PALM BEACH, FL – Northwood University recently recognized Pete and Lorraine Kornafel as two of seven nationally known business men and women at its 28th Annual Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards Ceremony, which was held in late January at The Breakers, Palm Beach, FL.
Lakewood, CO, residents, the Kornafels share a passion for the automotive parts business and for helping young minds achieve their greatest potential. From 1970 to 1996, the entrepreneurial couple grew Hatch Grinding Co. by establishing distribution centers for automotive parts in Denver and Albuquerque, which served more than 100 CARQUEST Auto Parts stores. The growth of the organization increased their number of employees to more than 225 and earned Hatch Grinding Co. recognition as Small Business of the Year for the city of Denver and the state of Colorado in 1984.
After selling Hatch Grinding Co. in 1996, Pete Kornafel served as president of CARQUEST from 1996 to 2001 and was responsible for products, advertising, marketing and training programs for its members. Today he serves as CARQUEST’s vice chairman.
After serving as regional vice president of Operations for General Parts, Inc. from 1996 to 1999, Lorraine Kornafel is now retired and remains active as an investor, renovator and property manager for 12 residential and commercial rental properties.
The couple’s “hobby” is funding college scholarships. They currently have almost 20 students in college with seven endowed scholarships offered at several universities, including Northwood University. In addition, they are helping students who are relatives of former employees and are assisting with the Global Automotive Aftermarket Scholarship Fund.
Northwood University (NU) annually recognizes a select group of men and women for their business achievements and for their support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for NU students, all of whom are engaged in the study of business management and who aspire to successful careers. In the 28 years since the program’s founding, more than 200 business leaders from more than 30 states, representing dozens of industries and fields of business expertise, have received the Outstanding Business Leader Award.
