Quick Hits …
(A few short items to get us started this week)
• The Massachusetts “Right to Repair” ballot initiative has received endorsements from four publications in the commonwealth: The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal, Sun Chronicle and Berkshire Eagle.
• Replacement Parts Inc. of Little Rock, AR — which goes to market as Parts Warehouse Inc. (PWI) and Crow-Burlingame — has completed its merger with Paducah, KY-based Distributors Warehouse Inc. PWI has now grown its footprint into 12 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. PWI is a shareholder owner of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance.
• Eric Lough is leaving PartsTech Inc., where he served as director of data management, to join Paramount Data Management as its vice president of product. Lough is chair of the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) executive committee. He has been with PartsTech since 2015. Prior to that, Lough was the catalog marketing analyst lead with WHI Solutions.
• Event organizers expect more than 650 manufacturers to participate in SEMA360 with showcase pages and more than 2,200 products to be featured in the online event’s new products showcase. SEMA360 will take place Nov. 2-6. Click here for more information about the online show.
• Total revenue for core aftermarket businesses in Canada grew 1.7% to CDN$32.20 billion last year, according to the 2020 Outlook Study from AIA Canada and Ernst & Young. The study also reports that businesses in the aftermarket sector employed roughly 491,800 Canadians in 2019. Click here to find out more about the 2020 Outlook Study.
NPW Acquires All Products Automotive Of Chicago
NPW Companies of Miami has acquired fellow Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance shareholder owner All Products Automotive of Chicago. The transaction — the financial details of which have not been disclosed — strengthens NPW’s professional customer coverage and expands its presence in the Midwest. As a part of NPW, All Products will continue to be badged as Auto Value.
“This acquisition adds another critical location as we work toward our goal of providing next-day service to all 50 states. Adding All Products fills in the U-shaped gap we had in the Midwest,” said Larry Pacey, founder, president and CEO of NPW. “Bob Losik of All Products will stay on as the general manager of the 112,000-square-foot distribution center in Chicago.”
NPW has 16 warehouses and 50 store locations across the United States and Canada. The company also services more than 150 Certified Service Centers. All Products adds two additional locations and several Certified Service Centers.
Church’s Auto Parts Changes Hands, Stays In Family
Philadelphia-based Church’s Auto Parts changed hands in early October but remains in the same family with Roger Church assuming ownership of the business after the retirement of his brother and former company president, Bob Church.
The auto parts business legacy dates back to 1976 for the Churchs, a family of four brothers, when brother Rich opened Church’s Speed Shop. A drag racer himself, Rich Church’s goal was to help his fellow racers by selling speed parts while supporting his hobby. Brothers Ray, Bob and Roger all helped out in various ways.
By 1979, the business had grown into more of an auto parts store, with more lines being added as well as a machine shop, according to Roger Church. The brothers were forced to re-evaluate in 1990, when Rich Church died in a drag racing accident. They ultimately decided to carry on and grew the business to the three stores that exist today.
“I call myself a hybrid jobber,” said Roger Church. “I buy some stuff directly and some stuff from warehouses. Everyone knows of us. At one time, there had to be 20 jobber stores in Delaware County. Now, it’s down to me. And, we do a hell of a lot of business out of three stores.”
The plan is to open yet another store, according to Roger Church, whose son recently joined the family business after graduating from college.
When asked what he thinks made him successful in business when so many other auto parts stores failed, he attributed it to staying relevant. “I adjusted and I changed,” Roger Church said. “Making money is about how you buy, not how you sell. I adjusted my buying practices over the years. I have changed with years of changes.”
Church’s Auto Parts’ three locations are in Ridley Park, Springfield and Drexel Hill. The company is part of the Auto Plus group. Roger Church also serves on the Auto Plus national jobber board.
GPC Reports Sequential Improvements Across All Automotive Operations
The Genuine Parts Company reported essentially flat net income for the third quarter of 2020 ($227.53 million versus $227.49 million a year ago) as consolidated net sales decreased 3.4% to $4.37 billion on a year-over-year basis.
According to management, the decrease in sales came from a 1.8% decline in comparable sales and a 4.2% impact from divestitures, partially offset by a 1.3% benefit from acquisitions and a 1.3% net impact from foreign currency exchange. Excluding divestitures, net sales from continuing operations were up 0.8%. However you look it, it represents solid sequential improvement over the 10.1% sales decrease GPC reported for the second quarter of 2020.
Global automotive group sales came in at $2.96 billion — up 6.0% over the same period a year ago. The increase consisted of an approximately 2.2% rise in comp-store sales, a 2.2% net impact from favorable foreign currency and a 1.6% benefit from acquisitions. This represented solid sequential improvement over the 10% sales decrease and the 12.6% comp-store sales decline reported for the second quarter of 2020.
Segment profit rose 19.6% to $266.12 million, and its profit margin increased 100 basis points to 9.0%. Chairman and CEO Paul Donahue told analysts on GPC’s Oct. 22 earnings call that a solid automotive recovery on the top line with a consistent growth pattern in each month of the quarter helped the automotive group deliver its 100-basis-point improvement in operating margin.
NORTH AMERICA … U.S. automotive sales decreased roughly 1% for the third quarter on a year-over-year basis but improved sequentially from a decline of 12% in the second quarter of 2020. Comp-store sales were down 2.8% year-over-year but much improved compared to the 13.8% decrease in the second quarter. U.S. automotive operating margin increased 60 basis points year-over-year.
According to Donahue’s remarks, the strongest U.S. markets were in the Midwest and Mountain states, while the weakest were the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. This was similar to the second quarter of 2020; however, the situation in the more-stressed markets did improve.
“If you go back to Q2, our Northeastern business, we were down 19% in Q2. We’ve gone from down 19% to roughly down 4% and change in Q3,” he told analysts on the call. “Mid-Atlantic, similar story, high double-digit decrease in Q2 to down mid-single digits in Q3. So, still a bit stressed in these markets, but what we’re encouraged by is really strong sequential improvement quarter-over-quarter.”
In Canada, sales increased 2.6% on a year-over-year basis and improved sequentially compared to a 13% decline in the second quarter of 2020. Comp-store sales were up 0.5% for the third quarter, and operating margin rose 200 basis points year-over-year.
“In North America, sales to our retail customers continued to outperform — up low double digits for the third quarter,” Donahue said on the call. “While retail sales peaked in July, this customer segment remained solid through the quarter as the persistence of COVID continued to drive outsized DIY growth, although we believe this surge in demand is gradually moderating.
“We continue to strengthen our retail positioning through ongoing initiatives such as store refreshes, NAPA Rewards, targeted promotions, and enhanced merchandising and inventories. In addition, our growing omnichannel capabilities — including the recent addition of 35,000 new SKUs and direct-to-customer shipping from select suppliers — continue to drive exceptional value for the retail customer. This has led to online retail sales that doubled our 2019 volume. We expect continued strong omnichannel growth at NAPA in the fourth quarter and beyond.”
Donahue said sales to commercial accounts in North America were down low single digits in the third quarter, which has “much improved” from last quarter. He called it an encouraging indicator that consumers are becoming more mobile and getting back out on the road.
“As miles driven continue their slow recovery, sales trends across each of our customer channels strengthened relative to Q2, with our independent, unaffiliated professional repair accounts leading the way and posting positive sales growth,” he told analysts. “Looking forward, we expect this customer segment — as well as our fleet and government accounts, national accounts and NAPA AutoCare Centers — to strengthen further in the months ahead.
“Among these customers, our fleet and government segment remained the most pressured, as many of these operations were running at less than capacity due to slower business conditions and/or budgetary constraints. This is especially true for our customers in the energy and airline industries, which have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. To counter these and other commercial headwinds, our teams are executing on a number of recovery plans designed to optimize NAPA’s customer value proposition, sell more parts and gain market share. These plans focus on maximizing the effectiveness of our new sales structure, improvements to key programs such as NAPA AutoCare, enhanced systems and digital capabilities, as well as strategic pricing initiatives and improved inventory availability.”
INTERNATIONAL … GPC’s automotive sales in Europe rebounded strongly in the third quarter with total sales up 16% year-over-year. This compared quite favorably to the 3% sales decrease reported for the second quarter of 2020. European comp-store sales rose 12% on a year-over-year basis with strong sequential improvement over last quarter’s mid-teen decline. European automotive profit margin increased 140 basis points year-over-year.
Donahue said operations in each country recovered with positive sales comps, attributable to a broad surge in demand for deferred maintenance and repairs. “In addition, the powerful NAPA brand has proven to be an effective growth driver,” he noted. “We have introduced the NAPA brand in the U.K. and France and plan to roll it out in Germany this month. We posted our strongest European sales in the U.K. this past quarter, and NAPA-branded products have grown to represent a low double-digit percentage of total sales in less than one year. … We are encouraged by the quick acceptance of the NAPA brand and excited for its growth potential.
“Likewise, our focus on driving growth with key existing and new accounts — including the larger national account customers — also contributed to our recovery.”
GPC’s automotive operations in Australia and New Zealand turned in a 16% increase in total sales with comp-store sales up more than 15%, both on a year-over-year basis. This compares to a 4% total sales increase and a 2% comp-store sales increase in the second quarter of 2020.
“Our strong sales for the quarter reflect a robust sales environment for both the commercial and retail customer segments in the Australasian region, and our team is well-positioned with a 60% commercial and 40% DIY sales mix,” Donahue said. “We are encouraged by the current sales climate, despite ongoing headwinds due to COVID-related restrictions in select key markets, such as Melbourne and the state of Victoria.
“To drive this growth, our team in Australasia is executing on several growth initiatives. These include the continued rollout of the NAPA brand and new NAPA store openings, digital enhancements across the B2C and B2B platform, strategic pricing, and targeted marketing. These and other initiatives — as well as ongoing cost actions across our operations — generated a strong 180-basis-point improvement in operating margin for the quarter.”
MISCELLANEOUS … Other items of interest related to GPC’s third-quarter financial report and earnings conference call …
• During the quarter, GPC opened a 325,000 square-foot automotive DC in Nashville. The facility is capable of servicing more than 300 NAPA Auto Parts stores. “By bringing this facility online, we will be able to close or consolidate smaller, less-productive DCs in the NAPA network,” Donahue said.
• Referencing the aforementioned addition of some 35,000 SKUs, Donahue discussed the “endless aisle” concept and taking advantage of suppliers’ total catalog offering. He cited two examples. “[Dorman Products has] a very expansive catalog. We don’t catalog all the SKUs that Dorman has available, but we’re certainly now going to make those available online. Another example would be the WeatherTech line. You know that line, of course, great consumer brand. So, we are excited about what we believe that whole kind of endless aisle can do for the NAPA business, and we are going to continue to expand that opportunity going forward.”
• Analysts with Jefferies LLC wrote in an Oct. 22 report that they expect GPC’s automotive results will continue to recover, especially in the United States, as vehicle use and associated do-it-for-me demand improve. “We are modeling Q4 sales growth of 5.0%,” Bret Jordan, Mark Jordan and Ethan Huntley wrote in their report.
• “We are fully operational and prepared with comprehensive readiness plans should a second wave [of coronavirus] begin to materially affect our businesses,” Donahue told analysts on the call.
• The automotive group accounted for 68% of GPC’s total sales for the quarter. — Marc Vincent
Yippie Ki Yay: Advance Auto Parts Debuts
DieHard/Die Hard Battery Campaign
Advance Auto Parts and Carquest launched a new DieHard batteries campaign in an explosive way earlier this month, with Bruce Willis reprising the iconic role of John McClane from the Die Hard movie franchise. A two-minute film featuring Willis as McClane debuted Oct. 18 during the Green Bay Packers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers game on FOX. The YouTube version of the ad garnered more than 175,000 views in less than 24 hours.
The spot continues the storylines from the original 1988 film and begins with McClane and a dead car battery. Before he can make it to an Advance Auto Parts store, McClane crosses paths with old foe Theo and his crew. It includes a narrow escape scene and a chance meeting with limo driver Argyle, along with, of course, a massive explosion.
Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, talked about the tie-in between DieHard batteries, McClane and the 1988 movie. “The DieHard brand is known for its reliability, durability and power — qualities of John McClane in the Die Hard films,” McDonell said. “The opportunity to bring the two together in a creative and bold way to inform, entertain and mobilize motorists was irresistible.
“Our approach to this project was to go beyond products and price points and focus on finding a powerful message and platform to differentiate the brand. We’ll continue looking for those ‘Yippie Ki Yay’ moments that are memorable and celebratory at the same time.”
The spot is part of an integrated marketing campaign for DieHard batteries that were timed to kick off during Fall Car Care Month in October. According to Advance, the spot will be incorporated into Carquest’s social media on Facebook and Instagram in Canada and the United States. It also will be added to Advance’s YouTube page. There also is an in-store element to the campaign.
The Marketing Arm, a Dallas-based creative agency, created the short film and campaign.
Editor’s Note: Will the new ad campaign eventually address this important question: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?
Snap-on Tools Group Sales Rose 16.8% In Q3
Snap-on Inc. came through with $184.70 million in net earnings for the third quarter of 2020 — an increase of 9.2% compared to the same period a year ago. Gross profit increased 4.8% to $469.50 million, while consolidated net sales grew 4.4% to $941.60 million. Snap-on’s organic sales increased 3.8%.
Sequential improvements were experienced in each of the company’s business units.
On Snap-on’s Oct. 22 earnings call, CEO Nick Pinchuk described the third quarter as encouraging, noting that the metrics confirm Snap-on’s resilience and ability to continue a trajectory of positive results, moving from the initial shock of the coronavirus pandemic and its associated interruption of activity to “psychological recovery” as customers have begun to regain competence in the future and to resume full buying participation.
“The speed at which our customers are accommodating to the environment does vary by segment, but leading the way upward: our vehicle repair technicians, supporting the essential mobility of our society; and our direct-selling vans, our franchisees providing extraordinary face-to-face value — both are taking full advantage of the opportunities. And, the numbers show it,” Pinchuk told analysts on the call.
TOOLS GROUP …. The Snap-on Tools Group (TG) saw its net sales rise 16.8% to $449.80 million in the quarter. Organic sales growth was 16.2%, attributable to a mid-teens sales gain from U.S. franchise operations and an approximately 20% rise in sales from the segment’s international operations.
TG operating earnings rose 64.3% to $87.10 million, while segment operating margin climbed from 13.8% to 19.4% on a year-over-year basis.
“The Tools Group operating success was a clear confirmation of our view of the COVID-19 trajectory on the resilience of the vehicle repair business and the strength of our direct, face-to-face van model,” Pinchuk said.
During the call, he also stated that the vehicle repair market is moving toward a psychological recovery, gaining confidence and starting to invest in longer-payback items.
RS&IG …. Snap-on’s Repair Systems & Information Group (RS&IG) reported $317.50 million in net sales for the quarter — a decrease of 1.6%. Organic sales were down 2.2%, attributable to a high single-digit decline in sales to OEM dealerships, partially offset by a low single-digit increase in sales of diagnostics and repair information products to independent repair shops and managers.
It’s worth noting the sequential improvement though, as RS&IG sales fell 29.8% in the second quarter of 2020 and organic sales were down 29.5%.
Third-quarter 2020 RS&IG operating earnings declined 3.8% to $80.10 million, while segment operating margin slipped from 25.8% to 25.2% on a year-over-year basis.
LOOKING AHEAD … According to Snap-on’s earnings announcement of Oct. 22, management believes there will be continued near-term accommodations to virus-related turbulence, adding that the trajectory of progress may be uncertain due to the evolving nature and duration of the pandemic.
“Snap-on expects to maintain focus on its defined runways for coherent growth, leveraging capabilities already demonstrated in the automotive repair arena, and developing and expanding its professional customer base — not only in automotive repair, but in adjacent markets, additional geographies and other areas, including extending in critical industries, where the cost and penalties for failure can be high,” the company’s announcement states. “In pursuit of these initiatives, the company expects that capital expenditures in 2020 will be in a range of $75 million to $85 million, of which $39.10 million was incurred in the first nine months of the year.
“Snap-on continues to respond to the global macroeconomic challenges through its Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) process and other cost-reduction initiatives. Snap-on currently anticipates that its full-year 2020 effective income tax rate will be in the range of 23% to 25%.”
In a report dated Oct. 22, analysts with Jefferies LLC wrote that they expect Snap-on’s Tools Group growth to moderate in the fourth quarter of 2020 — Jefferies is modeling a 3% increase — as “end-market demand appears strong, but the segment is unlikely to benefit from what we expect was pent-up demand and stimulus spend on vehicle service during Q3.”
For RS&IG, the Jefferies team of Bret Jordan, Mark Jordan and Ethan Huntley are calling for continued improvement in the fourth quarter of 2020, noting an easier year-over-year comparison. — Marc Vincent
Arnott Announces AccuAir Acquisition
Arnott Industries has purchased the assets of the former AccuAir Control Systems suspension company, a move that allows Arnott to expand its air suspension products within the performance and luxury light-vehicle market, as well as within the powersports industry. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Arnott CEO Joe Santangelo called AccuAir a great strategic fit. “AccuAir has a well-established reputation of developing high-quality, innovative air suspension control technology, and we plan to pair it with our 30 years of experience to expand our reach in the performance aftermarket and the SEMA enthusiast upgrade space,” Santangelo said. “The brand reputation has remained strong through the devotion of its loyal customer following, and we plan to reinvigorate it with new product innovation.”
AccuAir is known for its air management systems, especially its suspension controllers. According to Arnott, the business will be rebuilt at the Arnott facility in Merritt Island, FL, where AccuAir and Arnott engineers will work together to bring the suspension controllers back to market, as well as develop new, complete air suspension systems for a range of performance applications.
“We plan to complete the business side of the acquisition, bring in the technical assets to our facility in Florida, and re-launch products in early 2021,” Santangelo said. “AccuAir customers will again be able to get products they love, but they’ll also have a wider and more extensive range of new products from which to choose.”
Maval Industries Hires Sales Director
Wes Garrett has joined Maval Industries as director of sales. Garrett was the southeast regional sales manager for McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing.
Prior to that, he was a regional sales manager with MotoRad of America, responsible for managing WDs located in the Southeast, Texas and Midwest. Garrett’s background also includes time as a commercial development manager at Johnson Controls, where he developed and grew the commercial battery market within the southeastern division of AutoZone.
Garrett’s new employer, Maval, is a remanufacturer of power steering components for the automotive aftermarket and OE sector.
Gabriel, Bendix Bolster Canadian Aftermarket Sales Team
Jason Hathaway is now sales director – traditional aftermarket, Canada for Gabriel Ride Control and Bendix Brakes. Hathaway is tasked with growing business with buying groups and WDs in Canada. He previously worked for Brake Parts Inc. as the sales director for the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Additionally, Brad Wiechelman has joined Gabriel and Bendix as sales director – traditional aftermarket, west region, responsible for growing business with buying groups and WDs. Wiechelman previously worked for Brake Parts Inc. in national aftermarket sales and account management.
Truck Accessories Group Parent Company Plans $150-Million Notes Offering
J.B. Poindexter & Company — the privately held parent company to the Truck Accessories Group (TAG), among others — intends to offer $150 million in senior unsecured notes due 2026 via a private offering. The new 2026 notes, if issued, would form a single series with and have the same terms (other than issue price and issue date) as the J.B. Poindexter’s outstanding 7.125% senior notes due 2026, which were issued in 2018.
The new 2026 notes would be guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of J.B. Poindexter. The offering is subject to market and other conditions. J.B. Poindexter intends to use net proceeds from the offering to pay related fees and expenses; to invest in plant expansions, product development and strategic acquisitions; and for general corporate purposes.
J.B. Poindexter, through its business units, designs, manufactures and markets commercial truck bodies, step vans, service and utility truck and van bodies, commercial vehicle storage and shelving systems, pick-up truck caps and tonneau covers, funeral coaches and limousines, specialty oil and gas industry equipment, and expandable foam packaging products. Its TAG business unit features the brands Leer, Snugtop, Pace Edwards and Bedslide.
Arkansas Car Dealership Group Adds Mighty Auto Parts Franchise
Mighty Distributing System has announced that the Cavenaugh Auto Group, a car dealership chain, is adding a Mighty Auto Parts franchise. The new portfolio company, doing business as Mighty of NEA, is based in Jonesboro, AR. It will be the exclusive distributor of Mighty automotive products to 25 counties in Northeast Arkansas in addition to five counties in Southeast Missouri.
The Cavenaugh Auto Group operates eight new car dealerships and three used vehicle dealerships in Arkansas.
Champion Offers WD Incentive With Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil
Champion Brands, a manufacturer of diesel engine oil and additives, has created a special opportunity and program to become a Champion Warehouse Distributor selling Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil. The new incentive is billed as a low-cost buy-in at the WD level for smaller businesses. It includes free freight, web location posting, press releases, banners, MAP pricing, a featured interview on its blog and more.
The company also offers a Master Warehouse Distributor program, which is available for larger businesses interested in the wholesale distribution of Champion’s Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil.
Stanadyne Opens Michigan Facility
Windsor, CT-based Stanadyne, parent company to PurePower Technologies, has opened a new research and customer service center in Southfield, MI. Supporting the company’s development of gasoline and diesel fuel injection systems and future technology, the office will initially house program management, engineering and sales activities. PurePower engineers and remanufactures diesel fuel injectors for OEMs and the aftermarket.
BendPak Launches New MaxJax Ad Campaign
BendPak Inc. is rolling out its new MaxJax M6K portable two-post lift with a national TV, print and online advertising campaign. The lift is designed for use at home, as well as in dealerships and shops. TV commercials for MaxJax are running on Discovery and MotorTrend TV, while print ads are running in various consumer and trade magazines. Additionally, MaxJax’s website, maxjax.com, has been updated.
The new ad campaign comes about a half year after BendPak acquired certain assets including related intellectual property rights from Garage Equipment Supply and its related intellectual property holding company. The acquired assets included the brands MaxJax, Dannmar and Garage Equipment Supply.
Epicor Offering Free ‘Profit Clinics’ For Shops, Distributors, Suppliers
Epicor Software Corp. has launched an initiative designed to help aftermarket parts and service businesses increase revenue and improve operational efficiency and profitability. The company’s Epic Results program includes free, no-obligation “Profit Clinic” consultations intended to help business owners and managers explore technology that could help strengthen results and enterprise value.
“Thousands of business owners and executives are wondering what tomorrow looks like for their aftermarket businesses,” said Tim Hardin, senior vice president and general manager – automotive at Epicor. “COVID-19 has created many challenges, but the parts and service industry is confronting other, longer-term trends that are transforming the competitive landscape. Epicor can help businesses achieve faster growth, stronger profitability and a brighter future.”
According to the company, its Epic Results initiative addresses technology for businesses at every level of the aftermarket value chain: automotive and commercial-vehicle service providers, parts distribution businesses, as well as parts manufacturers and suppliers. For more information, visit epicor.com/epicresults.
Virtual AAPEX Keynote To Feature Distributor, Manufacturer Leaders
The keynote session of the Virtual AAPEX Experience will include a roundtable discussion with panelists sharing their insights on what to expect on the road ahead. The talk is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. It will be live-streamed on aapexshow.com. Registration for the Virtual AAPEX Experience is not required to view the keynote session.
The following industry executives will be on the panel …
• Greg Johnson, CEO and co-president of O’Reilly Automotive.
• Eric Sills, president and CEO of Standard Motor Products.
• Tom Greco, president and CEO of Advance Auto Parts.
• Sue Godschalk, president of Federated Auto Parts.
• Duncan Gillis, CEO of BBB Industries.
Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president and COO of AASA, also will discuss the state of the aftermarket during the keynote session. Topics will include auto care as an essential industry, collaboration across industry associations, diversity and inclusion, grassroots advocacy support, technician participation and activation, and what to expect for AAPEX 2021.
For more information, or to register, for the Virtual AAPEX Experience, click here.
New President/CEO Appointed At Largest Jiffy Lube Franchisee
Team Car Care (formerly known as Heartland Automotive Services) has announced Steve Werner as its new president and CEO. He replaces Jeff Balagna, who has transitioned over to a strategic adviser role on the Team Car Care board.
Dallas-based Team Car Care is the largest Jiffy Lube operator and franchisee, with 503 service centers across 26 states. Team Car Care is a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital.
Werner is the first CEO appointed from within the Team Car Care organization — a business in which he started as a courtesy tech in 1990. According to the company, Werner has held every store-level and operations management position within Team Car Care, most recently serving as executive vice president of operations.
“I am honored to accept the role of CEO as Jeff Balagna takes on his new assignment and would like to personally thank him for his leadership and vision that propelled us to where we are today,” Werner said in an announcement dated Oct. 19. “I’m excited about our future and look forward to building on the transformation and growth trajectory our team has achieved in the past two and a half years. This includes continuing to improve our service offering, upgrading our facilities and expanding into new services in collaboration with Jiffy Lube International.”
Quik Lands BMW Service Centers Endorsement
BMW of North America has approved Quik as a preferred vendor. As such, the company provides BMW Service Centers with technology designed to create an “Invisible Service” vehicle maintenance concept. Quik offers auto dealerships software for customer and internal communications, digital multi-point inspections with automated estimates, technician video recommendations, and online payment.
Shopmonkey Partners With Tint World
Shopmonkey, a San Jose, CA-based software company serving the automotive industry, has announced an enterprise partnership with Tint World Automotive Styling Centers. The alliance will equip Tint World franchisees with shop management software designed to maximize their efficiency and customer experience. According to Shopmonkey, its platform streamlines such daily tasks as scheduling, inventory, payments and communications.
Tint World offers sales and installation of auto and marine accessories, mobile electronics, audio-video equipment, security systems, custom wheel and tire packages, window tinting, vehicle wraps, paint protection film, detailing services, nano ceramic coatings, maintenance and repair services, and more. Tint World has about 80 franchise locations across the United States.
The partnership with Tint World comes a few months after Shopmonkey landed $25 million in “Series B” funding from Bessemer Venture Partners, Index Ventures, e.ventures and I2BF.
Industry Pitches In To Help Storm-Damaged Lake Charles Truck Equipment
HDA Truck Pride members and suppliers — including Houston Truck Parts, R. Kelly’s Truck Parts, East Texas Truck Center, Trico LLC, Northeast Truck and Trailer, Dorman, Heavy Duty Marketing, Phillips Industries and US Tarps — helped provide critical disaster relief to Lake Charles Truck Equipment following damage related to Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Volunteers moved debris, salvaged inventory and provided support, according to HDA Truck Pride.
Additionally, more than $20,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe page to help the employees of Lake Charles Truck Equipment. The donation site remains open. For more information or to donate, click here.
DealerShop Adds To Board Of Directors
Detroit-based DealerShop (formerly named LAR NA), a supplier of automotive dealership and collision center resources, has added Steven Landry and Fred Pechet to its board of directors.
Landry is the president of Panther Business Partners, where he provides advisory services regarding revenue growth, business improvement, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to that, Landry was the president and CEO of AutoCanada Inc., the largest retail auto group in Canada.
Pechet owned a General Motors dealership in Montreal for 29 years, as well as a leasing company and an import/export business that specialized in cars, trucks and auto parts. He also co-founded Leader Auto Resources (LAR), the Canadian counterpart of DealerShop. Additionally, Pechet serves on the board of Europe’s largest automotive buying group, TECAR International.
DealerShop provides resources to help increase dealership and collision center profitability, and acts as a one-stop sourcing partner for administrative supplies and services, warehouse and direct-purchase products, and capital equipment.
Alltech Automotive: Catalog Manager
Alltech Automotive LLC, a dynamic global automotive supplier, is seeking an experienced Catalog Manager from the automotive industry. This individual will be responsible for researching and updating data for all hard parts product lines and maintaining both a print version and online database that is compatible with Activant, Wrench Head and ACES/PIES formats … (more) … Click here to find out more.
Alltech Automotive: Regional Sales Manager
Alltech Automotive LLC, a dynamic global automotive supplier, is seeking a Regional Sales Manager to represent products it sells into the Automotive Aftermarket. The Regional Sales Manager is responsible for the execution of the corporate sales and marketing plan. As a sales manager, you will direct all sales-related activities within the assigned region. … (more) … Click here to find out more.
GSP North America: Aftermarket Product/Catalog Manager Loaded Struts & Shocks
We are currently seeking to hire an Aftermarket Product/Catalog Manager to join our team and improve customer support, covering current and new product introduction of aftermarket products. This individual will be an important part of developing GSP North America strategies … (more) … Click here to find out more.
Seeking Inside Sales, Telemarketing, Customer Support
Looking to augment Inside sales/telemarketing/customer support for group approved programs. Make calls to jobber level accounts from home. Great for a retired factory or independent rep looking to supplement income by working 20 to 25 hours/wk. … (more) … Click here to find out more.
Sea Foam: Vice President of National Sales
We are looking for an accomplished Vice President of National Sales to join our growing team to expand distribution and sales of Sea Foam products throughout various channels to include aftermarket retailers, heavy-duty truck, marine, farm, hardware, C-store, motor sports and small engine. … (more) … Click here to find out more.
Job Mart: Andy Hicks
Global Senior Executive & President seeking a position in automotive aftermarket leadership. Extensive experience managing P&Ls, driving profitable revenue growth, successfully leading startups and turnarounds, working cross-functionally to break down silos, and building trust. Expertise in supply chain management, acquisitions, process improvement, long-range business planning, product and sales, people development, and managing teams in multiple locations. Work experience auto part distribution to Installers, WD’s, E Commerce and big box retailers. In my last role was successful in extracting synergies from Multiple acquisitions. Email: hicksy62@gmail.com.
People Watching 10/26/20
• Matthias Froehlich has joined ATEQ TPMS Tools’ European TPMS team. Froehlich’s responsibilities include managing sales, accounts, maintaining the European market, training customers on ATEQ tools and attending trade shows. He previously was a key account manager with the Huf Group. His background also includes time with Bartec.
• Liqui Moly has grown its U.S. and Canadian team since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, adding Neriman Stumpf, Jose Mendoza, Aaron Crosby, Ken Dowler, Selene Ibarra, and Robert McLogan. This gives the oil and additives specialist a total of 41 employees in the United States and Canada. The new additions have responsibilities ranging from digital marketing to repair shop support and customer satisfaction.
• Tony Aquila — the founder and former chairman and CEO of Solera Holdings — is now the executive chairman of Canoo Holdings, an electric vehicle company that’s preparing to go public. Solera is a provider of risk and asset management data and software as a service (SaaS) products to the automotive and insurance industries. It’s the parent company to such businesses as Identifix, DST, AutoPoint and Hollander.
News Briefs 10/26/20
• Throughout October, Keystone Automotive Operations will donate $1.00 to the Susan G. Komen of Greater Philadelphia organization from the sale of every special-edition pink VP Racing Motorsports Container sold. Additionally, VP Racing Fuels will make a donation to the Prevent Cancer Foundation for every special-edition pink VP Racing container it sells.
• Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) is debuting a live, web-based educational program called Part Smart. The initiative will provide OE-level training for professional technicians, addressing real-world troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures, as well as product information and manufacturer-specific systems information. The first of these live events will take place Friday, Nov. 20.
• Liqui Moly has announced that automotive personality Edd China will feature the company’s products during a series of short social media clips. China, host of the TV series Wheeler Dealers, has a large following on YouTube and elsewhere. You can view a sample from China’s video series here.
• UWS, a Curt Group brand and subsidiary of Lippert Components Inc., has launched a new campaign to showcase its RigidCore foam-filled toolbox lids. It features videos in which UWS toolboxes are subjected to power saws, pressure washers and the entire weight of a full-size truck. You can view one of the YouTube videos here.
• XPEL Inc., a global provider of protective films and coatings, has extended its line of Fusion Plus automotive ceramic coatings to include products designed to protect glass, wheels and brake calipers, plastic and trim surfaces, and upholstery. All products are now available to installers in North America. Products will be available globally in November.
• John Bean is now a global industry partner of WorldSkills International, a vocational skills organization. As such, John Bean will support WorldSkills Shanghai 2021, providing wheel alignment and calibration equipment.
• Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change has announced its first set of franchise owners in Missouri. Husband and wife Brett and Lora Houston are set to open three Strickland Brothers service centers in the Kansas City area. Additionally, Angela Stoll is now Strickland Brothers’ first Arizona franchise owner. Stoll has agreed to open three service centers in Chandler and Gilbert.
• Point S expects to expand its network in South Africa from 65 outlets to 70 locations by the end of 2020. Point S has been doing business in South Africa since 2012.
• We Got Tires LLC has added high-performance sports tires to its online tire marketplace, gottires.com.
Event & Trade Show Briefs 10/26/20
• According to event organizers, more than 330 supplier representatives from 140 companies attended the Automotive Distribution Network’s virtual vendor meeting Oct. 20.
• Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH), the Bartlett family, and more than 85 channel partners and industry dignitaries raised $301,000 for WACOSA during an Oktoberfest-themed virtual event held in lieu of the company’s annual chili cook-off fundraiser. WACOSA provides meaningful work for over 650 adults with disabilities in central Minnesota. APH, a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, has raised nearly $1.20 million for WACOSA over the last eight years.
• Nexus Automotive International reports that 1,300 virtual meetings took place during its N! Virtual Days trade show, which took place Oct 14-15. The online event also included 50 supplier exhibitor booths, drawing more than 1,000 participants from around the globe.
• The Hunter Engineering Company plans to host a virtual event, The Hunter Innovation Expo, Nov. 3-5 to demonstrate its equipment and highlight exclusive promotional offers. Click here to find out more about the expo.
• The AAM Group has agreed to provide technology and video support for the virtual Engine Performance Expo, which will take place Jan. 7-9. AAM will use its in-house capabilities to facilitate more than 30 live seminars, demonstrations, and question and answer sessions. Click here for information on the expo.
• Vipar Heavy Duty held its annual Impact Conference online Oct. 20-22. The conference included a virtual trade show featuring 125 booths, as well as one-on-one meetings. Training sessions from the three-day event will be available on-demand within the conference platform until the end of 2020.
Correction 10/26/20
In the article “Chick Capoli Sales Company Seeks Rep Agencies For Acquisition” from the Oct. 19 issue of The Greensheet, we misstated the “next generation” succession plan for the Chick Capoli Sales Company. Under this plan, Chick Capoli Sr.’s sons, Chick Jr. and Angelo Capoli, who have both been with the company for 28 years, will assume leadership when he retires. The online article has been revised to the correct information listed above.
[anti-both]