Spring-Align's Nastali inaugural Women in Leadership award winner at HDAW

Updated Jan 30, 2025
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The HDAW Women in Leadership Award was presented for the first time on Tuesday at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week in Grapevine, Texas.  Toni Nastali, owner of Spring-Align, was the inaugural recipient.

"This is not just a new award, it's another step toward fostering a more inclusive and dynamic future for our industry," says Brittany Soika, director of product management at Cummins-Meritor. "This award was created to highlight the impact of mentorship and leadership in the industry and acknowledge achievements that transcend titles or seniority with a promise to recognize excellence at any stage of the career." 

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The award recognizes a woman who exemplifies exceptional vision and stewardship, drives innovation and contributes meaningfully to the heavy-duty industry, says Alan Rabadi, general manager of the global aftermarket and business development for Cummins-Meritor. 

Nastali entered the industry in 1981, when she was hired to be comptroller at Spring-Align in Chicago. She had a background in accounting and business management, and Spring-Align was a second-generation, family owned suspension shop. Nastali was asked to modernize and streamline operations, bringing a contemporary business model to the shop. 

In 1996, Nastali received 2% ownership as a Christmas bonus, and in 1999, she purchased 49% ownership and by 2004, was full owner of the company. Today, her company has three locations with 20 bays and 38 team members. She prides herself on workforce development, and Spring-Align has an earn-while-you-learn program that has empowered many of her employees. 

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She was an active member of the Suspension Specialist Association, serving on the board of directors and as president in 2004. She played a key role in the creation of HDAW, Rabadi says, and as the permanent treasurer of SSA after her presidency. Nastali was part of a three-person team facilitating the merger of SSA with the Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN). 

Nastali strode onstage with paper notes, saying her "very young" team dared her to use it. 

"As I entire the twilight of my career, it's important to stay forward-thinking and contemporary," she says. "I would like to use Snoop Dogg's words and thank me for believing in myself and for doing the hard work in such a male-dominated industry and gaining the respect of my peers." 

Nastali was selected by Tina Hubbard, CEO of HDA Truck Pride, and Robyn Spitzke, president at Fort Garry Industries. She thanked those women and the owners of HDAW for their recognition. 

"My heart is full," she says.  

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