Aftermarket Insider Issue 79 - (Page 22)

A SS o C i AT i o n n E W S dAn rAder Making an Impact to introduce a series of interviews with each of the 2012 AAIA Impact Award winners. Recognized at Town Hall 2012, these four aftermarket professionals, age 40 or younger, have made remarkable contributions within the aftermarket industry. Aftermarket Insider is pleased DAN R ADER POSITION : “My first job in the automotive aftermarket was in 1996 as an assistant product manager at APS Holdings Inc., the parent company for Big A Auto Parts,” said Dan Rader, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. “I landed there by chance, really. I liked working on cars, but I didn’t know a thing about the aftermarket when I started with Big A. I was simply looking for a career in purchasing, and while I was looking through the help wanted ads in the local paper in Houston, I was thrilled to find a position that combined two things that were of interest to me.” Currently senior product manager for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance in San Antonio, Texas, Rader’s primary role is to utilize category management processes to review and analyze product lines and make recommendations to shareholders to help them improve their overall market share. His efforts led to the introduction of the Alliance’s new Perfect Stop brake products offering, which has proven to be quite successful for the group. Involved in the AAIA Category Management Committee for several years, Rader said, “It is great being amongst a group of peers that can work through the issues and keep things rolling along.” Rader has been part of AAIA since 1998, and says of the value of the association, “It is nearly impossible for me to summarize the importance of AAIA to the industry – I couldn’t do it justice. AAIA’s involvement in education, political issues, technology, and of course the AAPEX show each year, bring all of the participants from various parts of the industry together for the betterment of the entire aftermarket. Programs such as ‘Be Car Care Aware’ and Right to Repair are critical to ensuring that I — and many, many others — have a long and prosperous career. Keep up the good work!” Of the industry, Rader believes a key goal is attracting the younger generations to the industry. “We need more youth to keep the ball moving forward and bring fresh new answers to these challenging issues that we face.” If not in the industry, Rader would “probably be trying to scratch away a living as a chef somewhere” – and he enjoys cooking, swimming, boating, acoustic guitar and amateur woodworking, as well as spending time with his wife of 18 years and two teenage children. Rader is currently a college student as well. “When I started with the Alliance, John Washbish challenged me to finish what I had started,” Rader said. “With his support I have been working on my bachelor’s degree in Automotive Aftermarket Management at Northwood University, and I am happy to announce that I’ll be graduating on Dec. 15.” Senior Product Director, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance YEARS IN THE AFTERMARKET: 16 WORDS TO LIVE BY: “Live each day to its fullest.” PHONE : 210-408-4343 E-MAIL : drader@alliance1.com 22 | AFTERMARKET INSIDER | VOLUME 79 http://www.alliance1.com/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 79

Aftermarket Insider Issue 79
Contents
President’s Message
Campaign Update
Industry All-Stars
An Aapexceptional Event
Member Profile
Toolbox
Technology Update
Campaign Update
Head of the Class
Impact Award
Market Intelligence
Government Affairs
Inside Technology

Aftermarket Insider Issue 79