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The AMN Drivetime podcast will entertain and educate listeners, conversing with today’s top aftermarket drivers and industry leaders who are having an impact on the automotive aftermarket industry. This bi-monthly...
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The AMN Drivetime podcast will entertain and educate listeners, conversing with today’s top aftermarket drivers and industry leaders who are having an impact on the automotive aftermarket industry. This bi-monthly podcast offers candid, one-on-one conversations between Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox and notable figures in the automotive aftermarket, sharing their experiences and life lessons as they have traveled the aftermarket.
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AMN Drivetime
AMN Drivetime
17 JUN 2024 · Growing up in South Louisiana, Randy Breaux started working young, inspired by his machinist father and grandfather. His formal career began after college, spending 26 years in manufacturing, with 21 of those at Baldor Electric Company. Following its acquisition by a European firm in 2011, he transitioned to the distribution side, joining Motion, a division of Genuine Parts Company.At Motion, Breaux held various roles, eventually becoming President in 2018. In March 2023, he was appointed Group President for GPC North America, overseeing both the industrial and automotive sectors, which included NAPA.Breaux's leadership philosophy emphasizes four key tenets: vision, strategy, structure, and culture. He believes a clear vision supported by a robust strategy, executed within an effective structure, and underpinned by a strong culture, is crucial for business success. He also highlights the importance of avoiding the "ABCs" - arrogance, bureaucracy, and complacency - while building a high-performing team.A mentor taught him the importance of transparency and honesty, guiding principles that have shaped his management style. Breaux prioritizes building solid relationships based on trust and transparency, believing that success naturally follows strong relationships. This approach extends to his dealings with employees, customers, and shareholders.In his view, focusing on customer needs is paramount, rather than closely monitoring competitors. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting customer expectations to drive value and build lasting partnerships.While NAPA serves both DIY and professional customers, Breaux highlights the company's strong reputation among professionals as the key focus. The complexity of modern vehicles often necessitates professional repair services, which aligns with NAPA's commitment to supporting professional repair shops and fleet managers.Episode Overview
- Randy Breaux discusses his career, starting at NAPA and transitioning into a role with GPC (1:46)
- Breaux shares his philosophies on an effective work environment, also known as ‘Breaux Knows’ (5:10)
- Why Breaux lives by the philosophy “relationships first, success follows” when it comes to business (10:30)
- A focus on customers over competition and why Breaux believes this leads to success (11:22)
- Coming up on a year in his new role, Breaux shares his impressions of the aftermarket (12:35)
- B2B or B2C, Breaux explains NAPA’s main focus (14:07)
- Breaux shares his Charles Barkley story (16:37)
- Lightning Round (19:37)
4 JUN 2024 · For Mike Mohler, it all began in Monroe, Louisiana, where he worked for his father, Ray. Throughout high school and college, he honed his skills at the family’s warehouse distribution center, mastering tasks like loading trucks, receiving stock, and managing the will-call counter.
Graduating from high school in 1984 and college in 1989, Mohler gained a thorough understanding of how a warehouse distributor operates. This foundational knowledge set the stage for his future success. After college, a pivotal moment came when he joined Federal-Mogul as a territory sales manager, covering a vast region that included East Texas, Northern Louisiana, Southeastern Oklahoma, and Southwestern Arkansas. This role involved calling on warehouse distributors, engine rebuilders, fleets and service dealers, providing him with a comprehensive view of the industry.
His tenure at Federal-Mogul lasted until 2000, during which he rose through the ranks to become a business development manager. This position required him to identify new business opportunities across various sectors, including small OEM, industrial and heavy-duty markets. This experience broadened his perspective on the automotive aftermarket.In June 2000, he transitioned to the National Pronto Association, eventually becoming its Vice President and Director of Product Management. His role at Pronto expanded his understanding of the industry from the distributor's viewpoint, enriching his knowledge and expertise.By 2015, the automotive aftermarket landscape was evolving. The launch of the Automotive Parts Services Group (APSG), a joint venture between Pronto and Federated Auto Parts, marked a significant milestone. The collaboration focused on combining resources for vendor relations, procurement and data management, setting a new standard for co-opetition in the industry.
In recent years, Mohler’s role has involved managing vendor relations for APSG, working closely with suppliers to maintain relevancy and drive strategy. His unique position, balancing responsibilities between Pronto Network and the Federated-Alliance Joint Venture, underscores the collaborative spirit essential to modern automotive aftermarket success.
Episode Overview
- Beginnings in Monroe, Louisiana (1:53)
- Time spent at Federal-Mogul (4:27)
- An overview of what Mohler sees as challenges for distributors (16:10)
- Discussing Section 301 Tariffs and the future of the aftermarket (20:49)
- Procurement and procurement strategies (30:27)
- Mohler's board and organizational involvement (36:47)
- Lightning Round (40:57)
6 MAY 2024 · Cal Ganda’s path from Zimbabwe to leading aftermarket distribution at Continental’s ContiTech Group is a testament to seizing opportunities and embracing change. Arriving in the U.S. in 1998 for university, he ventured into food manufacturing post-graduation before diving into consulting.A chance encounter with Continental during a consulting project in Mexico led Cal to discover an opportunity in tire assembly supervision in Charlotte.
This marked the beginning of his journey with Continental, where he embraced various roles, from tire assembly to logistics and process engineering.Today, as Head of Aftermarket Distribution at ContiTech Industrial Solutions Americas, Cal embodies servitude leadership, prioritizing team success and customer-centricity. ContiTech’s realignment toward customer-centricity underscores its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Strategic investments, such as the recent hydraulic hose plant in Mexico, highlight Continental's proactive approach to optimizing distribution strategies and enhancing customer proximity. Beyond his professional endeavors, Cal's ownership of Real African Art gallery in Charlotte reflects his commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement.
18 MAR 2024 · 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 https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/videos/amn-drivetime-video/, 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.
4 MAR 2024 · 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, https://www.mema.org/ has evolved from a modest gathering of parts manufacturers in Cleveland, to a pivotal force in the global automotive landscape. In this episode of https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/videos/amn-drivetime-video/, 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)
5 FEB 2024 · Serendipity led https://www.aftermarketnews.com/aacf-elects-jon-owens-as-next-board-president/, 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 https://www.aftermarketnews.com/tag/amn-drivetime/, 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)
9 JAN 2024 · 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 https://www.aftermarketnews.com/drivs-jeff-koviak-strategies-for-a-changing-aftermarket/, and in this episode of https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/podcasts/amn-drivetime-podcast/, 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 OVERVIEW
- Koviak’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 https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/podcasts/amn-drivetime-podcast/.
4 DEC 2023 · In its 81 years in business, https://www.aftermarketnews.com/mannhummel-rolls-out-print-on-demand-product-catalogs/ 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.
https://www.aftermarketnews.com/mannhummel-appoints-new-board-of-management/ 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 https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/podcasts/amn-drivetime-podcast/ 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 https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/podcasts/amn-drivetime-podcast/.
8 NOV 2023 · 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/
10 OCT 2023 · 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.
https://www.aftermarketnews.com/automotive-lift-institute-reelects-jeff-kritzer-chairman-of-board/ president and CEO of https://www.aftermarketnews.com/bendpak-expands-distribution-agreement-in-australia/, 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 https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/podcasts/amn-drivetime-podcast/ 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 https://www.aisinaftermarket.com/. Find more episodes https://www.aftermarketnews.com/category/videos/amn-drivetime-video/.
The AMN Drivetime podcast will entertain and educate listeners, conversing with today’s top aftermarket drivers and industry leaders who are having an impact on the automotive aftermarket industry. This bi-monthly...
show more
The AMN Drivetime podcast will entertain and educate listeners, conversing with today’s top aftermarket drivers and industry leaders who are having an impact on the automotive aftermarket industry. This bi-monthly podcast offers candid, one-on-one conversations between Babcox Media CEO Bill Babcox and notable figures in the automotive aftermarket, sharing their experiences and life lessons as they have traveled the aftermarket.
show less
Information
| Author | Babcox Media |
| Organization | Babcox Media |
| Categories | Business |
| Website | www.aftermarketnews.com |
| podcasts@babcox.com |
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