The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance wrapped up its first week of 2023 Leadership 2.0 in Midland, Michigan, where it brought six attendees who work in a variety of positions with a diverse experience base including, IT, marketing, sales, and shop owner.
Leadership 2.0 is the aftermarket industry’s only formal leadership-development course that annually brings nearly 40 of its’ leaders together to network and grow through MBA-level instruction.
The Alliance attendees were:
- Troy Devine, district operations manager, Eastern Warehouse Distributors
- Jack Mills, director of business solutions, Eastern Warehouse Distributors
- Martin Lyon, director of marketing & pricing ASE, Parts Warehouse Inc.
- Chris Reider, regional manager North, Parts Warehouse Inc.
- Brandon Burton, shop technician, Mastertek Auto Repair an Auto Value Certified Service Center
- Jim Holik, director of marketing, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc.
The two-week residential course kicked off on August 20, with the first week being held on Northwood University’s campus in Midland, Michigan. Attendees will reconvene for the second week this coming Spring 2024.
Coursework for Leadership 2.0 included the discussion of market share, cataloging, customer service, distribution channel support, corporate agility, and strategic thinking. At the center of Leadership 2.0 is a group project. Each student was assigned to a team that will collaborate on an aftermarket specific project over the ensuing six months and will present to their colleagues when they resume class in the Spring.
The program was a look behind the curtain for Burton. “The opportunity to learn about the entire industry, see how the levels work together was eye-opening. It provided me a new viewpoint on the aftermarket, my role and the role of our shop,” he said. Burton was a recipient of a Leadership 2.0 Scholarship through the Alliance and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
“The topics covered included DEI, leadership styles, installing change, and artificial intelligence,” said Mills. “Part of what makes this week special is the combination of talent in the room, learning from each other and the sharing of ideas.”
“This training created a positive atmosphere for suppliers and competitors from across the automotive aftermarket industry to spend time together learning,” said Lyon. “It’s helping create stronger leaders to benefit our industry. I’m looking forward to applying what I learned as I continue to grow my leadership abilities.”
The Alliance provides two scholarships each year worth nearly $7,000 to attend Leadership 2.0 through its relationship with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “This was an amazing first week at Leadership 2.0, lots learned, and many relationships formed,” said Devine, a Bumper to Bumper Leadership 2.0 scholarship winner, “Thank you to Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper for this scholarship and for encouraging me to attend Leadership 2.0.”
“What a great experience at the University of the Aftermarket, Leadership 2.0! Amazing and thorough content provided by all presenters. It provided valuable insight into the Leadership Role, the Aftermarket Industry and Self Improvement, said Reider. “We want to thank the guest lecturers who joined us and helped guide the discussion.”
“The topics were energizing and thought provoking,” said Holik. “The conversation that comes from this class is very valuable, it’s based on interaction and discussion amongst industry peers. It’s a unique opportunity to explore all corners of the industry and learn where there is opportunity to make an impact while being an effective leader.”
For more information about the University of the Aftermarket, visit https://admissions.northwood.edu/corporate/uofa
For more information about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, visit https://uofa-foundation.org/
