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APA Celebrates Successes at Annual General Meeting
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view (APA) appointed Rich Echternacht, owner of Good Guys Auto Parts, to the APA Board of Directors. APA said he brings hands-on industry knowledge, entrepreneurial experience, and strong support for APA shareholders and TruStar members. APA described Echternacht as a longtime champion of independent automotive businesses. New Voice on the APA Board of Directors Brings Ground-Level Insight
Echternacht started his career in the automotive aftermarket as a counter trainee at NAPA. He gained firsthand industry knowledge from the ground up. In 2009, driven by a passion for customer service and a desire to build something of his own, he founded Good Guys Auto Parts. The business is located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Good Guys Auto Parts Joins APA in 2023
link hidden, please login to viewjoined APA in 2023 after Echternacht recognized the value of APA’s responsiveness. He especially appreciated APA’s advanced inventory modeling technology. The tool made a lasting impression and influenced his decision to join the organization. Board Role Strengthens Voice for Independent Businesses
“APA felt different from the start—they actually listened,” said Echternacht. “They were responsive, supportive, and offered tools that helped us operate smarter, such as inventory modeling. That’s why I’m excited to join the Board of Directors—to help ensure small businesses like mine continue to have a voice and the resources to thrive.”
APA Recognizes Grounded Leadership and Perspective
“Rich’s journey—from the counter to company owner—is one many of our members can relate to,” said Steve Tucker, president of
link hidden, please login to view. “He understands the challenges and opportunities our members face and brings a fresh, grounded perspective to the board. We’re proud to have him join our leadership.” Commitment to Diverse Member Representation
APA said Echternacht’s appointment shows its commitment to representing diverse voices across its membership. This includes owner-operators and independent automotive shops who rely on APA for support.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view is pleased to announce that Hamilton Discount Auto Parts ( link hidden, please login to view) joined as its newest shareholder. By joining APA, HDAP gains access to a suite of resources, strong supplier connections, and a community of like-minded independent distributors, elevating its ability to serve customers effectively. APA Welcomes New Shareholder HDAP, expanding its network. The Growth of HDAP
Khaled Abudagga founded HDAP in 2003. He started it as a single-location business in Hamilton, Ontario. Khaled, a former auto shop owner, transitioned into the parts-selling industry. His goal was to provide top-tier products and exceptional service. Over the years, HDAP grew and now operates 16 locations. Customers know the business for its reliability and dedication.
Why HDAP Joined APA
“HDAP joined APA because I was looking for a U.S. buying group that would provide more value for its shareholders,” said Khaled. “I saw APA and was impressed that it operated like a family business.”
Khaled Abudagga Joins the APA Board
In addition to joining APA, Abudagga now serves on the APA Board of Directors. His extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket adds value to the organization. His commitment to independent distributors strengthens the community.
APA Welcomes New Shareholder to Strengthen its Mission
“We are thrilled to welcome HDAP to the
link hidden, please login to view family,” said Steve Tucker, president of APA. “Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to a successful partnership.” The post
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By Counterman
APA announced Axon US as the newest addition to TruStar. Founded in 2008, Axon US began with a small office in Midtown Manhattan and a basement workspace in Long Island City. Its founder, Siyao Ji, started Axon independently, building the company from the ground up. He established the company with a clear vision: to create a streamlined supply chain system that efficiently meets the needs of the auto industry.
Axon initially operated solely as an online retailer but expanded its presence to better serve customers through offline channels. In 2021, the company moved into a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Queens to accommodate its growing inventory and improve order fulfillment. Today, Axon US serves both online and offline customers through its warehouse showroom, with plans to open a dedicated brick-and-mortar store that is aiming to open in Q4.
link hidden, please login to viewsaid Natasha Huang has been with Axon US for about six months as a buyer. Previously a salesperson for an Asian auto parts wholesale distributor, she joined Axon to deepen her understanding of the auto supply chain and continue growing in the industry. “Axon US is eager to expand its presence in the automotive industry by joining TruStar, fostering connections with other members and strengthening relationships with key brands,” said Huang.
“We are excited to welcome Axon US to the TruStar family and look forward to the collaboration and innovation they will bring to our network,” said Steve Tucker, President of APA.
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By Counterman
Automotive Parts Associates (APA) announced it is excited to “let the good times roll” with its 2025 Annual General Meeting, which will take place from March 21-23 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside hotel in New Orleans.
Each year, APA shareholders, TruStar members and valued supplier partners come together to mix, mingle, and network, and the 2025 AGM promises to deliver all that and more with a vibrant New Orleans twist,
link hidden, please login to view said. The meeting will kick off with a lively welcome reception followed by APA’s popular Date Night, where suppliers have the opportunity to take a shareholder or member to dinner for a more personal connection. Attendees will also hear valuable insights from industry leaders, added
link hidden, please login to view. Ted Hughes from the Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman from Morgan Stanley will provide updates on the state of the industry, while Rob Haslehurst from L.E.K. Consulting will discuss the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. In addition, cybersecurity expert Gary Beadle will deliver a timely presentation on protecting businesses in an increasingly digital world. Alongside these informative sessions, scheduled one-on-one meetings between shareholders, members and suppliers will allow for dedicated business discussions.
The meeting will conclude with a memorable awards dinner at the renowned National WWII Museum, where APA said it will celebrate outstanding achievements within its network. Guests can expect a night filled with celebration, fun and a dash of New Orleans charm.
“Our Annual General Meeting is more than just a gathering; it’s where connections are made, ideas are sparked, and partnerships thrive,” said Steve Tucker, president of APA. “By bringing our shareholders, members, and supplier partners together, we set the stage for shared success in the year ahead.”
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By Counterman
FleetPride, Inc. announced its annual supplier awards during its recent Supplier Summit at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and Resort in Grapevine, Texas. These companies were selected for their outstanding support and partnership with FleetPride over the last year, the company said.
“
link hidden, please login to view values our strategic supplier partnerships. Our annual supplier awards are an opportunity to recognize those who consistently provide exceptional support to us through field work, supply chain, digital or strategic initiatives,” says Michael Keller, FleetPride vice president of category management and strategic sourcing. “Congratulations to all of our award winners. We greatly appreciate your partnership.”
link hidden, please login to view named Dana Spicer Inc. as its Supplier of the Year, noting the company’s excellence in communication, partnership, innovation, training and growth. This included fielding thousands of customer calls via a real-time call center; driving product innovation while supporting program enhancements, special initiatives and marketing opportunities; and supporting FleetPride’s digital efforts using scorecard reporting to drive continuous improvement. “Dana Spicer excelled in all areas of partnership,” Keller says. “Their efforts were consistent through their support of our programs, marketing opportunities, field work, and other initiatives such as data management, and they committed to building strong working relationships. FleetPride values their partnership and we are pleased to name them as our supplier of the year.”
“We are honored to receive the supplier of the year award, recognizing our dedication to our strategic partnership with FleetPride,” says Bill Nunnery, senior director, aftermarket sales and marketing for Dana Spicer. “This award underscores our commitment to our customers, product innovation, superior marketing, and progressive digital solutions. It’s a testament to the hard work of our entire team. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration and delivering outstanding results together.”
FleetPride awarded several other suppliers for consistently driving communication, partnership, innovation, training and growth throughout the year:
Atmus Filtration: Focused on collaboration, strategic alignment and program management to deliver strong sales growth. Consistently aligned with FleetPride objectives by focusing on increased brand awareness and customer engagement. Conducted business reviews and provided field support, product expertise, training, hands-on assistance and marketing support. Baldwin: Delivered exceptional customer support as FleetPride’s most front-facing supplier in 2024. Worked closely with the Supply Chain team to ensure consistent shipping performance, and with our marketing team to create a strong digital program. Bendix: Provided valuable guidance related to product assortment and effective stocking strategies. Increased field engagement and created customer-specific training sessions with consistent focus on continuous improvement. Continental Battery: Focused on communication across the FleetPride organization to create value-add programs and drive high levels of internal and external customer satisfaction. DA Lubricants: Supported FleetPride’s sales team by creating and filming training videos while working closely with the supply chain team to ensure consistent and reliable on-time delivery and high in-stock rates. Dayton: Focused on mutual growth and building product assortment while supporting initiatives tied to providing data, supporting FleetPride’s digital platforms, and expanding various product categories. Grote: Launched innovative technology in the warning and visibility spaces, making roadways safer. Ensured FleetPride branches were equipped with new product displays by supporting restock efforts. Helped capture new business with ride-along opportunities. MAT: Supported FleetPride in reducing manual processes at the branch level to improve productivity. Managed a nationwide, dedicated training program, which supported customer-facing certifications and showed commitment to successful partnerships with sales teams. Focused on effective communication at every level of the organization. Muncie: Prioritized continuous improvement by identifying and overcoming challenges to ensure evolving supply chain and manufacturing processes. Supported our front lines by making numerous branch visits, conducting training and fieldwork, and fielding thousands of calls regarding sales opportunities, application requirements and technical support. Odyssey: Created new programs to gain incremental volume. Built strong partnerships at the strategic account and customer levels. Proactive approach with large customers produced unique, tailored solutions that underscore commitment to innovation and customer success. Ranger Brake: Actively collaborated with the field sales teams to meet special program and customer needs. With a “win-win” mindset, consistently proved their ability to keep pace with FleetPride’s sales growth, maintaining overall service levels, on-time delivery rates and first-fill rates. Stoughton Parts: Executed an assortment strategy that added thousands of products specifically for strategic accounts. They also focused on building relationships throughout FleetPride, helping drive year-over-year incremental growth.
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