Auto-Wares Hosts YANG Event in Blizzard Conditions

Auto-Wares Hosts YANG Event in Blizzard Conditions

Despite winter flurries and difficult road conditions, more than 50 Young Auto Care Group members turned out for a night of networking and fun.

Auto-Wares

The Auto-Wares Group of Companies hosted the most recent YANG regional meet-up on Feb. 7 at Founder’s Brewery in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Despite winter flurries and difficult road conditions, more than 50 Young Auto Care Group (YANG) members turned out for a night of networking and fun.

Welcomed into their own private room inside Founder’s Brewery, guests enjoyed delicious food, an array of craft beers and a raffle for prizes and swag. The event’s highlights included exclusive brewery tours and a short speech by Auto-Wares President and CEO Todd Leimenstoll.

“Networking is so important and needs to be a focus in our industry moving forward,” said Leimenstoll, “We all know the aftermarket is evolving at a rapid pace and it will take all of us working together to keep it growing.  I had mentioned the mix of attendees at the event — all involved and looking to grow in the industry.  All these facets at such a young age working hard in our industry certainly promises that we are in good hands”

The group included people from across aftermarket distribution, including manufacturers and suppliers, warehouse distributors, jobbers and shop owners, along with technicians and service writers.

“The weather outside is frightful but this crowd is delightful,” commented J.C. Washbish, YANG chairman. “Our YANG members continue to impress and inspire me. Their willingness to come out tonight, in spite of the conditions, is awesome. Also, we are fortunate to have industry veterans like Todd who are willing to support the next generation of aftermarket as our champions and mentors.”

The event served as the perfect precursor for Auto-Wares’ annual Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Tech Expo held that Friday and Saturday with over 3,000 industry professionals in attendance for training, a channel partner booth show and entertainment.  “Auto-Wares was proud to host the YANG event and continues to be a firm supporter of the future of our industry and the next generation of workers,” Leimenstoll said.

You May Also Like

Schaeffler Showcases Repair Solutions, Future Tech at AAPEX

Under the theme, “Your business is our focus,” Schaeffler will be hosting customers and industry partners at its booth.

Schaeffler will be demonstrating its aftermarket solutions at AAPEX, taking place Oct. 31-Nov. 2 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.

Under the theme, “Your business is our focus,” Schaeffler will be hosting customers and industry partners at its booth (2232), showcasing products and service solutions that enhance the vehicle’s life cycle, as well as technologies that support the transition to electric mobility. 

Dana Showcasing Premium Products, Online Platforms at AAPEX

Customers can see Dana’s wide array of aftermarket parts and learn about its e-commerce offerings.

Meet MEYLE Experts at AAPEX 2023

The company will be showcasing a range of products from its MEYLE HD, MEYLE PD and MEYLE ORIGINAL product lines.

ASE Foundation’s Wagner to Host Training Seminar at AAPEX

“Fill Your Pipeline of Entry-Level Employees by Engaging Local Students” starts at noon on Oct. 31.

AAPEX Reception to Celebrate Service and Repair Professionals

The free event also will recognize the AAPEX 2023 Service and Repair Award honorees.

Other Posts

Futurmotive, FAAS to Launch First Sustainability Day

The Sustainability Day aims to bring together aftermarket leaders and innovators to share knowledge, network and explore cutting-edge green innovations.

Registration Open for 2024 AVI Training Conference

Presented by The Group and sponsored by NEXUS, the event is scheduled for Jan. 11-14 in Fort Myers, Florida.

PRT to Showcase Product Lines at AAPEX

Some of the launches apply to new vehicles, and one highlight is the new PRT complete strut assembly for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma.

Registration Open for AAM Group Virtual Product Expo

The Event educates shop owners and personnel about the most exciting new products of the year.