Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

rssImage-1ccd14c4f40744184e6c7e76093186da.jpeg

link hidden, please login to view
 honored the suppliers shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket at its 15th annual 2026 Partnership Event, Thursday, March 12, in Atlanta. This gathering has long served as a milestone moment that brings together the industry’s most valued partners to celebrate shared achievements, align on strategy, and deepen the relationships that drive the business forward.  

“Our Supplier Partnership Event isn’t just a celebration, it’s a reflection of what we believe at NAPA: that the most successful businesses are built on a foundation of trust and collaboration,” said Danny Huffaker, senior vice president product & marketing. “Bringing our partners together each year is how we align on our plan to win and strengthen our relationships.   We’re grateful to our partners for their continued investment in NAPA and for their shared commitment to innovation that is defining the future of our industry.” 

Among the evening’s honors, the Spirit of NAPA Award carries a particularly rich legacy. Established more than 30 years ago, it recognizes an individual who truly embodies NAPA’s values, work ethic, and commitment to deep, lasting partnership.  

The full list of this year’s winners is below:

Spirit of NAPA Award, Premium Guard Inc. (PGI)

NAPA-Award-600x300-1.jpg
NAPA-Spirit-2.jpgSpirit of NAPA Award Recipient – Premium Guard Inc. (PGI)

Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) is honored with the Spirit of NAPA Award for demonstrating exceptional overall performance, deep partnership, and a sustained commitment to NAPA’s success. Through industry-leading service levels, strategic investment in dedicated NAPA sales support, and strong collaboration on new product launches and market expansion, PGI has consistently aligned its efforts with NAPA’s goals. 

Following one of the most significant product transitions in NAPA’s history, PGI stepped up in a meaningful way, working cross-functionally with our teams to support training, sales enablement, and market adoption. Their partnership has helped expand product coverage, drive market share growth, and ensure NAPA remains well positioned to serve customers across our network. 

Through performance, collaboration, and shared commitment, PGI truly embodies the Spirit of NAPA. 

Partnership Award, Chris Pruitt 

NAPA-Partnership-Award-Pruitt.jpgPartnership Award Recipient – Chris Pruitt

Chris Pruitt is recognized for decades of leadership. Over a remarkable 31-year career at East Penn Manufacturing, Chris helped guide the company through significant growth while strengthening its relationship with NAPA at every level. 

Under his leadership, East Penn consistently supported key NAPA initiatives that drove market share growth through innovative and collaborative programs. Chris also demonstrated a deep commitment to giving back, proudly supporting the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund through fundraising efforts that honored those who have sacrificed for our country. 

Known for his accessibility and collaborative spirit, from the store level to the executive team, Chris fostered a culture of open communication and true partnership. Now serving as Chairman of the Board, he leaves behind a legacy defined by trust, integrity, and a long-standing relationship between East Penn and NAPA built to endure for years to come. 

Service Award, Valvoline

NAPA-Service-Award-Valvoline.jpgService Award Recipient – Valvoline

Valvoline is recognized for delivering exceptional service performance to the NAPA network, maintaining industry-leading fill rates and dependable on-time delivery. Their reliability and responsiveness ensure NAPA customers consistently receive the products they need when they need them. 

Catalog Award, CRC

NAPA-Catalog-Award-CRC.jpgCatalog Award Recipient – CRC

CRC is recognized for excellence in catalog content and data quality, demonstrating exceptional completeness, correctness, and reliability in product information. Their commitment to maintaining high standards ensures NAPA teams and customers have the accurate information they need to confidently identify the right products.

Quality Award, Old World Industries (OWI)

NAPA-Quality-Award-OWI.jpgQuality Award Recipient – Old World Industries (OWI)

Old World Industries (OWI) is recognized for its outstanding commitment to product quality and transparency, working closely with NAPA to provide comprehensive testing data and detailed quality documentation. Their proactive collaboration and dedication to continuous improvement help ensure the reliability and performance that NAPA customers expect. 

Innovation Award, Milwaukee

NAPA-Innovation-Award-Milwakee.jpgInnovation Award Recipient – Milwaukee

Milwaukee is recognized for driving innovation and growth within the NAPA network through the launch of more than 600 new SKUs in 2025 and the creation of exclusive trade in promotions that generated significant incremental sales. Their continued investment in new product development and sales enablement demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation and partnership with NAPA.  

Indirect Supplier Award, The Variable Agency

NAPA-Indirect-Supplier-Award-The-VariablIndirect Supplier Award Recipient – The Variable Agency

The Variable Agency is recognized for its exceptional partnership and creative leadership in the brand transformation of Carlyle Tools. Through strategy, distinctive visual identity, and powerful storytelling, TVA helped reimagine Carlyle as a modern professional tool brand designed to resonate with the next generation of technicians. 

Marketing Award, Dorman

NAPA-Marketing-Award-Dorman.jpgMarketing Award Recipient – Dorman

Dorman is recognized for outstanding collaboration with the NAPA marketing teams, investing in innovative campaigns and strong social media engagement that increased visibility and traffic at NAPA for the Dorman brand. Their commitment to creative marketing initiatives continues to expand awareness of Dorman products among technicians and customers across the industry. 

Sales Award, Dorman

NAPA-Sales-Award-Dorman.jpgSales Award Recipient – Dorman

Dorman is honored for delivering exceptional sales growth with NAPA, generating significant incremental revenue through strong product innovation, inventory support, and close collaboration with NAPA teams to capture new opportunities and serve customers more effectively.

Market Disruptor Award, Carlyle Tools Suppliers (ISS, Great Neck, Clore, Homak, FNA)

NAPA-Market-Disruptor-Award-Carlyle.jpgMarket Disruptor Award Recipient – Carlyle Tools Suppliers

ISS, Great Neck, Clore, Homak, and FNA are recognized for their partnership with NAPA in relaunching the Carlyle Tools brand—bringing together product expertise, supply chain strength, and collaboration to create a differentiated professional tool offering that is reshaping expectations in the market.   

The post

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

link hidden, please login to view

Join the conversation

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

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

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

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

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

  • Similar Topics

    • By Counterman
      link hidden, please login to view proudly presented link hidden, please login to view (GPD) with the 2026 Receiver’s Choice Award at the Auto Care Association’s Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) Knowledge Exchange Conference, held May 11–14 in Atlanta. The award recognizes GPD’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate and complete product content, along with its dedication to continuous improvement and industry best practices. The Receiver’s Choice Award honors organizations that provide exceptional content, including ACES, PIES, digital assets, and customer-specific formats. Recipients are selected by content receivers who support ACPN and are evaluated based on accuracy, timeliness, completeness, consistency, and overall data integrity.
      The 2026 award was presented by Lance Brierley, director of technology solutions, and Jimmy Golden, director of eCommerce solutions at Alliance Headquarters.
      “GPD’s commitment to maintaining clean, accurate, and timely content has made a measurable impact across our data ecosystem,” said Jimmy Golden. “Their team consistently demonstrates a strong understanding of the standards and responsiveness required to support our distribution and sales efforts.”
      “What set GPD apart is not only the quality of their data, but also their proactive approach to collaboration and continuous improvement,” added Lance Brierley. “They’ve shown a clear dedication to advancing content excellence in a way that benefits the entire network.”
      Global Parts Distributors was recognized for its outstanding performance in content delivery and for playing a key role in strengthening the digital foundation of product representation across the Alliance network.

      link hidden, please login to view congratulates Global Parts Distributors on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to continued collaboration and success. Pictured from Left to Right: Lance Brierley, John Johnson, Kassandra Dore, Natalie Houseman and Jimmy Golden. 
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      WIX Filters announced that the company was honored with the 2025 Parts Warehouse Inc. (PWI) Marketing Support Award at PWI’s annual Red, White and Revved Up conference. The conference took place in April in Rogers, Arkansas, celebrating store wins, providing technical training to attendees and promoting the various vendors that contribute to PWI’s success.
      Marketing Support and Annual Meetings
      Honored over 40 other contenders,
      link hidden, please login to viewwas recognized for its overall engagement and investment in promoting PWI. WIX Filters opened a direct line for sharing assets to support both organizations’ success in 2025. The company developed marketing campaigns that boosted sales and customer awareness and actively participated in PWI’s annual marketing meetings. “PWI is defined by their commitment to providing unparalleled service alongside high-quality auto parts,” said Carmina Lopez, brand manager at WIX Filters. “WIX Filters has been a prominent partner with PWI for over 35 years, and this award recognizes our commitment to developing and enhancing customer relationships while aligning our sales and marketing efforts with PWI.”
      Light- and Heavy-Duty Filters for PWI Customers
      Equipping PWI with both heavy- and light-duty products,
      link hidden, please login to view supplies its customers with oil, cabin and air filters. These filters support both light-duty passenger vehicles and heavy-duty agricultural and construction machinery.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      link hidden, please login to view was recognized by Hahn Automotive with the 2025 Outstanding Logistics Support Award at the annual Hahn Automotive National Sales Conference. Held last month in Rochester, N.Y., the conference prepares staff for the upcoming spring selling season and honors companies for their support and dedication to Hahn Automotive. WIX Filters Support for Hahn Automotive

      link hidden, please login to view was honored for its service levels and order fill rates last year. The company has partnered with Hahn Automotive for nearly 30 years, providing a full line of filters. “Hahn Automotive stresses that service makes all the difference, emphasizing their commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said David Barraco, trade marketing manager at WIX Filters. “WIX Filters has supported Hahn Automotive and its customers for almost three decades, and this award demonstrates our exemplary drive to provide on-time deliveries of the highest quality filters on the market.”
      Hahn Automotive Warehouses and Auto Parts
      Hahn Automotive owns nine full-service warehouses and 28 pickup warehouses that distribute auto parts throughout the Midwest, New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. The company operates Advantage Auto Stores, Car Parts/Motor Supply, Genuine Auto Parts, Norwood Auto Parts, Nu-Way Auto Parts and Speedway Auto Parts.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      NAPA announced the promotions of 
      link hidden, please login to view to Vice President, Procurement & Sourcing,  link hidden, please login to view to Vice President, Commercial Products, and  link hidden, please login to view to Senior Vice President of Pricing and Procurement. These leaders will take on expanded responsibilities across the NAPA merchandising organization, reinforcing the company’s commitment to building deep internal talent and strengthening its product and supplier strategy.  Pérez brings two decades of experience leading P&Ls across the automotive aftermarket, retail and consumer products industries. She most recently served as Senior Director of Category Management at NAPA, where she led a portfolio spanning brakes, undercar and heavy duty, driving growth through sourcing strategy and supplier partnerships. Prior to NAPA, she held merchandising leadership roles at HD Supply, SPANX and The Home Depot. 
      “Cristina has played a pivotal role in transforming category management and sourcing at NAPA Auto Parts. Her strategic mindset, deep merchandising expertise, and ability to build high-performing teams have strengthened our capabilities and positioned us for continued growth. This promotion recognizes both her leadership and the meaningful impact she has made across our organization,” said Danny Huffaker, SVP, Product & Marketing,
      link hidden, please login to view.  Griffiths has been with NAPA for four years, growing from Director of Category Management to Senior Director, Underhood, where she onboarded strategic brands to diversify the NAPA portfolio. In her new role, she will lead the category team responsible for Hard Parts and Applied Parts, including Brakes and Undercar. Prior to NAPA, she held senior category management roles at White Cap.  
      “Laura is an exceptional leader who has played a critical role in advancing our category management capabilities at NAPA Auto Parts. Through strong cross-functional collaboration and trusted supplier partnerships, she has helped build a more strategic and customer-focused organization. This promotion recognizes her leadership, her results, and the meaningful impact she continues to have across our business,” said Huffaker. 
      Portera joined GPC nearly four years ago as Vice President of Finance before moving over to NAPA where he has spent the last three years, first as Vice President of Corporate Development and then as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis. He most recently served as the Vice President of Pricing and Procurement. His recent outstanding achievements include successfully navigating the First Brands bankruptcy and launching the new direct import program for NAPA rotors, the company said. Prior to GPC and NAPA, he had a successful 10-year career at FedEx, which included roles in SEC reporting, FP&A, Treasury and an international expat leadership assignment.  
      “Will has been a steady and trusted leader within our organization, bringing clarity, discipline and strategic thinking to some of our most complex challenges,” said Jamie Walton, EVP, Merchandise & Stores, NAPA. “This promotion reflects the significant impact Will has made at NAPA and our confidence in his continued ability to drive value for our customers and supplier partners.” 
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • Government UFO Files
    • By Counterman
      The
      link hidden, please login to view (AACF) announced that more than $70,000 was raised during the Independent Midas Dealers Association (IMDA) Convention & Trade Show 2026, held April 19 to 21 in Savannah, Georgia, as Midas celebrated its 70th anniversary. This marked the second consecutive year AACF was the event’s official charity. Support from Midas and IMDA members highlights the commitment within the aftermarket industry to care for its own.
      Midas and IMDA Support for AACF
      “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from Midas and the IMDA community in welcoming AACF back for a second year,” said John Kairys, executive director of AACF. “The opportunity to be part of this event and connect directly with franchisees, leadership and partners is invaluable. It speaks volumes about the culture of this organization and the genuine commitment to supporting one another across the industry.”
      AACF Booth, Donations and Prize Drawings
      Throughout the event, IMDA members, franchisees, suppliers and corporate partners visited the AACF booth to learn more about the foundation’s mission, contribute donations, and participate in prize drawings. The event also provided a platform for AACF leadership to connect directly with those who make up the Midas network.
      Kairys joined Jeff Genuario, incoming IMDA president, and Adam Stranik, outgoing IMDA president, on stage to share the foundation’s impact and highlight real stories of individuals and families supported through AACF. “As we celebrate 70 years of Midas, it’s important to recognize the people behind our success,” said Genuario. “Supporting AACF allows us to extend that commitment beyond the shop and into the lives of our teammates and their families when they need it most.”
      Stranik added, “The automotive aftermarket is built on strong relationships, and
      link hidden, please login to view plays a critical role in supporting those within our industry facing unexpected hardship. We’re proud to continue this partnership and to see the incredible generosity of IMDA members make a real difference.” Funds to Support Aftermarket Professionals and Families
      The funds raised during the event will directly support aftermarket professionals and their families facing life-changing challenges such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and catastrophic events.
      “The generosity shown throughout this event speaks volumes about the character of this industry, and partnering with AACF allows us to extend that support beyond the shop and into the lives of those who need it most,” said Lenny Valentino Jr., Midas president and COO. “Our commitment doesn’t end here,” he continued. “We’ll continue supporting AACF and the people who depend on it today and always.”
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view

×
  • Create New...