YANG Programming at 2025 Auto Care Connect Week
YANG Council at Auto Care Connect 2025The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) is the auto care industry’s dynamic and vibrant community of under-40 professionals' community. YANG provides its members with the opportunity to network with industry peers, develop new skill sets and improve leadership capabilities. YANG hosted its 2025 YANG programming at Auto Care Connect, May 12-13, 2025, as part of Auto Care Connect Week in Phoenix, Arizona, We had over100 industry professionals in attendance!
This conference was led by current YANG immediate past chair, Matt Fowler of Pivotree which included panel discussions with industry leaders, professional development, 5 for 5 speakers, and a fun networking reception at Cham Pang Lanes!
5 For 5 Presenter Testimonials
"You never know what you're capable of until you try—and 5 for 5 is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Our community exists to lift each other up, through the highs and the challenges. This is exactly why we’re here: to take that leap and discover just how incredible we truly are.” - Autumn Lamb
"Speaking at Auto Care Connect in Phoenix, Arizona was both a challenging and rewarding experience, especially as it was my first time addressing an audience in a language that’s not my own. Despite the nerves, I truly enjoyed sharing my thoughts on inspiration and aspiration and, I hope my message resonated with at least one person in the room." - Celia Núñez
"Participating in the 5 for 5 session was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals, share ideas, and grow as a speaker. I’m grateful to YANG for creating such an engaging platform." - Jose Perez Villagrana
"YANG and their programming at Auto Care Connect was Amazing! It was a great opportunity for networking, and the 5 for 5 gave me an opportunity to continue to work on my public speaking in front of a group of like minded industry professionals." - Mike Reynolds
YANG Programming at Auto Care Connect: Speakers, Panelists and Audience
YANG Programing at Auto Care Connect, 5 for 5 Presenters and Flash Mentoring
YANG Networking Dinner 2025
Next Step Recipient Testimonials
“Attending the recent work conference as a scholarship recipient was a truly transformative experience, connecting with fellow recipients laid the foundation for lasting professional relationships and future collaboration. Sharing my journey and career tips on the Auto Care ON AIR podcast was a bucket list moment that marked the beginning of my commitment to giving back and supporting others in the early stages of their careers.” - Alexandria Gaston
“Attending Auto Care Connect in Phoenix as a Next Step Scholarship recipient was a truly career-defining experience. The event not only expanded my network within the Automotive Aftermarket industry but also reinforced how vital professional growth and industry engagement are for both personal development and company success." - Chris Long
“The YANG Next Step program created an opportunity to network and sit next the the industries biggest leaders. As a member of YANG and being apart of a mentorship group, it also gave me the opportunity to turn virtual connections into face to face ones. The insights of CONNECT's programming are widespread and flexible to your role. Bringing people together to discuss AI, industry trends and challenges, and various other topics don’t end at each session but turn into ongoing conversations across multiple days. For someone looking to further their knowledge, whether new or old to this industry, I highly recommend attending connect as a Next Stepper and taking the potentially uncomfortable next step in your career.” - Alyssa McGhee
“I was incredibly honored to receive this scholarship, thank you. This event is like none other, the short few days that I attended really helped to reach out to other parts of our industry to make lasting impacts on not only my business but my understanding of their businesses and roles in the industry. The event truly embodies the "connect" piece, and a lot of very good conversations were had, I am already seeing more collaboration and understanding since the event!” - Liz Perkins
“I was able to make the most out of Connect Week because of the Next Step program. There is no other place in the industry with this quality of networking and content to bring back to my company.” - Elisse Richardson
YANG Next Step Program Recipients
Save the date for the 2026 Auto Care Connect Week on May 11-14, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information and to register, click here
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Market Insights with Mike is a series presented by the Auto Care Association's Director of Market Intelligence, Mike Chung, that is dedicated to analyzing market-influencing trends as they happen and their potential effects on your business and the auto care industry.
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