Counterman

MOOG recently announced the launch of its new line of Constant Velocity (CV) Axles. A news release explained that MOOG’s CV axles are engineered with high-quality materials and undergo rigorous testing to ensure a precise fit across various vehicle models. These CV axles feature neoprene boots that help prevent dirt and moisture intrusion, heat-treated components for increased strength, and high-quality grease to provide optimal lubrication. “MOOG CV Axles represent MOOG’s commitment to providing problem-solving solutions,” said Thomas Galla, senior product manager at DRiV. “Our technician focus inspired the product design to be easy to install with an axle nut and inboard bolts included in each kit (where required), making vehicle maintenance a hassle-free experience.” The new CV Axles are compatible with a range of vehicle models. Notable compatible vehicles include the 2007-2020 Cadillac Escalade ESV (Front) with part number 10H002, boasting a vehicle in operation (VIO) of 9,710,288; the 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 (Front) with part number 14H002, which has a VIO of 4,998,289; and the 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 (Front) featuring part number 10H001 and a VIO of 6,233,229. The post MOOG Unveils New Constant Velocity Axles appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Auto-Wares Group of Companies announced that it has joined forces with Landon Auto Parts. Landon has five locations in lower Northern Michigan (Boyne City, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Indian River and Onaway). They join the 42 locations currently operated by Auto-Wares in the Northern and Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Landon Auto Parts and Auto-Wares officially joined operations on October 31, 2024. Landon Auto Parts stores will be rebranded to the Auto Value name and high-quality national-brand products will be available over the next weeks to replace some of the current private-brand products, according to a news release from Auto-Wares. That same news release explained that the Landon family members, their team and their commitments to the Landon Auto Parts customers will stay intact. While the Landon family operates a hardware and lumber business alongside Landon Auto Parts, the partnership will impact only the Landon Auto Parts business—the Landon-owned hardware and lumber businesses will remain owned and operated by the Landon family. The post Landon Auto Parts Joins Forces with Auto-Wares appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Two Federated Auto Parts members were recently honored for their commitment to the success of Federated initiatives. The awards were presented during the recent Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) national conference held earlier this month in Las Vegas. Brake and Equipment Warehouse in Minneapolis, Minn., was honored as the Federated Co-Man Member of the Year. Federated said this award is presented to a member that has shown outstanding support of the member-owned Co-Man warehouse operation and its programs. TBA & Oil Warehouse in Indianapolis, Ind., was recognized with the Federated Marketing Excellence Award. This annual award is presented to the Federated member who has demonstrated consistent excellence in their marketing activities and provides support for other members where possible. “We want to express our gratitude to the entire Federated membership for their ongoing dedication to our programs,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts. “This year, Brake and Equipment Warehouse and TBA were standouts in their support of these key initiatives, and we congratulate them on earning these well-deserved awards.” The post Federated Members Recognized for Excellence appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MAHLE showcased its full-service portfolio of products at AAPEX. The company said it aims to position itself as a “one-stop shop” for technicians, shop owners and drivers. Key offerings highlighted at this year’s AAPEX show included MAHLE gaskets, engine components, filters and thermal management solutions as well as the company’s battery diagnostic systems, A/C units and latest shop equipment. “Our goal is to further expand MAHLE Aftermarket’s leading role in the global market with attractive offers for repair shops and trade,” said Eduardo Spilla, general manager, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “We are particularly focused on electrification, digitalization, and sustainability in order to help create the future of transportation and do our part in providing high-quality solutions to customers around the world.” More information on MAHLE can be found online or by contacting MAHLE local sales representatives. The post MAHLE Aftermarket Showcases Full-Service Portfolio at AAPEX appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Paul Agather, president and CEO of Federated Auto Parts member Automotive Jobbers Supply, was honored with the Art Fisher Memorial Award, Federated’s most esteemed recognition. He received this award earlier this month during the Automotive Parts Services Group membership conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. “The Art Fisher Memorial Award is the highest honor we bestow upon our members, and this year it goes to Paul Agather, a member who has shown exceptional commitment to the initiatives and objectives of the Federated group,” said Bo Fisher, chairman of Federated Auto Parts. “Although the award is given each year, it signifies enduring commitment, support, engagement and loyalty to the Federated community. My father would have taken great pride in presenting Paul with this award and recognizing his ongoing dedication to the success of Federated, his fellow members and the aftermarket industry.” Agather began his career at Automotive Jobbers Supply in 1988 before leaving to finish college in 1990. He returned to the company in 1993 and held a variety of positions including director, treasurer, CFO and CIO, before assuming his current role as president and CEO. Active in the industry, Agather has served as a committee member of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) logistics and technology committee and has been a presenter at several AWDA industry events, encouraging and promoting the use of technology in the aftermarket, according to a news release announcing his recognition. He is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) leadership council for the state of Washington and serves as vice chair of the NFIB Washington state political action committee. Named after Federated founder Art Fisher, the Art Fisher Memorial Award is presented annually to a member of the Federated group who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the success of Federated Auto Parts, its members and initiatives. Award recipients also have a history of sharing their time and expertise for the benefit of all members and have served in industry roles, representing the interests of the Federated membership. The post Federated’s Art Fisher Memorial Award Presented to Paul Agather appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Federated Auto Parts has announced the start of its annual Facebook diecast contest. Now through Dec. 5, fans can enter for a chance to win an exclusive limited-edition Federated diecast collectible. Five winners will be announced each Friday on the Federated Facebook pages beginning Nov. 15, with the final winners announced Dec. 13. “The Federated diecast contest is a way to express our gratitude to loyal Federated Facebook followers and give some lucky winners a little extra holiday cheer,” said John Marcum, director of marketing at Federated Auto Parts. “We know the contest winners will enjoy these unique Federated diecast vehicles. They make for a special gift for collectors, a fantastic stocking stuffer or even an ideal present for yourself.” Those interested in entering the contest can visit Federated Auto Parts and Federated Car Care on Facebook and click on the mobile link in the first post to fill in the entry form. Extra entries can be earned by sharing the contest with Facebook friends. The post Federated Diecast Contest Begins on Facebook appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Auto-Wares announced the hiring of James Bannister as the company’s new director of training. The company said he will lead training efforts and focus on empowering employees and customers through comprehensive learning and development programs. Auto-Wares added Bannister’s role is essential in ensuring its teams across stores, warehouses, and corporate functions have the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to meet Auto-Wares’ strategic goals. According to the company, Bannister brings over 20 years of experience in leadership and process optimization. His career spans roles in operations and training. Auto-Wares added that he’s known for crafting innovative training programs that drive growth and develop teams across industries, including Fortune 500 companies. After starting his career as a technician and achieving ASE Master Certification, Bannister has also worked as a technical product specialist, shop foreman and operations manager. Auto-Wares emphasized he has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead, mentor and develop impactful training programs, backed by his Automotive Technology degree from Lincoln Technical Institute. The post Auto-Wares Announces New Director of Training appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Dayco, a supplier of engine products and drive systems for the automotive, industrial and aftermarket industries, is expanding its timing chain kit line with 41 part numbers to cover another 49 million vehicles in operation (VIO). Additionally, the company is introducing the next generation of its AutoPartIQ inventory assessment tool—with new features for a more productive customer experience. New Parts Bring Timing Chain Kit Coverage to 120+ Million Dayco’s aftermarket team launched the line in 2022 due to the car parc shift from timing belts to timing chains at the OE level. The timing chain kits, which feature OE-quality components, cover high-volume light-duty engine applications. They include all the necessary components for a thorough and complete repair, building on Dayco’s mission of recommending system replacement as a best practice. Dayco says the kits include: Timing and secondary chains that prevent stretch for the life of the kit – and address the no. 1 replacement issue; Precision-machined cam and crank sprockets for quiet, noise-free performance; Direct fit OE-quality, high-grade plastic guides, as well as VVT solenoids and cam phasers when the application calls for it; and Packaging that features a QR code that links directly to detailed installation instructions. Dayco backs its entire timing chain kit line with an industry-leading two year or 60,000 mile (96,000 kilometer) parts and labor warranty, whichever occurs first, giving technicians confidence in what they’re installing. Three of the new part numbers are already available, and the remaining 38 are scheduled for Q1 or Q2 2025. “We entered the timing chain kit market to meet the needs of our customers. The line continues to grow with sales increasing year over year and we are supporting our high-quality product line with important investments in warranty and training material,” said Tom Tecklenburg, Vice President, Aftermarket, Dayco North America. “We encourage our customers as well as shop owners to reach out to our tech team to schedule virtual training and to learn more about this line if they aren’t already stocking it.” The post Dayco Expands Timing Chain Kit Line appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Mevotech announced the introduction of its TTX Brakes, which it said is a premium lineup of purpose-designed brake pads for the commercial vehicle segment features five customized formulations, including CeraPhite and SuperMet. “Each design offers advanced friction technology to deliver a premier level of performance matched to vehicle usage,” the company said. The program will be available in early 2025 to meet the automotive needs of the underserved commercial and fleet market, and is on display at AAPEX, at the Mevotech booth #A3038. “We’re excited to launch the TTX Brakes category, showcasing our commitment to the design and development of products customized for the individual needs of high-usage commercial vehicles and working trucks. As a brand, it’s an important milestone in expanding our TTX product category that has become synonymous with extreme strength and durability for a market segment that relies on optimal performance without compromise,” said Todd Hack, EVP sales and marketing, Mevotech. Mevotech said all TTX Brake pads come with a comprehensive installation kit to facilitate a more seamless install that saves up to 30 minutes. Installation boxes include caliper mounting hardware. The post Mevotech Launches TTX Brakes Line appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

WIX® Filters, a global manufacturer of filtration products, and AMN/Counterman magazine named Moe Ali of Arch Auto Parts the 2024 Counter Professional of the Year. Ali is the vice president of sales at Arch Auto Parts, a division of NexaMotion Group. The Counter Professional of the Year award, sponsored by WIX Filters and presented at AAPEX in Las Vegas, annually recognizes an automotive aftermarket parts professional whose dedication, work ethic and expertise elevate their business and the profession as a whole. “Moe’s commitment to customer service is what sets him apart,” says Tina Davis, senior marketing manager – WIX global and US. “No one is more dedicated to getting the right parts for his customers. It’s why they continue to come back to him decades later. We are honored to recognize Moe as the 2024 Counter Professional of the Year.” Born in Guyana, Ali came to the United States at the age of eight. He was still in high school when he took a job as a part-time employee at Arch Auto Parts in Hollis, New York. Over the years, he took on a variety of roles, all of which helped develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive as an aftermarket parts professional. “Moe has developed excellent parts and sales skills,” said Chris Bodh, group president of general repair businesses at Arch’s parent company, NexaMotion Group. “He’s loved and respected by his staff and customers and has an amazing attitude, even when he is juggling a lot of priorities.” Ali has made a career based on exceptional customer service. Developing relationships is what keeps generations of customers coming back to him. His philosophy is simple: “Get ‘em the right part, the first time.” “Moe just worked hard and earned a lot of respect from a lot of his colleagues and customers,” said Kish Samaroo, vice president of operations at Arch Auto Parts. “He is the go-to guy. Every customer wants him because he has this personality that is really cool and calm.” Despite ascending to an executive role, Ali doesn’t shy away from the sales floor. He says he’d rather be “where the action is.” “It is truly an honor to award Moe as the 2024 Wix Filters Counter Professional of the Year,” said Jeff White, managing editor of Counterman. “He is deeply dedicated to his work, but it’s a labor of love. Moe goes beyond just selling a part—he cultivates relationships with his customers. People like Moe make the aftermarket great.” As dedicated as he is to the business, Ali still makes time for his family: his wife of 28 years, Ramona, and their two daughters, both in their 20s. As part of the Counter Professional of the Year award, Ali and his wife received an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas for AAPEX 2024. He was honored during the AWDA luncheon and was presented the award during the AMN/Counterman Counter Professional of the Year reception. The post Moe Ali Named 2024 Counter Professional of The Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm to Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts. The award was presented by AWDA Chairperson Ashlee Arnold on Nov. 3 at AWDA’s 2024 Annual Conference in Las Vegas. AWDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of many years, distinguished themselves through their unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Martin Fromm. Starting 52 years ago at the bottom and working her way up to the very top of the organization, Godschalk began in the aftermarket in the inventory control department and this year will go on to become CEO of Federated Auto Parts. She has experienced great success in an industry that has been traditionally dominated by men. Like many small business leaders, Godschalk wears numerous hats including managing financials, people, meetings, payments, rebates and much more. She’s a consensus builder who listens, contributes, pushes hard for what she believes in and then implements the plan better than nearly anyone else. Godschalk leads through servant leadership, collaboration and by putting the time in until the job is done. Like all great leaders, she seeks professionalism over popularity. She doesn’t seek the limelight and accomplishes far more than nearly everyone else, and for years has been able to set new standards working alongside her husband Herb. Godschalk had great mentors in Larry Pavey, Rusty Bishop and Art Fisher, as well as all of the Federated membership. Her team has benefited from being around such a highly capable person who is the perfect combination of a productive manager, worker bee, and intelligent team player. Great plans can often fail without excellent execution and Godschalk works the plan as well as anyone and deserves credit for all of her successes both personally and professionally. While working long hours, she finds time to support her church as the lector and the secretary of the parish council. She also loves to cook and entertain, and in high school, she was even a starter on her basketball team and the captain of their cheerleading squad. The independent aftermarket has a world-class “cheerleader” and an expert “player” in award winner Sue Godschalk. The post Sue Godschalk Receives AWDA Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented the 2024 Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education, to Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Products Services Group. The award was presented on Nov. 3 by AWDA Vice-Chair Fletcher Lord III at AWDA’s 2024 Annual Conference in Las Vegas. AWDA’s Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual that demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, the award grants scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University. Larry Pavey, CEO of the Automotive Parts Services Group, has spent his entire career in the automotive aftermarket, starting in sales at Walker Manufacturing, then on to the BWD division of Echlin. He served as vice president of marketing for the Borg Warner, Niehoff and Whitaker brands. With Pavey at the helm, Echlin’s brake business made more than 20 acquisitions, becoming the largest brake supplier in the aftermarket industry. He served as president of Echlin’s North American Operations and later president of Dana’s Under Vehicle Group. Today Pavey serves as CEO of the Automotive Parts Service Group, a joint venture between the National Pronto Association and the Federated Alliance. He has been active in many industry associations, serving on the boards of ASE, AAPA, MEMA, the Auto Care Association and the AWDA Board of Governors. In 2016 Pavey was presented with the Martin Fromm AWDA Lifetime Achievement Award and in 2018 he was presented with the Jack Creamer Leader of the Year Award. His commitment to the automotive aftermarket is long and varied. He has worked on both sides of the supply chain. He is a quiet but effective leader and teacher who has had a major impact on the industry. Pavey has the ability to look at the industry as a whole and strive to do what is best for everyone to help them succeed. The post AWDA’s 2024 Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education Presented to Larry Pavey appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2024 Pursuit of Excellence Award to Larry Pacey, president and CEO of NPW Companies. The award was presented by AWDA Secretary Cliff Hovis at the association’s 2024 Annual Conference on Nov. 3 in Las Vegas. Established in 1983, the Pursuit of Excellence Award is presented exclusively to an AWDA member for special achievement and for the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow, in business and in volunteer or advocacy efforts. More than 55 years ago, Larry Pacey founded NPW Companies, then known as National Carburetor Exchange, out of a 600-square-foot building. Pacey did everything from sales and collections to rebuilding carburetors entirely on his own. Five decades later, the company — still led by Pacey but now staffed by an effective team — boasts 30 locations across the United States and Canada, including more than 100 corporate and independently owned jobbers, and services nearly 200 Auto Value, Bumper to Bumper and Confidence Plus Certified Service Centers. With Pacey at the helm, NPW is one of the most expansive and fastest-growing warehouse distributor powerhouses in the nation. Pacey had a big vision for NPW Companies from the start. Within five years of founding, he evolved the business to include a retail parts store handling many performance lines. In 1974, the business became a warehouse distributor carrying all performance lines. Throughout the 1980s, Pacey grew the business through expansion into traditional parts and opened additional warehouses in Orlando and West Palm Beach, Florida. He added truck accessories to the company’s product offerings in 1998. In 2008, Pacey’s team acquired Southern Performance Warehouse, marking the beginning of the company’s quest to significantly expand their footprint. Over the next 10 years, the company completed more than 20 acquisitions in many different regions. Through the strategic acquisition, organic sales growth and strong leadership, the company became dominant in the aftermarket and continues to grow quickly, even amid the uncertainty of the pandemic. NPW Companies is known for its major industry-wide events, hosted by Pacey. At the company’s annual golf tournament, Pacey takes on all players on the “Beat the Boss” hole to ensure he gets to interact and play with every guest at the event. The company’s annual FAST Florida Automotive, Speed & Truck Expo brings in thousands of attendees. And the nearly 10-year-old Million Dollar Dinner, exclusive to vendor partners who do more than $1 million of business with NPW Companies, is a black-tie affair beloved by invitees. The company has also expanded its trade show presence to Canada. Pacey and his team are actively involved within the industry as he formerly served on the boards of the AWDA Board of Governors. Today, NPW operates in over 1,500,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space with 23 distribution centers, Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Canada. NPW services over 30,000 accounts in North America and several international markets. A team that size with that massive of a footprint needs a foundation to succeed and that begins with education and industry training. NPW, as a member of the Alliance and under Pacey’s leadership, has both orchestrated and attended three successful Alliance Aftermarket Jackpot Conventions in Las Vegas, bringing more than 6,000 technicians and shop owners to AAPEX over the years. As a member of the Alliance Board of Directors, Pacey’s leadership and belief in education was a driving force in bringing large contingents of shop, service and repair professionals to AAPEX and connecting them with their distributor partners and the manufacturers who operate in the aftermarket channel. Pacey and his team are Auto Care Political Action Committee (ACPAC) supporters, and are always seen on the hill as political advocates, actively engaging with both local and national lawmakers; advocating for H.R. 906 The REPAIR Act and the Technicians’ Right to Repair. NPW’s team under Pacey’s leadership and guidance are active supporters of The University of the Aftermarket and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, including the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper scholarship program, which in total has provided nearly $600,000 to students pursuing industry and secondary education. Pacey continues to sponsor Young Auto Care Networking Group (YANG) as well as Women in Auto Care (WiAC). Outside of the industry, Pacey supports the First Tee program in Miami, Florida, which is a youth development organization that enables kids to build strength of character by integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. His industry involvement is expansive and impressive company footprint are tributes to his success as a backbone and leader of the aftermarket. The post Larry Pacey Receives 2024 AWDA Pursuit of Excellence Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award to Cliff Hovis, president of Hovis Auto & Truck Supply in Mercer, Pennsylvania. The award was presented on Nov. 3 at AWDA’s 2024 Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award, formerly known as the “Leader of the Year,” on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President Jack Creamer. Presenting the award this year was 2023 recipient Mauro Cifelli, president of Vast-Auto in Quebec. The business was started in 1952 and has served Northwestern Pennsylvania ever since with 17 locations that focus on customer service, quality parts and experienced personnel. Hovis Auto and Truck Supply consistently provide training seminars in their dedicated facility that was opened in 2012 featuring the latest technology in both automotive and heavy duty. This creates an indelible bond with their customers and serves the industry by ensuring technicians can meet the demands of the latest technology. Hovis has been a tremendous advocate for Right to Repair by engaging his customers through in-person events, in fact his customer base generated over 1,000 letters to congress alone, adding in the social media side, and they have proven to be among the leaders in this effort. He has participated in both national and local advocacy efforts on this issue and is a tremendous spokesperson for the industry. Hovis has also been a loyal supporter of YANG, and his daughter Grace is showing her strength in industry service by recently completing her term as YANG chairperson. Hovis has also been an active member of the Auto Care board of directors, voicing his support of the AWDA community and association initiatives. His expansion into the HD and PBE markets has given the association a unique perspective to meet the needs of these critical segments of the industry. Hovis and his entire family operate their business with a foundation of integrity, which has allowed them to gain the trust of their customers, suppliers and the industry as a whole. The post Cliff Hovis Named AWDA’s 2024 Outstanding Leader appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NexaMotion Group (NMG) announced the acquisition of City Auto Supply, NexaMotion’s third acquisition of the year. The company has a total of three wholesale distributor locations: two in San Francisco, CA, and one in Honolulu, HI. City Auto Supply was represented by Schwartz Advisors, and the terms were not disclosed. City Auto Supply is a U.S. veteran-owned corporation founded in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1986. The company carries over 100,000 individual parts and is a leading distributor of automotive parts and supplies to the auto repair industry, the company said. “An organization like NexaMotion Group is a great partner for City Auto Supply customers and team members. Our business is strategically aligned with NexaMotion Group and its leaders, and most importantly, we share the same values,” City Auto Supply Owner Larry Chew said. “NexaMotion Group and its subsidiaries are known for providing top-quality parts and exceptional service in the aftermarket industry.” “This marks our fifth acquisition in the general repair space over the past 18 months, and we’re just getting started,” Neil Sethi, president and CEO of NexaMotion Group, said. “Our mission has always been to simplify complex vehicle repair, and with each acquisition, we strengthen our ability to serve customers more effectively. We’re eager for what the future holds as we continue to expand and innovate.” The post NexaMotion Group Acquires City Auto Supply appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article