Northwood University proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards, recognizing outstanding industry professionals who have made significant contributions to education, training, and leadership across the global aftermarket.
This year’s honorees are:
- Fletcher Lord III, President & CEO, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Parts Warehouse Inc., and Replacement Parts Inc.
- Jennifer Vitaro, Director of Marketing, Hahn Automotive Warehouse, Inc.
- Larry Pacey, Founder & Chairman, NPW Companies
- Martin Redilla, Education Manager, HDA Truck Pride
- Olivia Droney Newton, Senior Vice President of Category Management and Customer Insights, N.A. Williams Company
Since 1975, Northwood University and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation have honored aftermarket professionals for their lifelong commitment to education, professional development, and industry advancement through the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards. This year’s honorees were celebrated during an awards luncheon at the 2025 AAPEX Show in Las Vegas.
“These award recipients embody the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and lifelong learning that define the aftermarket and align with The Northwood Idea,” said Dr. Matthew Bennett, Northwood’s vice president of strategic alliances, enrollment, and the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS). “We’re proud to honor individuals who not only drive business success but also mentor the next generation of free-enterprise leaders.”
“Education is the backbone of a thriving aftermarket,” added Dr. David Oventhal, CAMS division chair and Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University. “The impact of these leaders extends far beyond their companies — it’s felt in classrooms, training centers, and mentorship programs across the country.”
About the 2025 Honorees
Fletcher Lord III represents the fourth generation of leadership at Replacement Parts Inc. and its Bumper to Bumper network. As president and CEO, he leads more than 400 company-owned and affiliated stores across the South, emphasizing operational excellence, vendor partnerships, and a family-first culture that has defined the business for nearly a century. Lord also serves as vice chairman of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and on the boards of YPO and Fifty for the Future.
Jennifer Vitaro began her career as a designer at Hahn Automotive Warehouse before advancing to Director of Marketing. Known for her creativity and leadership, she has served on multiple Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance committees and was honored as a 2023 Babcox Women at the Wheel inductee.
Larry Pacey, founder and chairman of NPW Companies, built one of North America’s largest independent distributors from a 600-square-foot carburetor shop in South Florida. A lifelong advocate for industry education, Pacey has served on the boards of SEMA, AWDA, and the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, and was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 2025.
Martin Redilla, education manager at HDA Truck Pride, began his career as a repair shop owner before transitioning into teaching and industry training. He now leads educational initiatives that expand access to technical and business learning throughout the commercial vehicle aftermarket.
Olivia Droney Newton, senior vice president at N.A. Williams Company, has championed category management and analytics as strategic tools for growth. She has been deeply involved with Women in Auto Care, the Auto Care Association, and the Northwood University Category Management Advisory Council, mentoring emerging leaders across the industry.
The Intersection of Education and Opportunity
A large delegation of Northwood University students, faculty, and staff represented America’s Free Enterprise University at this year’s Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas — the world’s leading automotive aftermarket gatherings.
Highlights included:
- President Kent MacDonald moderating the AAPEX Keynote Breakfast featuring hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, discussing leadership and innovation.
- Students networking and participating in training sessions, including the AAMEA luncheon.
- MEYLE hosting a scholarship fundraiser, where attendees created custom license plates to support Northwood scholarships.
- Dozens of students working across exhibitor booths, sessions, and events throughout the week.
“AAPEX and SEMA are where education meets opportunity,” said Northwood Director of Aftermarket Education James O’Dell. “Our students see firsthand how today’s aftermarket leaders are shaping the future — and those leaders, in turn, inspire our students to follow in their footsteps. The professionals honored through the AAMEA embody the excellence, innovation, and mentorship that define Northwood’s approach to developing tomorrow’s industry leaders.”
