Alliance head named a Northwood top biz leader

An aftermarket veteran of 50 years, John R. Washbish has been named as a 2019 Outstanding Business Leader by the Northwood University Board of Trustees.

The school – which houses the University of the Aftermarket – is recognizing the president and chief executive officer of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is being recognized as a leader in the American free enterprise system. The award, established in 1981 by university co-founder Arthur E. Turner, is handed out based on contribution to the philosophy of private enterprise, support of the integration of business and the arts, contribution to education, economic innovation, creative marketing ideas, community involvement, religious leadership, philanthropic contributions and business success.

“We couldn’t be more excited and proud of John,” said Dean Pretty of Northwood University. “John is a Northwood man. He has dedicated his life and career to the automotive aftermarket. His roots are here at Northwood. We’d like to think that some of his wild success comes from his foundation he received here.”

Washbish has spent time as president of the Automotive Sales Council and National Engine Parts Manufacturer’s Association. He has served as chairman of the Young Executive Society and the Manufacturer’s Advisory Council of the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association. He has been one the board of directors for the Motor Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Associations and the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (now Auto Care Association).

Currently, he serves on the AWDA council of governors and is the senior vice chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

In terms of awards, Washbish has recognized as the ADWA Leader of the Year in 2004. He is also the recipient of Northwood’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award and twice has been recognized as the university’s Alumni of the Year.

The Outstanding Business Leader award will be presented on March 15 and 16, 2019 at The Breakers Hotel in West Palm Beach Fla.