SPARK 2018 Luminaries Announced
Industry Icons Introduce Group of College Students to Aftermarket
Jarod Adams, Matt Buchholz, Bill Hanvey, Howard Kesten, Michael Klein, Bill Long, Dave Peace, Mort Schwartz, Tammy Tecklenburg
October 16, 2018
Multi Parts today announced the SPARK 2018 (“SPARK”) Luminaries. In this, the SPARK initiative’s fifth year, nine of the automotive aftermarket’s biggest names share their expertise and insights with thirteen SPARK student-participants from across the U.S.
Multi Parts President Brian Cohn commented, “We are gratified that our industry’s leaders have taken time from their schedules during the busiest week of the year to spend their energy with the SPARK participants. These young men and women are the future of our industry.” Cohn continued, “Thank you to every single person who gives of themselves to support SPARK. Ultimately, we all benefit.”
SPARK again takes place at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (“AAPEX”), being held in Las Vegas, October 30 – November 1, 2018. The SPARK event kicks-off with a “Welcome to the Aftermarket” from Bill Hanvey prior to the AAPEX Reception. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, Mort Schwartz, Founding Partner of Schwartz Advisors, LLC and former Chairman and CEO of Strauss Discount Auto Import Parts of America and Chanslor & Lyon, along with Bill Long, President and COO, Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association kick off SPARK at a session designed to formally introduce participants to the aftermarket and all its opportunity.
On Wednesday, the day starts with Jarod Adams of Robert Bosch leading a session titled: “Organizational Understanding and Career Paths in the Aftermarket.” APA Search’s Howard Kesten shares insights from his career as a highly regarded global recruiter to numerous aftermarket companies in their search for great talent. His topic: “How to Differentiate Yourself from Your Peers.”
Following their time with Kesten, SPARK participants will glean perspective from three panelists about their decades of experience in the industry, having held numerous positions—both domestically and internationally—in sales and marketing, supply chain management, and manufacturing.
LUMINARY PANELISTS
Tammy Tecklenburg – Vice President Global Sales & Marketing Operations, Spectrum Brands
Dave Peace – President & CEO, Airtex/ASC
Matt Buchholz – President & GM, MotoRad of America
Wednesday ends with a special session hosted by Michael Klein, Chairman of the Board for APC Automotive Technologies and United Components, Inc. His topic: “The Bright Future of the Aftermarket.”
