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University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 Session Underway
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announces the promotion of Mike Maleski and Brandi Gangel to co-presidents, as well as the addition of Sam Littman as director of finance & operations. These strategic leadership changes underscore the company’s commitment to growth, innovation and operational excellence, while continuing its long-standing tradition of delivering impactful media solutions to the transportation industry. Babcox Media CEO, Bill Babcox, emphasized that Maleski’s and Gangel’s leadership, along with Littman’s financial and operational expertise, will be key to running effective and efficient operations while staying focused on creativity and growth.
“In today’s complex and ever-changing media landscape, having co-presidents allows us to maximize the unique strengths that both Mike and Brandi bring to the company,” Babcox said. “Their combined expertise in digital product development, data and marketing creates a winning combination for us. Additionally, we’re excited to welcome Sam Littman, whose fresh perspective and strategic consulting experience will support our ongoing evolution as we grow our business.”
Maleski joined Babcox Media in 2016 after a successful career in media and sports, including leadership roles at The Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Cleveland Cavaliers. With 30 years of experience in sales, digital marketing and media innovation, he has led Babcox Media’s digital transformation, developing ROI-driven strategies for advertisers and sponsors. As co-president, he will continue to build on these successes and lead the company’s sales and business development efforts.
“I am excited to step into this role alongside Brandi. Together, we’ll deliver forward-thinking media solutions for the markets we serve,” Maleski said. “Our focus on innovation, paired with the incredible talent across the company, positions Babcox Media as a leader in this space.”
Gangel, who joined Babcox Media in 2014, has been instrumental in the company’s audience data and marketing initiatives. With more than two decades of experience across the hospitality, retail and media industries, Gangel has proven expertise in data acquisition, development and integrated multimedia strategies. As co-president, she will spearhead the company’s audience-driven and customer-success strategies, leveraging data to implement informed and creative solutions.
“I’m honored to partner with Mike,” Gangel said. “Our industry is at an exciting crossroads, and I look forward to further developing our audience intelligence, content creation and marketing capabilities to drive results for our clients. I’m excited to tap into the strengths of our team and build upon our success.”
As director of finance & operations, Littman brings experience from Ernst & Young, where he worked as a management consultant. With a strong financial acumen and expertise in business process optimization and operational efficiency, he will play a critical role in supporting Babcox Media’s continued success.
“I’m thrilled to return to Northeast Ohio and join Babcox Media,” Littman said. “I look forward to working with the team to strengthen our operations and support the company’s ambitious growth plans.”
Babcox Media remains committed to evolving with the needs of its audience while staying true to its roots as a leading provider of innovative content and data solutions for the transportation industry.
For more information, visit babcox.com or contact Bill Babcox at 330.670.1234 x217 or [email protected].
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By Counterman
“Humans think AI is going to replace them,” says Mike Mohler, executive vice president and chief purchasing officer with the Automotive Parts Service Group.
“It won’t. Somebody using AI to be better than you will replace you.”
The integration of artificial intelligence in the aftermarket is more advanced than many people might realize, according to Mohler. It’s already yielding impressive results for those who are using it effectively. The primary challenge is not just the availability of data, but the effective use of that data to drive actionable insights and decisions. Mohler cites a report from Accenture showing that AI-driven price optimization can result in a 5% increase in gross margin and a 15% boost in revenue.
“You look at some of our competitors, and they’re able to post comparatively outrageous profit margins,” says Mohler. “They’re using AI for logistical prowess. They’re using it for customer service. They’re using it to get the right pricing in play.”
The ability to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data analysis is a major advantage of AI. Data scientists in the aftermarket industry are increasingly using the technology to turn large sets of data into actionable insights. This includes identifying market trends, customer preferences and operational inefficiencies. The application of AI in this area can lead to better strategic planning and improved business outcomes. Mohler says those applications can have a significant impact on profitability.
“Let’s say the average WD would have a 25-45% gross profit margin, given their business model. Some competitors are posting 58%. AI is going to be the tool to help them catch up. We’ve got to get to 53% minimum, I think. That’s a rarefied position, but it’s been tested by some of the smartest people that I know, and it should be achievable when we’re planning and we’re hoping that it is,” Mohler explains.
A Customer Experience Revolution
AI’s application extends to customer service as well. Chatbots and virtual assistants are now commonplace, offering customers quick and efficient service. These AI-driven tools have evolved to the point where they can engage in conversations that are increasingly indistinguishable from human interaction.
“I wonder how many people know that they’re talking to a chatbot when they’re talking to a chatbot?,” asks Mohler.
Navigating the Risks
Despite its advantages, AI’s integration into the aftermarket raises several concerns. Cybersecurity is one of them, as increased reliance on data systems introduces new vulnerabilities.
“We have employees with access to the internet at a thumb’s notice, and if we’re not careful, they can mistakenly click on something that could disrupt our business for months,” Mohler explains.
Mohler also expresses concerns about protecting intellectual property. Misuse of data or inadequate protection against competitive eavesdropping could undermine trust and impact the industry’s integrity.
“Once the data hits the public domain, how do we protect it and how do we make sure that it’s not being used against us? How do we know that we’re not enabling our competitor who’s able to electronically eavesdrop on one another like never before?,” asks Mohler.
Envisioning AI’s Next Steps
Mohler stresses that AI’s influence on the aftermarket is only in its infancy. Over the next 5-10 years, he envisions an advancement from a basic understanding of AI as an algorithmic tool to more specialized applications tailored to industry-specific needs.
“So my thought would be that companies would have their own internalized GPTs and industries would have their own internalized GPTs. My hope is also that we will become as skilled at selling to disembodied customers via e-commerce as we are at selling to them when they’re across the counter from us or in our stores,” Mohler says.
Mohler references the seven stages of AI when looking ahead to the technology’s impact on the aftermarket.
“When it comes to supply chain, when it comes to logistically moving products around, when it comes to optimizing sale price, optimizing customer service, my hope is that we will be a little closer to stage seven. Right now, we’re really at stage one and a half, maybe two,” says Mohler.
As the technology evolves, moving beyond its current capabilities, AI’s exact impact on the aftermarket, and countless other industries, will be even more profound. Companies that invest in AI and adapt to its changes will be well-positioned to thrive in the future of the automotive aftermarket.
“It’s incumbent upon us to understand AI and to become data scientists ourselves, because everybody’s got access to the data. Whoever can use the most disparate sources for the best outcomes is going to win in my overall view of it,” says Mohler.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced that Jeff Koviak will assume the role of CEO effective January 1, 2025, replacing retiring CEO Larry Pavey.
link hidden, please login to view is a joint partnership between the Federated Alliance and The Pronto Network, and is made up of 300 member companies with over 5,000 locations and 80,000 employees primarily in North America. In his new role, Koviak will be dedicated to driving strategic initiatives for The Group membership that “will maximize future revenue growth while simultaneously streamlining internal systems and resources to reduce redundancy throughout the organizations,” according to a news release announcing his appointment.
“We feel Jeff is the ideal candidate to move The Group toward the original goal of strategically unifying the traditional aftermarket partners while still respecting the unique strengths that each of the individual groups offer in their marketplace,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts.
“Jeff comes to us with an exceptional background,” added Robert Roos, president and CEO of The Pronto Network. “During his 30-year career at Tenneco/DRiV, he built strong, long-term, trusting relationships with all of our members, and we are excited to have him join forces with our teams.”
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced its upcoming Automotive Summit, which will bring together automotive industry leaders and experts for a one-day event featuring insightful discussions and networking opportunities on Oct. 3 in Midland, Michigan. Organized by the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS) at Northwood University, the
link hidden, please login to view will cover a range of key topics facing the automotive industry today, including retail trends, dealer relations, F&I, compliance and regulations, and the state of the automotive aftermarket sector. “The CAMS industry Summit is a unique opportunity for industry professionals and future leaders to come together and explore the dynamics shaping the automotive landscape,” said Dr. Matthew Bennett, vice president of strategic alliances and CAMS. “Northwood University is committed to fostering meaningful dialogue that drives innovation and growth in this critical sector.”
The CAMS Industry Summit will kick off at 8 a.m. Oct. 3 with networking and coffee, followed by a series of sessions featuring prominent industry figures, Northwood University said, including:
-Shannon Robertson, executive vice president, Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP)
-Jeff Beals, senior vice president, professional services, CDK Global
-Brian Benstock, general manager and vice president, Paragon Honda & Acura
-Mike Cavanaugh, regional vice president, Lithia and Driveway
-Rebecca Chernek, vice president, strategic client relations, Agora Data
-Eric Flow, president of management services, Flow Automotive Companies
-Adam Genei, owner, Mobsteel/Detroit Steel Wheel Co.
-Don Hall, owner, Don Hall Automotive Group, and president/CEO of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association (VADA)
–Grace Huang, president, inventory solutions, Cox Automotive
-Ted Hughes,
link hidden, please login to view (AWDA) executive director, and senior director of community engagement for the link hidden, please login to view
-Ted Ings, founder, Ted Ings’ Fixed Ops Roundtable
-David Jett, senior vice president, Stephens Inc.
-Tom Kline, founder, Better Vantage Point
-Bob Kron, president and chief operating officer for The Rydell Company, and
-Shawn Leibold, director of industry relations, Reynolds and Reynolds Summit attendees will gain insights from panel discussions on various subjects, including “Current Trends in Automotive Retail,” “F&I, Compliance & Regulations,” “Current Trends in Automotive Aftermarket,” and “Dealer Relationships & The Customer Experience.”
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