AAPEX 2025 Open Mic Sessions, Part 2
Manage episode 519047590 series 3588104
Curiosity isn’t a buzzword here; it’s the operating system. We start on the media side of the aftermarket with a candid look at how asking better questions... why, how, and so what... turns complex topics like AI, EVs, and ADAS into clear direction for shops, jobbers, and distributors. When leaders translate without jargon, trust grows. And in a world where institutional trust is shaky, that clarity matters more than ever.
We then pivot to the heart of our industry: taking care of our own. The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation joins us to share how they deliver rapid, practical support to people facing life’s hardest moments... cancer, paralysis, disaster, and sudden financial freefall. You’ll hear how a single mom technician kept her home during treatment and how a new father regained independence after paralysis with a custom wheelchair and home modifications. AACF’s new giving circle empowers individuals to chip in monthly, expanding impact beyond corporate sponsors and across both automotive and heavy-duty communities.
Finally, we dig into sustainable growth with fractional leadership. Many WDs, suppliers, and tech providers need senior strategy and execution without full-time overhead. Fractional leaders bridge the gap: they build the plan, then own the implementation. We talk about cutting through hype, choosing where to focus, aligning budgets with durable value, and preparing for succession. The throughline is simple and strong... ask better questions, back your community, and execute with discipline.
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To learn more about the Auto Care Association visit autocare.org.
To learn more about our show and suggest future topics and guests, visit autocare.org/podcast
Chapters
1. Adam Malik, Turnkey Media Solutions (00:00:00)
2. John Kairys, Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (00:12:06)
3. Awareness Gap And Industry Partnerships (00:29:10)
86 episodes