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MAPA News

July 3, 2024

MAPA ANNOUNCES 2024-2025 LEADERSHIP 2.0 PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

CHRIS CONKLIN, AUTO-WARES GROUP OF COMPANIES

Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA) announces the exclusive offer from the University of the Aftermarket Foundation at Northwood University to MAPA members through MAPA’s affiliation with the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA) has resulted in a MAPA member selection for the 2024-2025 Leadership 2.0 Program Scholarship valued at $6,650. This scholarship has been awarded to Chris Conklin of Auto-Wares Group of Companies located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Congratulations Chris!

“When I took my first job working as a stocker at Murray’s Discount Auto Parts in Redford, Michigan at age 16 I had no idea the rewarding path that lay in front of me. I have always aspired to help, empower and teach customers to fix their own vehicles using methods available to them. Since then, I’ve worked in just about every position in and outside of a store but have always kept that drive for service. 23 years later, now a Territory Sales Manager at Auto-Wares I dream of having a larger impact and teeing up that same attitude inside of new and existing team members. In auto parts we take average people and make them above average, provide opportunities for a rewarding career with specialized talents and a blue-collar attitude in everything we do.

I hope to continue growing, supporting and protecting our industry using knowledge learned from the countless prior coworkers, mentors and managers who have handed down their expertise to me. I believe that the next generation of industry leaders should have connections to generations past. Especially in a digital frontier and rapidly changing business environment. It is my goal and ultimate aspiration to ensure we continue to have “parts people” in leadership roles that understand the business from the ground up.

I am absolutely honored to have been chosen for this scholarship. This scholarship will allow me to learn new leadership skills that I can employ and teach to those around me in the industry”. - Chris Conklin.

Chris’ many skills and accomplishments include: 2 Million Sales Achievement Award-2018, 3 Million Sales Achievement Award-2021, Mitchell 1 TSM Leads and Sales Award-2019. 21 years experience in Automotive Aftermarket, Seasoned Field Trainer, Account Growth and Retention, Territory Expansion via Cold Calling, Ability to gain creditability quickly, Time Management, Multitasking and Organization, Competitor Research, Customer Engagement Strategies, Tool & Equipment Knowledge / Sales, Deal Closing, and Public Speaking.

Thomas Litzinger, Executive Director of the University of the Aftermarket at Northwood University provided ASAAA members the opportunity to apply for one full scholarship valued at $6,650 (course materials, meals and tuition included) for the highly-acclaimed 2024-2025 Leadership 2.0 Program. The program is conducted in 2 one-week sessions; Fall 2024 (August 11-15), Northwood University Campus in Midland, MI and Spring 2025 (March 9-13), location TBD. This scholarship is an exclusive offer to members of Michigan Automotive Parts Association through its affiliation with the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations. Scholarship recipients are selected by ASAAA’s Scholarship Committee from applications submitted by member state associations.

Leadership 2.0 is the industry’s premier leadership development program, and is described as a “mini MBA” with 100% focus on the motor vehicle aftermarket. Topics covered include leadership, finance, strategy, team building, winning cultures, customer service, business challenges/opportunities, etc., all using the aftermarket as their focus and is led by Northwood faculty and industry leaders. For more information visit www.universityoftheaftermarket.com.