Stephen R. Crowley, president and CEO of VIPAR Heavy Duty, has been named a recipient of the 2010 Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education award. Crowley was among eight aftermarket leaders honored by Northwood University during Industry Week in Las Vegas.
In recognizing Crowley, it was noted by Northwood University: “For more than 30 years as an industry professional, Stephen R. Crowley has understood and valued the importance of sharing knowledge and developing young people for work in the heavy duty aftermarket business.”
Crowley’s educational contributions include the development of a Distributor Education Series while working for Chicago Rawhide. He also played a part in the development of a training series for all distributor personnel for the Council of Fleet Specialists (CFS).
Keith A. Pretty, president and CEO, Northwood University says the annual award is given only to individuals in the automotive aftermarket management field who have made noteworthy contributions to education, public or private, on any level, inside or outside the industry. “They are people of stature, and the award is recognition of substantial dedication over a number of years to the educational process in the field of automotive aftermarket management. It is unique in that it is the only education award of its kind in the industry.”
Crowley joined VIPAR in 2000 as executive vice president. He became president in 2003 and added the title of CEO in 2004.
A veteran of the heavy-duty industry, Crowley was the vice president of supply chain management for Aurora Capital/QDS Partners from 1998-1999. Before that he was at CR Industries (Chicago Rawhide) from 1981 to 1997. He was responsible for the company’s heavy-duty group as director of North American commercial vehicle sales from 1987 to 1997.
Crowley serves as a member of the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Advisory Board, counseling the university on important matters related to the school’s Heavy Duty Aftermarket program development and curriculum focus. He is a member of the joint operating committee for Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week and has held numerous volunteer positions as a member of CFS, CVSN, HD Business Forum and HDMA.
