Aftermarket All-Access

What if the real barrier to your success isn't the goal itself—but how you're thinking about it? On this episode of Aftermarket All-Access, Chris Messer, vice president of transportation at Endeavor Business Media, and Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership, join editorial director Chris Jones to explore a mindset shift that's reshaping how supply chain leaders and distributors approach growth. They discuss why focusing on what you want to achieve—rather than what you're trying to avoid—creates measurable improvements in business performance, team culture, and your ability to lead through change. Whether you're managing operations, building your team, or navigating industry disruption, this conversation offers practical insights for driving real results.

In this episode, Dr. Kent MacDonald, president of Northwood University, sat down to talk about educating the next generation of automotive and aftermarket professionals. But first, he shared what it was like interviewing Wayne Gretzky — and how the hockey legend's philosophy of "skating to where the puck is going" applies directly to the automotive industry's future. Northwood isn't your typical university. It's America's automotive, mobility, and aftermarket university. MacDonald explains ways the aftermarket industry can support Northwood — from scholarships and mentorship to employee benefit programs — and the ROI data that proves investing in Northwood education pays off for families and employers alike.

WEBSITE DESCRIPTION: What drives innovation in the automotive aftermarket? For Anuj Gupta, business line digital North America at ZF Aftermarket, it starts with curiosity and a willingness to spend time in the field discovering real problems. In this episode, Anuj Gupta, business line digital North America at ZF Aftermarket, shares ZF's approach to innovation—grounded in customer research, diverse perspectives, and the philosophy that innovation isn't optional in today's fast-moving industry. Gupta explains why companies need people with different backgrounds bringing fresh perspectives to the table, the role curiosity plays in solving compelling problems, and how ZF is expanding beyond parts to become a full-ecosystem partner for shops.

Your trajectory isn't determined by how skilled you are — it's determined by how you think. In this episode, recorded at AAPEX, Chris Messer (executive vice president of Endeavor B2B's Transportation Group) and Mike Jones (founder of Discover Leadership Training) sit down to discuss the mindset shifts that separate thriving industry leaders from those stuck in park. In this conversation, they explore the power of surrounding yourself with the right people, why embracing change is non-negotiable in today's industry, and how to move from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.  If you're ready to stop blaming circumstances and start owning your growth, this episode is for you.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

In this episode of Aftermarket All-Access, Tammy Tecklenburg, founder of dott, jons the show to talk about her 30 year career in the automotive aftermarket, women's influence in the industry, and the founding of dott and why inclusive workplaces with strong cultures lead to lasting change and upward mobility.  

What happens when an entire industry comes together to support those in need? Join host Chris Jones as he sits down with John Kairys, executive director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation to explore the foundation’s incredible work. From offering financial relief to providing essential resources, the foundation has become a lifeline for individuals and families within the automotive aftermarket industry. Hear inspiring stories of resilience, generosity, and the transformative power of this charitable organization. Discover how the foundation is making a real difference and learn how you can help drive its mission forward. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Aftermarket All-Access is a twice-monthly podcast covering the news, insight, trends, challenges, and innovations you need to know about the automotive aftermarket. Each episode features expert interviews, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to inform you about the ever-evolving automotive aftermarket landscape. Catch us here every other Thursday morning to kick off your day and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.