CHANTILLY, Va. – Jerry Mariam, president of Quality Equipment Sales in Gardena, Calif., was honored with the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association’s Distinguished Service Award on Nov. 3, 2013, during the International BIG R Show in Las Vegas. 
The award recognizes Jerry for his “Distinguished Business Statesmanship and Dedicated Service Rendered to the Entire Industry of Automotive Parts Remanufacturing.” Mariam was born in Cape Girardeau, Mo., on April 19, 1942. His father and uncle owned a parts store and salvage yard in Sikeston, Mo., so he grew up in the automotive world. In 1950, his family moved to Southern California. He joined the Army Reserve in 1960. Mariam went to work at an automotive warehouse in his early 20s, followed by a stint as a brake shoe sales rep.
In the mid-1970s, he tried his hand at clutch rebuilding and it seems he was always involved in the electrical rebuilding side of the industry. Mariam went on to form Quality Parts, selling distributor parts as well as used and new equipment. In more recent years, he purchased Crozier Speed Lathes, which he has been manufacturing from his Gardena, Calif., location. Additionally, Mariam expanded his used equipment business under Quality Parts and Equipment, a business which continues today along with other scrap and warehousing businesses.
Quality Equipment Sales, which started in 1986, became one of the most successful suppliers in the world, providing new and used equipment for the rebuilding industry.
Unfortunately, Mariam passed away from a long battle with cancer on Dec. 1. The industry lost a great contributor and man on that day, and we all have lost a wonderful friend.
Mariam had been a staunch supporter of APRA, having volunteered his time and service since 2005 as the Manufacturer Supplier Representative to the Executive Committee. His positive outlook and giving nature made him a natural when it came to bringing in new exhibitors to the BIG R Show or helping staff liaison with members. Mariam knew everybody in the industry and was always willing to lend a hand and be the voice of reason. Although he was not able to attend the 2013 BIG R Show due to health reasons, he did receive his Distinguished Service Award. When presented with the award, Jerry said, “It should be me giving the trophy to the industry for bringing so many good friends into my life.”
APRA proudly welcomes Jerry Mariam to this distinguished group of leaders of the remanufacturing industry. He will be sorely missed.
