In our 2022 Distribution Preview in the January issue of AMN/Counterman, aftermarket leaders talk about some of the key issues affecting the industry, and discuss their plans, goals and expectations for the year ahead.

This year, we added several fun “Lightning Round” questions that you won’t want to miss.

Here’s our Q&A with Tina Hubbard, president of HDA Truck Pride.

AMN/CM: What did your organization accomplish in 2021 that you are most proud of? 

TH: We are most proud of assisting our membership in navigating and becoming stronger during the perfect storm of the past 18 months.  Negotiating additional supplier opportunities, educational advancements, increasing legislative awareness and a double-down on technological enhancements have been our focus areas. Through the challenges of 2021, we have seen our membership embrace new technologies and product-growth opportunities. Change often appears more difficult than it is really. We don’t always realize that change has become a constant in our lives. We are stronger and more adaptable than ever before.   

AMN/CM: Does your organization currently participate in any programs to help combat the tech-shortage issue? If so, tell us about it.

TH: One of our key initiatives is education. HDA Truck Pride has recently expanded that scope to include industry awareness, retention and recruitment. The commercial-vehicle industry has the opportunity to create a positive, professional image of our industry and all that it has to offer, including technicians. We work in collaboration with the ASE Education Foundation, WyoTech, TMC and other associations, but our approach to addressing the technician shortage is all-encompassing, [focusing on] awareness, education and retention. You’ll hear more about our very intense focus on this as the new year unfolds.

AMN/CM: What do you feel is the greatest opportunity in the automotive aftermarket right now?  

TH: Focused on the commercial-vehicle side of the aftermarket, the greatest opportunity facing our industry is enabling technologies. This includes, or perhaps assumes, that 2022 is the year that all suppliers will embrace the industry data standards. Members are eager to seek new avenues for business growth while driving efficiency, and adopting data standards is a great place to start!  Working as a cohesive network, 2022 is the just the beginning of endless opportunities for HDA Truck Pride to adopt these technologies and the growth opportunities they present for our members.

AMN/CM: What was your first job?

TH: Babysitting was my first “under-the-table” job. My first legitimate job was at McDonald’s, working the drive-thru, where I would frequently serenade the customers, along with working children’s birthday parties.

AMN/CM: What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

TH: Do what’s right, not what’s easy. 

AMN/CM: What is your favorite food?

TH: This is no secret – chocolate.

AMN/CM: What’s the first thing you do when you get to work each day?

TH: Say “good morning” to everyone.