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By Counterman
Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH) recently hosted its annual conference with 500 attendees. Store owners, managers, sales representatives, suppliers and support staff came together.
Held under the theme “Say Yes,” the event spotlighted 2024 accomplishments.
link hidden, please login to view also recognized APH outstanding team members who made significant contributions to the company’s success. Leadership Presented Awards to APH Outstanding Team Members
An awards banquet was a major highlight of the conference. APH leadership personally honored top performers across multiple categories.
CEO Corey Bartlett presented the awards with key leaders. These included Jim Gruber, general manager of BENCO Equipment; Lonnie Kocmick, president of Refinish Supply Co.; Jason Vogel, president of APH Stores; Tim Gardner, vice president of stores, western division; and Rick Lease, vice president of stores, eastern division.
APH’s store operations team and support center staff selected the recipients after thorough evaluations.
CEO Commends ‘Say Yes’ Spirit and Team Dedication
“We are delighted to celebrate our outstanding team members who truly embody the ‘Say Yes’ spirit,” said Bartlett.
“Their exceptional dedication to supporting their teams and customers has been essential to our success in 2024. We are proud to honor them and share in their achievements with our industry partners.”
Store Manager of the Year Among APH Outstanding Team Members
The evening’s top honor went to Matthew Shupick, who earned the 2024 Store Manager of the Year award. He has managed the Eagle Butte, South Dakota, location since 2015.
“Matthew quickly demonstrated his leadership skills, rising to manager in record time,” said Gardner. “He is genuine, down-to-earth and has made a lasting impact on both his team and his community. Driven by a strong sense of duty, Matthew’s commitment to his team’s success and the community that raised him is truly inspiring.”
Additional Award Winners Recognized
In addition to Shupick,
link hidden, please login to viewhonored several other standout contributors: Impact Player of the Year: Doug Thompson, Minot, North Dakota Outside Sales Representative of the Year: Tony Serr, Aberdeen, South Dakota BENCO MVP of the Year: Shane Zahn, Bismarck, North Dakota Refinish Supply Co. MVP of the Year: Tim Christensen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Counter Sales Representative of the Year: Mike Schenk, New Glarus, Wisconsin Driver of the Year: Don Vanderberg, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Regional Manager of the Year: Derek Goblirsch, Southern Minnesota Support Person of the Year: Kris Stelling, St. Cloud, Minnesota Annual Conference Reinforces Team Spirit and Growth
APH emphasized that the annual conference strengthened the company’s collaborative culture. It showcased both the achievements of APH outstanding team members and the teamwork behind APH’s ongoing growth.
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By Counterman
SmartParts has announced the launch of DR!VE+ in North America at the 2025 NEXUS Business Forum in Abu Dhabi. This marks a major step in its global expansion. The launch follows strong growth in 2024 for the exclusive global aftermarket brand for NEXUS members worldwide. The first phase of the North American aftermaket expansion will introduce a 13,700-part Chassis range, with additional product lines to follow. DR!VE+ will serve as the unified brand for NEXUS North America members. SmartParts also introduces a new DR!VE+ battery range, reinforcing its commitment to a comprehensive aftermarket offering.
NEXUS Accelerates North American Aftermarket Expansion
To capitalize on growing market opportunities, NEXUS said it decided 18 months ago to speed up the deployment of the DR!VE+ brand. The aging car parc and transformation of the aftermarket are driving demand. The first phase of the North American aftermarket expansion will focus on the Chassis range, offering 13,700 part numbers. A roadmap will introduce multiple additional product lines over the next 18 months.
“This joint initiative marks a key milestone in the history of NEXUS North America,” said Robert Roos, president of APSG and NEXUS North America.
2024 Growth and 2025 Plans for SmartParts
SmartParts welcomed over 20 new
link hidden, please login to viewmembers and increased revenue by 50% in 2024. This success expands its reach to more than 80 members and customers in 50 countries, the company said. SmartParts aims to further increase its turnover in 2025. The company added it will fast-track expansion into North America, India and Asia. New DR!VE+ Battery Range to Meet Market Demand
SmartParts is unveiling its all-new DR!VE+ battery range at the NEXUS Business Forum. The lineup targets both light vehicles and heavy-duty applications. It is segmented into four categories—DR!VE+ Platinum (AGM), DR!VE+ Performance (EFB), DR!VE+ Essential (SLI), and DR!VE+ Access (Commercial Vehicles only). This range includes 61 part numbers, covering 99% of market demand and catering to older vehicles, hybrid models and commercial applications.
Future Growth and Global Expansion
The
link hidden, please login to view portfolio expanded by more than 1,100 part numbers in 2024. This brings the total to over 11,000 part numbers. SmartParts will continue expanding the range in 2025. The company remains committed to strengthening its position as the global aftermarket brand exclusive to link hidden, please login to viewmembers. “2024 has been an exceptional year for SmartParts,” said Pascal Popis, CEO of SmartParts. “With sales more than doubling compared to last year, this growth reflects the strong commitment of NEXUS members, the power of the DR!VE+ brand and the dedication of our team.”
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