The Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network recognized another group of young aftermarket leaders for their commitment to the industry with its 4 Under 40 Awards Wednesday at its Summit in Las Vegas.
Ryan Bugai of LWK Enterprises, Nick Chelman from DRiV, Adam Pigeon at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer and Bruno Gattamorta with Cojali USA were recognized with this year’s award.
Created in 2018, CVSN’s 4 Under 40 program was created by its GenNext member group. All independent aftermarket industry professionals aged 40 or younger are eligible for the awards, which celebrate professionals who demonstrate involvement, innovations and commitment within the aftermarket as well as a desire to propel the industry forward.
Wednesday’s winners equal parts honored and startled by the recognition.
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“I had no clue I was going to win,” said Gattamorta, who serves as Cojali’s chief commercial officer. “I did not expect that.”
Chelman and Bugai felt the same.
“I had no idea. My initial reaction was shock. I’m thankful, honored,” said Bugai, president at LWK Enterprises.
Added Chelman, who is a national accounts manager at DRiV, “I did not expect that. I was hoping I had a chance — figured it could be a possibility — but I was definitely surprised.”
Pigeon, Royal’s COO, said a supplier friend had spilled the news of his accolade in advance but was still humbled to hear his name called.
“I had my surprised face on,” he said.
The four winners also spoke about their efforts in their businesses and the aftermarket, and how they work each day to be deserving of the recognition.
“I’m honored to win and be selected but I know I’ve put in a lot of effort growing the business and helping the industry, and being a good leader,” said Pigeon.
“I have no clue if I deserve it or not, but at least I try to be someone who does,” said Gattamorta. “I try to work in that direction for leadership and growth for the whole industry.”
For Chelman and Bugai, both of whom said spent the early years of their careers stacking brake shoe cores in the Texas heat, the award is recognition of their career growth.
“I started low this industry … and I’ve come along way,” said Chelman. “Met a lot of great people and I guess if those people felt like I deserved it then I hope I did.”
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Bugai believed his recognition came from how much he’s thrown himself into the industry since joining.
“I was willing to get involved and talk openly about our business and how we can grow the industry together and be a part of something bigger than our company,” he said. “I’m no better than anybody else — I was willing to put myself out there and help our business and the industry.”
And the four men said other young people in the industry should do the same. Both inside their businesses and the larger aftermarket.
“The world is changing at an increasingly rapid rate. If we get stuck in our old ways, businesses either die or struggle to survive. The next generation always challenges the older generation,” said Bugai. “We have to get the next generation out here pushing the needle.”
“I definitely think there is a major differences between the four generations in the business right now,” said Chelman. “Having younger leaders is a great way to tie the strengths of those generations together to run businesses and profitably and efficiently as possible.”
“If you don’t have a leadership role you’re not going to know what you have to do,” added Gattamorta. “One of the funny things here is I studied engineering because I didn’t like leading people and look at me now managing a team of 20. That’s the most rewarding thing … It’s important to get into leadership quick because that’s the way to evolve things.”
Pigeon agreed.
“Getting into leadership at a young age is very important. We bring a different outlook on what the industry should look like and propel it forward,” he said.
The winners also touched on how many leadership opportunities will soon be available for young people willing to commit to the aftermarket.
“There’s going to be a lot of growth potential in leadership areas in this industry who are going to be moving out. And the industry as a whole is fantastic. It’s full of a lot of great people and a great career,” said Pigeon.
Said Chelman, “It’s a great industry and it’s not going anywhere. A lot of higher level people will be retiring in the next few years. If you come in now there are going to be a lot of opportunities for career growth.”
“I think it’s important that [the industry] is an essential part of our lives. That makes you feel proud of what you do,” added Gattamorta. “There’s also a lot of technology that needs to come in and 65 year olds are not going to do that … Younger people have the opportunity to turn work into a video game and turn it into a modern environment and I think we really need that in this industry.”
Bugai agreed. And also shared that getting involved doesn’t need to be hard. Especially at an industry level. It’s all about raising your hand.
“I would encourage them to call their industry contacts and ask, ‘Where can I fit in?’ Everybody has a different way they fit … tell them what you are good at and what you think you can do and let the people who do this for a living coordinate where it fits and will move the needle the most,” he said.
