Megan Harvey (Auto-Wares), Grace Hull (Auto-Wares), Shanndrial Polk (Alliance)
Auto-Wares Group of Companies recently took part in an opportunity for individuals in the Automotive Aftermarket to learn more about the industry; including all of the different roles, aspects, and opportunities the aftermarket offers. The 2023 Aftermarket 101 session was hosted by Professor Thomas Litzinger, AAP, at Northwood University and held at Fisher Auto Parts in Novi, Michigan. Auto-Wares’ employees Megan Harvey (Human Resources), Grace Hull (Payroll), and Nicole Pettifor (Marketing) had the opportunity to attend and represent both Auto-Wares Group of Companies and the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance during this two-day intensive course on all aspects of the Aftermarket.
The two-day session included multiple presentations by well-known industry professionals. Some of the topics covered included; the basics of the automotive aftermarket, business development, the heavy-duty side of the industry, structures and trends of retail and distribution, how to develop professional sales networks, and service dealer challenges and opportunities.
After taking this course, I have a greater understanding of how the Aftermarket works. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the Aftermarket and network with those in the industry.
– Nicole Pettifor, Graphic Designer, Auto-Wares Group of Companies
This course enabled our Auto-Wares employees to understand what the Automotive Aftermarket is and how Auto-Wares Group of Companies fits into the Aftermarket. They learned that Auto-Wares is one of 535,000 individual businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry that serve all 280+ million light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles registered in the US today!
“Aftermarket 101 was a great opportunity for me to understand more about the Automotive Aftermarket and meet others in the Alliance.”
– Grace Hull, Payroll, Auto-Wares Group of Companies
Megan, Grace, and Nicole arrived in Novi the night before the class for dinner with the other Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance attendees, along with several of the speakers, including Mike Allen, Ted Hughes, Malcolm Sissmore, and Roy Kent. Getting to connect with the speakers and learning their backgrounds beforehand helped them to gain a greater understanding of the material during the presentations.
The evening following the first day of classes featured a YANG (Young Auto Care Network Group) Regional Meet-Up in the area. The YANG event was open to all attendees of the Aftermarket 101 class, as well as any other YANG members who wished to travel to the event. This event was a great opportunity for attendees to network with other professionals in the auto care industry.
I really enjoyed this experience and would like to thank Auto-Wares for providing me with this opportunity.
– Megan Harvey, Human Resource Professional, Auto-Wares Group of Companies
Auto-Wares Group of Companies would like to thank Northwood University for doing an amazing job teaching a great introduction course to the Automotive Aftermarket. Each employee that attended has come back more knowledgeable about the aftermarket and the industry Auto-Wares is in. We look forward to the next Aftermarket 101 course and the knowledge our employees bring back with them.
