Registration is now open for Aftermarket 101, a two-day introduction to the automotive aftermarket industry.
“Students who attend this class will develop a firm knowledge of the breadth, depth, and scope of the automotive aftermarket, including channels of retail, e-commerce, and traditional distribution; sales development skills and opportunities; current and future industry trends; a brief introduction to the heavy-duty segment; and the opportunities and challenges facing our service dealers,” stated Dr. Thomas Litzinger, executive director of the University of the Aftermarket, Northwood University.
This year’s Aftermarket 101 programming will cover:
- An overview of industry basics, channels, and terminology, presented by Ted Hughes, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) executive director.
- A discussion about major industry players, presented by Roy Kent, executive vice president of business development, member support, and strategy for Federated Auto Parts.
- An introduction to the heavy-duty side of the industry by Tinna Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride.
- Structures and trends of retail and traditional distribution, presented by AWDA’s Ted Hughes.
- How to develop a professional sales network, presented by Malcolm Sissmore, BorgWarner’s vice president of sales and marketing for the North American aftermarket.
- Service dealer challenges and opportunities, presented by Jeff Kruse, former executive vice president and chief evangelist for Belle Tire Distributors Inc.
“This is a fantastic event for new hires in the automotive industry, from manufacturing and warehouse distribution to retail,” Litzinger stated.
The event will be held April 5-6 at Fisher Auto Parts, 24701 Hallwood Court, Farmington Hills, Michigan.
The cost is $1,150 per attendee, and they will earn 1.5 continuing education units (CEUs) toward their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP, MAAP) professional designation.
