Jobber News Executive Outlook: Khaled Abu Dagga

Jobber News reached out to leaders in the supply and distribution segment of the automotive aftermarket and asked them what they see happening in the industry over the next 12 months, how the segment can leverage technology, lasting impacts, lessons learned from last year and where success will be found in 2026. We will present their answers in alphabetical order over the coming weeks…

You can view the full feature in our January 2026 issue.

Khaled Abu Dagga, CEO | Hamilton Discount Auto Parts

One key lesson is that supply chain volatility is not going away. There will always be an unplanned bump in the road when it comes to supply and demand.

In the automotive aftermarket, technology is becoming essential to managing your business. AI and predictive analytics help forecast part demand at a much larger level, down to the SKU, vehicle population and driving patterns of drivers per region. This allows us to optimize inventory by stocking the right parts in the right locations. These tools also help to manage distribution efficiency by optimizing delivery routes, warehouse picking, etc. Ultimately, better forecasting and visibility lead to higher fill rates, faster turns, and improved technician uptime, which directly impacts customer loyalty.

One key lesson is that supply chain volatility is not going away. There will always be an unplanned bump in the road when it comes to supply and demand. The cost of bringing in parts, the emergence of tariffs and other unplanned situations will never go away, which is ultimately why we started looking into backup plans. Our business has also learned the cost of carrying too much of the wrong inventory. Making smarter choices when bringing in inventory is important. A larger inventory does not necessarily mean that it is better.  

In 2026, success in the automotive aftermarket industry will favour those who align closely with how vehicles are evolving: What is becoming more popular, regional driving patterns, expanding inventory to evolve with the market demand. As well as closely following market trends and what’s becoming more popular and needed throughout the region. Our business will prioritize high fill rates, fast and reliable delivery and strong technical support for our customers.