Panelists for the “What Customers Want” session at next month’s Aftermarket Distribution Summit have been announced and include fleet representatives from different market segments discussing their unique challenges and the role the independent aftermarket plays in their businesses, including the opportunities for growing share in those markets.
The “What Customers Want” panel is part of the issue-driven, business-building content planned for the inaugural Aftermarket Distribution Summit. The new event combines the annual Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network meeting, the HDX Technology Conference and Truck Parts & Service magazine’s Truck Parts Seminar. Details for distributors and suppliers, including registration information, is available at www.AftermarketDistributionSummit.org.
The panelists for the “What Customers Want” session are:
· Ted Coltrain, vice president and general manager, Dickinson Fleet Services, Indianapolis;
· Bryan Stanley, fleet services superintendent, Clay Electric Cooperative, Keystone Heights, Fla.;
· Brett Wacker, vice president, Corporate Maintenance at Arnold Transportation Services (a subsidiary of U.S. Xpress), Jacksonville, Fla.;
· Lyle Bass, president of Power Train Service, Indianapolis; and
· Bob Hicks, president of Marathon Brake.
The “What Customers Want” panel is one of three panel sessions scheduled for the meeting. Panelists for the “Protecting Product and Brand Integrity” and “What the Channel Needs” have already been announced.
In addition to the panels, the Aftermarket Distribution Summit will also feature marquee general session speakers, including:
· Steven S. Little: A much sought after expert on the subject of business growth and the future of opportunity. His style has been described as “real world,” “highly credible” and “uniquely engaging.” He is the author of the best-selling books The 7 Irrefutable Rules of Small Business Growth and The Milkshake Moment: Overcoming Stupid Systems, Pointless Policies and Muddled Management to Realize Real Growth.
· Michael Bryan: A vice president and senior economist in the research department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He is responsible for organizing the agency’s monetary policy process. Bryan previously served as vice president in the research department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland where he specialized in business analysis with an emphasis on measuring and tracking inflation trends. In 1986, he served as an economist in the research division of the Federal Reserve System’s Board of Governors in Washington, D.C.
· Steve Deist: The strategic planning and sales effectiveness specialist from the Indian River Consulting Group. Deist will be the Keynote Speaker for the HDX Technology track, speaking on the importance of strengthening IT projects during tough economic periods, and focusing resources to get the most for the money. He has more than 17 years of experience in the distribution field and a strong background in business process re-engineering and technology implementation.
· Steve Evans: The senior vice president, Information Systems, for the PGA Tour, which he has been with for 22 years. Evans will also do a presentation during the HDX Technology track. His responsibilities include oversight of technology for the PGA Tour and its subsidiaries including technology support for over 1,200 employees, 400 players, 150 player managers, 22 Tournament Players Clubs, 10 Broadcast Partners, the World Golf Hall of Fame and over 100 tournament organizers.
Additionally, HDX will feature a technology track that includes a Bridging the Gap IT panel and a session on Prioritizing IT Projects and Maximizing ROI.
The Aftermarket Distribution Summit will also include private strategic planning sessions scheduled between distributors and suppliers; networking opportunities, including the Tenneco Challenge Golf Tournament and an inshore fishing outing; and presentation of the CVSN President’s Award to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. Regarding the latter, the 2009 recipient is industry veteran and retired EUCLID President Ray Zukowski.
