AMN Drivetime

Grace Hovis's journey in the family business, Hovis Auto and Truck Supply, highlights the balance between honoring tradition and seeking innovation. Founded in 1952, Hovis Auto and Truck Supply Inc. has evolved from a small operation into a major player in the automotive parts distribution space. This evolution was fueled by a willingness to adapt and innovate, a lesson Grace learned from an early age.  "My father brought me and my brother into the business as soon as we could push a broom," she said. "He had us in the warehouse. We were following around employees. He'd give us a few bucks at the end of the day, and we were thrilled. He made me business cards when I was in preschool. I'd walk around trade shows with him and hand them out to the reps and tell them that I'd be working with them someday."Today, Hovis is the marketing and training director at Hovis Auto and Truck Supply, and from those traditional aftermarket beginnings, she underscores the significance of digital tools – from e-commerce platforms to CRM systems – in enhancing customer engagement and streamlining processes. The digital transformation of the aftermarket is not just about adopting new technologies, but also about reimagining business models to thrive in a connected world. "I think it's always important to look back on where a company started, how it came to be the way it is and why they do things the way they do them," she said. "But I also think that a young, fresh perspective can come in and look at some of those things and say, 'That works great, but why don't we try it this way?' I think another perspective our generation brings is a fresh look on technology."Hovis noted that young automotive aftermarket professionals, like those involved in YANG, bring invaluable insights into emerging technologies and market trends. Their fresh perspectives are crucial for understanding the implications of advancements such as electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving technologies and AI. By fostering a culture that values innovation and inclusivity, the aftermarket can tap into the potential of the next generation to address future challenges and opportunities.In this episode of AMN Drivetime, sponsored by AISIN, Hovis talks through her journey in the automotive aftermarket and highlights the integration of fresh perspectives on automotive aftermarket technology that can significantly impact the industry's trajectory.

As MEMA commemorates its 120th anniversary, it's an opportunity to reflect on the organization's profound impact on the automotive aftermarket industry. Founded on March 2, 1904, MEMA has evolved from a modest gathering of parts manufacturers in Cleveland, to a pivotal force in the global automotive landscape. In this episode of AMN Drivetime, sponsored by AISIN, Bill Long, president and chief executive officer, discusses MEMA's recent reorganization to better serve its members amidst industry transformations, reflected on his 11 years at MEMA and highlighted efforts in advocacy, sustainability, U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and global trade expansion. • Introduction to MEMA's 120th anniversary, the founding of MEMA in 1904, and its original directors and members. (00:56) • Expansion of MEMA's membership and the evolution of its purpose, highlighting key historical moments and contributions to the automotive industry. (02:56) • Significant milestones in MEMA's history, including the introduction of credit reporting services, co-sponsoring the automotive service industry show, opening the DC office, and the formation of various market segments within MEMA. (04:53)• Reflections on personal experiences and meaningful moments within MEMA over the past 11 years. (08:05)• Discussion on the organizational changes in MEMA, aimed at better positioning the association for the future. (11:03) • Future plans and focus areas for MEMA, including strengthening the supplier voice in Washington DC, addressing manufacturing competitiveness, and expanding global trade. (14:21)• The "Lightning Round" of quick questions. (19:00)

Serendipity led Jon Owens, national sales manager for Epicor, to find the automotive aftermarket. Jon started out in sales for Timken Roller Bearing in Canton, Ohio, and describes finding the aftermarket after graduating from college as being in the right place at the right time. However, it wasn’t until he took over the NAPA Auto Parts account for Timken and started going to meetings, such as the AWDA Conference, where he truly recognized the power of volunteering for industry committees.“You’re exposed to industry icons and you just can’t beat that kind of exposure,” said Owens, who just began his two-year stint as president of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), and arguably, has become an industry icon himself. “For me, it all began at AWDA. I was smitten with it and convinced that industry volunteerism benefited not only the industry, but also benefited me personally and whatever company I was going to represent.”Since then, the list of organizations and committees Owens has served on is too long to publish here. Yet in his time at various automotive aftermarket companies, he has always been sure to remain involved outside of his 9-to-5 and has learned many lessons in business and life from the aftermarket professionals he has volunteered with. In this episode of AMN Drivetime, sponsored by AISIN, Owens delves into those lessons as well as his career trajectory from Timken to Epicor and describes his vision for AACF.EPISODE OVERVIEW How Owens found the automotive aftermarket (0:58)His college football career and what he learned most from playing the sport at a high level (3:46)Owens’s mentors in the automotive aftermarket (5:06)His involvement in the automotive aftermarket organizations and what makes our industry different when it comes to service outside of your day job (10:48)His biggest lessons from his involvement in aftermarket committees and organizations (16:32)Owens describes his vision for AACF as president for the next two years (22:45)How you can help with the AACF’s mission today (29:54)

Jeff Koviak describes his “master’s degree” in the automotive aftermarket as owning two muffler shops in Port Huron, Michigan, for a few years. He was at the ripe, young age of 24 and this stint came after he served as a Walker Exhaust territory manager with Tenneco in Detroit.Koviak calls that his first official job in the aftermarket, but in reality, his first experience in our industry dates back to his days in vocational auto mechanics class in high school. At the time, Koviak told his teacher he wanted to be involved in cars but didn’t want to work at a dealership or be a technician. That’s when his teacher reached out to Northwood University, where Koviak found a great fit in their automotive aftermarket management program. Since then, Koviak has spent his career in the aftermarket, navigating the changes Tenneco has experienced throughout the years.Today, Koviak serves as vice president of sales, customer service and sales operations, the Americas, at DRiV, and in this episode of AMN Drivetime, sponsored by AISIN, he delves into how his role and the company’s strategies have shifted, especially when Tenneco merged with Federal-Mogul in 2018 and formed DRiV, as well as how the company has changed since being bought by private equity in November 2022. EPISODE OVERVIEWKoviak’s career trajectory in the automotive aftermarket (0:39);Koviak’s thoughts on the “transformational” merger of Tenneco and Federal-Mogul and how he played a role in combining the two businesses (8:01);Changes Tenneco/DRiV have experienced since being acquired by private equity and how the company is able to make quicker decisions (11:42)DRiV’s plans for 2024- new products and a focus on improved fill rates (15:07)Koviak delves into the strategic direction of some of Tenneco’s storied brands and what to expect from them in the future (19:32)The importance of giving back to the industry and Koviak’s continued connection to Northwood (25:31)Lightening Round questions⚡ (28:57)Watch more episodes of AMN Drivetime here.

In its 81 years in business, MANN+HUMMEL has prided itself on being family-owned, remaining steadfast to its mission: separating the useful from the harmful with its filtration products. Yet, over the years, its products have evolved as the company has innovated to meet the demands of its customers. About 25 years ago, the innovation and heritage of MANN+HUMMEL attracted its current president and CEO to the company and he hasn't looked back. Kurk Wilks joined the company in 1998 on the OE side of the business as a senior account manager. Then, he transitioned into sales and took on a global role managing the General Motors account. Over the years, he has held director roles in the areas of sales, engineering and operations on local, regional and global levels. Finally in December 2018, he was named president and general manager of the company's OE business."Then, in 2020 I was asked by our chairman to become the CEO. So it's unique. I'm the first American CEO of this German, family-owned business," he explained. "But I think with my 25 years of experience, the deep respect I have for our heritage of what it means to be family-owned and be technology driven, I'm able to take those assets with our people, our most important asset, and make something different for our customers to experience." Today, MANN+HUMMEL calls itself the leader in filtration, as it continues to invest in R&D, engineering, digitalization and advanced technology. "We use analytics tools, AI and other processes now to really bolt on and streamline how we run the business," he said. "But in the end, for me it's about reliability and trust that when customers use our product, it'll make their asset perform as desired and as needed." In this episode of AMN Drivetime, presented by AISIN, Wilks delves into: His first roles in the automotive aftermarket and what attracted him to MANN+HUMMEL (0:51)His career trajectory at the company (2:30)Experiences that have shaped his view on the business (4:18)How MANN+HUMMEL has benefitted from its expanded distribution strategy after opening a distribution center on the West Coast (8:16)The ways the company is innovating in filtration through digital solutions and the importance of its digital hubs (10:12)Additional opportunities for the company's growth (14:12)What he's seeing as the state of the automotive aftermarket with his role as vice chairman of MEMA (15:01)The Lightening Round ⚡ This episode is sponsored by AISIN. To watch more episodes of AMN Drivetime, click here.

When Mike Palm tells you he's a jack of all trades at CRP Industries, he's not lying. Just look at his resume. He started with the company in 1986 as a graduate of Shippensburg University, just outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He found a marketing assistant job at CRP through a newspaper ad. In the early days, he became involved in product development, digging into vehicles to look at parts that CRP could create. He also dipped his toe in cataloging, sales support and supplier development in CRP's early years. "I even learned how to drive a forklift," Palm says laughing, recalling the memories of his various roles at CRP.After 10 years of working his way up at the company, Palm asked himself, "What's next?" His marketing mastery led him to find a role at Berlitz, a global supplier of language instruction, cross-cultural training and other educational materials, as its director of worldwide marketing. There, he gained experience in consumer marketing, yet always kept in touch with his CRP colleagues. After a decade at Berlitz, Palm, as he describes it, was lured back to the aftermarket by Daniel Schlidge, president and CEO of CRP, who presented a future-looking vision to Mike and told him how he could play a role in developing it. Since 2005, Mike has been a staple at CRP working his way up to vice president of sales and marketing, leading the company’s aftermarket product management efforts and ensuring that CRP remains a respected brand in the industry. In this episode of AMN Drivetime, presented by AISIN, find out how Mike and his team are doing that by getting close to the customer and looking ahead at innovations the company will need to produce down the line. In this episode, Mike shares:How he started at CRP Industries and his experiences working at the company in "the early days" (0:40)Why he decided to leave the automotive aftermarket and what brought back to CRP from this experience (4:26)Why he returned to CRP and why he "wakes up everyday enjoying what I do" (9:18)The way his role as vice president of sales and marketing has changed and how he deals with change management both at CRP and in the industry (12:22)How CRP's Innovation Council has spurred multiple product innovations for the company (15:09)The value that the Innovation Council has brought to CRP's supply chain (19:39)Big opportunities for CRP to serve the marketplace in the near future (24:13)The Lightening Round ⚡AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN. Find more episodes here: https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/podcasts/amn-drivetime-podcast/

When you’ve worked for a company for more than 40 years, you certainly know “where the bodies are buried,” as they say. But more fascinating, you’re a walking history book, seeing the company through its ups and downs, successes and flops and stellar innovations that have defined the next generation of the aftermarket.Jeff Kritzer, president and CEO of BendPak, is one of those guys.Kritzer started at BendPak, a California-based company best known for its car lifts and wheel service equipment, when he was a 20-something recent college grad. As he describes it, he found out about the job thanks to family connections: Owner Don Henthorn’s daughter was best friends with Jeff’s sister at the time. He knew Jeff was in search of a job, and Jeff soon started in the company’s shipping and receiving department. Thanks to his innovative thinking and hard work, Jeff worked his way up in the company, seeing through dozens of brands, products and industry firsts over the years.In the latest episode of AMN Drivetime, sponsored by AISIN, Jeff delves into:His “rags to riches” career trajectory at BendPak (1:10)Advice and good business practices Jeff has learned from his mentors, including Henthorn (2:54);How BenPak’s product lines have evolved over time to meet market demand (4:52);How the BendPak name was born and its offerings for the aftermarket today (6:00);Innovations around BendPak’s CoolBoss product line (11:51);Why BendPak recently opened an industrial complex in Alabama and how it feeds into the company’s strategy (14:17);Potetial growth Jeff sees for BendPak and its aftermarket brands (15:51);Reasons why the company purchased a new California HQ and wants employees to come into the office each day (17:13);How EVs are affecting lifts and wheel service equipment (20:03)Rapid Fire Questions (22:23)AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN. Find more episodes here.

As a 30-plus-year automotive aftermarket veteran, Ted Hughes has seen change after change in the industry. He's experienced countless technological improvements. During his almost 24 years as head of marketing for MAHLE, he charged head-first into the digital era -- embracing digital media, e-commerce and a "data is king" mindset. Yet despite the evolution of the industry, one aspect has remained true: nothing beats the solid relationships that form long-lasting business partnerships and make this industry strong. About a year ago, he joined the Auto Care Association as executive director of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and also took on the role of senior director of community engagement for the association, putting his love for the industry and his expertise for creating industry engagement to work. Although challenges abound, Ted looks at them as opportunities. In this episode of AMN Drivetime with Bill Babcox, presented by AISIN, Ted delves into:Making the change to association work and its biggest rewards (0:54);How he was fitted for skates at a young age and what playing hockey and other sports taught him that he takes into his career (3:13);Ted's career trajectory and how he found the automotive aftermarket (6:54);Shifts in the overall business that impacted Ted's roles and how he and his team addressed them (10:36)The future of AWDA (15:47);The importance of face-to-face interaction (18:39);Rapid Fire Questions (24:40)AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN. Find more episodes here.

The Schwartz name is synonymous with the automotive aftermarket. It started with Mort Schwartz, an engineer by training who served as chairman and CEO of four different automotive aftermarket companies from the 60s to the 90s. Mort's service to the aftermarket, including as a member and chair of various aftermarket committees, spans more than 40 years, and now his son, Rick, is following in his footsteps to make the Schwartz name a leader in M&A advising and business growth strategies in the industry.Rick received his MBA from USC's Marshall School of Business, and while his father grew and ran companies in the aftermarket, Rick's career spans multiple industries working in management positions for the likes of Macy's, Nestle and The Upper Deck Company early in his career. He gained C-suite level experience as the COO of a health and fitness company before joining forces with his dad to create Schwartz Advisors, an M&A and growth consultant for companies in the automotive aftermarket.In 2006, Schwartz Advisors was born, and since then, the firm has added 12 industry experts from different segments to consult on various deals and strategies. In this episode of AMN Drivetime, sponsored by AISIN, Rick delves into:The reasons why he initially studied international relations (1:00)Lessons he learned from working at large companies in different industries early in his career (1:44)How Schwartz Advisors was born (2:54)The breadth and depth of Schwartz Advisors' expertise (4:02)Trends in M&A in the macroeconomy and the automotive aftermarket (8:02)The types of business that are a good fit for the "buy-side" and "sell-side" of acquisitions (10:22)Lessons Rick learned from his father, Mort (12:42)Rapid Fire questions (14:18)AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN. Find more episodes here.

Michael Ceritano's resume includes an array of positions from around the aftermarket: marketing manager, car wash consultant, owner of an auto accessory business, aftermarket sales director and now COO. With a career spanning 30-plus years in the automotive aftermarket, Ceritano has used his industry expertise combined with his business savvy and willingness to learn new skills to grow GSP North America's business exponentially in the almost six years he's been with the company.In this episode of AMN Drivetime, presented by AISIN, Ceritano describes how he worked his way up in the industry, the ways he has helped grow the GSP North America team and what he feels has been integral to the company's success.Ceritano delves into:His forray into the automotive aftermarket with Chrysler (0:30)GSP's key product offerings and its history in North America (3:13)Why GSP has been "one of the most rewarding places" he has worked and how he has helped build the current team at GSP North America (5:36)The four P's that are driving factors of GSP North America's growth (9:37)The lessons he and his team learned during COVID with a majority of their production in China (11:32)Why GSP has launched value-added services like training for technicians who use its products (14:56)Rapid Fire Questions (16:11)Find more AMN Drivetime episodes here: https://www.aftermarketnews.com/tag/amn-drivetime/This episode is sponsored by AISIN. Learn more about AISIN here: https://www.aisinworld.com/

Upon celebrating his 80th birthday and 64 years in the automotive aftermarket, Jim Franco is as energized as ever about the business opportunities he sees in the market today. As president and CEO of Autologue Computer Systems, Jim has been in the software industry since the mid-80s and has seen a huge technological evolution–not only on the parts side but also the hardware and software side. While some may lament the changes that have been made, especially over a 64-year-career, Jim approaches it with gusto and believes others should, too.While Jim boasts that he is building a “rocket ship” with the great people at Autologue, he is quick to acknowledge that the root of this industry is in relationships–buying and selling parts from your local shop and getting them delivered in 30 minutes or less.“Nobody can compete with that,” Franco says. “Amazon is trying to, but they don’t even come close.” In this episode of AMN Drivetime Quick Hits, sponsored by AISIN, Franco delves into:Reflections on his 80th birthday and how his business has evolved (0:46)His thoughts on the market today including technology and EVs (4:02)His plans for Autologue, including how he and his team are taking PartsWatch to a whole new level and building a “rocket ship” (6:06)The “Win the Day” Dashboard and why every auto parts distribution manager should use a tool like it (8:13)How Jim creates a culture of taking pride in your work at Autologue (10:32)Rapid Fire questions (12:53) AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN. Find more episodes here.

For many in this industry, the automotive aftermarket is in their blood. They grew up in the business, whether it was wrenching in the summers in high school or hanging out with their parents at their place of work. This was the case for Travis Roffler, who has been the director of marketing of Continental Tire the Americas for almost 18 years and is a tire guy through and through.Growing up, Travis remembers wrenching with his dad in their garage and being fascinated with cars and racing at a young age. Little did he know that after graduating with a marketing degree from Florida State in 1992, his first job would be with Michelin North America as a customer service representative. He worked his way up at Michelin to become the company’s marketing manager. Soon after, he was recruited by Toyo Tire USA to be its director of marketing. Travis credits his following his passion for automotive and the people in the industry for his “blessed” career.Travis has worked as the director of marketing for Continental Tire for almost 18 years and manages a team that is responsible for marketing for both the Continental and General Tire brands, including brand development, programs and promotions, product planning, communications and more.In this episode of AMN Drivetime, hear Travis discuss:How Travis’ got his start in the ‘s passion for automotive led him to a career in automotive (0:29)Key mentors that helped Travis learn the tire business (4:40)Changing moments in Travis’ career, including one that would affect his family (9:00)The meaning Continental’s new taglines for its Conti and General brands and the process and research Travis and his team did to change them and make them meaningful (14:27)What Travis sees as a few key trends in the tire industry today, from manufacturing to retail (20:54)Travis’ proudest career moment (26:50)AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN. Find more episodes here.

Continuous improvement, known as “lean” in the manufacturing world, has been a guiding force for Ben Pryor, vice president of commercial for the Coats Co. Earlier in his career at Hennessy Industries (parent company of Coats), Pryor spent four months learning lean principles by going to the “gemba” – a Japanese term that refers to the place where the work is done. Pryor, appearing on “AMN Drivetime” with Bill Babcox, says the four-month lean immersion was “a rich experience” that continues to inform his thinking and decisions. The experience built on his previous exposure to lean while working for a manufacturing business in the St. Louis area earlier in his career.In this “AMN Drivetime” episode, Ben and Bill also talk about:00:36 – Ben’s path to the automotive aftermarket2:14 – People who have influenced Ben the most during his career4:00 – Life-changing, momentous moments in his career8:16 – Process of company rebranding10:38 – Branching into other service categories11:59 – Coats’ shop-productivity software15:18 – How tire equipment likely will evolve17:25 – The Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN.

In the last three years, Aisin World Corp. Of America has experienced its fair share of changes. As a result of the pandemic, the company expanded its operations. In 2021, it merged two business units to create Aisin Corp. to better foster synergies within the group and address future challenges like electrification. That same year, the company rebranded, and now, it’s ready for the mobility challenges that await the aftermarket. “We’re putting ourselves in a place where we're not only going to be known for our timing belt kits and water pumps, but also for future product categories as well,” explained Larrow Kaufman, senior sales manager for the North American Aftermarket at Aisin World Corp. Of America. “That is going to allow us to be relevant now and in the future for installers and WDs.” In this AMN Drivetime episode, Dwayne, Larrow and Bill discuss: The career paths for Dwayne and Larrow and how both found their way to Aisin (0:29)How Aisin expanded its operations and implemented new warehouse software because of the pandemic (4:30)The history behind the Aisin Seiki merger with Aisin AW Co. and how the move brought the “best of both worlds” together (7:03)Reasons for Aisin’s rebrand in 2021 and how it unites all of Aisn’s business units (11:20)Larrow describes Aisin’s biggest growth opportunities (14:17)Dwayne explains how Aisin is looking outside the box to service EVs now and in the future (15:57)Dwayne and Larrow dig into the marathons and races they’ve participated in (23:09)Larrow talks about his collection of Datsun vehicles (28:23)More AMN Drivetime: https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/podcasts/amn-drivetime-podcast/More from Aisin: https://www.aisinworld.com/

At the helm of one of the automotive aftermarket’s leading remanufacturing firms, GB Remanufacturing President and CEO Michael Kitching says he’s proud to see remanufacturing getting the attention it deserves as a key player in the growing sustainability conversations taking place today. GB Remanufacturing was founded by Mike and his father Bill Kitching in 1986. The company remanufactures and distributes premium gasoline and diesel fuel system related products to its customers around the world and is based in Long Beach, California. “Remanufacturing is the ultimate environmentally friendly type of business,” said Kitching. “We take units that are previously deemed either defective or just used and remanufacture that to OEM specs or better sometimes. It saves the environment, it saves the consumer a lot of money, so yeah, we're proud to be in this industry.” Kitching recently joined Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox in the AMN Drivetime podcast studio to talk about changes in the industry, the story of building a family owned and operated business and much more. During the interview, Bill and Mike talk about: 0:10: A bit of history about the family business, what the “GB” in the company name stands for and why 01:37 What Mike originally set out to do as a career before joining the family business 03:42 The renewed interest in reman today as a key element of sustainability efforts 06:48 The importance of keeping GB Remanufacturing jobs in the U.S. 08:40 Other critical industry and business issues the company is watching closely right now 11:55 Mike’s diehard love of the Long Beach Grand Prix and how that got started 14:30 Mike’s favorite hobbies (skiing and golfing) and where he enjoys them 16:59 The ever-popular Lightning Round AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN.

In this latest episode of AMN Drivetime, Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox sits down with Daryl Benton, vice president, sales and marketing automotive aftermarket, North America, MANN+HUMMEL, to discuss a wide range of topics, including Daryl’s own career path from consumer products to the aftermarket, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Purolator brand and the way MANN+HUMMEL’s mission contributes to the health and safety of motorists and the environment today. Starting out his career with a Mechanical Engineering Degree, early on Benton said he decided he would rather work on the growth side of the business than the supply side of the business. This took him on a career transition from working in manufacturing to marketing. Through this professional journey, Benton says he’s accrued skills and experiences he’d like to bring more of to the automotive aftermarket. As MANN+HUMMEL’s highly regarded Purolator brand celebrates its Centennial this year, Benton shared some helpful insights he gleaned about what customers really value in a brand while working on another well-known name: Guinness. “I was actually working on the Guinness brand when it crossed over 250 years of Guinness and one of the things that I learned back then from an agency perspective is that people don't mind you patting yourself on the back for reaching a milestone, but what they really want to know is what that means for them in the future and what you're going to do for them now,” said Benton. “One of the important things we want to make sure we're doing is to continue to develop and innovate on this brand for the future of Purolator and also make sure that we are supporting activities to engage our consumers and customers in a meaningful way. That helps them to understand the value that having those 100 years brings …” Also in the interview, Bill and Daryl talk about: 02:50 His very first job as a young man growing up in Chicago 04:08 The insights Daryl brings to MANN+HUMMEL from his consumer products background 06:11 What it was like joining the company at the height of the pandemic 08:55 Celebrating the Centennial anniversary of Purolator 10:09 The genesis of the Purolator brand name 11:29 Celebrating brand reputation and what it means for the future 15:06 MANN+HUMMEL’s mission and its role in sustainability 19:14 As an avid traveler, some of Daryl’s favorite trips 22:04 The fun and fast Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens.

In this latest episode of AMN Drivetime, Babcox CEO Bill Babcox sits down Dr. Thomas Litzinger, who was named executive director of the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University in October of 2022.An accomplished aftermarket executive with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Litzinger also is a proud Northwood grad. He earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration there, and his master of science degree in organizational leadership from the DeVos Graduate School of Management. He also participated in Leadership 2.0, an executive training program through the University of Aftermarket.Prior to this appointment, Litzinger served as a fleet relationship manager for Belle Tire Distributors Inc., as well as an automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket adjunct professor for the Adult Degree Program at Northwood University. Previously, he served as senior director of business development for MAS Industries; senior vice president of sales and operations at Advanced Innovative Technologies/Trakmotive; and executive director of Motown Automotive Distributing Inc. After he received his master’s degree, he went on to earn his doctorate in education from Liberty University. Needless to say, Dr. Litzinger is the on the right seat on the bus, so to speak. Both his educational background and professional experience make this new role a great fit, one that he’s excited about, he says.“I spent the majority of my career on the distribution side. I was fortunate to spend a few years on the manufacturing side, and then the last five with a tire distribution company. So I've been very fortunate to have a very broad based experience in the aftermarket, which I think contributes to my ability to lead the University of the Aftermarket and to interact with our students. Nothing provides better experience than life. …I'm teaching based on personal experience, and this is real life aftermarket.”During the podcast, Thomas and Bill also talk about: 04:38 – Growing up in Michigan and his very first job06:00 – Why Litzinger calls himself a “lifetime learner”08:42 – His hopes and goals for UofA11:17 – What makes UofA a unique value proposition for Northwood students? 16:27 – Lastly, the ever-popular Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens.

In this latest episode of AMN Drivetime, Babcox CEO Bill Babcox sits down Rick Maxwell, president and owner of Cleveland-based United Motor Products. Rick Maxwell is what some in this industry call a “lifer.” He’s been involved in the industry since he was about eight years old, working along his father, who began as an aftermarket salesman in 1965 for the originator of B’laster. “He worked for a couple other companies in sales, and that's how I got into it,” Maxwell said. “I was on the road with him staying in hotels, doing changeovers. … It was fun. … after that he decided, ‘Hey, since I'm a sales guy, I want to own a parts store.’ So that's what he did. He opened a couple parts stores, so I got into working in a parts store.” Maxwell described his dad as a “serial entrepreneur” who was always thinking about the next thing, which is how they went from sales to parts store owners to making spark plugs. “I was making spark plug wires by hand, you know, with a vise and putting the terminals on. And we would take the orders in the morning from the customers, I'd build the sets, we'd deliver 'em next day out of our car. So, it was fun. It was working at home and again, hanging out with the family. It was good,” Maxwell said. After about two years they moved into a small facility and developed a consolidated spark plug wire line, and according to Rick, this is when things took off. “We've kind of just kept moving and morphing into the next thing. So we did that for a while, and then we moved into a little bigger facility, about 10,000 square feet, and we were there for about 10 years and grew the business, and then we moved into where we're at today.” Today the company has a roughly 20,000-square-foot facility in Cleveland, Ohio, and another 10,000-square-foot facility in Bradenton, Florida, offering an extensive range of engine-centric products.During the podcast, Rick and Bill also talk about: 0:53 Growing up in the family business03:26 The origins of United Motor Products04:41 What running a family business means to Rick06:11 A look at UMP’s full product offering07:11 The scoop on Rick’s other roles as partner in Engine Technologies and United Manufacturing Services07:33 How these three businesses work together09:14 Changes in the marketplace today11:43 The importance of staying nimble and agile13:32 Rick’s take on the EV market16:03 What’s next for UMP?18:54 The ever-popular Lightning Round! AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens.

Dave Caracci is a guy who can wield a wrench as deftly as he can a sales pitch.In this latest episode of AMN Drivetime, Babcox CEO Bill Babcox sits down with Dave Caracci, longtime aftermarket veteran who currently serves as executive director of the Automotive Sales Council. While he racked up a stellar career as an aftermarket sales professional, Caracci has many skills he has cultivated over his long and successful career. Dave is a guy that can wield a wrench as deftly as he can a sales call.From a young age, Caracci had his eyes on the end goal. He said he decided in the seventh grade that he was going to become a sports car racer. And so he did. Caracci began is journey in the industry studying to be a diesel mechanic at a trade school. From there, he began building race engines and became fully immersed in the racing world. Eventually, his career in racing led to a job in sales and the rest is a very colorful and exciting history that you don’t want to miss.During the podcast, Bill and Dave talk about: 02:49 The transition from racing to sales05:42 Getting a “Business Degree” at the School of Life13:48: The secret sauce to success in the aftermarket22:31 Why Dave says this is the money business, NOT the auto parts business24:30 Dave’s devotion to volunteering in the aftermarket28:48 Tales from the road – both racing and business40:44 Dave’s other passion – sailing43:45 The ever-popular Lightning RoundAMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens.

In mid-November, the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) made a major announcement about a new business structure to better position the organization and the vehicle supplier community for the future. The 118-year-old organization will now operate under one umbrella — MEMA — and will represent automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers with two groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Group and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers Group. The association will formally kick off the new brand and organizational structure in January 2023, however in the meantime, Bill Long, president & CEO, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association; Paul McCarthy, president MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers; Marc Blackman, president & CEO, Gold Eagle and Chairman, MEMA Board of Directors; sat down with Bill Babcox to share a few updates on the reorganization. In this AMN Drivetime podcast, Babcox, Long, McCarthy and Blackman discuss the following: 0:55 Updates on the initial announcement and the significant benefits this realignment will offer MEMA members02:52 - Who makes up membership in the two new divisions 05:15 – Primary areas of industry disruption the new MEMA will focus on13:11 – Marc Blackman’s perspective as the leader of a supplier business15:42 – How issues like Reshoring and Labor Reform impact the vehicle supplier industry18:25 – How the aftermarket specifically will be strengthened by this realignment and how it offers a stronger voice on Right to Repair23:43 – Keeping members informed and educated on the latest emerging technologies26:13 – Expectations for supply chain challenges this coming year33:01 – What are the MEMA Centers of Excellence AMN Drivetime is sponsored by Litens.