Daniel Hough, former president of Advanced Innovative Technologies (AIT), distributor of TrakMotive products, passed away on March 16 from a heart attack.

Hough was 79.

Hough was a pioneer in the automotive aftermarket. The Detroit native worked with GKN early in his career. In the 1990s, he moved to California to work with Dynamic Axle, and then transitioned to Century Automotive. In 2006, he joined Robert Zhu to start Advanced Innovative Technologies Corp.

Hough’s plan was to work with AIT for three years and then retire. Due to his enthusiasm and passion for the industry, that three years turned out to be 10 years, before he retired and moved back to Michigan to enjoy his retirement.

Hough was a mentor to many people. He was an honest person, a family man and a  leader who believed in training future generations.

Hough will be missed by many who had the privilege to work with him or get to know him over the years.