YANG Mentorship Program
The YANG Mentorship Program is designed for young professionals in the automotive aftermarket who are passionate about their growth and development.
The program provides opportunities for members to focus on personal and professional goals, while acquiring the tools to become tomorrow’s leaders.
The 2025 YANG Mentorship Program sign-up form is now closed.
If interested in being part of our Waitlist and being notified when sign-ups open in the Fall, submit HERE.
Participate as a Mentee!
Want to learn from some of the industry's biggest leaders? Please fill out the interest form to sign up for the free program.
Sign Up ClosedApply as a Mentor!
Interested in being a Mentor? Please take a few minutes to complete this application form to be part of our selection process.
Application Closed
How It Works:
How It Works:
Each mentee will be assigned to a Mentorship Circle that will meet once per quarter in 2025. Each group will consist of approximately five mentees and one mentor and will be focused on a unique topic. Groups will be assigned during the YANG Mentorship Program Kick-Off Meeting in January.
The goal of these Mentorship Circles is for YANG mentees to experience all three YANG pillars in one program:
Networking
Create strong and long-lasting relationships within your circle.
Professional Development
Learn from your peers and also from a current leader in the industry.
Giving Back
Help others in your circle by offering your opinions and perceptions to various topics and situations.
Through this unique, small-group mentorship program, mentees will benefit from the wisdom of experienced and successful aftermarket veterans, like:
Todd Campau, Aftermarket Practice Lead, S&P Global Mobility
Todd Campau is aftermarket practice lead at S&P Global Mobility. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the aftermarket industry. In his role at S&P, Campau is responsible for the development of insights and new product concepts for the aftermarket. Prior to S&P, Campau spent three years as a catalog manager at Gates Corporation and over seven years in data management at MAHLE Aftermarket.
Campau has served for several years with the Auto Care Association as a volunteer leader on various committees, including the Technology Standards Committee and the Market Intelligence Committee. Over the years, Campau has been involved in shaping the Aftermarket Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES), Product Information Standard (PIES), as well as being a contributor in the production of the Auto Care Factbook. Todd received his AAP (Automotive Aftermarket Professional) designation in 2012, his ACP (Aftermarket Catalog Professional) Designation in 2013, and his MAAP (Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional) in 2014. Campau was recognized with the Auto Care Impact: Four for the Future Award in 2013.
Campau holds a Master of Science degree in Sports Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, both from Eastern Michigan University.
Topic
Evolving Technology in the Workplace
My career as well as formal training has been focused on technology. As a member of the Technology Solutions committee for many years, I’ve helped to create and shepherd (as well as lament) the data standards in our industry for years. But innovation is not just permeating our data standards – it is permeating everything in our channel from the repair bay to commerce, and as a lifelong student and professional of technology, I’ve developed a keen eye for creative ways to leverage technological innovation to increase efficiency as well as provide new capabilities and I would be happy to share my insights with a YIN Circle.
Rebecca Conway, Vice President, US/Canada Aftermarket Marketing, Clarios
Rebecca Conway is the Vice President, US/Canada Aftermarket Marketing at Clarios. She has been with the company for 14+ years with various roles across sales, strategy, category management, and marketing. Prior to joining the battery industry, Rebecca worked in market research and analytics in consumer-packaged goods.
She is active across many industry associations including Auto Care, MEMA, and Battery Council International. Rebecca is passionate about advancing women in the automotive aftermarket industry.
She holds an Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rebecca resides in Milwaukee, WI with her husband and two children. Outside of work, Rebecca spends her time attending various kids’ activities and cheering
on all her favorite Wisconsin sports teams.
Topic
There is Only One You
Have you ever felt like a fish out of water? Or unsure of what is the right next step for you? We will discuss how to plan your career in the automotive aftermarket by leveraging what makes you who you are, leveraging your strengths. We will discuss staying true to yourself and how you can use your strengths to differentiate yourself.
Greg Costello, SVP Retail Sales, Highline Warren
Greg Costello is the Senior Vice President of Retail Sales at Highline Warren. Highline Warren is a leading manufacturer and distributor in the automotive aftermarket. Greg manages a sales and support team that is responsible for retail customers covering Auto Retail, Mass, Home Center, Hardware, Farm, Clubs, Dollar, Ecommerce and CFD. He has been in the Automotive Aftermarket for over 10 years with a prior sales leadership role at Prestone before joining HW. Throughout his 20+ years career, Greg has held various positions in Sales and Marketing with a focus on retail business. He currently lives in the Chicago area with his wife and three kids. He enjoys coaching and helping out with his kids’ many youth sports teams and activities.
Topic
Change Management
The Automotive Aftermarket is a changing, evolving and consolidating industry. We’ll discuss strategies on how to help drive that change if you are in that role and how to embrace it if the change is happening to you. It’s cliché, but change is inevitable; now how can you use it to help grow your career.
Mike DelaCruz, Founder and CEO, Overdryve Inc
Chances are if you’ve ever been to an industry event, you’ve crossed paths with Mike DelaCruz. He has attended over 100 industry conferences and has personally stepped into over 1300 auto repair shops around the country.
His career path spanning over a decade has also taken him into a variety of companies within the automotive aftermarket, and all with various specialties. From the early days of Demandforce, to Kukui, Elite and most recently Shop Boss Shop Management, Mike has a mass amount of experience in many areas within the automotive aftermarket. Today, Mike is the Founder and CEO of Overdryve, a full service marketing agency helping shop owners grow their business by building a community brand.
Mike is also an active contributor to the automotive aftermarket industry. He sits on the ASCCA Government Affairs Committee, he is a Trustee for the ASC Educational Foundation (ASCEF), and is the ASCCA Chapter 42 Representative in San Jose/Silicon Valley.
Topic
Building your Company Brand
We will discuss how to improve, manage and maintain your brand. This topic covers the importance of a consistent branding message and the ways to communicate brand values to customers. I have represented companies with a core focus on branding, customer retention, and reputation. I have also successfully taught these courses at multiple industry events in front of hundreds attendees!
John Etheridge, Director of Product Management, Premium Guard Inc.
John Etheridge brings over two decades of experience in the automotive aftermarket, specializing in product management, cataloging, marketing, and category management. As Director of Product Management at Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), he has driven the expansion of product lines to achieve near-complete market coverage, launched successful new programs, and transformed the company’s catalog into an award-winning industry tool.
Prior to PGI, John spent 16 years at MotoRad of America, where he advanced through leadership roles in product development and category management. His ability to create innovative catalog systems and lead strategic initiatives has contributed to the growth and success of the companies he’s served.
John actively participates in industry leadership as a member of the Filters Manufacturers Community Advisory Council and through his involvement in events like ACPN and the Legislative Summit. Certified as an Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Automotive Content Professional (ACP), he combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise.
Passionate about building teams and leveraging data-driven decisions, John is dedicated to advancing the automotive aftermarket and creating impactful solutions for the industry.
Topic
Driving Success: Lessons from a Career in the Aftermarket
With over two decades of experience in the automotive aftermarket, I’ve helped two companies grow exponentially by navigating challenges, driving innovation, and building high-performing teams. Having started by rolling up my sleeves and doing the work myself, I understand the challenges at every level. Leadership isn’t always about the top seat—it’s about influence, strategy, and collaboration. As your mentor, I’ll share practical insights on aligning teams, adapting to change, and making data-driven decisions to fuel your growth and accelerate your success.
Stefan Feder, Head of Automotive Aftermarket & OES, Continental Automotive Systems
Stefan Feder is Head of Automotive Aftermarket & OES, North America at Continental Automotive Systems. As one of the leading OE manufacturers, Continental develops pioneering technologies for vehicle manufacturers and offers a broad range of spare parts in OEM quality as one of the most important suppliers in the independent automotive aftermarket. In his new role, Stefan has a range of responsibilities including the management of sales, marketing, operations, quality, and product management. He has been in the Automotive Aftermarket for over 15 years and the last 12 years in a leadership role.
Stefan is enthusiastic about traveling and exploring different cultures and food.
Topic
Presenting with Impact
Whether you need to convince a person in a one on one or to deliver your message to a big audience, being able to present your case with an impact is a crucial skill. You can fail with the best idea, the best product, the best offer, the best... if you are not able to connect with your story. Being able to win people over is a foundation for your success. In this circle we explore and practice ways to present with an impact.
Billy Haines, Senior Planner - Technician Retention, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
I am Billy Haines, the Senior Planner of Technician Retention for Nissan and Infiniti North America. My journey began at a refueling station, sparking a lifelong passion for the automotive industry. From working at a parts counter to becoming a Volvo Master Technician and later an Infiniti Master Technician, I honed my skills and embraced every opportunity for growth. My career advanced as I joined Nissan and Infiniti TECH LINE, diagnosing and fixing cars virtually, and later becoming a District Technical Service Manager, tackling complex issues across the Northeast. Today, I mentor others in their career paths, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and continuous growth. Your personal brand is your rocket ship to success—embrace it with passion and determination.
Topic
Taking Ownership of Your Career Path
Networking is crucial for building relationships that can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support throughout your career. Effective communication helps you articulate your goals and ideas clearly, fostering collaboration and understanding. Learn how owning your career path means taking proactive steps to set and achieve your goals, continuously learning, and adapting to new challenges. We will discuss key relationship strategies and share stories about career progression.
Bill Hanvey, President and CEO, Auto Care Association
A 35+ year veteran of the aftermarket, Bill Hanvey, MAAP is president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. After beginning his career in sales, marketing and management roles at Tenneco and FleetPride, Hanvey served in executive roles at Dorman, Schaeffler and AASA. Throughout his career, Hanvey has served the industry in many volunteer roles and received accolades such as the Mort Schwartz outstanding industry leadership award and Northwood University Educator of the Year.
Topic
Managing Change
Most people say they embrace change….until it affects them! I would like to spend some time with all of you to learn how you approach change and share with you some of the positive and negative aspects of change management that I have learned along the way. Whether change is gradual such as technological advances in our industry, or immediate such as the Covid 19 pandemic, there are ways that you can set yourself up to not only adapt to change but to be a change agent. I look forward to our first meeting and having an open, transparent discussion on how we all can better handle change in the business environment and our personal lives as well.
Tunc Kip, Co-Founder and CEO, GAMUT
As a senior automotive industry leader with a legacy of steering enterprises to new heights through a transformative consulting approach, Tunc Kip has surpassed 20 years of experience in the industry. In leadership roles within Tier1 parts
manufacturing operations, Kip orchestrated pivotal transformations elevating companies into globally recognized market positions and pioneered innovative product development.
Prior to Kip's most recent venture, he has led a full
transformation of an enterprise, swiftly emerging as the preferred solution provider for global automotive OEMs. Trusted by premier OEMs and multi-million dollar Tier1s, he created and implemented a successful strategic approach.
Kip is deeply engaged in the latest technological developments in the automotive industry, particularly electric vehicles. He pursued Computer Engineering, followed with an International MBA where I achieved the status of a Six Sigma Master Black Belt professional. Based in Atlanta, GA, he continues to work with global automotive companies, with a strategic focus on the burgeoning EV domain.
Topic
AI and EVs for Success in the Aftermarket
Growing up in the automotive industry, I’ve been fortunate to experience a complete journey of a successful and diverse career path. I’ve led efforts transforming products from ICE to EV applications, I’ve worked in product development, manufacturing and sourcing in several product categories. I have experience navigating the global automotive landscape. The impact of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of automotive industry. Such advancements offer unique opportunities for career growth. I plan to have insightful discussions where we share updates on current trends, identify specific strategies, preparing the next generation of automotive professionals, to craft future-ready careers paths.
Bradley Kraft, Senior Advisor - Founder, Ascent Advisors, LLC
Brad founded Ascent Advisors, LLC to provide consultant advisory services and board representation. He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of growing companies in private equity and consumer / industrial products. Brad served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation from 2000 to 2023; Hopkins is an automotive aftermarket business that designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a variety of functional consumer products to retail and wholesale outlets across 16 channels of the aftermarket. Brad recently completed eight years on the Board of the Auto Care Association as a Board Member, Vice Chair, Chair, Past Chair and on multiple committees. He has actively supported the industry’s drive to pass federal Right to Repair legislation (repairact.com).
Topic
Building Your Industry Network & Involvement
We are so fortunate to be a part of the auto care industry, an aftermarket that is large and diverse, representing 4.5m people employed by manufacturers and distributors, parts stores and service and repair shops, importers, business services, manufacturers’ reps and more, from start-up companies to billion-dollar corporations. While the scale can feel intimidating, when you get involved, you quickly find out how small the industry really is – getting to know other companies, parts of the industry, and the people - yes, including your competitors - on a personal basis builds a network and a wealth of contacts that will help in your professional life and make you a part of this aftermarket family. Let’s discuss ways to take advantage of this opportunity!
Chris Messer, Executive Vice President, Endeavor Business Media
Chris Messer is the VP / Group Publisher of Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group. He oversees multiple print properties, a dozen websites, events, webinars, video productions, podcasts and other media channels. Chris has spent the lion's share of his career (almost 18 years) dedicated to the audiences and advertisers that make up the automotive aftermarket industry, all in an effort to create opportunities and drive value for all stakeholders and contingents. Chris is a native of Minnesota and while not at work he enjoys playing competitive billiards, non-competitive golf, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and traveling.
Topic
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
The best part of the automotive aftermarket is the people! During this session we'll discuss how to navigate through and how to network/connect with the individuals and organizations that can help grow both your personal brand and your company's brand. Members will be challenged to get out of their comfort zones and find new ways to take their personal best to a whole new level!
Steven Ng, Business Development Manager, The Pronto Network
Steven Ng began his automotive career 10+ years on the OEM side of the business with Toyota & Honda, & later transitioned into the aftermarket around 2017. First started w/ TYC in sales, later moved on to Mando Aftermarket as their National Sales Manager, and now proudly working for The Pronto Network - current role as Business Development Manager. My day-to-day includes problem solving & engagement with WD members, suppliers/vendor partners, APSG team, and essentially everything in between.
Ng's goal is to help enhance our entire membership's experience and strengthen vendor relations along the way. He previously served on CAWA’s Manufacturers Advisory Council up until 2022. Born & raised in Los Angeles, CA, recently moved my lovely wife, 2 beautiful babies, and our pup to Dallas, TX. In addition to everyday mommy & daddy duties, Ng and his wife enjoy watching Formula 1, travelling, live music, and trying out new local spots to eat.
Topic
How to Grow Your Career & Maintain Relationships in the Automotive Aftermarket
There’s something for everyone in the automotive aftermarket – you will either find IT, or IT will find you (eventually). Find out what moves you (what are your passions) and your idea of that “dream job”, and before you know it you’ve already begun building your career. You will meet many peers, associates, mentors, etc. along the way – but remember to ALWAYS treat everyone with the highest level of respect & kindness – our industry may be massive, but we’re all inter-connected!
Sanjay Patel, President, Carquest North America
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Sanjay Patel is a seasoned Operations Executive and Revenue Growth Leader renowned for driving transformative change and fostering high-performance cultures in the automotive industry. His strategic acumen, customer-centric approach, and commitment to operational excellence have consistently yielded remarkable results and sustained success.
A graduate with a Master Certificate in Business Management from Tulane University, Sanjay combines academic prowess with practical expertise. His education, coupled with hands-on experience, has honed his ability to navigate complex business landscapes, lead diverse teams, and drive substantial revenue growth.
Topic
Guiding Change with Confidence
Change management can be challenging and disruptive for teams and organizations. By understanding strategies to navigate the stages of change, leaders can effectively manage transitions, foster adaptability, and maintain clear communication. This enables them to guide teams through change with confidence, minimize disruption, and ensure smoother, more successful outcomes.
Michael Rukov, Director of Sales North America, CTR America
Michael Rukov have been involved in the auto care industry for the majority of his professional career. Over the last 15+ years in the industry his accomplishments included founding the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), being a chairman of YANG, the Auto Care Association's Education Committee, and most recently CAWA. Since the beginning of his career, Rukov has progressively increased his responsibilities and worked in most of the channels including WD’s, manufacturing, manufacturer representatives and data and research. Rukov is extremely passionate about the industry and works hard on showing the future leaders of the industry how important it is to stay involved and connected. Because of his passion, he also is involved in the ACPAC committee where the industry discusses and decides on its next steps in the fight for the Right to Repair.
Topic
Aftermarket Career Journey - Creating Your Own Path
Help discover your own career journey and showcase your growth plans to chart a successful career path. We will reflect and help identify career paths that align with your skills, interests, and values. We will explore the four stages of career planning with self-assessment: where we were, where we are today, where we want to be, and what we need to get to where we want to go.
Adam Smith, Founder and Principal, Sound Press
Adam Smith is the founder and principal of Sound Press, soundpress.com a Digital Growth Agency employing a full life-cycle marketing approach. Sound Press, founded in 2000, is a leading Cincinnati based marketing agency building brands and executing digital strategy for companies ranging from $10M to $2B+ and Fortune 500 class. Adam is called on as a guest speaker to business leadership groups presenting on business growth, and the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. Sound Press is known for creating brands and brand strategy, digital strategy & advertising, e-commerce strategy and execution in B2B and B2C, marketing campaigns, and web application development in B2B, manufacturing, machine tools, automotive, and multiple industry verticals. In Automotive, Sound Press larger clients include General Motors ACDelco, eBay, Icahn Enterprises, Canadian Tire/Partsource, and serves many other groups, and automotive distributors and manufacturers in North America. Adam actively attends important industry shows such as IMTS for Machine Tools, and AAPEX/SEMA in Automotive. He lives in Cincinnati OH with his wife and two children. Adam serves on corporate, advisory, and non-profit boards.
Topic
Marketing in the Aftermarket
Explore best practices, trends, needs, and strategies in marketing for automotive distributors, manufacturers, and industry related companies. Review strategy areas such as e-commerce, digital marketing, traditional marketing, and tactics that work. Understand challenges the Automotive Aftermarket faces in finding the right path forward for growth in business, retaining talent, and managing a multi-generational landscape.
Ron Spuhler, Founding Partner, Spuhler Associates
Ron Spuhler is the Founding Partner of Spuhler Associates, where he’s on a mission to connect great people with great companies. Before diving into the executive search world, Ron spent a good chunk of his career at CARDONE Industries, rubbing elbows with some of the most renowned people in the global automotive aftermarket. He juggled leadership roles in Finance, Operations, and Sales including living abroad in Belgium. Ron has his bachelor's degree from Evangel University and an MBA from West Chester University. When he’s not busy matching executives with their dream jobs, Ron is a family man with four kids. He loves traveling, soaking up the sun at the beach, and spending time with family and friends. Oh, and let’s not forget his unwavering loyalty to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Topic
Executive Aspirations
Climbing the corporate ladder in the Automotive Aftermarket can be daunting. If you are an aspiring aftermarket executive let’s explore strategic insights, leadership and personal development tools to make you successful. Learn what it takes to achieve to be at this level in today’s aftermarket.
Andrew Steczo, VP & GM of Distribution, Aftermarket Performance Group
Andrew Steczo was recently appointed as Vice President and General Manager of Distribution at Aftermarket Performance Group (APG). In this role, he is responsible for leading cross-functional teams across sales, marketing, customer service, and
wholesale distribution operations. His focus is on designing and executing a comprehensive B2B sales strategy that drives revenue growth, enhances customer relationships, streamlines processes, and aligns sales initiatives with APG’s overarching
business goals. Among his key contributions at APG include: Collaborating closely with the CEO and executive team to refine and implement a targeted sales strategy across APG’s diverse customer segments, Managing pricing strategy, sales
compensation planning, and territory development to maximize revenue and profitability, Building strong relationships with clients and partners while identifying new opportunities for account growth and market penetration.Before joining APG, Andrew served as a key sales leader at MotoRad, where he oversaw traditional warehouse distribution, including major buying groups such as Alliance, APSG, and APA. He led the execution of strategic sales plans in alignment with MotoRad’s corporate vision and values. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in driving sales performance and fostering partner alignment. Andrew is also an active member of CAWA’s Manufacturers Advisory Council (MAC) and the Channel Partner Advisory Council (CPAC) at the Alliance.
Andrew joined MotoRad in early 2016 as a Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast region, where he supported key accounts including AI, Uni-Select, Advance Auto Parts (AAP), and NAPA. Prior to that, he spent over a decade as Director of Sales and Marketing at Art in History, an educational and curriculum development company. In 2015, he transitioned into the automotive aftermarket industry with a role at Standard Motor Products as Regional Sales Manager based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Originally from the Chicago area, Andrew is a dedicated fan of Chicago sports and a proud supporter of Notre Dame. He now lives in Atlanta with his wife, Emily, and their three children. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, traveling, attending sporting events and live music, and spending time outdoors. He and his wife are also actively involved in her real estate business.
topic
Relationship Building - How to connect on a personal level
One of the most crucial steps to building a relationship with anyone is to get to know them on a personal level and find common ground—this also applies to customer relationships. You should move beyond small talk and learn about their interests or aspects of their life that are unrelated to the sale.
Melanie Sypolt, Strategic Partnership Manager, Epicor Service CRM
Melanie Sypolt went to work in her first automotive repair shop in 1991. She has since worked in various Sales and Business Development roles for Shell Lubricants, Valvoline, and Advance Auto Parts. Currently Melanie is a Senior Strategic Partnership Executive at Epicor where she enjoys helping repair shops increase their profitability, retain customers, and improve customer satisfaction. She has an AA in Automotive Aftermarket Management and a BBA in Marketing/Management from Northwood University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking outside, and doing yoga.
Topic
Partnering with your Customers and Prospects by Bringing Value
Learn how to bring value to your customers and prospects by using customer success stories. Show your customers and prospects what you are able to do for them and move from a salesperson to a trusted partner. Find out how to do this by showing those who are now operating a business or who aspire to do so how to grow their business through increasing their profitability, retaining customers, and improving customer satisfaction.
Tammy Tecklenburg, Founder & CEO, dott.
As a catalyst and President of the Women in Auto Care community, Tammy helped create space for women to connect, lead, and thrive in a field where representation has grown to 27% of the workforce. Her efforts continue to expand access and opportunity across the aftermarket.
She is the Founder & CEO of dott.® - diversity of thought - an award-winning consultancy that helps organizations drive team optimization and build resilient, innovative, people-first cultures where talent thrives, and business results follow.
Throughout her career, Tammy has demonstrated the power of connection and a lasting commitment to shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
Topic
Connect the Dots: Designing a Career with Intention
Your career isn’t a straight line - it’s made up of meaningful moments, choices, and connections. In this series, we’ll reflect on your journey, clarify what drives you, and uncover your unique intrinsic value. Together, we’ll look at how purpose, authenticity, and inclusion can guide intentional moves - so you can connect the dots with clarity, purpose, and confidence in your unique path.
Dean Toole, Director of Sales, BBB Industries
I’m a 30 year+ Industry veteran with a diverse history of experience in sales, product management, and operations. I grew up working in my father’s NAPA stores. Graduated college and went to work for GPC / Balkamp Inc. as a District Sales Manager. Was promoted 5 times in 15 years (PM, Marketing and Promotions, Regional Manager, Director Retail Product, National Sales Manager). I left GPC for an opportunity to put all my skills into play running a small co-man warehouse (APW) for the Alliance as Vice President / General Manager. After 11 years and quadrupling sales and revenues, I set out to work on the manufacturing side of our industry going work for Anchor Industries and finally setting in with BBB Industries as Director of Sales.
Topic
Diversification in Experience, Education, and Environment Yields Success
My work experience has been a cornucopia of exposure to multiple facets of business from the installer, store, distributor, and manufacturer and cross matrixed with sales, product management, and operations. Every aspect contributed to my growth and wellbeing. At times I didn’t understand why I was asked to do the things I was doing, but it all came together and rounded out my career path to where I am today.
Liz Whalen, President/Founder, Whalen Search Group
Liz Whalen is the president and founder of Whalen Search Group, bringing 25 years of recruiting excellence in connecting talented leaders and executives with companies in the automotive aftermarket. Whalen Search Group partners with over 30 companies in the industry. Liz feels privileged to be in a business she loves and honored to work with such outstanding organizations. She attributes her success to fostering strong client and candidate relationships, as well as her commitment to hard work, integrity, persistence, efficiency, and delivering results.
Earlier in her career, Liz gained foundational experience as the Director of Corporate Staffing at CARDONE Industries. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and four children. In her free time, she enjoys attending her children’s many sporting events and remains actively involved in her community and church.
Topic
Standing Out & The Importance of Networking
Our group will discuss how you can stand out in your company, advocate for yourself, take ownership of your career, and the importance of networking. We’ll explore actionable strategies to help you build confidence and visibility, articulate your value, and cultivate meaningful connections that can open doors for new opportunities. The goal is to have tangible steps to strengthen your professional presence and take intentional strides toward your career growth.
David Wofford, Director of Service Dealer Programs, The Pronto Network
David has been a part of the automotive aftermarket for 40+ years from retail to wholesale and now with The Pronto Network which is by far the largest and most diverse automotive program distribution group in North America.
David has held many positions including multi-unit retail operations, wholesale operations, OE dealer sales, purchasing, distribution, logistics, human relations, loss prevention and marketing.
His current role is to provide programs and processes for our distributors which enables a positive distinction within our membership compared to our competition. To ensure we are developing content which will elevate our distributors. In essence, we assist our membership at all levels to be a little different than their competition in their respective markets.
Topic
Building Empowerment
Learn how to allow team members to make some decisions and how to improve your communication to get ideas for achieving objectives. Minimize the risk of change while implementing new adjustments to meet business goals. Obtain guidance on how to gain your boss’s trust and align your work style with your supervisor’s chain of command.
Richard Zeichner, National Sales Manager, Old World Industries
Richard Zeichner is the National Sales Manager of Old World Industries, LLC. He is also the Program Group Manager and responsible for Sales Management for Peak products within the traditional aftermarket across the entire U.S. and Canada. Prior to joining Old World Industries in 2017, he served in numerous roles within the automotive arena. This includes six years at Ford Motor Company/Visteon Corporation and six years at Philips Automotive as the National Sales Manager for the traditional automotive lighting. Also, other sales experience within Canada and Europe. Since 2017, he has served on the MAC council and education committee for CAWA. He also serves as a team leader in 2024 and a scholarship reviewer for the University Aftermarket Foundation in 2021-2023.
Topic
Sales Management
Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in professional networking. I have been part of Auto Care, CAWA and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. I can offer assistance and knowledge based on my industry experience. I have a well-versed background in both sales and sales management from both OEM companies and aftermarket companies. I am looking forward to helping mentees with their career path.
