Four industry leaders recognized for their contributions to education, mentorship and advancement of the automotive aftermarket
Northwood University is celebrating four distinguished automotive aftermarket professionals whose leadership, industry achievements and commitment to education are helping shape the next generation of business leaders.
The recipients of the 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards were honored Tuesday, Nov. 3, during an awards luncheon at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.
This year’s honorees are:
- Robert Roos, president and CEO of The Pronto Network
- Shawn Senior, chief executive officer of Eastern Warehouse Distributors
- Jessica Toliuszis, vice president of national accounts at Highline Warren
- Keith Zar, managing partner of Schwartz Advisors and principal of KAZ Enterprises
Since 1975, Northwood has recognized automotive aftermarket professionals for their significant contributions to education, professional development and industry advancement. This year’s recipients represent decades of leadership across distribution, corporate strategy, sales, operations and business development, with a shared commitment to preparing future generations for success.
“These honorees exemplify the leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the automotive aftermarket,” said Dr. Dave Oventhal, director of the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS) and Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University. “Their success is impressive, but equally important is their willingness to share their knowledge, mentor emerging professionals and invest in the people who will lead this industry into the future. We are grateful for their contributions and pleased to recognize their achievements.”
Connecting industry leadership with student opportunity
The awards ceremony connected established industry leaders with Northwood students preparing to enter the automotive aftermarket.
Four Northwood students — Elijah Smith, Kennedy Polzin, Kennedy Williams and Charlie Baur — were selected to present awards during the luncheon. Fellow students Caleb Robinson and Chase Tesluck also assisted with the ceremony.
Their involvement was part of a larger Northwood University delegation attending AAPEX 2026, where students gained hands-on experience working alongside leading automotive aftermarket companies, exploring emerging industry trends and building relationships with professionals from around the world.
“The Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards demonstrate the strength of the relationship between Northwood University and the automotive aftermarket,” said Northwood Director of Aftermarket Education James O’Dell. “Our industry partners understand that developing future talent requires more than classroom instruction. By sharing their experience, supporting professional education and creating opportunities for students to engage with industry leaders, they are helping ensure the next generation is prepared to succeed. This year’s honorees are outstanding examples of that commitment.”
About the honorees
Robert Roos serves as president and CEO of The Pronto Network, a member-owned automotive distribution group with more than 200 members across North America and $4 billion in annual business. With more than 40 years of industry experience, Roos has held leadership positions spanning sales, marketing, technology, operations and executive management. He serves on the boards of APSG, NEXUS International and NEXUS North America, as well as the University of the Aftermarket Board of Trustees. A dedicated advocate for industry education, Roos supports mentorship initiatives through the Auto Care Association and Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), helping cultivate the next generation of aftermarket professionals.
Shawn Senior is chief executive officer of Eastern Warehouse Distributors, an independent automotive aftermarket distributor employing more than 1,300 people across approximately 40 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Senior began his career with Eastern in 2010 as a stock associate, advancing through numerous operational and leadership positions before becoming CEO in 2026. A graduate of the Leadership 2.0 program through the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University, he holds the Automotive Aftermarket Professional designation and previously served on the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association Board of Governors. His commitment to employee development and continuous improvement has earned industry recognition, including the Auto Care Association’s 2023 Impact Award: Four for the Future.
Jessica Toliuszis serves as vice president of national accounts at Highline Warren, where she manages relationships with major automotive retailers throughout North America. She also serves as general manager of the company’s Mexico operations, contributing to its international growth. A past chair of Women in Auto Care and a current member of the Auto Care Association’s Government Affairs Committee, Toliuszis has received the association’s Impact Award and was recognized as a Babcox Media Women at the Wheel honoree. A graduate of the Infusion executive leadership program through the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University, she champions lifelong learning, professional development and mentorship as essential components of industry success.
Keith Zar is managing partner of Schwartz Advisors and principal of KAZ Enterprises, bringing decades of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate law and strategic business development to the automotive aftermarket. Throughout his career, Zar has participated in more than 200 mergers and acquisitions, serving in leadership and advisory positions across major public and private companies. Since joining Schwartz Advisors in 2015, he has helped develop the firm’s sell-side practice, guiding middle-market automotive aftermarket businesses, including family-owned companies, through complex ownership transitions. Zar emphasizes the importance of mentorship, professional education and sharing industry expertise to help future business leaders succeed.
For more information about the Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards, visit northwood.edu/aamea. To learn more about Northwood University’s Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies, visit northwood.edu/cams. For information about the University of the Aftermarket, visit northwood.edu/academics/uofa.
