Award winners (from left): Jim Lucas, Matthew Forner and John Minor.A trio of heavy-duty aftermarket veterans were presented the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award late last year.
Matthew J. Forner of Grote Industries, Jim Lucas of Dorman Products and John Minor of Midwest Wheel were honored for providing noteworthy contributions to any level of education, inside or outside of the trucking industry. Their names and notable activities have been recorded in the awards book that will be distributed throughout the industry, Northwood says.
“Recipients of this honor are people of distinction, and the award is recognition of their significant dedication over a number of years to the educational process and the automotive aftermarket field,” says Keith Pretty, Northwood University president and CEO. “Our honorees devote considerable time and energy to education, making a worthwhile contribution within their industry and outside of it.”
Matthew J. Forner, director, aftermarket sales, Grote Industries. Forner has spearheaded and created a sales force and new employee training program that entails a 17-module system covering all aspects of Grote’s business, products and technology over its 114-year history. A modified version of this program now reaches Grote’s customer base. Forner also shares his talents as an educator, mentor and coach for youth in his community through his involvement in youth sports. He is the head varsity baseball coach for Indiana’s Shawe Memorial High School and a member of the Eastern Michigan University Marketing Club, his alma mater.
James J. Lucas, director, new product development, Dorman Products. A Northwood University alumni, Lucas has led product development at his company and supports its Dorman University program. This web-based training site provides access to training related to Dorman’s product categories for all channels of the aftermarket. Lucas is a strong proponent of the company’s college internship program and has mentored numerous Northwood University students. A graduate of the University of the Aftermarket’s Leadership 2.0 program, Lucas says he has benefitted from interacting and learning from his peers in the program and at industry events.
John Minor, president, Midwest Wheel Companies. As a driving force in making sure his employees are the most educated in the industry, Minor firmly believes veteran workers play an important role in educating new employees on products and customers, while the younger workers provide insight on new technologies. Minor serves as a board mentor for GenNext HD, a newly formed networking group for young professionals in the heavy-duty industry. In addition, he and his company are committed to ongoing training and learning and participate in the Heavy Duty Leadership and Leadership 2.0 courses offered through Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket.
