Jonathan Barber of Bob Cook Sales Earns CPMR Designation
Jonathan Barber of Bob Cook Sales has earned his Certified Professional Manufacturers Representative (CPMR) designation, the company announced. CPMR candidates invest one week annually for three years to gain knowledge and insight into operating a more progressive and efficient rep firm, the company said. In addition, they acquire an international network of colleagues from many industries. Graduates earn the right to use the designation and gain membership to MRERF’s Institute for Professional Advancement (IPA). Bob Cook Sales currently has six agents with their CPMR certification: Barber, Cathy Clark, Ryan Davenport, Mike Katz, Eddie Hamilton and Les Rudd. Barber currently serves on the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN), which focuses on cultivating young talent in the automotive aftermarket and covers the Southeast territory, including Louisiana and parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
eTool Developers Celebrates Landmark Anniversary
Luanne Brown, president of eTool Developers, has announced the company recently celebrated a milestone anniversary: 20 years as a premier provider of Internet-based software solutions for the automotive aftermarket.
A recognized authority in her field, Brown—a former member of SEMA's Board of Directors—founded eTool Developers in 2001 after attending her first SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the course of two decades, the firm has amassed an impressive client roster, including Action Trucks, AMP Research, Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), Bushwacker, Husky Liners, Superlift Suspensions, Truck Hero and Westin Automotive.
In reflecting on the company’s longevity, Brown credited those who’ve contributed to eTool’s success. “Special thanks to our clients, our team and all who have helped me over the years. I am extremely grateful to have discovered the automotive aftermarket and all the wonderful people who work in this industry. It has been an incredible 20 years, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Beyond serving on the SEMA Board, Brown previously chaired the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) and the SEMA Cares Committee. She is a recipient of SBN’s Athena Award and the Spirit of Leadership Award presented by the Women’s Automotive Association International. Brown currently sits on the board of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation.
BorgWarner to Acquire Santroll Automotive Components
BorgWarner has announced that it will acquire Santroll Automotive Components, a carve-out of Santroll Electric Auto and Santroll Automotive Components’ eMotor business. BorgWarner said that the acquisition is expected to strengthen its vertical integration, scale and portfolio breadth in light vehicle e-motors while allowing for increased speed to market. Closing is expected in the late first quarter of 2022 and is subject to closing conditions. Based in Tianjin, China, Santroll designs and manufactures hairpin and concentrated-winding technology eMotors for light vehicles and supplies its patented technology to the Chinese OEM market. For more information, visit borgwarner.com.
IMS Museum Announces Key Promotions, New Hire
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum President Joe Hale has announced new senior leadership. Mandi Bender has been promoted to vice president of operations after joining as director of guest experience and events in March 2021. Bender will manage the day-to-day functioning of the Museum, including guest services, ticketing, events and visitor amenities. Additionally, Bender will supervise the museum's support services and maintenance and serve as a primary liaison with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Jason Vansickle has been promoted to vice president of curation and education. Vansickle has been with the museum since 2011, having served in numerous roles most recently as curator since 2018. Vansickle will oversee new exhibition creation and content development. He will continue to oversee the collection, restoration department, and work to develop the Museum's educational programming.
Kara Kovert Pray was hired as vice president of marketing and communications. Kovert Pray was most recently at Newfields as the director of marketing. Prior, she worked at the Indiana Sports Corp as the director of marketing and public relations. Kovert Pray will oversee all marketing and communication efforts for the museum, including press coverage, advertising, and overall marketing strategy. For more information, visit imsmuseum.org.
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