Counterman

NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) has announced the appointment of two individuals to the leadership team. Megan McDonald, an NGK associate for more than 23 years, has been promoted to general manager of corporate planning. In this newly created role, McDonald will serve as a leadership team member and be responsible for the successful execution of NGK’s critical business initiatives from planning through implementation, expediting NGK’s decision-making process, creating transparency and optimizing its risk management. “I am pleased to announce that Megan McDonald has accepted the general manager of corporate planning position,” said Paul Abbott, NGK director strategic planning and administration. “Megan has played a vital role in developing and implementing the project management team, adopting a technical APQP skill set to support corporate and enterprise-wide projects. We are excited to have her in this expanded role as her skill set will be further utilized to support our company’s risk management structure.” Alex Sanchez Salazar has joined the company as general manager of internal audit. In his new role, Sanchez Salazar is responsible for providing consult, audit and advisory services to effectively identify and address significant risks to the company across all business units. Sanchez Salazar joins NGK Spark Plugs with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing finance and compliance. “Alex Sanchez Salazar comes to us with extensive expertise in finance of the manufacturing sector,” said Ron Laboda, NGK vice president of finance and IT. “I am excited to have Alex join NGK and lead our internal audit team. I know his strong financial acumen will safeguard our company assets minimizing risk while continuously improving our internal controls and business processes.” The post NGK Spark Plugs Makes Leadership Appointments appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Eric Sills, president and chief executive officer at Standard Motor Products Inc. (SMP), received the 2022 AASA Member Advocacy Award on Nov. 2 at AAPEX show in Las Vegas. “Eric has taken up the reins of representing the aftermarket during a very difficult time for our country and our industry,” said Ann Wilson, senior vice president of government affairs, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “Whether discussing supply chain challenges on Capitol Hill or organizing his colleagues to support the REPAIR Act, Eric has focused on advocating for the aftermarket. It is truly an honor to work with Eric and to present this award to him.” Sills is a proud representative of the industry and goes above and beyond to secure a bright future for the aftermarket, AASA noted. He testified to Congress on behalf of the entire manufacturing community on supply chain challenges and investing to strengthen American manufacturing and competitiveness. Sills activated his SMP-employee base to reach out to their congresspeople in support of the REPAIR Act and to help ensure a competitive market and consumer choice on where and with what parts vehicles are repaired. Sills and his team work toward an outcome that is positive for manufacturers, channel partners, the aftermarket and for consumers. As someone who is a fourth-generation leader in the aftermarket, he is a superior executive who not only focuses on his own organization’s success, but also considers the supplier community and the industry as a whole, AASA noted. “I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Sills said. “The aftermarket is in my blood, and it is more important than ever that the industry fully participates in all aspects of the public policy process.” Wilson took the stage to officially name Sills as the 2022 AASA Advocacy Champion. Also honored during the award presentation were Franchelle Thomas, who received the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Individual); and MOTOR Information Systems, which received the the AASA DEI Leadership Award (Corporation). The post Eric Sills Of SMP Receives AASA Member Advocacy Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Photo caption: Fletcher Lord Jr. (left) and Bill Schlatterer Bill Schlatterer, president and CEO of Replacement Parts Inc. (parent company of Crow-Burlingame), walked out of a meeting on Monday expecting to take a small break before heading back into the conference room. Instead, he found more than 100 employees gathered right outside the door. As they clapped and yelled, “Surprise!” and “Congratulations!”, he stood for a moment taking in the whole scene. Bouncing gold and black balloons, tables bursting with goodies – cheese and vegetable trays, party sandwiches, fruit arrangements, chocolate and vanilla cupcakes – all flanking a huge Italian cream cake with the words “Happy 50th Anniversary, Bill”written across the top in gold icing. He grinned and in his usual, low-key manner said, “Oh, guys, this is just terrific. Thank you.” Schlatterer started his career with Crow-Burlingame in 1972 as a delivery driver at the flagship store on 7th and Arch in Little Rock, Arkansas. As he talked to the crowd, he shared his secret to success. “You don’t get lucky,” he said. “You raise your hand, do the work other people don’t want to do, and you make your good luck happen.” Then he turned serious. “You know, not to get all melancholy or anything, but I have always loved my job. Loved my work family. Those years went so fast. Where did those 50 years go?” It was quiet for a moment, and then Fletcher Lord Jr., chairman of the board, stepped forward. He said, “In 1972, we had one district manager. One day he called me up and he said, ‘Fletcher. We have a problem. I’ve got this guy, and we either need to fire him, or move him up, because he is driving me crazy.’ Well, now this guy is getting his 50-year pin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner all of these years.” The post Bill Schlatterer Celebrates 50 Years With Crow-Burlingame appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MAHLE Motorsport has announced the availability of the company’s new 2023 Application Guide. The 38-page application guide features all of the company’s high-performance PowerPak piston sets and Pro Series Race pistons and provides complete product information for seven new PowerPak sets in addition to multiple new rings, pins and rails. A sample of the new PowerPak piston sets available for 2023 include the Ford Godzilla 7.3-liter PowerPak; SBC 22°/23° Flat Top Gasported PowerPak; Forged SBC 23° USRA-approved PowerPak with press-fit pins; SBC 22° ASCS 360 Sprint Dome gas ported with asymmetrical valve pockets; LS 5.3L (Gen 4) Flat Top drop-in forged replacement assembly compatible with LS1/2/6 style cathedral port heads; Big Block Mopar 440 Dish; and a BB Mopar 383/400 Flat Top and Ford 5.0-liter Modular Coyote (Gen 3) Direct Injected (2018+). Also, new cast piston PowerPak sets are available for the Ford Powerstroke including a 6.0-liter piston set that also is offered with 0.100-inch deep valve pockets, and a Ford 6.4-liter Powerstroke available with 0.10-inch-deep valve pockets. MAHLE Motorsport PowerPak piston sets provide engine builders with their best value based on a reputation of reliability, durability and added features, according to the company. Most PowerPak sets come complete with a high-performance ring set with pins and clips. Also, the pistons are dual coated with a phosphate dry lubricant to reduce friction and GRAFAL skirt coating to reduce drag and skirt fatigue. The PowerPak sets featured in the guide include a broad selection of SBC, LS, BBC, SBF, Ford Modular PowerPaks and a growing list of Hemi, Powerstroke and Diesel PowerPak sets. MAHLE Motorsport also offers PowerPak sets for many imports and sport compacts including Mazda, Subaru, Nissan, Ford EcoBoost, BMW, Audi, VW and Toyota applications. The guide also includes a section on ring gap instructions with illustrations and samples based on the high-performance street, circle track/drag racing, turbo/supercharger, diesel turbocharged and more. The new application guide is available to download now at mahlemotorsports.com, or can be picked up at the 2022 PRI show at booth No. 1601. The post MAHLE Motorsport Introduces 2023 Application Guide appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, has announced the addition of its newest officers and governors immediately following the conclusion of AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas. Effective Nov. 4, the new AWDA chair is Ashlee Arnold, vice president at Arnold Oil Company of Austin, Texas. Arnold succeeds Ryan Samuels of Samuels Inc., who successfully led the association the previous two years and remains on the board as immediate past chair. Including Arnold, AWDA’s new officers are: Chair – Ashlee Arnold, Arnold Oil Company of AustinVice chair – Dan Hanson Jr., Hanson Distributing CompanySecretary – Chase Baxley, The Parts House (Florida) “In its 75 years, AWDA has had the benefit of strong leadership to guide this proud organization through good and not so good times,” said Ted Hughes, executive director of the AWDA. “These leaders represent the next generation of leadership for this great organization, and I am proud to work with them.” AWDA’s new governors-at-large are: Ryan Bickle, Warehouse Inc. / S&W SupplyJoshua Futerman, Hahn Automotive Warehouse Inc.Mike Harris, FleetPrideLanny Martindale, 4M Parts WarehouseShawn Senior, Eastern Warehouse Distributors Inc. “AWDA’s nominating committee insists that, if asked, any incoming governor must be qualified to serve as chairman,” said Hughes. “The result of this long-standing tradition is a consistent supply of high-quality board members who are interested, engaged and committed to traditional distribution, the aftermarket and their association.” In the coming year, the AWDA board will support and represent traditional distribution within the Auto Care Association and the aftermarket industry at large. AWDA also will continue its long tradition of supporting industry education through significant donations to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. AWDA represents the top distributors and manufacturers of motor vehicle parts nationwide. The 75-year-old organization is a key segment of the Auto Care Association. Learn more about AWDA at autocare.org/awda or contact Ted Hughes, executive director, AWDA, at [email protected]. The post AWDA Announces New Officers And Governors appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NAPA Auto Parts has announced a new initiative to help drivers and partners nationwide make the transition to an electric future through a unique collaboration with Qmerit. Qmerit is an Irvine, California-based provider of installation services for EV charging and other electrification technologies. NAPA says it will be the first in the automotive aftermarket to offer Qmerit’s turnkey EV-charging installation services to buyers. As the number of electric vehicles on the road steadily grows, this new collaboration will help NAPA deliver on its initiative to increase the availability of EV charging stations from coast to coast, the company says. Charger buyers now can access Qmerit’s installation services directly from NAPAonline.com, where customers can easily research and purchase the charger that’s right for them. “Alongside our existing commitments to increasing education and training for new technicians, NAPA is also committed to sourcing and ramping up resources that provide our network with the parts and accessories most crucial to maintaining an electric vehicle,” said Susan Starnes, vice president of emerging markets at Genuine Parts Co. “This effort with Qmerit expands the ways we’re bringing needed change for the aftermarket industry, while honoring the road we’ve traveled to get here. We’re excited to further serve this growing segment of drivers and maintain the level of service the existing NAPA customers have come to expect.” This integration allows buyers to conveniently request an online estimate for their installation and connect with one of Qmerit’s certified installers. Qmerit’s certified network spanning the United States and Canada is comprised exclusively of licensed electricians who are insured, background-checked, trained and monitored for safety and service quality. The post NAPA Aligns With Qmerit For EV Charging Stations appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Dayco has expanded its lineup of water pumps to include coverage for almost 30 million vehicles that require an electric water pump, with more parts expected to be introduced in 2023. With Dayco’s extensive experience in the OE market, Dayco’s aftermarket team made a strategic move into the category in 2021 knowing automakers were increasingly demanding electric water pumps to enhance fuel efficiency, horsepower and customer comfort. “According to industry research, the global market for this product line reached more than $3.1 billion at the end of 2021,” said Tom Tecklenburg, director of aftermarket, Dayco North America. “It is forecasted to double to almost $7 billion by 2027, so we wanted to be at the ready to help our channel partners as the demand for these parts in the aftermarket builds.” Originally found on high-end vehicles, today’s electric water pumps are installed in many model passenger cars, and light- and medium-duty trucks, and are notably more common in turbocharged and supercharged vehicles as well as vehicles with start/stop technology, EVs and BEVs. Providing OE-quality performance and meeting critical electrical performance benchmarks, Dayco’s electric water pumps are designed as direct-fit bolt-on replacements that do not require any modifications during installation, according to the company. To prevent rust and premature failure, the pumps are engineered using stainless steel for all water-contact components. In addition, all pump bearings are self-lubricating, graphite composite, making them corrosion-resistant and compatible with engine coolants. “A key benefit to having access to Dayco’s aftermarket line of pumps is that it’s a more cost effective replacement solution compared to expensive OE pumps,” said Tecklenburg. “In addition, we provide an extended 125,000-mile warranty on our all water pumps so that our customers never have to worry about a comeback claim.” For more information on Dayco’s electric water pumps, visit the Dayco website. Distributors and technicians also can log into the Dayco North American aftermarket site to utilize the online Find Your Part search. The post Dayco Expands Lineup Of Electric Water Pumps appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC), parent company of NAPA Auto Parts, reported record third-quarter sales of $5.7 billion, a 17.8% year-over-year increase. The sales growth reflects a 12.7% increase in comparable sales and a 9.1% benefit from acquisitions, according to the company. “The GPC team delivered record results, with double-digit sales and earnings growth driven by the execution of effective strategies and continued resilience of our Automotive and Industrial businesses,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO. “We are pleased with the continued strength of our results for 2022 and are proud of the great work by all our 53,000 teammates who are at the core of our success.” Sales for the Automotive Parts Group were $3.5 billion, up 8.9% year-over-year. Industrial sales were $2.2 billion, up 35.3% from the same period in 2021, and reflecting a 19.6% increase in comparable sales and a 16.6% contribution from the acquisition of Kaman Distribution Group. “Our third-quarter results were driven by sound industry fundamentals and execution of our key strategic initiatives to deliver accelerated sales growth and margin expansion in both segments,” said Will Stengel, president. “We were also pleased to further strengthen our balance sheet and generate continued strong cash flow. “The solid growth in Automotive was broad-based, with double-digit total sales growth in local currency in each of our global operations. Likewise, the continued strength in Industrial led to its sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales comps.” GPC revised its sales guidance for full-year 2022. The company said it now expects overall sales to grow between 15% and 16% year-over-year. The previous guidance was for sales growth between 12% and 14%. The post Genuine Parts Company Reports Strong Q3 Results appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Here’s a scenario: A customer comes into your store looking for an engine mount, and they brought the old one in with them. You’re looking the mount over in your hands, and you notice an electrical connector or vacuum port on the bottom side. What could that possibly be for? It’s just an engine mount, right? An electrical or vacuum connection on an engine mount indicates that it’s an active mount. So, what do you and your customer need to know about these mounts? The Evolution of Motor Mounts In the past, engines and transmissions were supported by simple rubber mounts. All engines produce vibrations – also known as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The natural flexibility of the rubber would allow the mounts to absorb NVH and prevent them from being transferred into the vehicle cabin. But as engines evolved over the years, motor mounts needed to be able to handle different conditions. Hydraulic motor mounts were developed to help counteract the NVH that was produced by more modern engines. A non-hydraulic mount typically will feature a number of empty internal voids. These voids are a product of clever engineering, and they allow for deflection/compression in a specific direction when placed under load. Hydraulic bushings fill those empty voids with a fluid. This fluid works like a hydraulic damper, while still allowing for deflection/compression when under load. The word “hydraulic” might imply that hydraulic fluid or oil is used inside these mounts. However, they typically use a glycol mixture instead. Oil or hydraulic fluid would break down the rubber inside the bushing and cause it to fail prematurely. If you’ve ever seen a radiator hose swell up after it was exposed to engine oil, you know what I’m talking about. But, engines continued to evolve, and the motor mounts needed to stand up to even tougher operating conditions. Modern engines make more power with less displacement, are more compact than ever before and may utilize cylinder deactivation and/or engine stop/start to help reduce emissions. It’s safe to say that modern motor mounts needed to evolve to absorb NVH and hold up to the added workload. Active motor mounts were developed in response to this need. Instead of relying solely on the flexibility of the rubber, or the damping effect of the hydraulic fluid, active mounts use vacuum or electrical signals to change the firmness based on operation criteria. Let’s take a look at how these mounts operate, and then we’ll go over a few pointers when talking to your customers. How Do Active Motor Mounts Work? Early active mounts used engine vacuum to change the damping behavior of the mount based on operating conditions. High engine vacuum at idle will make the mount more compliant and it will absorb NVH with ease. Then, when the vehicle starts to accelerate, the engine vacuum will drop. This causes the mount to firm up, and prevent excessive engine movement under load. Electronically controlled active mounts work in a similar fashion, but without using engine vacuum. Electronic mounts will use an electronic actuator, which is controlled by the ECU. The ECU is able to change the firmness of the mount based on its programming and sensor input data. Their main advantage comes in the form of speed and precision. The mount is able to alter its operation at will, without needing to rely on engine vacuum. More advanced electronic mounts are able to generate counter vibrations that help to cancel out the vibrations coming from the engine, much like a balance shaft helps to cancel out vibrations generated by the engines rotating assembly. Active mounts are found on a number of late-model vehicles, including Audi, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Lexus, Toyota and others. Active motor mounts will be more expensive to replace than non-active mounts, but their benefits far outweigh the cost difference. Considerations During Service All mounts eventually will wear out and need to be replaced. Active mounts might crack, rip, tear or sag just the same as non-active mounts will. Hydraulic fluid might leak from the mount, and this is a big giveaway. Failing mounts typically will exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: • Clunking or knocking noises on or off throttle (as the engine rocks back and forth) • Evidence of fluid leaks coming from the mounts • Excessive engine movement • Increased NVH transferring into the vehicle cabin • An illuminated “Check Engine” light, and DTCs stored in the ECU Remember that a leaky hydraulic or active mount could be mistaken for an engine-oil leak. Be sure to advise your customer to thoroughly inspect the vacuum hoses and/or wiring harnesses and connectors for any signs of wear, damage or corrosion. A faulty electrical connection or vacuum hose could trigger a DTC, and the engine mount could be wrongly condemned as the faulty component. Test for power at the vacuum-control solenoid. If power is present, check the fuse and wiring next. We strongly recommend replacing mounts in pairs at the very least, but ideally, all engine and transmission mounts should be replaced together. If one has failed, chances are high that the others are close behind. Excessive drivetrain movement can cause other components to wear prematurely. The service life of driveshafts, CV axles and other components can be reduced if the drivetrain mounts are worn out or loose. If they’ve suffered a CV-joint failure, it’s a good idea to take a good, hard look at the engine and transmission mounts. Excessive engine movement also can increase the likelihood of hoses or lines stretching, rubbing or failing. Throttle linkage could bind or stick, assuming that the vehicle uses a cable rather than drive-by-wire. A faulty transmission mount can cause driveline noises, especially when starting off from a stop or accelerating. In extreme cases, the operation of the clutch can be affected as well. The post Active Motor Mounts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Purolator Filters, a division of MANN+HUMMEL, received three Automotive Communication Awards at AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas. The categories included Best Article/Blog/Content Piece-Technical; Best Video; and Best Merchandising. Women in Auto Care (WiAC), an Auto Care Association community, presented the awards. “Our goal is to continuously inform and educate while also entertain consumers and customers alike on the importance of choosing premium filters,” said Daryl Benton, vice president of sales and marketing automotive market – North America at MANN+HUMMEL Purolator Filters LLC. “We are honored to earn recognition for these efforts from WiAC, an organization dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of women in the auto care industry.” Best Article/Blog/Content Piece The award-winning Purolator article highlights the importance of full-synthetic oil-filter media with regard to filtration quality. Originally placed in late 2021, the article generated significant engagement and was highlighted in other digital publications in early 2022. The article showcases PurolatorBOSS oil filters, which feature SmartFUSION technology, and are engineered to be the ideal match for full-synthetic oils. Noting this, the article gives customers a deeper insight into the advantages of full-synthetic-media oil filters and passes along useful tips for technicians to share with their customers. Best Merchandising When PurolatorBOSS premium cabin air filters with Febreze Freshness were introduced, Purolator created a freestanding point-of-sale floor display to promote the product. The display contains high-end graphics and a quality finish with an application guide to assist consumers in finding the right filter for them. The display also includes an informative take-home pamphlet for consumers to discover the role a cabin air filter plays in their vehicle. Many buyers gave significant feedback, noting the value of the Febreze partnership, and in turn, creating a dialogue that has led to significant purchases. Best Video Purolator also was honored with an award for creating a video that emphasizes the needs and concerns of consumers regarding clean air and vehicle performance. Filtering virus aerosols, dirt, debris, pollen and more, the video highlights PurolatorBOSS as a premium cabin air filter to rid these pollutants from a customer’s vehicle. The video proved successful, as it garnered hundreds of thousands of views online and millions of impressions on digital TV. Gaining strong engagement on social media, Purolator’s video has continued to inform audiences on the importance of air decontamination. The Women in Auto Care Awards Ceremony recognizes companies and agencies that provide automotive information through outstanding advertising, marketing, and public relations efforts. The awards cover several business-to-consumer and business-to-business categories. Recipients received recognition during the Women in Auto Care Automotive Communications Awards Ceremony during AAPEX. The award-winning video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/GyvNBXNB5Y4 The post Purolator Receives 3 Automotive Communication Awards At AAPEX appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Litens announced that it has acquired a controlling interest in Dolz, a Spanish-based manufacturer and distributor of automotive water pumps and other powertrain products. “The addition of the Dolz product line highly complements our current product offerings, allowing our combined companies to offer a wider range of products to each of our customers,” said Paul Robinson, CEO of Litens. “We are pleased to welcome Jesus Dolz and the Dolz team and look forward to working together.” Dolz will continue to operate as a separate business under the leadership of CEO Jesus Dolz. “Dolz and Litens both have a long history in the automotive industry,” Dolz said. “I am excited to continue to lead the Dolz business working with the Litens team to grow the business by providing our customers with the best products and services.” For almost 90 years, Industrias Dolz S.A. has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of water pumps for the automotive aftermarket. Dolz manufactures more than 5.5 million pumps per year in its three plants in Spain, China and Argentina. It is present in more than 70 countries through a strategically located support and distribution network positioned to provide outstanding service globally. The post Litens Acquires Industrias Dolz appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Aftermarket supplier BG Automotive has expanded its product offering with 17 new references across various product categories: timing belts, cylinder heads, cooling, lubrication and gaskets. BG Automotive (BGA) releases new product references for the automotive aftermarket each month to ensure that shops are equipped with the latest product applications. The timing belt for Ford and Citroen (TB2309CPK-2) covers models such as the 2014-2017 Focus, 2015 > Mondeo, 2019 > Dispatch and 2015-2019 Relay, covering more than 310,300 vehicles. All timing belts and components are thoroughly tested for 41 days/984 hours on bespoke testing and measuring machines simulating a real-life driving experience equating to 63,960 miles. Upon cycle finish, both OE and BGA belts were analysed resulting in equal degradation, according to the company. The BGA gasket range has been extended with 11 new references added for Ford, Renault, OPEL/VAUXHALL, Land Rover, Jaguar, Nissan and Mercedes, with CH23083 (A-D) covering Ford Transit and Tourneo 2015 and onward. Three new references have been added to BGA’s cooling range, with CP0160 covering Audi A4 2016-2018 and VW TOUAREG 2018 and onward. For more information and to learn more about premium aftermarket components available from BGA, contact the sales team at +44 (0) 1793 491 777 or visit www.bgautomotive.co.uk The full new to range product list can be viewed at https://bgautomotive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/OCT-New-To-Range-2022-Min.pdf. The post BG Automotive Announces Expanded Product Offering appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

WIX Filters, a division of MANN+HUMMEL, has launched WIX VarioPleat technology, allowing the company to provide air-filter technology to meet the needs of heavy-duty and industrial customers. Available early next year in North America, the advancement allows WIX to provide exact-fit replacement parts for buyers that have varying-sized applications. The innovative technology will cover many applications, for both on- and off-road machines, according to the company. Containing variable and deep pleats, the advancement offers a high filtration capacity that comes in several different shapes to meet aftermarket standards. Additionally, the rugged containment molded frame contains built-in handles, allowing for easy filter removal. The technology is highly efficient and offers a robust design for a wide range of customers that have specialty filtration needs, according to WIX. “At WIX, we understand the need for various-shaped materials and products to fit the wide range of applications that are available,” said Donald Chilton, director of product management at MANN+HUMMEL. “The development of this new line gives heavy-duty and industrial machine owners the option to get all of their parts from one place.” WIX has 11 facilities in eight different countries and manufactures more than 210 million filters annually. Focusing on innovation and quality, WIX meets or exceeds OEM standards for fit, form and function and has partnered with companies across the country to also offer price-competitive products, according to the company. To learn more about WIX filters, buyers can contact their local sales representative or visit https://www.wixfilters.com/. The post WIX Filters Launches VarioPleat Technology appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Delphi Technologies, a brand of BorgWarner, unveiled its new Sparta fuel-pump line at AAPEX, showcasing the latest offering in its expanded aftermarket portfolio. Designed specifically for older and high-mileage vehicles, Sparta made its AAPEX debut with updated visuals and new packaging. The Sparta brand offers another revenue opportunity for distributors and customers, targeting a specific subgroup of older vehicles. The company also demonstrated its fuel-tank cleaning tool live at the booth. The tool is designed for scenarios when the fuel tank is difficult to drop or full of fuel; the magnetic head is effective at collecting debris from hard-to-reach areas of the tank. The cleaning tool has been well-received by technicians for helping optimize their productivity and deliver customer satisfaction. Visitors learned more about other aftermarket product lines, including steering and suspension and engine management. Since the initial launch of the steering and suspension program in 2017, BorgWarner has added more than 5,000 Delphi-branded SKUs, or over 150% growth to the product line now totaling 8,500 SKUs, including more than 2,000 control arms. All chassis product offerings undergo thorough dimensional and material analyses including extreme temperature, fatigue, three-axis and salt-spray testing in order to ensure premium product, durability, quality and the perfect fit. Further expansion is planned across products such as tie rods, sway bar links, control arms, and ball joints, where the company currently has 98% sales coverage across both domestic and import applications. Similarly, BorgWarner has continued to expand its Delphi Technologies engine-management line by 175 SKUs over the last year, with engine-sensor coverage and ignition coils. Exhaust-gas temperature sensors, a newer part added to the Delphi Technologies portfolio, now has nearly 50 part numbers spanning both domestic and import applications. Delphi Academy Booth visitors also learned about the Delphi Academy, which has been designed with input from technicians to ensure it caters to their needs. It has more than 30 courses run by ASE-certified technicians, with both hands-on and virtual options available on the platform. Technicians who lead those training courses were at AAPEX, offering the chance for visitors to learn from the experts. Several courses for electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles are already available through the Delphi Academy with updates planned in the future. For commercial-vehicle distributors and technicians, BorgWarner brought the recently launched Cummins HPI Application Kit for the Hartridge HK1400 Cambox. The HK1400 is an all-makes solution for testing electronic unit injectors and electronic unit pumps and is an essential choice for diesel workshops servicing diesel commercial vehicles. The HPI Application Kit is a set of dedicated ancillary hardware that replicates real-world conditions for accurate HPI testing. Additionally, the Hartridge Sabre CRi Expert was displayed at the show. This advanced, compact, all-makes common rail injector tester comes with new test plans, new test steps, injector coding feature and a 2,700-bar rail pressure range enabling testing of LD, MD and HD common rail applications. Its features and functions make the Sabre CRi Expert a future-ready testing solution that helps shops stay ahead of the market, according to the company. The post BorgWarner’s Delphi Showcases New Sparta Fuel Pumps At AAPEX appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Women in Auto Care, an Auto Care Association community, has named Kim Nolan of BBB Industries the Auto Care Woman of the Year. Nolan is BBB’s senior vice president – traditional sales. In addition, Tanya Hunt, BBB’s commercial project manager, was named the Auto Care Champion of the Year. Women in Auto Care presented the awards on Nov. 2 in Las Vegas during AAPEX. The Auto Care Woman of the Year recognizes a woman who is a leader, mentor and role model who has made significant and outstanding contributions to the auto care industry. Nolan was selected among the largest group of nominations Women in Auto Care has ever received. This selective award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of a career spanning many years, distinguished themselves through their integrity, unselfish commitment to and high level of performance within the aftermarket. The Auto Care Champion of the Year is presented to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in supporting Women in Auto Care. Hunt encompasses the volunteer spirit in every aspect of her life. In its inaugural year, the award recognizes Hunt’s extraordinary dedication and commitment to Women in Auto Care. “We are honored to have Kim and Tanya as part of the BBB team,” BBB Industries CEO Duncan Gillis said. “This is an incredible recognition of their strong leadership and commitment to excellence. I am confident both will continue to have a profound impact on others in the industry.” The Women in Auto Care annually honor deserving women throughout the industry who have made significant contributions in the auto care community. The post BBB’s Kim Nolan Named Auto Care Woman Of The Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts announced the opening of a new Carquest Auto Parts and Worldpac distribution center in Bolton, Ontario. The 580,000-square-foot facility is the first to combine Carquest and Worldpac DC operations under one roof. Located at 8399 George Bolton Parkway, the new facility has the capacity to house more than 350,000 automotive parts serving the majority of domestic and import vehicles in Canada, according to the company. The new Carquest and Worldpac distribution center employs more than 200 team members, with many team members living locally in Bolton, Caledon and surrounding communities. “We are thrilled to warehouse our combined Carquest and Worldpac product offering in one building, providing our stores, branches and customers with the largest assortment of brands and superior service,” said Steve Gushie, president of Carquest Canada. “This distribution center enables us to stock more parts than ever before and its technology and quick replenishment system will help us deliver product to our customers quickly and efficiently. We appreciate the hard work of everyone at Carquest and Worldpac to make this happen.” Today, the facility serves more than 130 Carquest stores and Worldpac branches across central and eastern Canada. These stores and branches serve more than 37,000 professional repair shops and automotive dealerships. This includes 500 TechNet Professional repair shops. “With more motorists holding onto their vehicles longer, an expanded product offering is required to keep those older vehicles on the road,” said Jason Yurchak, Worldpac senior vice president, Canadian operations. “Bringing our Worldpac parts inventory together with Carquest under one roof allows us to carry parts for virtually every type of vehicle on the road today. Our DC team offers nightly replenishment of every Worldpac and Carquest facility with multiple same day deliveries, ensuring customers get the right part at the right time.” The distribution-center team plans a formal grand opening and ribbon cutting event in spring 2023. The post Carquest, Worldpac Announce Opening Of New DC In Ontario appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The stage is set for a unique initiative from Babcox Media, in partnership with AAPEX, to shine a spotlight on today’s most dynamic performers across the vehicle care industry – individuals who, to put it simply, rock! That’s the premise behind Vehicle Care RockStars, a brand dedicated to celebrating the vehicle care industry and the array of channels it serves. Babcox Media unveiled the platform with a special announcement and video during the keynote session of the 2022 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas. Vehicle Care RockStars promises to honor today’s vehicle care professionals held in the highest esteem for their accomplishments, leadership, innovations – and other intangibles that distinguish their work in specific industry categories. They’re visionaries and influencers in all of the following markets: Aftermarket Distribution & RepairTire Dealers & DistributorsTransmissionCollision RepairHeavy DutyNew Car DealersPowersports,PerformanceCar WashTools & Equipment The inaugural class of RockStars will be featured throughout 2023. Honorees will be celebrated, recognized and profiled in all of Babcox Media’s brands and channels, including websites, e-newsletters, webinars, podcasts, videocasts, social media platforms and magazines. “Let’s bring to center stage the incredible individuals of today who rock their respective vehicle care categories,” said Bill Babcox, CEO of Babcox Media. “We’re excited to debut the Vehicle Care RockStars brand that acknowledges these industry superstars –and allows them to take the bow they so richly deserve.” Nominations officially opened Nov. 1 for the Class of 2023 Vehicle Care RockStars. The Selection Committee will be led by industry veteran Jay Burkhart and supported by the Babcox Media content team. Burkhart said, “We are excited to recognize RockStars who are moving the needle in today’s marketplace.” To nominate a Vehicle Care RockStar, or for additional information, visit: VehicleCareRockstars.com. For those about to rock … Babcox Media salutes you! The post Vehicle Care RockStars Unveiled At AAPEX 2022 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Spectra Premium Mobility Solutions has appointed Josh Gordon as president and CEO, effective immediately, the company announced. Previously, Gordon was president and COO of Spectra. Gordon joined Spectra in November 2021 and brings a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, with previous leadership roles at Fram Group and Old World Industries, as well as a rich commercial background in consumer products. Denis Chabot, Spectra’s previous CEO, is retiring but will remain closely involved with Spectra as a board member and senior advisor. “We are excited about all the positive momentum at Spectra Premium, which continues with the appointment of Josh as the new CEO,” said Ilya Koffman, chairman of the board at Spectra Premium Mobility Solutions. “Josh is a proven leader in the industry, and we are confident that he will drive Spectra’s future success. “We would also like to thank Denis for all his contributions to Spectra Premium and look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as a member of the board of directors.” “Josh is the perfect person to lead Spectra forward. He has the right combination of experience, leadership, and temperament to realize Spectra’s full potential,” Chabot added. “I am excited to continue my engagement with this great team and this great business.” Gordon will be leading the business transformation that started last November upon Spectra’s acquisition by Turnspire Capital Partners. “Spectra Premium’s primary objectives are to optimize our unique North American manufacturing capabilities, as well as our superior engineering expertise, to reduce supply chain risks and grow product categories for our valued customers “ Gordon said. “With a healthy balance sheet, we have invested in improved service levels through inventory availability, production improvements and talent upgrades in key positions, all of which will enable us to serve our current and future aftermarket and OE customers.” In addition to changes in executive leadership, new talent has been added to the aftermarket and OE teams in recent weeks. Each of these new members will bring a fresh perspective to the team as well as further expertise and experience that will strengthen Spectra’s value proposition. Below are a few of the exciting additions: Erich Schmidt – Senior director, aftermarket salesSimon Weallans – Senior director, OE salesJessica Hyde – Marketing directorScott Nash – Category and product management director “Spectra Premium will continue to be a trusted partner in providing heat-transfer, undercar, engine-management and metal-fabrication solutions that exceed the expectations of the market,” the company said in a news release. “Spectra has unique capabilities as a North American manufacturer as well as a management team and dedicated employees that are working together to deliver the same OE-quality parts and category expertise that have made Spectra Premium a market leader.” The post Spectra Premium Promotes Josh Gordon To CEO appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) recently hosted its 2022 Independent Store Meeting. The two-day business event opened at Target Field, where Corey Bartlett, APH president and CEO, led off with a report on the company’s growth, personnel additions, aftermarket industry trends and Auto Care Association/Right to Repair legislative efforts. A special virtual appearance from John and JC Washbish, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, got everyone excited about the upcoming Aftermarket Jackpot Convention in Las Vegas. Business training was conducted by APH staff members Tim Feddema and Jim Pascale in the areas of online reputation and search engine optimization, as well as employee retention and recruitment. Jim Becker and Kevin Mack, also from APH, discussed future merchandising opportunities and updated attendees on current supply chain challenges. Channel-partner representatives from MacPherson struts (FCS Automotive), MacPherson hubs (MPA), Parts Master filters (First Brands Group), Prestone and Milwaukee Tools wrapped up the first day with product information and selling seminars. All guests and their families then enjoyed an evening of food, fun and camaraderie while watching the Minnesota Twins battle the Los Angeles Angels from the comfort of their Skyline Suite seats. Recent Twins Hall of Fame inductee, Dan Gladden, entertained the group with fun stories from his 1987 and 1991 World Series Championship playing years, and also joined everyone for a group photo. Auto Value independents, APH staff and channel partners spent the final day of the meeting at APH’s store support center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for a vendor brunch show followed by tours of the distribution center, BENCO Equipment, and flagship store, Auto Value St. Cloud. The post Auto Value Independents ‘Take It To The Field’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Auto-Wares CEO Todd Leimenstoll and retired Auto Care Association lobbyist Aaron Lowe are among the recipients of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) 2022 Industry Awards. AWDA, a community of the Auto Care Association, recognized the award winners on Oct. 30 during the 2022 AWDA General Session in Las Vegas. The annual AWDA Industry Awards honor individuals and companies who have shown an exceptional ability to educate, innovate, manage and lead. Over the years, the list of AWDA award recipients has evolved into a who’s-who of aftermarket luminaries. Pursuit of Excellence Award Todd Leimenstoll, president and CEO, Auto-Wares Group of Companies Established in 1983, the Pursuit of Excellence Award is presented exclusively to an AWDA member for special achievement and for the setting of high standards as an example for others to follow, in business and in volunteer or advocacy efforts. When Todd Leimenstoll took his first job in the industry more than 40 years ago, in hopes of getting a better deal on parts, he ended up finding a passion that led to a lifelong career in the aftermarket. Since joining Auto-Wares in 1982, Leimenstoll has held multiple positions across the organization and in 2012 was named president and CEO of Auto-Wares Group of Companies. Todd Leimenstoll (left) and Dan Hanson II Throughout his career, Leimenstoll has supported and promoted dozens of educational opportunities for thousands of aftermarket personnel. His company’s crowning training achievement, the annual Tech Expo, caters to thousands of industry folks, but Leimenstoll’s commitment to education extends far beyond the popular expo event. Within Auto-Wares, Leimenstoll has fostered a culture of learning and growth. He also is active in the greater industry, including having hosted with Auto-Wares multiple YANG Meet-Up events to foster aftermarket development and growth. “Todd brings an incredible amount of energy into any project he undertakes,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. “At the same time, he is focused on always doing better; always improving the experience and always ‘coaching, guiding and advising’ his fellow employees and customers to accelerate their performance. He is passionate in his aftermarket ‘Pursuit of Excellence!’” Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer Larry Northup, Auto Care Association (retired) Each year, AWDA bestows this prestigious award, formerly known as the “Leader of the Year,” on an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President, Jack Creamer. During his more than 20 years at the Auto Care Association, Larry Northup was a dedicated champion for the aftermarket. In his latest role as the AWDA executive director, Northup worked to encourage and support the re-establishment of the AWDA community’s decades-long tradition of leadership within the industry. Larry Northup Since 2004, Northup’s efforts for the AWDA community included the integration of AWDA members into all aspects of the Auto Care Association’s leadership, including the board of directors; committees; task forces; the association’s political action committee; special projects like career promotion, Right to Repair, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation; and many other aftermarket industry advocacy efforts. He also was key to bringing the annual AWDA conference into the fold as part of Industry Week every year in Las Vegas. In addition, Northup’s advocacy during the pandemic helped establish the auto care industry as an essential service throughout the COVID-19 pandemicPrior to his role as executive director of AWDA, Northup served as a lobbyist for the association’s government affairs department and as the staff liaison for the Paint, Body and Equipment Specialists (PBES) community. He served as the head of the association’s membership department, where he was tasked with managing AWDA’s integration into the Auto Care Association as a community. Northup also managed the association’s community engagement efforts for several years, eventually becoming the full-time executive director of AWDA. “I had the good fortune of working with Larry for many years,” said 2021 recipient Roger McCollum of N.A. Williams. “I knew of few people more dedicated to this industry, especially when it came to his involvement with warehouse distributors and AWDA. Larry worked with a passion that was contagious and made those around him better for knowing him and working with him. He deserves all the best in retirement – and this industry will not be the same without him.” Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm Aaron Lowe, Auto Care Association (retired) AWDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have, over the course of many years, distinguished themselves through their unselfish commitment to, and high level of performance within, the motor vehicle aftermarket industry. The award is named in honor of former AWDA President, Martin Fromm. Aaron Lowe Aaron Lowe was with the Auto Care Association for more than 40 years overseeing the association’s federal and state legislative and regulatory efforts, focusing on a wide range of environmental, vehicle safety, workplace health and safety and international trade issues. Lowe masterminded the Auto Care Association’s successful effort in 2012 to obtain enactment of the Motor Vehicle Right to Repair Act in the commonwealth of Massachusetts. Right to Repair ensured that independent service entities have effective and affordable access to the information, tools and software to work on the highly sophisticated computer-controlled vehicle systems on the road today. He also was part of the team that successfully negotiated a 2013 national agreement on right to repair that is modeled after the Massachusetts law. Lowe’s commitment to the industry went well-beyond simply government affairs, as evidenced by his receiving the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award in 2003. He also was on the board of directors and steering committee for several aftermarket coalitions aimed at ensuring the economic future of the auto care industry. “Aaron’s lifetime of work on behalf of the industry has no peer,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “He has defended our industry for 40 years and has secured the consumer’s right to choose where they have their vehicle repaired amongst other significant contributions. We as an industry are indebted to Aaron and there is no more deserving recipient of this award than he.” Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) AWDA’s Art Fisher Award for Excellence in Education is presented annually to an aftermarket company or individual that demonstrates outstanding commitment to education and training, either within their organization or throughout the industry. Given in memory of former AWDA Chairman Art Fisher, the award grants scholarships in the name of the award winner to two students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University. Established in 1972 as a nonprofit organization, ASE is a driving force in the transportation industry. As an independent third party, ASE upholds and promotes high standards of service and repair through the assessment, certification, and credentialing of current and future industry professionals; and the prestigious ASE Blue Seal logo identifies professionals who possess the essential knowledge and skills to perform with excellence. Left to right: Ashlee Arnold, Brad Pellman and Trish Serratore Today, there are approximately 220,000 AS- certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. When the ASE seal is displayed outside of a service station, customers know their vehicle is in good hands and will be repaired with the best craftsmanship possible. And that seal of approval is only earned by completing training and passing the tests required to earn it – and these are not just simple tests. Only two out of three pass the test on their first attempt, and in the interest of continuing education, they must retest every five years, as well as have at least two years on-the-job experience. “Our entire group endorses ASE, as their name is synonymous with training and education,” said Bo Fisher of Fisher Auto Parts. “For decades, in every technician flyer we produce, we have shown pictures of two different employees who recently passed their ASE certification test. Given the outstanding efforts of the organization, we are proud to see their achievement of this honor and wish them all the best over their next 50 years.” To learn more about the AWDA Industry Awards and to view previous winners, visit autocare.org/awda. The post AWDA Announces 2022 Industry Award Winners appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

First Brands Group has released a new Raybestos product online catalog that will be available on a USB drive for those attending the AAPEX in Las Vegas. In addition, Raybestos has released 32 new part numbers covering more than 11 million vehicles in operation (VIO). New brake-pad coverage is available for late-model passenger and transport vehicles, including the Buick Enclave, Cadillac CT4 and CT5, Ford F-150 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. “We look forward to participating in Joe’s Garage at AAPEX this year and having the opportunity to talk with show attendees about our updated Raybestos catalog and the new coverage that’s been added to ensure that we are continuously meeting the needs of our customers,” said Lou Kafantaris, director of marketing, braking, First Brands Group. “Be sure your AAPEX plans include a visit to our Booth A3638 and stop by Joe’s Garage to be one of the first to get a copy of the new catalog.” Raybestos representatives also will be conducting onsite technical and product training at the Joe’s Garage booth. Brake-clinic topics include “Today’s Rotor Technology,” “Preventing Costly Brake Comebacks” and “Tips and Tricks Diagnosing Brake Issues,” to name a few. Product training sessions include “Pick the Right Friction for Your Vehicle” and “Rotors – the Foundation Brake Component.” The brake clinics run 30 minutes in length while the training sessions are 10 minutes. Visit Raybestos in Joe’s Garage to see the complete training schedule. First Brands Group will exhibit at AAPEX in the Venetian Expo, Level 2, booth A3638 and in Joe’s Garage, Level 1, Bay 1. To obtain the Raybestos USB drive, visit First Brands Group in Joe’s Garage. The complete family of Raybestos brake products include disc pads and shoes, drums and rotors, master cylinders, wheel cylinders, calipers, hoses and hardware. To learn more about new part numbers and their applications, customers should contact their First Brands Group representative. The post First Brands Unveils New Raybestos Catalog At AAPEX appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

It’s no secret that the automotive aftermarket is a male-dominated industry. Times are changing, of course, and women are finding more opportunities in the aftermarket – and flourishing in them. (Look no further than our annual “Women at the Wheel” series for myriad examples.) Still, overcoming deeply entrenched attitudes and biases can be an uphill struggle – even for the Counter Professional of the Year. Amanda Balk, manager of the Auto Value store in Thorp, Wisconsin, credits Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) for supporting her professional development and making her feel like she’s part of the APH family. But, earlier in her career, she hit a temporary roadblock: a former manager who believed that women had no place in the aftermarket – or behind the counter. “He didn’t have a whole lot of faith, so he kept me pretty busy with driving and doing a lot of other stuff,” says Balk. “I wasn’t on the counter much at first.” As things got busier, Balk got more time behind the counter. After leaving the business briefly, she returned to the store as a full-fledged counter person – with a different manager at the helm. Since then, the accolades have been piling up for Balk. In 2014, APH recognized her as the Auto Value Counterperson of the Year. In 2020, Balk was the Auto Value Impact Player of the Year. Earlier this year, APH named Balk the 2021 Auto Value Store Manager of the Year. Balk has been managing the Auto Value store in Thorp since June 2019. Now, Balk can add another award to her mantle: the 2022 Counter Professional of the Year, sponsored by WIX Filters. Balk’s accomplishments come as no surprise to Matt Koxlien, regional manager for Auto Value in western and northern Wisconsin. Koxlien has been working with Balk since he joined the company in 2017. “The first thing you notice, of course, is that her conversational skills are off the charts,” Koxlien says. “She’s super easy to talk to. She treats everybody as if she’s known them for years, even if she’s meeting them for the first time.” As a former technician, Balk brings a high automotive IQ to each interaction, and she “really speaks the language” – whether the customer is looking for “tractor parts or complex driveline components.” “She couples all of that ability with a great personality,” Koxlien adds. “So it’s a pretty easy interaction for our customers.” Photo by Mark Trockman Balk’s approach to customer service is built on honesty, transparency and integrity – bedrock Midwestern values that resonate with customers in this rural community. “You listen to what your customers want and need, and try to go into it with an open mind,” Balk explains. “If the answer isn’t right there in front of you, sometimes you have to dig a little bit for it.” As much as counter pros love to say “yes” every time, prioritizing the customer’s best interests over anything else means you might have to “direct them to the next place” from time to time, Balk adds. “You might tell them, ‘I could keep looking for this, but I know where you can find it quicker. If you go to the hardware store down the street, they can probably fix you up with the small-engine parts, because they have small-engine repair there.’ People love that around here, because we’re a small community. “We want people to get the right part and get it as soon as they can. And sometimes we’re not the fastest place. Just being honest with them is huge. And I think people look at that as [not being] afraid to help somebody else’s business besides ourselves.” Established in 1876, the city of Thorp is located along Wisconsin Highway 29 between Eau Claire and Wausau. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Thorp has a population of 1,795 residents, as of the 2020 census. Balk grew up in the area, graduating from Holcombe High School in 2004. Her deep roots in the community certainly play to her advantage – as does her passion for motorsports. In her younger years, Balk restored and raced snowmobiles with her dad. Over the past decade or so, she and her husband, Josh (better known as “Cowboy”) have been active in truck and tractor pulling. Their 14-year-old son, Landen – who started pulling on garden tractors when he was 4 – helps out too, and the Balks hope that he’ll be pulling on a full-size tractor next season. When they’re not pulling, they’re riding their Harley motorcycles as a family. “If you drew a 40-mile circle [around the Thorp area], anybody who would be interested in any of those types of things, she would know them,” Koxlien says of Amanda’s passion for motorsports. “And she always remembers them. So it’s a pretty darn easy transaction once you already know the person, or even if it seems like she does – because you can hardly tell if she knows them or not. She treats them all the same way.” Finding a Niche APH, a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, specializes in rural markets such as Thorpe. With Balk’s “style of doing business, coupled with what we do best in our company” – as Koxlien puts it – the Thorpe Auto Value store is thriving. “That location has always done really well,” Koxlien says. “To think that we could be seeing numbers that are substantially higher than what they were when were operating before she [became manager] is just amazing. She’s put another digit on the right side of the decimal point.” How do you move the needle in a county that’s known for having twice as many cows as people? (Or should we say, how do you mooove the needle?) Of course, it starts with great customer service, which Balk and her team deliver on a daily basis. Going above and beyond to make sure their customers get the right part in the right place at the right time isn’t so much above and beyond for the store’s nine employees – it’s the norm. They’ve delivered hydraulic fluid to broken-down semi-trucks on the side of the highway. Recently, they delivered an alternator to a customer who was stranded in a parking lot. “If a shop is on the way home, and they need something first thing in the morning, we’ll swing by and drop it off,” says Balk, who estimates that 70% of the store’s business comes from DIFM customers. “We’re all pretty good about that.” Another way to grow the business is branching out into new parts categories – like paint and body. “The store never had a paint-and-body presence, to speak of,” Koxlien says. “She taught herself the paint business, and she’s taking advantage of that. Now it’s a pretty good part of our business.” At the end of the day, though, it all comes down to relationships. “She feeds off of the relationships with the customers,” Koxlien says. “She takes pride in getting to know people really well, and understanding what they need. It’s almost like mind-reading with some of her customers, she’s been doing business with them for so long.” Writing on the Wall Balk never thought she’d make a career out of selling auto parts. Looking back on her childhood, though, you might say the writing was on the wall from an early age. As a kid, the Wisconsin native spent a lot of time on her aunt and uncle’s dairy farm. Often, Balk’s uncle called upon her to help fix a piece of equipment that required “little hands” to remove or install a bolt or some other part. Once, when the shifter on a four-wheeler broke off, she took it upon herself to weld it back in place. She was 12. “We still have that four-wheeler,” Balk says. “My aunt gave it to me. The shifter that I welded back on when I was 12 is still there.” From her stepdad, she learned how to prep cars for the demolition derby, essentially by gutting them of wiring and electronics, among other items. “I learned how to take ‘em apart the wrong way and put ‘em back together the wrong way,” Balk recalls. Meanwhile, her dad insisted that if she wanted to get her driver’s license, she needed to learn how to fix a flat tire, change the oil and perform other basic maintenance. Balk, who “liked that stuff to being with,” didn’t hesitate to enroll in an auto shop class. She admits: “That’s probably how I graduated high school, honestly.” Balk gives a lot of credit to her mom for instilling a strong work ethic. “She worked her butt off all the time to make sure my sister and I had what we wanted.” It was a two-way street, though. Balk, for example, was interested in sports, and her mom expected to see A’s and B’s in school if she wanted to participate – whether it was practice or a game. “That made me work hard for what I wanted.” After graduating in 2004, Balk was a technician at a local Dodge dealership. When the dealership went through an ownership change, the new owners sent many of the employees packing. So, in 2006, Balk got a job at a NAPA Auto Parts store. At the time, the job at NAPA was just that – a job. There were only two employees, so Balk worked the counter, made deliveries and did anything else that was needed. “It would get a little stressful when we were busy,” Balk recalls. “On the other side of it, it was really fun. Every day was different.” Management Material Balk joined Auto Value in 2010, establishing herself as a capable counter pro who connected with the local clientele. “I know the community,” she explains. “I’m involved with the people here. I know most of them from when I grew up as a kid here.” In June 2019, Auto Value promoted her to store manager. Balk had been helping the previous manager with scheduling, paperwork and other duties, so the transition was fairly smooth. Still, it was a new role, and she leaned on Koxlien quite a bit in the beginning. “Matt has been my go-to for everything,” Balk says. “Honestly, I was scared my first year as a manager. If I had a question, I would call him all the time, ‘How do I deal with this?’ That little bit of reassurance that I was on the right track really helped me get better. Sometimes you just need that person to tell you you’re on the right path. Any time I’ve had questions or concerns, he’s always helped me.” Given “her personality and her standing in the community,” Koxlien says he didn’t have the slightest doubt that she would succeed as store manager. “The interactions with her co-workers – many of whom are now her employees – are just as positive as the day I met her and I met them,” he says. “She builds a family-style environment. They move very quickly; they move from transaction to transaction. They’re always taking care of each other, and she sets the tone for the whole culture within the store.” Balk tends to lead by example. She works the counter every day, alongside the other team members. She maintains her ASE P2 certification and encourages her employees to get certified, but she doesn’t push too hard, “because they’re all really good at what they do.” In general, she tries not to be the manager who pushes too hard. “It’s kind of like raising a kid,” Balk explains. “Sometimes you have to let a person fail a little bit on their first go-round. If a mistake happens, it can be a good thing because it’s a learning opportunity. Let’s learn from that mistake.” For Balk, the awards and recognition have been gratifying, especially when she thinks back to that former manager who didn’t see a place for women on the parts counter. (She’s the type of person who works twice as hard when someone tells her she can’t do something.) Still, Balk gets just as much satisfaction from seeing her entire team excelling. “It’s satisfying when you see all the numbers at the end of the month,” she says. “There are a lot of ups to being a manager. You get recognition, but recognition also comes with a great team. That’s why I always say it’s not all me. We have a great team.” The post Meet Amanda Balk, 2022 Counter Professional Of The Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

O’Reilly Automotive reported third-quarter sales of $3.8 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase. Comparable-store sales rose 7.6%. On a three-year stack, comparable-store sales are up 31.2%, according to the company. “Our team’s relentless focus on providing excellent service to our customers drove the robust sales strength in the quarter,” O’Reilly President and CEO Greg Johnson said in a news release. “Team O’Reilly once again delivered double-digit growth in our professional business for the quarter, while also driving low single-digit DIY sales growth. Our team’s outstanding top-line performance, coupled with a steadfast commitment to expense control, resulted in a 14% increase in third-quarter diluted earnings per share to $9.17, which represents a three-year compounded annual growth rate of 22%. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of our over 84,000 team members for their continued hard work and unwavering commitment to providing unsurpassed levels of customer service – your dedication to our business and our customers remains the key to O’Reilly’s ongoing success.” As of the end of the third quarter on Sept. 30, O’Reilly has opened 154 net new stores across 38 U.S. states and Mexico, and the company is on track to reach its goal of approximately 180 net new store openings in 2022, according to Johnson. “Our team of highly trained and technically proficient professional parts people continues to drive strong new store performance, and we remain very confident in our ability to profitably grow in both existing and new market areas,” Johnson added. “We are pleased to announce our 2023 new-store opening target of 180 to 190 net new stores, an increase over our 2022 growth, as we look forward to expanding the O’Reilly footprint and extending our long track record of profitable growth.” The post O’Reilly Q3 Sales Up 9% appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The 2022 AWDA Aftermarket Challenge is underway and the program groups are all in, according to Bob Egan, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. The annual campaign is supported by program groups, aftermarket suppliers, manufacturers’ representatives and other industry organizations to raise funds for scholarships and programs that strengthen the aftermarket through education. The following organizations have committed to participation in the 2022 Challenge to date. Program distribution groups Aftermarket Auto Parts AllianceAutomotive Parts AssociatesAutomotive Parts Services GroupFederated Auto PartsThe Pronto Network Aftermarket suppliers and manufacturers’ reps AIT/TrakmotiveAMS AutomotiveAP Emissions TechnologiesBoschCARDONE IndustriesCloyes Gear and ProductsDash4 Brake PartsDayco ProductsDelphi Technologies/Borg-WarnerDorman ProductsEast Penn ManufacturingElite EXTRAEnersysEpicor SoftwareFCS AutomotiveFirst Brands GroupGB RemanufacturingGlobal Parts DistributorsGrote IndustriesGSP North AmericaHirsig-Frazier CompanyHolstein PartsIAP/DuraGoISC IndustriesKYB AmericasLisle CorporationLitens AftermarketMevotechMotorcar Parts of AmericaN.A. Williams CompanyNTN Bearing Corp.Plews & EdelmannPowerstopPremium GuardSigginsStandard Motor ProductsTascoUnity AutomotiveWinhere Brake PartsZF Aftermarket “The program groups were the first to step up and support this year’s AWDA Aftermarket Challenge and many aftermarket suppliers and reps have already offered their support,” said Egan. “We thank these fine organizations and invite all industry members to support the 2022 Challenge. The future of the aftermarket depends on the next generation of automotive professionals, and that makes our mission of funding scholarships and educational programs extremely important. Together we can make a real difference.” To support the challenge, contact UAF Executive Director Jennifer Tio at [email protected]. To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and its available scholarships, or to make a donation, visit UofA-Foundation.org. The post Program Groups All In On AWDA Aftermarket Challenge appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Purolator Filters, a division of MANN+HUMMEL, announced that the company will be kicking off its 100-year anniversary celebration at this year’s Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo (AAPEX). In 2023, Purolator will be commemorating 100 years of “Purifying Your World.” In 1923, Ernest Sweetland developed and patented the first oil-filtration system, calling it the “Purolator,” short for the words “pure oil later.” As years went on, the company continued to evolve, manufacture and distribute filters, such as air, cabin air and fuel filters for the automotive industry. The global filtration company MANN+HUMMEL acquired Purolator Filters in 2012. Today, Purolator has more than 2,000 filtration part numbers for automotive, light-truck and heavy-duty applications, and continues to work on product innovation and design. “The company maintains and extends its position as a leader in the filtration market by producing top-quality products, offering first-class service and revolutionizing the future of filtration technology,” the company said in a news release. Most recently, Purolator has maintained these assurances with the creation of PurolatorBOSSpremium cabin air filters with Febreze Freshness. With a focus on filtering out virus aerosols, this product also blocks and controls odors, while preventing 99% of fine particles from entering a vehicle’s cabin, according to the company. “Purolator’s goal to strive for quality and innovative products began in 1923, and still continues nearly a century later,” said Daryl Benton, vice president of sales and marketing for the automotive aftermarket with MANN+HUMMEL. “We are thrilled to celebrate our 100-year milestone in 2023. Purolator has been able to maintain its role as a market leader with leading-edge technology and global manufacturing best practices. Through continued hard work and diligence, Purolator will thrive for another 100 years.” After a century of innovation, the celebration will kick off at AAPEX booth A1843. AAPEX is scheduled for Nov. 1-3 in Las Vegas. The post Purolator To Kick Off 100-Year Anniversary At AAPEX appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article