The Michigan Automotive Parts Association (MAPA) honored Gary Deuling, owner-president of Hart Automotive Supply located in Hart, Michigan, as recipient of its 2019 MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award during MAPA Industry Day held on Sept. 11, 2019, at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre in Flint, Michigan. Deuling’s accomplishments in Michigan’s automotive aftermarket over the last 46 years were highlighted.
Deuling has exemplified a lifetime commitment to the automotive aftermarket for more than 46 years. His passion to stay involved and to give back to the industry is unmatched. He invests most of his time supporting the success of the independently owned automotive parts store owners, parts manufacturers and warehouse distributors and he is proudly supported by Michigan Automotive Parts Association.
Gary started in the automotive business in 1973 as an outside salesperson for a 2-store NAPA Auto Parts owner. Gary was quickly promoted as a store manager in Fremont, Michigan, and advanced to operation manager for a 5-store NAPA independent group in 1987. Gary became a business partner and owner and would assume full ownership of two stores located in Hart and Shelby, Michigan, in 1993. He has been an active auto parts store owner and has received recognition from NAPA (National Automotive Parts Association) with the Five Star Excellence Award for six years. The NAPA Five Star Award is excellence in training, marketing, wholesale & retail growth and community involvement. Deuling has always been an industry leader and was one of the first parts stores to offer delivery service to wholesale accounts and opening senen days a week to support his local market needs.
Deuling’s commitment to “giving back” and involvement in both his community and the aftermarket is extensive and includes; NAPA business advisory boards in heavy duty, advertising, tools & equipment, NAPA Auto Parts independent owner for 32 Years, proudly elected in 1995 to the MAPA board of directors, 21 years served on MAPA board, elected first board member to have served as chairman for two terms, recently elected as MAPA inaugural honorary lifetime board of directors member, and Deuling has made many visits to the Lansing State Capitol to advocate to the legislative regulators about the aftermarket.
Created in 2010, the MAPA Lifetime Achievement Award is designed to honor the excellence of individuals in the automotive aftermarket industry who have made significant impacts in the industry and/or the association. Qualifying criteria for consideration includes recipient must have/had an extensive career in the industry, contributed significantly to the automotive aftermarket industry in Michigan, and made accomplishments within their local community.
