Jobber News Executive Outlook: Winston Cummins

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.

Winston Cummins, CFO | Lordco Auto Parts

The aftermarket requires extensive investment in inventory; therefore, there is a strong business case for focusing on optimizing supply chains and creating healthier, more efficient inventories.

The geopolitical environment continues to change, creating a great deal of uncertainty for the consumer. While the aftermarket is somewhat insulated, there continue to be competitive pressures and increasing costs. During 2025, we were reminded to remain vigilant, focusing on customer service, managing costs effectively and enhancing investments in efficiencies and technology. These priorities helped the industry navigate a pressured consumer environment, and they remain essential as we move forward.

In 2026, jobbers and distributors will need to continue focusing on initiatives that drive excellent customer service, whether through logistics and delivery strategies, attracting and retaining strong talent, building out online capabilities or evolving the supply chain. Continued investment in digital tools, better data visibility and improved communication with customers and suppliers will also play a meaningful role. There will likely be pressure on the supply chain due to geopolitical factors and industry consolidation; therefore, jobbers and distributors should understand their supply chain risks and opportunities.

The aftermarket requires extensive investment in inventory; therefore, there is a strong business case for focusing on optimizing supply chains and creating healthier, more efficient inventories. This can be accomplished by enhancing WMS capabilities, implementing business process changes, and leveraging techniques such as AI to support demand planning, all with the goal of more accurately matching supply and demand. As technology continues to evolve, more tools are available to help forecast demand and maintain efficient inventory levels.