Jobber News Executive Outlook: Zara Wishloff

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.

Zara Wishloff, President, CEO | Automotive Parts Distributors

Knowledgeable staff and human oversight are essential for validating insights and maintaining the personal touch that remains critical to business success.

I see technology continuing to redefine how our industry operates, creating meaningful opportunities to improve efficiency across inventory management, distribution, and customer engagement. Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and demand-forecasting tools are now available at a scale and speed that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. I’ve seen clients successfully use AI to answer phones and book appointments, which solved their HR recruitment issues.  While the tools and possibilities are extensive, early adopters must remain cautious. Data can be confidently and professionally presented while still being wrong. That’s why knowledgeable staff and human oversight are essential for validating insights and maintaining the personal touch that remains critical to business success.

The past year reinforced a lesson first learned during the COVID era: We can never rest on our laurels or assume any part of the business is static. In 2025, supplier strategies shifted quickly, large manufacturers struggled or disappeared and supply uncertainty increased as tariffs and government policies changed rapidly. These disruptions underscored the importance of agility, diversification, and proactive planning.

Looking ahead to 2026, I expect the aftermarket to perform well, even if broader economic conditions soften in Canada. Global tensions and the realization that Canada needs to focus on natural resources can spark the industry.  Success will favour those of us who can adapt to supply constraints while consistently delivering prompt, reliable service. As automotive service providers face growing technological complexity, those who support them with speed, flexibility and expertise will continue to do well.