University of the Aftermarket

05/30/2025

Ever wondered why some change initiatives fly while others flop?

In their insightful article, Dr. Thomas Litzinger, MAAP, UofA Executive Director and Northwood University aftermarket chair, and UofA presenter Dr. Clinton Longenecker, shed light on this critical topic to help leaders with organizational improvement. "...organizations seeking improvement must change, and change effectively, for real improvement to take place. If nothing changes, nothing changes; thus, all serious improvement initiatives require change."

One crucial take-away from their work is the paramount importance of learning the meaningful leadership lessons from failed change efforts. Potential trouble lies in rushing the process and not deeply understanding the lessons from initiatives that failed to deliver the desired results.

Want to equip yourself and your team with actionable strategies to navigate change and drive real results in the aftermarket industry? Don't miss the opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Litzinger and Dr. Longenecker at the University of the Aftermarket! They will be sharing their expertise on how to effectively lead and manage change, helping you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your improvement projects deliver lasting impact.

Gain valuable insights to transform your aftermarket business!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/university-of-the-aftermarket_10-critically-important-reasons-why-change-activity-7334247265756184577-S608?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAICvI0BHFP53gL0xf-sjwLkvq1rzzARa6s



Auto Care Association | | | University of the Aftermarket Foundation | | | | | Federated Auto Parts | | | | Inc. |

Ever wondered why some change initiatives fly while others flop? In their insightful article, Dr. Thomas Litzinger, MAAP, UofA Executive Director and Northwood University aftermarket chair, and UofA presenter Dr. Clinton Longenecker, shed light on this critical topic to help leaders with organizatio...

03/27/2025

Registration is open for two highly sought-after professional development courses: Aftermarket 101, scheduled for May 19-20, and Heavy Duty 101, scheduled for May 21-22. Both programs will take place in Detroit and are open to all aftermarket professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the industry.

These courses provide essential knowledge about the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket sectors, exploring key players, distribution channels, market trends, and career opportunities. Participants will engage directly with industry leaders and gain valuable hands-on experience through site visits and interactive sessions....

Register for Aftermarket 101
https://nusites.northwood.edu/apps/uofa/course-details.aspx?reg=true&courseId=1447

Register for Heavy Duty 101
https://nusites.northwood.edu/apps/uofa/course-details.aspx?reg=true&courseId=1448

Thomas Litzinger | University of the Aftermarket Foundation

Courses Designed to Equip Industry Professionals for Success in the Motor Vehicle Aftermarket

01/02/2025

Northwood University announces registration is open for many upcoming professional development opportunities.

Registration links and complete descriptions of all University of Aftermarket courses are online at https://nusites.northwood.edu/apps/uofa/course-calendar.aspx

Thomas Litzinger | University of the Aftermarket Foundation

https://www.northwood.edu/news/university-of-aftermarket-announces-courses-slated-for-2025/

The University of Aftermarket, through Northwood University, is announcing registration is open for many upcoming professional development opportunities.

08/16/2024

'LIVE' from 2.0. Today we hear from Jesse Kaplan, District Manager, The Parts Authority.

"Thursday started at breakfast. After sitting down, an unfamiliar person asked to join our table. The coffee hadn't started, yet this person instantly grabbed our attention. I noticed his ability to make everyone feel good. He genuinely complimented our waitress and made her feel valued. I knew I was with a leader. The day started out feeling different.

We entered the building for our 8am start and realized that the room wasn't set up yet. As true leaders do, we made it happen! Without hesitation we all set up tables and chairs for our group. It happened the room was double booked so we pivoted to another room. Those 15 minutes provided insight into my Leadership 2.0 class. We are connected and definitely people of influence.

Our opening discussion on reducing warranty, a topic close to my heart, was hosted by Ryan Kooiman, Director of Training at Standard Motor Products. With the entire distribution chain in the room, we discussed factors to reduce unnecessary warranty and its adverse effect on profitability. We challenged each other with ways each segment could approach this age old issue. We may differ on approach, but we all agreed this is an industry issue that requires resources to process, handle and measure. Checkthepart.com was introduced to educate us on our opportunity to impact this "reverse supply chain" issue. I encourage everyone to share this site with your aftermarket family. Thank you Ryan for leading this session.

We continued into an inspiring session from Dr. Clint Longenecker on "How to get Better Results". The unfamiliar man at breakfast was now on stage and immediately made us all feel special. His educational approach was underway from the first minute he spoke. We were all in for a "transformation". We worked in small groups that challenged us to look in the mirror, become better leaders and people of influence. His clear message had us listening with intent. He shared stories of leaders, personal experiences that shaped him, the nightly affirmations he does with his wife to stay connected, and beautiful stories of impacting people's lives globally. Dr. Clint gave us tools to deliver great results professionally and personally. I left today understanding my mission as a leader. Thank you Dr. Clint Longenecker and the Leadership 2.0 program.

So here is my "Thank You Fest". Thank you to my Leadership 2.0 cohort. We join a prestigious team that can inspire us throughout our careers. Thank you to all the presenters, staff at Northwood University, Dr. Thomas Litzinger, MAAP and James O'Dell, AAP. Thank you to Randy Buller, Bill Maggs, Eric Schwartz, Ryan Prasad, AAP and Jake Barr for allowing me this opportunity. Thank you to Robert Roos and the staff at The Pronto Network. This experience has recharged me as a leader. I look forward to how all of us in Leadership 2.0 grow before our next session in March 2025!"

08/14/2024

'LIVE' from Leadership 2.0 - Tuesday Summary

This week the University of the Aftermarket is pleased to hashtag 2.0 from the campus of Northwood University. Today we hear from Missy Goodpaster-Stephens, community engagement manager, Auto Care Association.

"Today was another insightful day, starting with an introduction to the newest automotive aftermarket acronym, PBJS- the dynamic team of Marc Pappas - MAAP, ACP, Brooks Cochrum, Jonathan Larsen AAP, ACP, DTM, and Luke Smith. PBJS delivered a compelling presentation on Data in the Aftermarket. They skillfully guided us through the complexities of Aces & Pies, Pitfalls of Pies, Business Intelligence, and the Single Source of Truth.

Jonathan Larson then took center stage with an interactive and highly entertaining session on Public Speaking. Several classmates practiced their newfound skills where Logan Stoeffler gave an impromptu explanation of how having a tail could be a superpower?

After a refreshing lunch, networking guru Michael Rukov, MAAP, MBA shared his expertise in the art of networking. We honed our skills with practical and engaging networking exercises, learning how to build meaningful connections.

Cheryl Scaglione then inspired us with her session on Supercharged Team Performance. We explored how to foster connections in a multi-generational workforce, lead effectively through communication, and master difficult conversations.

We ended the day with the news we were all eagerly awaiting—learning who our teammates for the group project are! Our team project will tackle an industry-relevant topic that holds personal significance for each of us and will be presented in the second session of hashtag 2.0. We’re excited to get started!"

Thank you to all those who support this class, these participants, and the University of the Aftermarket by investing in the future leaders of the industry! Thank you to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) and hashtag for providing scholarships for participants to attend.

08/12/2024

'LIVE' from Leadership 2.0 - Sunday Overview

This week the University of the Aftermarket is pleased to present Session I of Leadership 2.0 from the campus of Northwood University. This class in tactical leadership for the aftermarket is a tremendous learning experience, with excellent presenters and supporters, and a robust cohort of aftermarket leaders. Today we hear a 1st person perspective of our Sunday sessions from Jennifer Cothran, AAP, ACP, Director of Content, The Pronto Network.

“I am beyond excited to see what this week has in store for us. We kicked off today’s event with meeting our colleagues and opened with an exciting and inspiring conversation with two of Northwood’s best - Dr. Thomas Litzinger, AAP who encouraged us to be open this week and from James O'Dell, AAP and what we could look forward on having an engaged class – on our own or with his help.

They saved the best for last as we heard from Lisa Foshee from the Auto Care Association. Her unique take on leadership and relating them to the game of basketball – Show up and BE present, DO bold things, and DO what you say you’re going to DO – were some of the takeaways. I can’t say I’ve talked about basketball that much before and based on her stories I’m glad I’m not a fan of her team’s rival! Hearing from other colleagues also sharing their perspectives from making all interactions personal, to a good/bad “Dad” joke, a coloring book to a just simple “hi, how are you?” can be bold moves to show presence and create those important relations and moments.

Not all of us can show up for their family to build a kitchen before we left for Leadership 2.0 as one of our attendees did, but taking time away from family and work to attend this “life changing” event is definitely a bold adventure for all of us. I’m looking forward to learning other unique experiences from the lineup of amazing speakers and from my fellow colleagues in attendance.

Thank you to AWDA for this amazing opportunity as a scholarship recipient and to The Pronto Network and the team left at home to take care of business. And lastly, to my family who I’ve left at home – Thank you for taking on additional responsibilities for me to take advantage of this opportunity as learning never stops!

hashtag hashtag hashtag 2.0 hashtag hashtag hashtag ”

Thank you to all those who support this class, these participants, and the University of the Aftermarket by investing in the future leaders of the industry! Thank you to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and AWDA for providing scholarships for participants to attend.

07/30/2024

members once again demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the future of the aftermarket. Their generous provision of scholarships to 2.0 allow industry professionals to complete this two-week tactical leadership-intensive program that will challenge and inspire participants to achieve better results for their organization. Please join us in congratulating the recipients and thanking the AWDA members for this tremendous opportunity.

Auto Care Association | Ted Hughes, MAAP | Kohl Adamson | Jennifer Cothran, AAP, ACP | Justin Holmquist | Tod Kindelspire | Logan Stoeffler | Alex Storie | Arthur Beffrey III | Dr. Thomas Litzinger, AAP

AWDA pledged support by donating six scholarships for industry professionals to attend the University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 program, cementing its leadership in the industry.

07/18/2024

'LIVE' from HD/CV Leadership 2.0. Today we hear a 1st person perspective of Day 3 from the class from Mike Morrison, V.P. of Aftermarket Sales and Operations, Royal Truck and Utility Trailer.

“We had a great day 3 of HD/CV Leadership 2.0. We went more granular on numbers and financial insights, diving into where profits are going and how they can be lost. We dealt with the impact on our teams of personal and emotional self-awareness. This was a key thought that I plan to implement with my team to better understand our compatibility and team dynamics. I am so grateful that this program is available and plan to have our team attend in the coming years.”

Thank you to all those who support this class, these participants, and the University of the Aftermarket by investing in the future leaders of the industry! A BIG Thank You to DRiV and their entire team for their gracious hospitality in hosting this group of leaders. Thank You to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation for supporting and sponsoring education in the aftermarket.

07/18/2024

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) 2.0 Scholarship, an honor made possible by the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, has been awarded to Parker Blust, executive assistant and special projects at .

MEMA’s Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) Leadership 2.0 Scholarship, an honor made possible by the University of Aftermarket Foundation, has been awarded to

07/02/2024

Thrilled to announce that VIPAR Heavy Duty will sponsor a Young Auto Care Network Group - YANG meet-up in conjunction with 2.0 on Monday July 15.

REGISTER for the Meet-Up
https://my.autocare.org/yang-at-hdleadership?reload=timezone

REGISTER for HDLeadership 2.0
https://nusites.northwood.edu/apps/uofa/course-details.aspx?reg=true&courseId=1419

07/02/2024

Join us for 2.0

Too busy to step back and evaluate how you will get better results this year? This is a chance for professionals in the commercial vehicle aftermarket to invest in leadership excellence. You'll come back a better professional. You'll be excited about the business. You'll produce better results for your organization.

REGISTER:
https://nusites.northwood.edu/apps/uofa/course-details.aspx?reg=true&courseId=1419

Meet Our Speakers:
John Blodgett - VP of Sales & Marketing, MacKay & Company
- Keynote address and Trends in the Commercial Vehicle Aftermarket

Tim Bauer - VP of Aftermarket North America, Eaton
- Industry Consolidation and Supply Chain Challenges

Todd Campau - Associate Director Aftermarket Solutions, S&P Global
- Emerging Data Analytics Technologies

Bryan Funke - Chief Operating Officer, HDA Truck Pride
- Industry Trends, Insights, and Terminology
- Perspective on Technology Impacting the Heavy-Duty Industry

Steven Gorham, CPA MBA MSA - Professor, Northwood University
- Financial Insights

Derek Kaufman - Transportation Markets Expert | Auto Aftermarket | HD Trucks | Managing Partner Schwartz Advisors | President C3 Network
- Emerging Vehicle Technologies

Michael R. Keller, D.M. - Vice President, Category Management & Strategic Sourcing, FleetPride
- How technology is shaping the future of the heavy-duty aftermarket in supply chain, business intelligence, new career opportunities in heavy duty
- Digital Transformation in Distribution. Evolution of vehicle systems and telematics, the battle between manufacturers and the aftermarket (Right to Repair), Hiring and keeping technicians

Dr. Thomas Litzinger, AAP - Executive Director University of the Aftermarket and Industry Chair, Northwood University
- Emotional Intelligence

Clint Longenecker - Distinguished University Professor of Leadership Excellence Emeritus
- How Leaders Deliver Great Results

James O'Dell, AAP - Assistant Director of Aftermarket Education, Northwood University
- Case Study and Team Project

Cheryl Scaglione - HR Consultant and Professional
- Supercharged Team Performance

Tammy Tecklenburg, AAP - Founder & CEO, dott.®
- Mentorship
- Emotional Intelligence

Jenell Wittmer, Ph.D. - Professor of Management, John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, The University of Toledo
- Time, Email, and Meeting Management

Rob Wright - Senior Business Development Manager, Foresight Management
- Sustainability in the HD/CV Aftermarket

06/10/2024

June 18-19, 2024 marks the next session of Aftermarket Data Standards class.

This comprehensive program will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of aftermarket catalogs using the ACES® & PIES™ data standards.

In this class, you will have the opportunity to delve deep into:
- Best practices for managing and utilizing ACES® & PIES™ data standards
- Understanding and implementing standards compliant data files
- Leveraging data to drive catalog conversions

REGISTER NOW:
https://lnkd.in/gazb-9id

Prerequisite: Introduction to ACES® and PIES™
https://lnkd.in/eP_vQwRz

Here's to continuous learning and innovation in the world of aftermarket data!


Auto Care Association | MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers | University of the Aftermarket Foundation