Conference organizers for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) – the largest North American gathering of heavy duty aftermarket professionals in the industry – has honored Tim Kraus, retired former president and chief operating officer, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, as the 14th recipient of the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Industry Hall of Fame Award during this week’s annual HDAW industry gathering.

An industry veteran, Kraus joined HDMA and the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) in 2004. During his tenure at HDMA, Kraus concentrated on supplier issues in industry and government affairs, and expanded HDMA’s size and revenue. With a goal to advance the commercial vehicle supplier industry and business interests of HDMA’s members, one of his most significant achievements was to bring together major associations to form HDAW.

“Tim believed that the industry would be better served by having one meeting to bring all suppliers and distributors together for education in best practices, networking and distributor-supplier meetings to advance the industry,” stated Marc Karon, president of Total Truck Parts, and the 2021 Heavy Duty Hall of Fame Inductee. “HDAW has always been about the unification and protection of the heavy duty independent distribution channel.” 

For the past 16 years, a rotating committee of seven suppliers and distributors have met anonymously to nominate and ultimately select each new member of this elite group of outstanding industry leaders. 

The 2023 event and Hall of Fame Award presentation returns to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, January 16-20, 2023, in Grapevine, Texas.