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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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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view, through Northwood University, is holding Session I of its Leadership 2.0 course. The first five-day session continues through August 15. Northwood calls the class in tactical leadership for the aftermarket “a tremendous learning experience, with excellent presenters and supporters.” Leadership 2.0 includes a blend of industry research and market analysis, discussion and debate on the challenges confronting the light vehicle and heavy-duty aftermarket. Also discussed are competitive strategies, interpersonal communication skills, contract negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational culture, cyber-security best practices, insight into supply chain solutions, and other industry topics and trends.
Jennifer Cothran, the director of content at The Pronto Network, provided her account of the first day of the session:
“I am beyond excited to see what this week has in store for us. We kicked off today’s event with meeting our colleagues and opened with an exciting and inspiring conversation with two of Northwood’s best – Dr. Thomas Litzinger who encouraged us to be open this week, and from James O’Dell and what we could look forward on having an engaged class – on our own or with his help.
They saved the best for last as we heard from Lisa Foshee from the Auto Care Association. Her unique take on leadership and relating them to the game of basketball – Show up and BE present, DO bold things, and DO what you say you’re going to DO – were some of the takeaways. I can’t say I’ve talked about basketball that much before and based on her stories I’m glad I’m not a fan of her team’s rival! Hearing from other colleagues also sharing their perspectives from making all interactions personal, to a good/bad “Dad” joke, a coloring book to a just simple “hi, how are you?” can be bold moves to show presence and create those important relations and moments.
Not all of us can show up for their family to build a kitchen before we left for Leadership 2.0 as one of our attendees did, but taking time away from family and work to attend this “life changing” event is definitely a bold adventure for all of us. I’m looking forward to learning other unique experiences from the lineup of amazing speakers and from my fellow colleagues in attendance.
Thank you to AWDA for this amazing opportunity as a scholarship recipient and to The Pronto Network and the team left at home to take care of business. And, lastly, to my family who I’ve left at home – Thank you for taking on additional responsibilities for me to take advantage of this opportunity as learning never stops!
Session II of Leadership 2.0 will be held March 11-16, 2025.
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By Counterman
Photo caption: Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association (pictured on the right), teaches an automotive aftermarket course during a recent visit to Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.
Leaders from the Auto Care Association recently visited Northwood University to meet with students enrolled in automotive aftermarket courses.
Auto Care President and CEO Bill Hanvey was the guest lecturer for several Northwood University automotive aftermarket courses at its Midland, Michigan, campus, alongside several Auto Care Association team members.
“One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is preparing the next generation of leadership for our industry,” said Hanvey. “Northwood University students are engaging, intelligent and care deeply about their career potential. The entire university staff is fully invested in their success and opportunities for industry leaders to share their experiences with the students are invaluable for the students and the executive as well. We are thrilled at the level of collaboration between Northwood and Auto Care to bring necessary training and education to the men and women both in the industry now, and those considering a career in the future.”
Hanvey was joined by Ted Hughes, senior director, community engagement, Auto Care Association and executive director, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA); Amanda Bischoping, director, education, Auto Care Association; and Jonathan Larsen, vice president, standards and digital products, Auto Care Association.
The Auto Care Association team met with students enrolled in the following courses:
Aftermarket Manufacturing Management, which explores the role manufacturers play in the aftermarket and what business functions they employ; Category Management, which prepares students for the role of product manager through inventory modeling techniques and data analysis; and Aftermarket management research, which teaches students research techniques to form a hypothesis and sample the data to reject or not reject the hypothesis. “Northwood University is beyond grateful for the Auto Care Association team,” stated Thomas Litzinger, executive director, University of the Aftermarket and Northwood University aftermarket industry chair. “We appreciate the team coming to campus and interacting with our students. It is very beneficial and meaningful for our students to meet industry executives, learn about the aftermarket on such a high level, and discover their passion and dedication to our industry. Experiential learning opportunities like this are what set our students apart and help them become the future leaders of our industry.”
The global market value of the aftermarket industry currently exceeds $400 billion. Northwood’s
link hidden, please login to view is the only one of its kind. Students in this program are fueled by their passions for cars, the aftermarket and turning their passion into a future career. The program has a nearly 100% employment rate for all graduates in the program, according to Northwood.
James O’Dell, assistant director, aftermarket education, Northwood University, noted that part of its students’ success is because Northwood helps them engage in real-world experiences and to network with industry leaders such as Hanvey, Hughes, Bischoping and Larsen.
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By Counterman
The University of Aftermarket, through Northwood University announced that registration is open for many upcoming professional-development opportunities.
“Continuous education, or life-long learning as it is referred to by some, is the foundation of employee engagement, retention and life satisfaction,” stated Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket and the aftermarket education industry chair at Northwood University.
Litzinger noted that Northwood’s University of the Aftermarket coursework helps businesses introduce newer employees to the automotive aftermarket; facilitate their tactical leadership development; and assist them on their journey from tactical leadership into strategic visionary.
“Northwood faculty, aftermarket industry executives and thought leaders will deliver our coursework,” Litzinger added. “Our sessions will guide your team on how they can achieve better results and create their competitive advantage. Team projects, mutual collaboration, innovation and robust debate are integral features of our coursework.”
The following University of Aftermarket programming is scheduled through the summer.
Leadership 2.0/Session 2
The Leadership 2.0 experience includes a blend of industry research and market analysis, lively discussion and debate on the challenges confronting the light-vehicle and heavy-duty aftermarket; competitive strategies; interpersonal communication skills; contract negotiations; conflict resolution; organizational culture; cybersecurity best practices; insight into supply chain solutions; and other challenging and evolving industry topics and trends.
This course runs from March 10-14. The deadline to register is Feb. 23, and participants must have previously completed Leadership 2.0 Session 1.
Consumer Behavior
The Consumer Behavior course will explore the consumer behavior theory, including the introduction of behavioral models to investigate the consumer psychology. This includes application of consumer behavior principles to customer satisfaction, market planning and merchandise-mix decisions.
Ethical, diversity and international issues are also explored.
The course is scheduled for March 18 through May 12.
Selling & Sales Management
The Selling & Sales Management course will develop students’ competencies in professional selling theory and approaches, presentation skills and sales management techniques.
The course focuses on developing and maintaining relationships with customers and management of the process of finding, converting and keeping customers while achieving the organization’s goals. Communication techniques, career planning, selling strategies and tactics as well as sales duties and responsibilities are included.
The course is scheduled for March 18 through May 12.
The Culture of Leadership
The Culture of Leadership course consists of an analysis of organizational factors that influence leadership and management skills. Key aspects include formal and informal groups, norms, sanctions, organizational change, morale, function of committees and teams, role of unilateral decisions, team work, empowerment, and ethical philosophy. It also includes a self-appraisal of leadership and management strengths and areas for development.
The course is scheduled for March 18 through May 12.
Aftermarket Field Sales Management
The Aftermarket Field Sales Management course examines the field sales manager’s job activities. Subjects include selling skills, expense management, time management, merchandising/advertising plans, sales-report writing/sales-forecast plans, tradeshow management and human resource skills.
The course is scheduled for March 18 through May 12.
The deadline to register for any of the above four courses (Consumer Behavior; Selling & Sales Management; the Culture of Leadership; and Aftermarket Field Sales Management) is March 4.
Aftermarket 101
Aftermarket 101 is an introduction to the motor-vehicle aftermarket.
Students who attend this class will develop a firm knowledge of the breadth, depth and scope of the automotive aftermarket including channels of retail, e-commerce and traditional distribution; sales development skills and opportunities; current and future industry trends; a brief introduction to the heavy-duty segment; and the opportunities and challenges facing our service dealers.
This two-day course will be held May 20-21. The deadline to register for the course is May 6.
Heavy-Duty 101
Through Heavy-Duty 101, students will develop a solid understanding of the scope of the HD/CV motor-vehicle aftermarket.
Students will be able to diagram and illustrate the channels of retail, e-commerce and traditional distribution; differentiate and interpret how key industry players contribute to the industry; discuss key initiatives and market strategies within the heavy-duty market; examine challenges and opportunities facing the professional service dealer; demonstrate an understanding the benefits associated with developing a professional sales network; and learn to distinguish themselves from the competition and dominate the marketplace.
The two-day course is scheduled for May 22-23. The deadline to register is May 8.
INFUSION 2024
INFUSION is a high-level executive development series designed to assist leaders transition into strategic visionaries by formulating strategies to prepare them to become much more efficient and proficient at leading their organization. Participants will discuss how to demonstrate knowledge in creating innovative tactics to achieve better results for their organization.
The course is constructed to analyze varying approaches to critical topics; design clear outcomes; appraise better results; develop ground-breaking strategic visionary skills; create dynamic organization cultures; measure the adverse impacts of organizational isolation; diagram state-of-the-art cybersecurity stratagems; compare best practices in supply chain management; express knowledge in mergers and acquisitions; evaluate their corporate strategy; and differentiate their competitive advantage from their competition.
The five-day course is scheduled for June 2-6. The deadline to register is May 10.
Aftermarket Data Standards
This program was developed for aftermarket catalog managers and product-information professionals who would like to sharpen their knowledge and management of the industry data standards – ACES and PIES. Learners will become familiar with the Auto Care databases and how to effectively use them in their day-to-day work.
To take this class, attendees must have already taken Introduction to ACES and PIES 101.
This is a two-day class, and the registration deadline is June 4.
Heavy-Duty Leadership 2.0
This five-day course is a cornerstone of the industry’s efforts to foster the development of a new generation of tactical leaders who will help drive the HD/CV aftermarket to new heights of excellence in leadership and performance.
HD/CV Leadership 2.0 is an intense and intellectually stimulating leadership development program that is specifically designed for the heavy-duty motor-vehicle aftermarket professional.
The course will be facilitated by top heavy-duty industry leaders, coveted thought leaders and Northwood University’s faculty. This unique collaboration allows for an intensive course that is specifically focused on advancing tactical leaders who are motivated to purposely perform at achieving key organizational outcomes and objectives across all levels of the HD/CV motor-vehicle aftermarket.
Heavy Duty Leadership 2.0 is scheduled to take place July 14-18. The deadline to register is June 28.
Leadership 2.0/Session 1
Leadership 2.0 is comprised of two five-day sessions. Session I will be facilitated at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan.
The course consists of robust discussion and learning related to the challenges and opportunities confronting the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket.
The Leadership 2.0 experience includes a blend of industry research and market analysis; lively discussion and debate on the challenges confronting the light vehicle and heavy-duty aftermarket; competitive strategies; interpersonal communication skills; contract negotiations; conflict resolution; organizational culture; cybersecurity best practices; insight into supply chain solutions; and other challenging and evolving industry topics and trends.
Session 1 is scheduled to take place Aug. 11-15.
Session II will be held March 11-16, 2025, at a location that is still to be determined.
The deadline to register for Session 1 is July 26.
James O’Dell, assistant director of aftermarket education at Northwood University, explained the University of Aftermarket has five pillars: introduction to the motor-vehicle aftermarket; data; tactical leadership development; executive development; and organizational development.
“The courses being offered this year fit within these pillars to best serve the automotive aftermarket industry,” O’Dell added.
Registration links, as well as full descriptions of all University of Aftermarket courses, are online here:
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, announced its pledge of support to Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket by donating four scholarships for industry professionals to participate in the university’s upcoming Leadership 2.0 program.
The Leadership 2.0 program is a cornerstone in the industry’s efforts to foster the development of a new generation of visionary executives who will help drive the aftermarket to new levels.
“The University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 program are two of the most valuable weeks an aftermarket professional can participate in to enhance their personal and professional skill set,” said Ashlee Arnold, vice president at Arnold Oil Company of Austin, and chairperson for AWDA. “A big part of what makes the Leadership 2.0 program special is having the perspective from all channels of our industry, including the shop owners. This makes our entire industry stronger.”
AWDA continues its leadership position within the industry by advocating for and supporting events and initiatives that support the entire industry. 2023 marks the continuation of a years-long contribution to the Leadership 2.0 program, a program that is attended by all different segments of our industry from manufacturers to retailers and distributors, technicians, as well as agencies and any other aftermarket professional.
“Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket is pleased to announce our collaboration with AWDA by promoting professional development within our aftermarket industry,” said Thomas Litzinger, executive director for the University of the Aftermarket. “We recognize AWDA’s tremendous support by acknowledging their willingness to provide scholarships to aftermarket professionals who can personally benefit from our Leadership 2.0 coursework, but also ultimately provide value to their organization and our industry. We appreciate AWDA’s vision for education and their commitment to developing the future leaders of our industry.”
The 2023-2024 AWDA Leadership 2.0 scholarship recipients are:
Brandon Burton, Mastertek Auto Repair Steven Lam, Parts Authority Tony Odom, Parts Authority Blake Pugh, Tri-County Auto & Truck Parts AWDA represents the top distributors and manufacturers of motor vehicle parts nationwide. The 76-year-old organization is a key segment of the Auto Care Association.
Learn more about AWDA at
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