 Top Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers List, published by Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the aftermarket segment of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA).