More than 50 Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG) members overcame difficult wintry driving conditions to gather for a regional meeting hosted by the Auto-Wares Group of Companies on Feb. 7, 2019, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Welcomed into a private room inside Founder’s Brewery, guests enjoyed food, an array of craft beers and a raffle for prizes. The event’s highlights included exclusive brewery tours and a short speech by Auto-Wares President and CEO Todd Leimenstoll.
“Networking is so important and needs to be a focus in our industry moving forward,” said Leimenstoll, “We all know the aftermarket is evolving at a rapid pace and it will take all of us working together to keep it growing. I had mentioned the mix of attendees at the event – all involved and looking to grow in the industry. All these facets at such a young age working hard in our industry certainly promises that we are in good hands”
The group included people from all across the aftermarket distribution change including manufacturers and suppliers, warehouse distributors, jobbers and shop owners along with technicians and service writers.
“The weather outside is frightful but this crowd is delightful,” said JC Washbish, YANG chairman and vice president of marketing of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc.
“Our YANG members continue to impress and inspire me. Their willingness to come out tonight, in spite of the conditions, is awesome. Also, we are fortunate to have industry veterans like Todd who are willing to support the next generation of aftermarket as our champions and mentors.”
The event served as the perfect precursor for Auto-Wares annual Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Tech Expo held that Friday and Saturday with over 3,000 industry professionals in attendance for training, a channel partner booth show and entertainment.
“Auto-Wares was proud to host the YANG event and continues to be a firm supporter of the future of our industry and the next generation of workers,” said Leimenstoll.
Founded in 1976, Auto‐Wares is an aftermarket auto parts distribution company serving a five-state region and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Auto‐Wares Group of Companies is a shareholder owner of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Inc., a global distribution and marketing organization in the world. Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper is a source for parts and service for parts stores and certified service centers throughout North America, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Europe and China.
For more information go to www.autovalue.com or www.bumpertobumper.com.
