Compiled by Jason Catullo
Mike Provencher to Lead Customer Services at ASA Automotive Systems
ASA Automotive Systems appointed Mike Provencher to director of customer services. In this new position, which was created to increase the company's focus on providing customer value, Provencher will direct and manage ASA’s customer service organization, including the Installation and Training Group, the Documentation Group, and the Software Support Group. A key focus of Provencher’s appointment is to enhance support to ASA customers through improved process development, including internal and external communication and timely responses to customer needs.
 As part of its sponsorship of the 42 annual Country Music Association Music Festival, and in partnership with the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, A.R.E. will give away two free Taylor Swift tickets for the country artist's September 20 concert. | |
A.R.E. Sponsors Country Music Association Music Festival
A.R.E. announced that it will sponsor the Live Music Stages at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, June 5–9, during the 42 annual Country Music Association Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. A.R.E. will showcase its A.R.E. Overland truck cap during the event. Also, as part of its sponsorship, A.R.E. and Hard Rock Cafe Nashville will give away two free Taylor Swift tickets for the country superstar's September 20 concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, as well as three nights in a downtown hotel with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville.
Vantage Parts and Service Joins VIPAR Heavy Duty as New Stockholder
Vantage Parts and Service has joined the VIPAR Heavy Duty network of distributors as a stockholder. The company is the only independent heavy-duty warehouse distribution company in the area. Vantage Parts and Service offers a complete selection of parts and service for class 6 through 8 trucks and tractor trailers. Vantage Parts and Service is led by Mark "Whitey" Caudy, CEO—a veteran of the heavy-duty industry having spent 10 years as the general manager of a truck dealership and as a heavy-duty truck technician.
"Vantage Parts and Service strategically positions VIPAR Heavy Duty with a strong presence in the Anchorage area," said Jim Pennig, vice president, business development, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “Vantage has a reputation for providing great service to all their customers, including those who are located in remote areas outside of Anchorage.”
 Maradyne High Performance Fans named Chuck Clayton national sales rep to supervise Maradyne's sales, marketing, technical support, customer relations, business and product development, as well as oversee all manufacturer's rep groups nationwide. | |
Maradyne Names Chuck Clayton National Sales Representative
Maradyne High Performance Fans named Chuck Clayton the company's national sales representative. Clayton will supervise Maradyne's sales, marketing, technical support, customer relations, business and product development, as well as oversee all manufacturer's rep groups nationwide. Prior to joining Maradyne, Clayton spent six years for All-Midwest Sales LLC, where he represented 25 different product lines, including Maradyne High Performance Fans in North and South Carolina. Earlier in his career, Clayton worked for MBNA America for 12 years as the company's motorsports coordinator, where he was responsible for all aspects of race support. Most notably, Clayton worked with the Bill Davis #22 NASCAR team with driver Ward Burton.
Don Bickle Jr. Earns Federated's Industry Advocacy Award
Don Bickle Jr., president of S&W Supply and Warehouse Inc., was recently presented the Industry Advocacy Award from Federated. “Don Bickle truly exemplifies the idea of giving back for the betterment of everyone,” said Rusty Bishop, CEO of Federated Auto Parts. “Not only does Don play a leadership role with the Federated membership, he volunteers a considerable amount of his time, as well as his great knowledge, on behalf of the automotive aftermarket. We congratulate Don on receiving our Industry Advocacy Award—a truly well-deserved honor.” In the late ’80s, Bickle joined the Board of Governors of Federated and served as chairman in ’91. He currently serves on the Federated executive committee and is chairman of the Federated audit committee. He has also previously served on the AWDA board from ’98–’01 and ’08–’11 and he also represents Federated on AAIA’s government affairs committee.
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