The Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) recognized John Bartlett with its 2019 Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer.
Bartlett, executive chairman and CEO at Automotive Parts Headquarters, received the award during the Nov. 3 opening general session of AWDA’s 72st Annual Business and Education Conference in Las Vegas.
AWDA, a community of the Auto Care Association, presents the award to an individual who has contributed in a unique and monumental way while employed in the auto care industry. The award is perceived as the industry’s highest honor.
“I am extremely honored and humbled by this award,” Bartlett said. “I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to spend so many years in the industry and to meet so many great people along the way.”
Bartlett was born into an aftermarket family and grew up working in a parts store alongside his father, joining the business full-time immediately after college. When Bartlett was just 28 years old, his father died and Bartlett took over as president. Through his leadership, the company has expanded its footprint from its base in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to five states today.
“From the day John was unexpectedly thrust into APH presidency to today, he has repeatedly demonstrated his merit and commitment to his company, community and industry,” said John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. “His outstanding leadership is absolutely worthy of this recognition.”
Throughout the years, Bartlett has consistently landed APH on lists of top companies, and in 2012, the company was honored with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association’s Head of the Class Award. Bartlett himself was honored with Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award in 2011 and the AWDA Pursuit of Excellence award in 2013.
In addition to leading his company, Bartlett has played a key role in directing the industry. He spent six years on the Alliance’s board of directors and another two as chairman. He also has served on the AWDA Board of Governors.
Outside of the industry, Bartlett has been a leader in his St. Cloud community as well. He is an active supporter and former board member of WACOSA, a nonprofit organization that connects local businesses with a workforce of more than 500 adults with disabilities. His annual Chili Cook Off efforts have raised close to $1 million in recent years for WACOSA, both from participating supporters and from Bartlett himself.
