Highlights from GAAS 2010, Day One
Counterman Editor Mark Phillips has been reporting back from the 15th annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium, which kicked off yesterday and wraps up today in Chicago. Here, Phillips provides some key highlights from a number of yesterday’s presentations.
Fifteenth Annual GAAS Looks at the Next Generation of Customers and Employees
The day’s presentations began with three aftermarket service veterans tackling the topic of “How Automotive Repair Service Chains Are Gaining Traction in Today’s Market.” The session was moderated by Barry Soltz, president, AMRA/MAP. Panelists were Joe Biggie, vice president of strategy and development, Just Brakes; Larry Magee, chairman, CEO and president, Bridgestone Retail Operations; and John Warzecha, senior vice president, franchise business development, Midas Inc.
Executive Interview with Rusty Bishop, CEO, Federated Auto Parts
Rusty Bishop began his career in the automotive aftermarket 38 years ago when he joined Fisher Auto Parts, where he held a number of positions in warehouse and jobber store management and also served as a director of the company. In 1985, Bishop co-founded Federated Auto Parts Distributors, a program marketing group for major warehouse distributors. Through the years, Bishop’s leadership allowed Federated to grow to become one of the leading program groups in the industry. He currently holds the position of CEO of Federated, which is headquartered in Staunton, Va. In this exclusive AMN Executive Interview, Bishop reflects on Federated’s 25th anniversary and the changes he has witnessed in the distribution sector during that time. He also shares his expectations for the future of the industry.
OBITUARY: Ohio Technical College Founder Julius Brenner Committed to Local Education, Training
Brenner’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start the Ohio Diesel Mechanics School in 1969 to conduct six-week diesel training courses in Cleveland’s Warehouse district. That school has since grown from a one-room, six-student classroom to what is now known as Ohio Technical College — an 800,000-square-foot facility where more than 1,200 students receive training and education. Ohio Technical College has had many successes in its 40-year history, most recently being named the Tomorrow’s Technician 2009 School of the Year.
NCMA Tackles Technical Questions at Annual Conference
The NCMA’s Knowledge Exchange Conference tackled topics such as migrating from AAIA Legacy to ACES data standards, to the role that print catalogs still play in distribution.
Gates Expands Line of Belt Drive and Cooling System Solution Kits
New precision-engineered solution kits address wider variety of applications for domestic and import vehicles.
Rich Kramer Steps Into CEO Role at Goodyear
Following his election by Goodyear’s board of directors in February, Kramer took office as Goodyear’s president and CEO Tuesday, succeeding Robert Keegan, who remains executive chairman. Kramer says he is confident in Goodyear’s ability to grow.
Hollywood Hot Rods to Build Raybestos Brakes Roadster Pickup
Troy Ladd commissioned for hot rod build in 2010 giveaway promotion.
Yokohama Tire Corp. VP and COO Jim MacMaster to Retire in June
The 39-year tire industry veteran and former Rubber Manufacturers Association chair will step down after three decades of management at Yokohama. During his 30-year tenure at Yokohama — the U.S. flagship for Tokyo, Japan-based Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC) — the organization grew from a $30 million company to nearly $1 billion and is now the seventh largest tire manufacturer in the world.
Tire Dealers Urged to Enter Top Shop Awards
The Tire Review Top Shop Award contest spotlights independent tire dealers that epitomize the attributes and values stressed in every issue of Tire Review: exemplary customer service and retention, training and education, merchandising and promotion, professional standards and conduct, appearance, solid business management, community involvement, growth and achievement.