UAF Welcomes GB Remanufacturing as Lifetime Trustee
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By Counterman
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) is celebrating 40 years of funding scholarships, grants and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable industry work force.
To commemorate the special occasion, UAF is conducting a 40th Ruby Anniversary fundraising campaign that will run throughout the year, culminating with a celebration on Oct. 31 in Las Vegas. Roger McCollum, MAAP, UAF chairman and Rick Schwartz, UAF marketing committee chair announced the campaign at last week’s MEMA Vision Conference and encouraged support from industry members.
“Over the past 40 years, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has made an indelible mark on our industry by annually funding hundreds of scholarships for deserving young people who have gone on to successful careers in the aftermarket,” said Schwartz. “We thank everyone who has championed the UAF mission since 1986 and ask all industry members to support the Ruby Anniversary Campaign so that UAF and its work can continue for the next 40 years and beyond.”
To support the
link hidden, please login to view 40th Ruby Anniversary campaign and attend the special reception held on Oct. 31, 2026 at The Venetian Las Vegas, visit link hidden, please login to view. “Reaching this major milestone would not have been possible without all those who volunteer their time and resources to ensure a bright future for the aftermarket,” said McCollum. “By supporting the Ruby Anniversary Campaign today, you can make a lasting impact by helping young people who aspire to enter our industry or continue their professional development.”
Contributions to the UAF 40th Ruby Anniversary
link hidden, please login to view are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law and count toward UAF lifetime status. UAF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. To learn more, apply for a scholarship or grant, or make a donation, visit link hidden, please login to view. The post
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By Counterman
Automotive Parts Associates (APA) announced that Cereal City Auto Parts of Battle Creek, Michigan, has joined the organization as its newest shareholder.
Owned by Frank Marz and his business partner, Matt Green, Cereal City Auto Parts brings more than two decades of industry experience and a strong commitment to growth, service, and strategic inventory expansion to APA/TruStar. Marz began his career in the automotive aftermarket 24 years ago working in tires at Pep Boys and later joined Cereal City Auto Parts in 2010 as general manager before purchasing the business in 2023. Today, he owns the company and its three locations in partnership with Green and continues to guide its development and expansion.
Joining APA will allow Cereal City Auto Parts to further diversify product offerings, strengthen supplier relationships, and improve inventory availability. Marz said he was particularly interested in the opportunity
link hidden, please login to view provides to expand line acquisition and accelerate access to inventory, as well as the value of the organization’s data analytics resources to support informed business decisions and long-term growth planning. “APA offers the flexibility and insight we were looking for as we continue building the business,” said Marz. “The ability to add lines more efficiently and take advantage of the data analysis tools available through the group made becoming a shareholder a natural next step for us.”
“We’re excited to welcome Cereal City Auto Parts to the
link hidden, please login to view family,” said Steve Tucker, President. “Their commitment to growth and their community will make them strong addition to our shareholder base. We look forward to working with them and helping them buy better!” The post
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By Counterman
Don Bickle Jr. and Tim Bickle, owners of Hays, Kansas-based Warehouse Inc. and its network of S&W Supply stores, announced they have partnered with
link hidden, please login to view, a third-generation, family-owned auto parts distributor based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. APH supports more than 300 locations across the Midwest. Corporate locations rebranded as S&W Supply Auto Value
Warehouse Inc.’s nine corporate locations will be rebranded as S&W Supply Auto Value, as part of the transition. Following the transition, Don Jr. and Tim Bickle will remain involved as senior advisors, and Ryan Bickle, vice president of sales, will continue in a leadership role.
Roots date to 1934
S&W Supply’s roots date to 1934, when Claude Sutter and Don Wells founded the company during the Great Depression. What began as a small automotive parts operation grew steadily, with Don and Lyle (Bickle) Wells helping expand the business and relocate it to Hays, where it remains today.
In 1966, Warehouse Inc. was established to support wholesale distribution across western Kansas. Today, the company serves customers in automotive, heavy-duty, industrial, agricultural and oilfield markets.
Commitment to people, service and long-term growth
The decision to partner with APH reflects a shared commitment to people, service and long-term growth.
“Family and service have always been at the heart of S&W Supply,” Don Jr. said. “Joining the
link hidden, please login to view family ensures our employees and customers will continue to be supported while expanding our reach and capabilities for the future.” Tim Bickle said, “Joining APH gives us the opportunity to strengthen our operations and expand the services we offer to our customers. With their resources and support, we can innovate more quickly, streamline processes, and continue building on the foundation our family established more than 90 years ago.”
“APH was a natural partner,” Ryan Bickle said. “They share our values and our approach to growth – investing in people, maintaining a strong culture and staying focused on the customer.”
Strategic expansion and longstanding relationship
For APH, the partnership represents both a strategic expansion and the continuation of a longstanding relationship.
“We are honored that Don and Tim chose to join the APH family,” said Corey Bartlett, CEO and owner of APH. “S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc. share our customer-first mindset and commitment to service, making this a strong fit as we grow into new markets. We’re excited to welcome their team and build on the impressive business they’ve created.”
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view welcomed DEPSI Auto, doing business as Budget Auto Parts, as a new member of TruStar. Purchased in December 2023, DEPSI Auto is a family-owned and operated business serving the Chicago area with two locations dedicated to providing quality automotive parts to local customers. Although new to the automotive aftermarket, owner Guru Dua is eager to jump in and begin building relationships throughout the industry, APA said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what the aftermarket is all about and fostering connections with other shareholders and members while strengthening relationships with suppliers,” said Dua. “APA/TruStar was recommended to us, and I knew it was the right choice when they responded quickly and took the time to answer all my questions.”
“We’re pleased to welcome DEPSI to the TruStar network,” said Steve Tucker, president of
link hidden, please login to view. “It’s always exciting to see new entrepreneurs enter the aftermarket, and we look forward to supporting their growth through TruStar’s collaborative network and enhanced buying power.” The addition of DEPSI Auto further strengthens TruStar’s growing network of independent distributors across the country. By joining TruStar, DEPSI gains access to exclusive supplier programs, marketing resources, and group support designed to help independent distributors compete and grow in today’s automotive aftermarket.
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By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced it welcomed Prime Auto Parts as the newest member of TruStar. Founded in 2022, Prime Auto Parts operates two locations serving Los Angeles County and the surrounding area. Owner Jose Quintanilla brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket. His career began in 1993 as a delivery driver and progressed through parts, counter, and management roles before founding
link hidden, please login to view. “I was already familiar with the discounts, rebates and overall benefits TruStar offers to small businesses,” said Quintanilla. “I’ve been trying to connect with TruStar for a while, and now that I’m a member, I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and working with the group.”
“Supporting independent warehouse distributors like Prime Auto Parts is exactly what APA and TruStar are built to do,” said Steve Tucker, president of
link hidden, please login to view. “By joining TruStar, Prime gains access to supplier programs, marketing resources, and group support designed to help members stay competitive and profitable in today’s automotive aftermarket.” The post
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