Hall of Fame Award

Stephen (Steve) Bearden

President, H.B. International Marketing Services, Inc.

 

Upon graduation from Michigan Technological University in 1970, Steve commenced his career with Walker Manufacturing Company (Tenneco) as a field sales representative. Within a year, he was promoted to headquarters in the National Account Sales Division, calling on the likes of Sears, Wards, Pennys and K-Mart. In 1978, he was promoted to Director of National Account sales.

In 1979, Steve saw the opportunity to own his own business and formed H.B. International Marketing Services, Inc. (IMS), an independent sales agency, representing the six Walker Europe companies, exporting back into North America. Steve continues to represent those companies today. Over the years, IMS has had the opportunity to represent the following additional companies: AP Borg and Beck – England; AP Lockheed – England; AP USA; PBR – Australia; Tormos – Netherlands; Bradi – Italy; Metelli – Italy; Metanede – Brazil; AP Italy; AP Spain; MAT Holdings; FTE – Germany; Delphi Europe; Monroe Europe; Delphi USA; Driv – USA; Stabilus – Germany – USA – Mexico – Romania

In 1997, Steve, Dave Callari and George Halford formed Global Parts Source, Inc., distributing certain products for the companies IMS represented while also becoming the largest distributor in North America of new OEM calipers sourced from TRW, PBR, Akebono, Bosch, Aisin, Nissan and Mando.

Earlier this year, Steve sold his shares in GPS to Dave in order to concentrate on his IMS business initiatives.

Steve has served on the Import Vehicle Community board since 2000 and was chairman from 2011 to 2015. Steve also served on the Auto Care Association board from 2016 to 2022.

Steve remains fully active in the industry today.