23 Aftermarket Professionals Introduce Next Generation to Our Industry and All its Opportunity

Posted & filed under Recent News.

Multi Parts today announced the SPARK2016 Guiding Lights. The group of 23 aftermarket professionals is partnering with Multi Parts as part of this year’s SPARK Initiative. The Guiding Lights provide students with access and insight into the industry’s largest gathering, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (“AAPEX”) being held in Las Vegas, November 1-3, 2016.

“SPARK doesn’t happen without these volunteers,” Multi Parts President Brian Cohn said. “Their very unique experiences and insights are the real fuel behind the power of SPARK. The SPARK students are inspired by our Guiding Lights. They understand that these professionals have successfully made their way in our industry.” He continued, “Our Guiding Lights’ willingness to join us for SPARK is one of the most gratifying and essential aspects of this initiative.”

Fourteen students, selected by Multi Parts for their demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in the core business areas of the automotive aftermarket, will shadow Guiding Lights throughout their time at SPARK2016 and within the AAPEX show. The Guiding Lights offer students a personal introduction to the industry, designed to broaden their understanding of what aftermarket professionals do and how they might pursue careers alongside them.

SPARK2016 GUIDING LIGHTS

Jarod Adams
Director of Product Marketing, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket

David Boer
Vice President of Marketing, NGK Spark Plugs (USA) and Wells Vehicle Electronics

Brian Cruickshank
Director, University of the Aftermarket – Northwood University

Ira Davis
President, AutoFocus Consulting & Research, LLC
General Manager, Alliance of Independent Manufacturers

Tom Fritsche
Director of Product Management, Beck/Arnley

Martin Gold
President, Gold n’ Brown Consulting

Julian Hentze
Sales and Marketing Director, Global Parts Distributors

Scott Howat
Director of Sales and Marketing, Gates North American Aftermarket

Ted Hughes
Marketing Manager, MAHLE Aftermarket Inc.

Rich Jolivet
Vice President Global Sourcing & Product Management, Autopart International

Kevin Judge
Director of Automotive Marketing, NTN Bearing Corporation of America

Brandon Kight
Director of Marketing & Program Development, MotoRad

Judy Love
Regional Marketing Manager Automotive Aftermarket, Schaeffler Group USA

Meagan Moody
Regional Head of NA Communications and Marketing Analyst, ZF Services

Melinda Oram
Demand Planner – Fuel Systems, Delphi Product & Service Solutions

Jon Owens, MAAP  
Vice President of Market Development, AutoMD.com

Mike Palm
Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management, CRP Automotive

Alex Parker
Executive Vice President, Redline Detection

Luke Perkowski
Director, Marketing & Product Management, ATP Automotive

Ryan Smith
Sales and Marketing Manager, Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.

Vic Tarasik
Owner, Vic’s Precision Automotive

Beth Skove
Marketing Director, Valeo Service USA & Canada

Brian L. Wheeler
Corporate Marketing and Communications Manager, Dayco