Aftermarket Insider Issue 78 - (Page 10)

MEMbER PRoFilE Michael J. FiTzgerald Giving Back to the Aftermarket Mic hael J. Fitzge r ald POsitiOn : President, MFitzgerald Associates Years in the aFtermarKet: WOrds tO liVe bY: 30 “Just try to bring value. I have said all along - if you accept a job or task, especially if you are compensated for it, make sure you give your best effort at all times. Nobody is perfect; we all make mistakes, but if you give it your best, you will make many more right decisions then wrong. At the end of the day, you just need to bring value in what you do.” PhOne : e-mail : 203-779-0730 mjf@mfitzgeraldassociates.com Before joining the board, Fitzgerald was involved in the AWDA segment, and is currently a member of the AAIA Marketing and Communications “I want to give back to the industry Committee. He is a strong supporter where I’ve spent my career and help motorists understand the vehicle repair of AAIA initiatives, including the process so they care for their cars,” said Right to Repair Act, which opposes Fitzgerald. “But I think one of the most what he considers one of the biggest personally satisfying rewards is encour- issues facing the aftermarket. aging others to participate, especially newer members of our organization, so “The efforts of AAIA and the other they can get their careers started in the groups who have supported Right to Repair have paid off in Massachusetts right direction from the beginning.” with a new law on the books. This is great news for consumers and the afterFitzgerald started off in the aftermarket,” said Fitzgerald. “The next market working as a delivery driver step must be a federal law that supports while attending Canisius College in the basic survival and success of the Buffalo, N.Y., where he received his aftermarket while protecting each car undergraduate degree in political owner’s right to decide where, how and science and finance. He worked as VP, by whom their vehicle is repaired.” marketing for Echlin/Dana, before it was acquired by Standard Motor Fitzgerald also considers continuous Products in 2003, and held a variety education for industry members and of sales and marketing positions consumers a must in the aftermarket. before being elected VP, marketing in 2007. Recently, he started MFitzgerald If not in the aftermarket, he believes Associates, a sales and marketing firm he would be a sales and marketing that emphasizes the use of category guy somewhere. In his spare time, he management to best serve organizaenjoys being with his family. He said, tions in the motor vehicle aftermarket. “With three children, one daughterin-law, a new grandson and a future “My new role focuses on facilitating strategic relationships between vendors son-in-law, spending time with them is a great way to enjoy my leisure time.” and distributors with emphasis in the areas of category management, sales In the long run, Fitzgerald would like representation, marketing and general to “learn as much as I can so that I can strategic counsel,” said Fitzgerald. bring greater value to my clients and an “Today’s business climate requires an integrated approach that is more service ever-changing aftermarket industry.” Currently a member of the AAIA board of directors, Michael Fitzgerald, president of MFitzgerald Associates, sees his membership as a way to support others in the aftermarket industry. oriented and those who adjust how they operate to meet customer needs will be better positioned for future success.” 10 | AFTERMARKET INSIDER | VOLUME 78

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 78

Aftermarket Insider Issue 78
Contents
President’s Message
Association News
AAPEX 2012
Company Profile
Member Profile
Toolbox
Government Affairs
Technology Update
Executive Perspective
Association News
Market Intelligence

Aftermarket Insider Issue 78