MEMA CEO Bill Long On ‘AMN Drivetime’ (Video)
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By Dorman Products
VIDEO TITLE: Smarter transmission conductor plate for Ford and Lincoln | Dorman OE FIX 926-149
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By NAPA
Hailie Deegan posted a hard-earned sixth-place finish Saturday night in the ARCA Menards Series West Oil Workers 150 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. Piloting the No. 16
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Deegan’s night began with a loose race car that made the opening laps difficult and caused her to lose a couple of positions early. Staying patient, she focused on maintaining track position and providing feedback as the race settled into longer green-flag runs.
At the halfway break, the BMR crew made minor adjustments to improve balance, and Deegan immediately felt more comfortable in the No. 16. With improved confidence, she raced aggressively in the second half, battling through traffic and holding her ground during multiple restarts to remain in contention near the front.
Deegan ultimately brought the Chevrolet home in sixth, capping a solid points night for the team. The race also marked her first return to a stock car since June of 2024, making Kern a valuable opportunity to get back behind the wheel and regain comfort with the high-horsepower, high-weight machine. Combined with teammate Mason Massey’s victory, the result highlighted the speed across the Bill McAnally Racing stable at Kern Raceway, with both cars showing race-winning pace. The momentum sets the stage for the next stop on the schedule as Deegan and the team turn their attention toward Phoenix.
“I had a lot of fun getting back to racing in my NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet for Bill McAnally Racing,” Deegan said after the race. “We had good speed throughout the weekend and if I just clean up a few things on my side, I think we will be competing for wins really soon.”
Start / Finish: 6 / 6
Points Standing / Total: 6th / 38 pts. (-9)
Next Race: Thursday, March 5, Phoenix Raceway
How to Watch or Listen: 6:00 p.m. ET on
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By Counterman
The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies announced Bill Nolan’s induction into the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame. Nolan serves as president and CEO of PBS Truck Parts and chairman of the board at
link hidden, please login to view. He received the honor on Jan. 20 during the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week General Session in Grapevine, Texas. From Family Business to Industry Leader at VIPAR
The company began in 1952 as the Power Brake and Spring Company. Nolan’s family acquired the business in 1973. Nolan joined immediately, working part time in labor, delivery and counter sales roles.
He became financial controller in 1984. He assumed the role of president in 1989, succeeding his father. Under his leadership, the company became PBS Truck Parts. The business modernized operations and expanded to seven locations in Indiana and Michigan. It also strengthened its reputation as a family-owned distributor.
VIPAR Heavy Duty Growth and Network Expansion
Nolan has served on the
link hidden, please login to view Board of Directors since 1994. He has held the chairman role since 2011. During his tenure, VIPAR Heavy Duty experienced significant growth and transformation. The organization acquired Power Heavy Duty. It launched the Global Parts Network. It also developed a digital ecosystem to support members. The network expanded to more than 1,000 locations. It extended its footprint into Central and South America.
Remarks at HDAW General Session
Nolan opened his remarks by thanking his wife, daughters and sons-in-law. He also recognized peers and mentors who supported his career.
“I would like to thank my family and friends at VIPAR. I’ve benefited from the cohesive teamwork that has made VIPAR Heavy Duty a success over the years,” he said, mentioning David Rex, Elmer Bower, Harvey Peterson, Steve Crowley, and current VIPAR Heavy Duty President and CEO Chris Baer. “VIPAR is the backstop that helped keep our company independent. It has kept us in the game, and made us more competitive. The future looks bright.”
“Bill’s leadership has been instrumental not only to PBS Truck Parts, but to the entire VIPAR Heavy Duty network,” said Baer. “His deep industry knowledge, unwavering integrity and passion for supporting independent distributors have helped strengthen and elevate the heavy-duty aftermarket. Bill embodies the values of our organization, and his induction into the Hall of Fame is a well deserved recognition of his decades of dedication and impact to the industry.”
A Message for the Next Generation
Nolan credited the PBS Truck Parts staff for meeting every challenge. He closed with remarks aimed at future industry leaders.
“For all of you young people, it’s up to you. It’s up to you to keep networking with your peers, to develop long-lasting relationships, to become leaders of your organizations. Give it all you’ve got. The time will pass in the blink of an eye, but the friendships will last a lifetime. To distributors, keep getting better. Work on your succession plans. Do everything you can to remain independent. After all, we are the foundation of the aftermarket.”
About the Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame
The Heavy Duty Aftermarket Hall of Fame honors leaders who advanced the heavy-duty aftermarket industry. The annual ceremony takes place during the HDAW Conference. The Auto Care Association, CVSN and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers own and operate the event.
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By Counterman
The
link hidden, please login to view announced a leadership transition that it said is designed to support long-term growth, continuity and execution. Effective January 12, 2026, Travis Springsteen joined Auto-Wares as chief executive officer, while Todd Leimenstoll will transition from president and CEO to executive chairman. As CEO, Springsteen will have full responsibility for day-to-day operations, performance and execution. The transition does not represent a change in ownership, strategy or culture. Auto-Wares’ leadership team remains in place, and the company said it will continue executing its re-envisioning plan focused on operational excellence, customer service and long-term growth.
Leimenstoll, who has spent more than four decades with
link hidden, please login to view and has served as president since 2008 and CEO since 2014, will remain actively involved with the company. As executive chairman, he will focus on governance, long-term strategy, and key industry, supplier, and customer relationships, while supporting Springsteen and the leadership team during the transition. “This is a thoughtful and positive evolution for Auto-Wares,” said Leimenstoll. “Travis is a people-focused leader with deep distribution experience and a strong track record of execution. After getting to know Travis and his background, I’m confident he is a solid fit with our outstanding leadership team and the right person to lead Auto-Wares forward. I look forward to supporting him in my new role.”
Springsteen brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across automotive, powersports and aftermarket distribution. Most recently, he served as president of Western Power Sports, where he led a large, multi-location distribution organization serving dealers across North America. Throughout his career, Springsteen has built high-performing teams, strengthened operations, improved inventory productivity, and led teams in both founder-led and private-equity-backed environments.
“Auto-Wares has a strong legacy, a talented team and deep customer relationships,” said Springsteen. “I’m excited to work alongside Todd and the entire organization to build on that foundation, support the great work already underway and help the company continue executing at a high level.”
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By Counterman
The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, presented its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm to Bill Long, President and CEO of MEMA. The award was presented by AWDA Chairperson Ashlee Arnold on November 2nd at AWDA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.
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.
Few individuals in the motor vehicle aftermarket have left a mark as deep, enduring, and far-reaching as Bill Long. Over the course of a career spanning more than 40 years, Bill has not only led respected organizations and industry initiatives—he has helped shape the direction, reputation, and long-term health of the aftermarket itself. From his earliest days delivering parts in high school to his current role as President and CEO of MEMA, Bill Long has exemplified what this award was created to honor: a life’s work defined by integrity, leadership, service, and impact.
Bill’s leadership journey began with a foundational understanding of the aftermarket’s front lines and evolved into senior executive roles across every corner of the supply chain. At Echlin/DANA, where he spent over two decades, Bill built his reputation as a principled leader with an operational mindset and a strategic vision. He would go on to lead North American Operations at Proliance International and later serve as a consultant and advisor through Long Strategies LLC—always staying close to the people and companies that define this industry.
In 2012, Bill joined MEMA, where he first led the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) division before rising to lead the entire organization. Today, MEMA represents one of the most critical sectors of the American economy—vehicle suppliers—through four divisions: AASA, the Heavy-Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA), the Association for Sustainable Manufacturing (MERA), and the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). Under Bill’s leadership, MEMA has strengthened its voice in Washington, D.C., expanded its impact across all vehicle segments, and become a more unified force for progress across the supply base.
A hallmark of Bill’s career has been his deep commitment to advocacy. He has helped elevate the aftermarket in national conversations, building strong relationships with lawmakers and regulators to ensure industry perspectives are heard on issues ranging from vehicle data access and diagnostics to sustainability and workforce development. He has played a visible and consistent role in advancing Right to Repair, including vocal support for the REPAIR Act. He also served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100, offering guidance and strategic insight on behalf of one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation.
Bill’s belief in people and education has also been a defining thread. He has supported professional development across every level of the industry, and his leadership helped bring about “Leadership 3.0: The Global Aftermarket,” a pioneering education program developed in partnership with Northwood University and the University of the Aftermarket. His efforts have helped build future leaders, prepare companies for change, and ensure that learning and mentorship remain central to the aftermarket’s success. For these contributions, he has been recognized with both the MEMA Triangle Award—bestowed only when an individual’s service is deemed truly extraordinary—and Northwood’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.
Outside of the boardroom, Bill’s passion for motorsports has mirrored his professional values: community, innovation, and a love of the industry. He has held executive positions with NASCAR, the IndyCar Series, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and continues to support grassroots racing today. His work in this space earned him the Jack Arute Sr. Excellence in Motorsports Award.
Bill Long is, in every sense of the word, a backbone of the motor vehicle aftermarket. He has built organizations, led people, driven advocacy, and left an indelible legacy. He has done so with humility, consistency, and a tireless commitment to making the industry stronger, smarter, and more united.
For his decades of distinguished service, his contributions to business, education, and advocacy, and his enduring impact on the people and progress of our industry, Bill Long is a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of Martin Fromm.
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