Jump to content

  • Welcome to Auto Parts Forum

    Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. 

     

Recommended Posts

Posted

rssImage-70c0b1a1d53866af59dd0c9d154c006f.jpeg

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 view
joined 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.

The post

link hidden, please login to view
appeared first on
link hidden, please login to view
.

link hidden, please login to view

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Similar Topics

    • 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
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      The APA/Trustar 2025 Annual Meeting, held March 21-24 in New Orleans at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, was a success on many levels, from recognizing supplier and shareholder achievements to forging and renewing business partnerships. Automotive Parts Associates said it prides itself on prioritizing in-person connection opportunities for members, suppliers and shareholders, with this event being an ideal forum for networking.
      Guests heard from leaders across the industry, including Ted Hughes with the Auto Care Association and Simeon Gutman with Morgan Stanley. Group sessions on topics ranging from electric vehicles to cybersecurity were offered, as well as the opportunity for one-on-one meetings between members, shareholders and suppliers.
      “The business is still people to people, and I think get-togethers like this prove that even more. A lot of business was written, a lot of friendships renewed, and a lot of business relationships renewed, so we had a lot of fun,” said
      link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view President Steve Tucker. “We did a lot of business and it was good to see everybody get together. We had a little over 300 people total in attendance and multiple countries [represented], including Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Canada.” The long weekend was capped off by a special awards banquet hosted at the WWII Museum. Attendees wined and dined under restored war planes and got a chance to view one of the exhibits. After dinner, an awards ceremony was held to honor those making significant achievements in the past year.
      DENSO came home with the coveted “APA Supplier of the Year” Award, saying it’s through hard work and good partnerships through
      link hidden, please login to view that they are able to accomplish everything over the past 365 days. “It just shows that everybody’s efforts are recognized from my sales guys to the people in the warehouse, to all the key functional departments in our business. It’s a team effort, and to be recognized from this group is super important,” Jose Ramirez, senior manager of light-duty and heavy-duty aftermarket sales for DENSO, said. “For us, it’s a big deal, but I think it’s something for all of us to be proud of as a company. Not just the sales guys, but everybody.”
      “We value our suppliers, we value our shareholders and members. We are able to get to come together and promote the industry and promote the business as one,” Tucker said.
      All of the award winners from this year’s gala, as well as additional images, are showcased below.
      2025 Supplier Awards
      APA Supplier of the Year Award – DENSO Distinguished OE Partner Award – Hitachi Outstanding Marketing Partner Award – Bosch Cornerstone Award – Standard Motor Products Ambassador Award – Wheeler Fleet Solutions Technology Award – Pricedex Phoenix Award – Holstein Parts APA Supplier Champion Award – David Arriaga APA Shooting Star Award – Judy Sanell 2025 Shareholder Awards
      Dan Freeman Excellence Award – Singh Auto Parts
      Milestone Awards – 80 Years APA Shareholder
      AB&S Warehouse Factory Motor Parts Milestone Awards – 30 Years APA Shareholder
      Royal Auto Parts Schulz Motor Parts Wheeler Fleet Solutions Tinker Auto Parts Milestone Awards – 10 Years APA Shareholder
      Ideal Auto Parts Inc. Victory Imported Parts New Shareholder
      Bob’s Speed & Auto Parts Hamilton Discount Auto Parts New TruStar Members
      Parts Universe Technology Auto Parts Axon US The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • 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.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By OReilly Auto Parts
      SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (the “Company” or “O’Reilly”) (Nasdaq: ORLY), a leading retailer in the automotive aftermarket industry, today announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved a 15-for-1 split of its common stock, to be effected in the form of a one-time special stock dividend.

      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      AIT announced the addition of five professionals to its team. The company said these individuals bring a wealth of expertise and proven success, further strengthening its mission to deliver exceptional value to its customers and partners. 
      Rick Stempien, Vice President of Sales – Retailers
      Stempien joins
      link hidden, please login to view with over 20 years of leadership experience in sales and business development while at First Brands, Hopkins Manufacturing and Trico. Known for his exceptional ability to drive market share growth and cultivate strong customer relationships, Stempien will lead retailer-focused sales initiatives and deepen engagement with our retail partners, according to AIT. Mark Roach, Marketing Director
      Roach brings nearly a decade of experience in the automotive aftermarket, with a strong background in brand strategy, digital marketing and content development. Before joining AIT/TrakMotive, he held key marketing roles at Schaeffler and International Lubricants, where he played a pivotal role in driving brand growth and market engagement. His strategic vision and expertise will be instrumental in elevating
      link hidden, please login to view’s marketing initiatives and strengthening industry presence, the company said. Tracy Beecroft, Senior Key Account Manager
      Beecroft joins AIT/TrakMotive with a proven track record in managing high-profile accounts while employed at Dana, BorgWarner/Delphi and Lumileds Philips. Her extensive experience in developing strategic partnerships, executing successful product launches and driving revenue growth will be instrumental in advancing retailer relationships, according to AIT.
      Stephen DiSorbo, Key Account Manager
      DiSorbo brings a diverse background in sales and category management, with experience at organizations like GKN, BorgWarner/Delphi and Eaton. His expertise in product launches, line expansions and bridging sales with category strategy gives him a unique ability to drive growth, strengthen retailer partnerships and translate market needs into actionable opportunities, AIT said.
      William Zhu, Strategy and Business Intelligence – Manager
      Zhu brings a strong background in operations transformation and management consulting. Before joining AIT/Trakmotive, he was part of Accenture’s Strategy & Consulting practice, where he specialized in generative AI, risk and compliance, and business process optimization. His experience within the automotive aftermarket began in 2013 when he spent the summer as a factory worker at Ningbo Wonh Industries Co., Ltd., part of the AIT/TrakMotive family of companies. This unique blend of industry experience and functional expertise positions him to drive impactful initiatives that will support AIT/TrakMotive’s continued growth, the company said.
      With AIT/TrakMotive’s continued growth, the company said it is expanding its sales, marketing and strategy operations to better serve its customers. Its traditional aftermarket accounts will continue to be led by Vice President of Sales Kent Talley and his team, ensuring the same trusted support and expertise our partners rely on. Meanwhile, Vice President of Retail Sales Rick Stempien and his team will focus on strengthening relationships with retail partners, enhancing AIT/TrakMotive’s ability to serve this important segment.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view

×
  • Create New...