Aftermarket All-Access

What 2025 Taught Us About the Aftermarket—And What Comes Next

What's really happening in the automotive aftermarket right now? Mike Chung, senior director, market intelligence at the Auto Care Association. He digs into the data to reveal the trends that matter most to shop owners and auto parts distributors.
In this episode, held at AAPEX, we explore tariff impacts on parts supply, inflationary pressures on consumer purchasing, and a surprising shift in tire buying habits: why consumers are trading down to lower-tier brands and what that means for premium manufacturers' long-term customer loyalty. We also discuss delayed maintenance patterns, substitutionary product purchases, and what the data is forecasting for 2026.
If you're trying to understand your customers' behavior and make smarter business decisions, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets to what the numbers actually reveal about the health and direction of the industry.

From Parts Counter to Data Pioneer: Courtney Pedler on driving the aftermarket forward

In this episode, Aftermarket All-Access host Chris Jones speaks with Courtney Pedler, founder and CEO of Autology Data Management Group and Chair of the Automotive Content Professionals Network, about the unsung work that keeps the aftermarket running smoothly. Starting her career in Salt Lake City as a parts delivery driver, Pedler spent 25 years working in data and content management before launching her own business—discovering that the true backbone of the industry isn't flashy or glamorous, it's precise.
Pedler discusses the professionalization of the automotive aftermarket, the critical need to attract young people to the industry (not just as technicians, but across all career paths), and why "right to repair" legislation is essential for technician opportunity.
She also addresses the paradox of an increasingly skilled repair industry that needs to balance professional development with the gritty authenticity that defines blue-collar work. Whether you're a business owner, counter professional, or curious about the hidden infrastructure of modern automotive retail, this conversation reveals where the real work gets done.

Focus on the Outcome

In Episode 5 of our Endeavor 2 Discover series, Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of Endeavor Business Media's Transportation Group, is joined by Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership, along with special guest Randy O'Connor, Principal President of D2D Development (and self-proclaimed Chief Outcome Officer).
Today's focus is on the power of focusing on the outcome—a foundational principle that transforms how leaders manage teams, relationships, and personal goals. When everyone is aligned on the same outcome, you're no longer wandering down any road; you're taking the one direct path to success.

How Steve Tucker is building community in the automotive aftermarket

In this episode, host Chris Jones sits down with Steve Tucker, president of Automotive Parts Associates, to explore his journey from rebuilding his first car as a teenager to leading one of the automotive aftermarket's most important associations. Steve shares how his family's deep roots in the automotive industry shaped his philosophy of mentorship, hands-on leadership, and genuine care for people.
He also discusses the challenges facing warehouse distributors today—from managing explosive inventory growth to finding motivated talent—and reveals how data analytics and AI are reshaping the industry. He explains APA's role in bridging the gap between suppliers and independent warehouse distributors, and collaboration and leadership development in the industry is more important than ever. 

An "I will" attitude is the only attitude

In Episode 4 of our Endeavor 2 Discover series, Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of Endeavor Business Media's Transportation Group, is joined once again by Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership.
Today's topic is all about the I Will Attitude. Chris and Mike explore how powerless words like "I think I can" lack the energy needed to truly overcome challenges, while "I will" creates the mindset and muscle memory of a champion. They discuss how this language shift impacts team culture, how practicing like a champion helps you play like one, and why hope is not a strategy when it comes to personal accountability and delivering results.

Inside the 2025 AWDA Annual Conference

In this episode, Ted Hughes discusses what makes the AWDA Annual Conference, held November 2-3 in Las Vegas, one of the most important gatherings for warehouse distributors and suppliers in the aftermarket industry.
At its core are the one-on-one meetings—the lifeblood of the event—where suppliers and distributors connect directly to build relationships, negotiate partnerships, and drive real business outcomes. Ted walks us through what attendees love about it, and why warehouse distributors looking to strengthen supplier relationships, suppliers seeking to expand their channel presence, or someone new to the aftermarket, should be at the AWDA Annual Conference.

Lead From the Frontlines

In Episode 3 of our Endeavor 2 Discover series, Chris Messer, Executive Vice President of Endeavor Business Media's Transportation Group, is joined once again by Mike Jones, President and CEO of Discover Leadership.
Today's focus is on frontline leadership—what it truly means to lead from the front lines. Chris and Mike challenge the conventional wisdom around servant leadership. While it sounds good to lead from the back or "eat last," without visibility to the vision and clear communication of direction, your team will never know where they're going. The conversation explores how effective leaders ensure everyone understands the outcome, how to inspire people who don't naturally see themselves as leaders, and how individual contributors can manage up by showing up with hunger, asking hard questions, and demonstrating commitment.

AAPEX 2025 Unleashed: What suppliers and distributors need to know

In this episode, Auto Care Association's Mark Bogdansky discusses the new changes coming to AAPEX 2025 that will transform how auto parts suppliers, manufacturers, and warehouse distributors experience this year's show.
You'll hear how the new product category floor segmentation makes it easier for distributors to find suppliers in specific categories, while helping exhibitors connect with interested buyers.
Mark talks about strategies to keep buyers on the show floor longer—from food trucks that eliminate lengthy lunch breaks to the new "Booth Crawl" showcasing exhibitor receptions and giveaways. 
You'll also learn what Wayne Gretzky's keynote on business excellence means for industry leaders looking to reach their own "hall of fame."

The Common Language of Parts: Jonathan Larsen on ACES, PIES, and Latin American Expansion

Jonathan Larsen from Auto Care Association discusses the expansion of ACES and PIES standards into Latin America. Learn about the challenges of international standardization, upcoming March software releases and features, and why having a "common language" for parts mapping is transforming the automotive aftermarket globally.

Bonus: Follow Up, Follow Through

Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, is back on Aftermarket All-Access with Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at EndeavorB2B—Aftermarket Business World's parent company. In this episode, Jones tells listeners what it takes to be a person who follows up and follows through on commitments in a business setting.