Aftermarket All-Access

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. 

Failure Isn't an Option

For anyone who has ever uttered the words, "failure isn't an option," Mike Jones, president and master trainer at Discover Leadership Training, has a message you should consider. Jones talks about leadership and failure in this special episode of Aftermarket All-Access. He's joined by Chris Messer, executive vice president of the transportation group at Endeavor Business Media—the parent company of Aftermarket Business World. Jones helps leaders reframe failure and change their approach.

The impact of mental health on your business decisions

In this episode of Aftermarket All-Access, Margaret Light, licensed marriage and family therapist of Equilibrium Therapy Services P.L.L.C. has a conversation with host Chris Jones about mental health and decision-making in business and how our mental state can positively or negatively impact the quality of the business decisions we make. 

The Ins and Outs of Category Management

In this episode, Dave Bohr, director of category management at Bill Murray & Associates, discusses the ins and outs of category management. He starts by explaining what category management is and progresses to the role a category manager plays in helping auto parts suppliers and manufacturers position their products competitively in the automotive aftermarket.

Building a Better, Smarter Parts Catalog

In this episode, Scott Tompkins, senior manager of product management at Epicor talks about how the company created its parts catalog. He also discusses how it was developed, some of the triumphs and challenges in integrating it with the Mexican aftermarket, and how they manage all of the parts they classify.

MEMA's Ben Brucato on Service, Sustainability, and Trump Administration Tariffs

In this episode, Ben Brucato, vice president, membership & engagement, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers about the role of MEMA in the aftermarket, its new sustainability initiatives, and the organization’s thoughts on pending tariffs and how it's keeping its members and the industry informed.
 

Federated Auto Parts CEO Sue Godschalk Reflects on 50+ Years in Automotive

Imagine being employee number three at one of the automotive aftermarket premier auto parts distributors. My guest today was just that. I’m talking to Sue Godschalk of Federated Auto Parts. Sue’s 39-year career at Federated and 52 years total in the aftermarket has made her one of the most respected people in the industry. Today, Sue talks about her time in the industry and winning the 2024 AWDA Lifetime Achievement Award. 

How Leaders Lead

In this episode, Mike Jones of Discover Leadership Training discusses how to level up your leadership. Mike also covers leadership versus management, the relationship between discipline and growth, why motivation doesn't work and what does, and communication mistakes leaders make and how to correct them.