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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By John Lewis
By Counterman
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