Forging ideas, tackling trends at Connect
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From pushing creativity to embracing innovation to being a strong professional in the automotive aftermarket, Auto Care Connect provided many opportunities for industry leaders to discuss ideas and dream up new ones.
Held May 12-15 in Phoenix, Connect drew in about 900 auto care professionals from around the world, offering sessions to the Young Auto Care Networking Group (YANG), Paint, Body & Equipment Specialists (PBES), Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) and the overall Auto Care Association membership.
The YANG portion focused on career development for the younger generations in the workforce. Alex Weber, a TV Host, American Ninja Warrior and former athlete, talked about pressing forward in the face of adversity, the importance of commitment to your goals and what failure can teach you. They also took part in a Flash Mentoring session where tables explored navigating key topics, such as accomplishing career goals, problem solving, mentorship and more.
Other sessions included Five for Five, featuring five young leaders discussing professional development topics. Speakers were Autumn Lamb from GSP North America, Celia Núñez from Terrepower, Brooke Peckham from Auto-Wares, Jose Perez Villagrana from Cloyes and Mike Reynolds from Go Powertrain.
The YANG portion was highlighted by a community dinner and networking event.
The ACPN group heard from AI and innovation expert Sharon Gai about how aftermarket content pros can use it to enhance their offerings throughout the industry and to consumers. about the critical importance of content in the automotive aftermarket — but partnership and collaboration are essential. Nicole Grassi and Ray Quintana from O’Reilly Auto Parts presented about the critical importance of content in the automotive aftermarket — but partnership and collaboration are essential. Other sessions dove into digital transformation, data quality, and more.
Keynotes for all Connect attendees started off with Kyle Scheele, billed as the patron saint of crazy ideas, talked about how to encourage ideas in the workplace. Trent Gillespie, former head of Amazon’s global growth, delivery innovation and Alexa AI Privacy and CEO of Stellis AI, walked attendees through effectively using AI as a professional assistant instead of an email writer or other worker of mundane tasks. Former astronaut Mike Massimino gave the final keynote about his career journey to becoming an astronaut and flying in space.
The 2025 Impact Award: Four for the Future award winners were also announced at the event. Jon Clements from Experian, Tanya Hunt from Terrepower, Autumn Lamb from GSP North America and Sam Russo from Pivotree were this year’s winners. These winners are under 40 and have achieved success within their organizations through professionalism, hard work, dedication and remarkable abilities.
“They are shining stars, examples for others and exemplary representatives of our industry,” the association’s announcement said.
For more, catch the highlight reel and photo gallery below.
Auto Care Connect 2025
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