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By Counterman
Advance Auto Parts announced it has completed the store closure phase of its transformation plan and is entering its next phase of returning to growth. The company said optimization of the retail footprint was key to Advance’s broader transformation plan to reposition the company for long-term success. Now, more than 75% of the company’s stores are in markets where the company has the No. 1 or No. 2 position based on store density, strengthening its presence in strategic communities.
With that phase complete, Advance said it now expects to open 30 new locations in the United States in 2025 and at least an additional 100 new locations through 2027, including larger “market hubs.”
Since the beginning of this year,
link hidden, please login to view has opened six new stores in Florida, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia. Over the next several months, the company said it expects to open additional stores to serve customers across communities in Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. Advance added it is also continuing the expansion of market hubs with new openings soon in the Midwest. These larger stores will increase availability of parts by placing approximately 75,000 to 85,000 SKUs closer to customers and other local Advance stores, as well as improve Advance’s speed of service with same-day delivery of parts. By comparison, typical Advance stores carry between 20,000 to 25,000 SKUs.
“Advance Auto Parts is on the path to accelerate store growth and focused on the fundamentals of selling auto parts,” said
link hidden, please login to view. “We are excited about what’s to come for Advance. Our team members are committed to providing the right parts and the right service for our PRO and DIY customers in their communities.” In addition to new store openings, Advance said it is creating a better customer experience. The company’s previously announced incremental capital expenditure plan includes additional investments in existing stores related to IT infrastructure, equipment, store repairs, and improved inventory and delivery. The company said it is also providing additional training to team members to enhance customer experience.
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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.
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By Counterman
In partnership with NAPA,
link hidden, please login to view the Babcox Media brand serving professional independent automotive shop owners, is seeking to recognize and celebrate the vital role of mentorship in the automotive service industry. The ShopOwner Mentorship Award sponsored by NAPA will honor exceptional automotive shop owners, service advisors and technicians who are actively investing in the future of their profession by mentoring the next generation of automotive professionals.
link hidden, please login to view are open now. “The automotive industry faces a significant skills gap,” said Emily Schneider, Senior Director of Marketing at NAPA. “Experienced professionals are critical to guiding and supporting young technicians and students entering the field. This award is our way of recognizing and celebrating those individuals who are making a real difference. We are excited to partner with proponents of industry partnerships – ShopOwner and Tomorrow’s Technician – to encourage ongoing mentorship programs.”
The Mentorship Award celebrates automotive professionals dedicated to mentoring and developing future technicians in-house as well as through partnerships with vocational and technical schools. It is open to automotive shops of all sizes and affiliations in the 50 United States, recognizing mentorship’s vital role in fostering talent and strengthening the industry.
Two nominees will be recognized each month in print, digital and video formats. One nominee will be named the 2025 winner, and will be recognized by NAPA and ShopOwner at a special event to be held later in the year.
“Many shop owners struggle to find good people at any time, let alone during an ongoing labor shortage,” said Doug Kaufman, editorial director of ShopOwner. “Even when they do find an ideal candidate, they don’t have any guarantee of a good fit. Instead of perpetuating a revolving door of transitory ‘jobs,’ we are looking to celebrate a commitment to building careers through training and mentoring.”
For more information about the award and nomination process or to enter, visit
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By Counterman
Auto-Wares Group of Companies announced its 2024 Supplier Award winners. This year, six companies were recognized for their collaboration, contributions and success throughout the year. The awards were voted on by the Auto-Wares store, sales and leadership teams and presented at the Auto-Wares Group of Companies’ Tech Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Feb. 7-8, 2025, with an attendance of over 2,500 service technicians, parts store owners and other automotive aftermarket professionals.
link hidden, please login to view announced Gates as its Supplier of the Year for 2024. Gates has consistently provided Auto-Wares with high-quality products and exceptional customer support and service, Auto-Wares said. “We are honored to receive this prestigious award from one of our key partners,” said Colby Florea, vice president of sales at Gates. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work put in daily by everyone at Gates to ensure our partners like Auto-Wares have the support needed to enable us to win together.”
“Gates has been and will continue to be a tremendous partner with Auto-Wares. They have an excellent team and a strong desire to help our company grow,” said Todd Leimenstoll, president and CEO of Auto-Wares Group of Companies. “Together, we’ve accomplished great things in 2024 and look forward to what the future brings together.”
Auto-Wares 2024 Supplier Award Winners
2024 Supplier of the Year: Gates 2024 Rising Star Supplier of the Year: Mevotech/MacPherson Ride 2024 Sales & Marketing Supplier of the Year: DRiV 2024 Data & Technology Supplier of the Year: Standard Motor Products 2024 Outstanding Shipping Supplier of the Year: Bosch 2024 Rep of the Year: Glen Roy, NRS 2024 Supplier of the Year: Gates 2024 Rising Star Supplier of the Year: Mevotech/MacPherson Ride 2024 Sales & Marketing Supplier of the Year: DRiV 2024 Data & Technology Supplier of the Year: Standard Motor Products 2024 Outstanding Shipping Supplier of the Year: Bosch 2024 Rep of the Year: Glen Roy, NRS
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By Counterman
National Auto Parts Warehouse (NPW) hosted a weekend of events Jan. 31-Feb. 2 to celebrate and honor its vendors and customers. Following NPW’s
link hidden, please login to view on Jan. 31, the company held its Vendor Appreciation Dinner and Customer awards on Feb. 1, in Miami, Fla. “It means the world to us to do business with you,” said
link hidden, please login to view President and CEO Chris Pacey as he opened the awards ceremony. “You’re not just a vendor. It’s not just a relationship. It’s a friendship. Many of you have done business with our family for many years. I can tell you we take that very seriously. We look forward to growing this company with your support.”
The Vendor Award Winners Include:
Training Support Vendor of the Year: Dorman Technology Support Vendor of the Year: Gates Marketing & Logistics Vendor of the Year: DRiV Customer Service Vendor of the year: SMP Inventory Management Vendor of the Year: BBB Engine/Performance Vendor of the Year: Melling Traditional Parts Vendor of the Year: DuraGo Sales Account Manager of the Year: Mike Wamsley, NA Williams NPW’s gala weekend concluded with the annual FAST Expo at the Miami Airport Convention Center. The expo returned as a live event this year, with more than 80 exhibitors, after being digital in 2024. Visitors got to enjoy a trade show, race simulators, live engine build, car show and a portable dynamometer. Photos from the event, as well as the awards ceremony, can be seen below.
NPW Vendor Award Winners:
From Left: Larry Pacey, Danielle Rickerson, Dorman Products’ Matisse Dornier-Duff and Nico Dolciato, John Pacey, Chris Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Gates’ Daniel Farr, Bob Watson and Gladden Summerlin, Larry Pacey, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey. From Left: DRiV’s Marco Botello, Leo Santiago, Kyle Vandecaveye, Rob Rotan and Charles Sargent, Danielle Rickerson, DRiV’s Ryan Jones and Chuck Hawkins, John Pacey, Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey. From Left: SMP’s Ward Armstrong, Chris Pacey, Danielle Rickerson, SMP’s Nory Rivera and Larry Sills, Larry Pacey, SMP’s Paul Farwick, John Pacey, SMP’s Matt Robinson. From Left: Larry Pacey, BBB’s Josh Castrillo and Guy Balsome, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey, Chris Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey, Melling’s Doug Smith and Laura Short, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey, DuraGo’s Brian Hendrickson, Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey. From Left: Chris Pacey, Larry Pacey, NA Williams’ Dan Murrell and Mike Wamsley; Danielle Rickerson, John Pacey.
FAST Expo Photo Gallery:
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