Each year, the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance provides scholarships to attend The University of the Aftermarket Leadership 2.0 program. Two deserving individuals are selected to attend the intellectually challenging two-week executive development and learning experience that is deeply rooted in the application of automotive aftermarket leadership principles.
The Alliance announced that two members of its family were awarded full scholarships to attend the next session of Leadership 2.0, valued at $6,250 per scholarship. Jonathan “Blake” Hendricks, manager of The Grease Pig Lube & Tune, a Bumper to Bumper Certified Service Center located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the recipient of the Leadership 2.0 Scholarship in the service dealer category. The Grease Pig Lube & Tune is a customer of Alliance member Parts Warehouse Inc., located in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The scholarship in the distribution category was awarded to Shawn Senior, inventory control manager at Eastern Warehouse Distributors Inc. in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, a member of the Alliance.
According to John R. Washbish, president and CEO of the Alliance, the two recipients were ideal candidates for the program. Both have deep roots in the aftermarket and are committed to growing their careers in this great industry.
While in high school, Hendricks began his career in the auto care industry as a counter person for a parts store. Hendricks went on to work as a technician doing oil changes for five years, a line mechanic for three years and has served as shop manager for almost three years. Hoping to one day assume an ownership role, Hendricks values training and regularly attends technical training classes as well as management classes. Hendricks was nominated by Kent Atkins, owner and president of The Grease Pig Lube & Tune.
“Blake is one of the most capable young men I have seen,” said Atkins. “I know this opportunity will further his abilities to become a successful shop owner and give him additional encouragement to be an industry leader as he goes forward in his career.”
Much like Hendricks, Senior began his career in auto care as a counter person for two years, and then transitioned to his current role in inventory management and purchasing, where he has worked for three years. In his current role, Senior oversees inventory through its life-cycle across 30 locations. He is an ASE Certified Parts Specialist and an AWDA representative for Eastern Warehouse Distributors. He also has received recognition within his organization for his talent: in 2012, he was awarded the Sales Achievement Award and, in 2015, for the Chairman’s Award for outstanding performance and dedication.
“With the continued growth of our company, I will have responsibility over a larger department and more staff,” said Senior. “The skills and knowledge obtained from this course will give me the tools to make myself a stronger leader and professional in the industry.”
As part of their participation in Leadership 2.0, both scholarship winners will attend two intensive one-week sessions. The first session will be in August at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Michigan. It will focus on industry trends, research and market analysis, competitive strategies and supply chain solutions, including numerous lectures from industry leaders. Each attendee will be assigned to a team that will collaborate on an aftermarket-specific project over the ensuing six months.
The second session will be in March of 2017. At that session, they will again be exposed to industry experts on a variety of subjects, including business ethics, risk management and a variety of other subjects all while reviewing and completing assigned team projects.