Jump to content

  • Welcome to Auto Parts Forum

    Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. 

     

MEMA CEO Bill Long On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (Video)


Recommended Posts

From first jobs crashing a NAPA delivery vehicle to today leading the nation’s top association for motor and equipment suppliers, Bill Long says he really got his start in this industry on the “ground floor.” 

“The Monday after I graduated from high school, I was working at a NAPA Auto Parts store in Massachusetts as a delivery driver. I did such a good job in crashing the company delivery vehicle that I was promoted to the machine shop and then to the counter and then managed a store and I did all of that while going to college between courses.

“Eventually that led to a factory job in the Brake Parts division at Echlin, where he spent 25 years and stayed with the company through 2001 and a merger with Dana,” Long shared. Long left the supplier side to become part of the industry trade association world. He joined MEMA in 2012 to lead its AASA division before taking the top spot as MEMA president and CEO in February 2019. In between everything, he’s had a passion for and spent some of his career in racing as well.

Long started going to races when he was 4 with his dad who was a NASCAR official. Long himself spent time as a chief starter, a race control director and other roles in racing, which led to jobs at NASCAR in Daytona Beach, and the IndyCar series, where he spent 5 seasons at IMS. About working in racing, Long said “There’s a lot to be learned and a lot of challenges and many of them are transferrable to this industry.” 

Regardless of the role, Long is known for his calm and affable demeanor. Perhaps it can be attributed to one of the key mantras passed down by mentors, which he shared on “

link hidden, please login to view
“: “Seek first to understand before being understood.”

Be sure to check out the full video here to learn more about Long’s remarkable career and see some of the many photographic memories he’s captured and shared for AMN.

The post

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

link hidden, please login to view

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great Tire Deal

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
      The Marketing Executives Council (MEC) of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers announced that it has added new members to its executive committee
      The new executive committee members are:
      Rebecca Conway – Vice President, U.S./Canada Aftermarket Marketing, Clarios
      David Stewart – Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Wells Vehicle Electronics
      “We are excited to welcome Rebecca and David to our Marketing Executives Council executive committee,” said Susan Pase, senior advisor & director, councils, at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. “Their fresh insights and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and drive industry growth.”
      The MEC provides brings together automotive aftermarket supplier marketing executives to collaborate on issues facing the North American manufacturer base. The MEC said it serves a role in helping aftermarket suppliers communicate to key audiences and develop communication strategies and action items. Council meetings serve in the continuing education of new technologies, marketing avenues, trade show activities, research, and other related topics.
      .
      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
      MEMA’s Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC) will host its 
      link hidden, please login to view at Brake Weekend in Naples, Florida, on May 31, 2024. link hidden, please login to view The event, sponsored by Link Engineering, promises engaging discussions on industry trends, regulatory updates related to brake materials and emissions, and the future of maintaining and repairing braking systems, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said.

      link hidden, please login to view highlights include: Regulatory Updates: Dive into discussions on brake materials and emissions, including the BMC Brake Wear Emissions sub-committee’s CARB discussions and updates on the Euro 7 standards. Innovations in Braking: Explore insights on braking system maintenance and repair for electric and hybrid electric vehicles. Supply Chain Strategies: A session dedicated to understanding and mitigating global supply chain risks. The meeting is open exclusively to MEMA BMC member companies, allowing multiple employees from a member company to participate. It’s a unique opportunity to learn from and network with leaders in the braking industry, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers said.
      Eligibility to join the BMC is extended to established North American firms of good repute and sound financial condition, as well as members of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and/or MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers.
      For more information about 
      link hidden, please login to view, joining the BMC or to apply, visit  link hidden, please login to view, or contact Susan Pase at  link hidden, please login to view.  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
      Paul Donahue (at left) will transition from chairman and CEO to executive chairman. William Stengel, II, currently president and COO, will succeed Donahue as president and CEO of GPC and will serve as a member of the board of directors.
      Genuine Parts Company announced that Paul D. Donahue will transition from chairman and CEO to executive chairman, effective June 3, 2024. At that time, William P. Stengel, II, currently president and COO, will succeed Donahue as president and CEO of GPC and will serve as a member of the board of directors.
      “The board is confident that Will is the right person to lead GPC into the future and that the company is positioned to continue delivering value to our customers and shareholders,” said John D. Johns, lead independent director of GPC’s board of directors. “During his tenure at GPC, he’s worked closely with Paul to shape the company’s strategic priorities and with the global leadership teams to evolve the business and deliver outstanding performance.”
      Stengel joined the company in 2019 as executive vice president and chief transformation officer with nearly two decades of leadership and professional experience. In 2021, he was promoted to serve as only the eighth president in the company’s history. His role expanded to president and chief operating officer in 2023. Prior to joining GPC, he served in various executive leadership roles at HD Supply, including as president and CEO of HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, as well as at The Home Depot and in various investment banking roles.
      “I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead Genuine Parts Company and especially grateful for my GPC teammates and the support of Paul and the board of directors,” said Stengel. “We will continue to build on the strong foundation laid over many years as we work to deliver solutions for our customers, invest in talent and capabilities and create value for our shareholders.”
      “On behalf of the board of directors, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Paul for his remarkable leadership spanning over two decades, culminating as chairman and CEO,” said Johns. “Under his leadership, the company simplified its business mix, expanded its global footprint and delivered significant shareholder value. Paul’s positive impact on GPC has been remarkable, and we look forward to his continued guidance as he transitions to his new role as executive chairman.” 
      “I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished as One GPC team, and equally grateful for the 20+ years I have been privileged to work for this amazing company. As I transition from the CEO role, I am pleased to welcome Will as only the sixth CEO in our company’s 96-year history,” said Donahue. “I have every confidence in Will, our global leadership teams and our board of directors to deliver on our vision to be the leading global automotive and industrial parts distributor and solutions provider.”
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By NAPA
      ATLANTA, April 29, 2024 /
      link hidden, please login to view/ -- Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a leading global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, announced today that Paul D. Donahue will transition from chairman and CEO to executive chairman, effective June 3, 2024. At that time, William P. Stengel, II, currently president and COO, will succeed Mr. Donahue as president and CEO of GPC and will serve as a member of the board of directors. "The board is confident that Will is the right person to lead GPC into the future and that the company is positioned to continue delivering value to our customers and shareholders," said John D. Johns, lead independent director of GPC's board of directors. "During his tenure at GPC, he's worked closely with Paul to shape the company's strategic priorities and with the global leadership teams to evolve the business and deliver outstanding performance."
      Mr. Stengel joined the company in 2019 as executive vice president and chief transformation officer with nearly two decades of significant leadership and professional experience. In 2021, he was promoted to serve as only the eighth president in the company's history. His role expanded to president and chief operating officer in 2023. Prior to joining GPC, he served in various executive leadership roles at HD Supply, including as president and CEO of HD Supply Facilities Maintenance, as well as at The Home Depot and in various investment banking roles.
      "I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to lead Genuine Parts Company and especially grateful for my GPC teammates and the support of Paul and the board of directors," said Mr. Stengel. "We will continue to build on the strong foundation laid over many years as we work to deliver solutions for our customers, invest in talent and capabilities and create value for our shareholders."
      "On behalf of the board of directors, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Paul for his remarkable leadership spanning over two decades, culminating as chairman and CEO," said Mr. Johns. "Under his leadership, the company simplified its business mix, expanded its global footprint and delivered significant shareholder value. Paul's positive impact on GPC has been remarkable, and we look forward to his continued guidance as he transitions to his new role as executive chairman." 
      "I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished as One GPC team, and equally grateful for the 20+ years I have been privileged to work for this amazing company. As I transition from the CEO role, I am pleased to welcome Will as only the sixth CEO in our company's 96-year history," said Mr. Donahue. "I have every confidence in Will, our global leadership teams and our board of directors to deliver on our vision to be the leading global automotive and industrial parts distributor and solutions provider."
      About Genuine Parts Company
      Established in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a leading global service organization specializing in the distribution of automotive and industrial replacement parts. Our Automotive Parts Group operates across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Portugal, while our Industrial Parts Group serves customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australasia. We keep the world moving with a vast network of over 10,700 locations spanning 17 countries supported by more than 60,000 teammates. Learn more at 
      link hidden, please login to view. SOURCE Genuine Parts Company
      For further information: Investor Contact, Timothy Walsh, (678) 934-5349, Senior Director, Investor Relations; Media Contact, Heather Ross, (678) 934-5220, Vice President, Strategic Communications
      link hidden, please login to view
    • By Counterman
      Over the past couple of months, MEMA has been building on momentum to try and get the REPAIR Act passed the organization said. Now, it’s announcing the next step in a campaign called the “At Home REPAIR Campaign,” asking aftermarket suppliers to get involved.
      “Members of Congress will be back at home frequently in April, May, June, and July. These recesses provide the perfect opportunities to meet with legislators and urge them, face-to-face, to pass the REPAIR Act in 2024,” MEMA said.
      MEMA’s goal: Suppliers schedule in-person legislator meetings and facility visits during these recesses to advance the REPAIR Act.
      This is after MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers completed their Washington D.C. fly-in to try and build momentum behind the REPAIR Act, also known as H.R. 906.
      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...