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Scott Austin Appointed to CAWA Board of Directors

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:31:00 GMT

Scott Austin Appointed to CAWA Board of Directors

Scott Austin Appointed to CAWA Board of Directors

ATLANTA, Georgia – Feb. 25, 2026 – Scott Austin, director of sales, Western region for N.A. Williams, has been named to the California Automotive Wholesalers' Association (CAWA) board of directors.

“Scott’s appointment to the CAWA board of directors is a well-deserved recognition of his decades of commitment to the automotive aftermarket,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “His deep industry knowledge, strong relationships throughout the Western region and long-standing involvement with CAWA make him an outstanding representative not only for our company, but for the industry as a whole.”

Austin began his career in 1978 working at a Western Auto Store in Oregon. Since then, he has worked in several facets of the automotive aftermarket including production engine rebuilding, buyer and operations manager to his current position as a manufacturer’s representative for N.A Williams. Austin, who has over 40 years of experience in the aftermarket, joined N.A. Williams in 2016 and manages the traditional market in the Western region for the company.

“I am looking forward to the continued service of Scott, who has served CAWA through our Manufacturers Advisory Council for several years,” said Dan Hanson Jr. chair of the CAWA board of directors. “His perspective on our industry is very helpful to CAWA. We appreciate his willingness to make a further commitment to the industry and its trade association out West.”

CAWA is a non-profit trade association representing automotive parts manufacturers, jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers and program groups. The Association was formed in 1955 and serves as the voice of the aftermarket parts industry in the West, i.e., Arizona, California and Nevada. CAWA prides itself on quality customer service to its members and the industry.

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with nine regional offices and over 130 associates.

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

N.A. Williams Honored with Two Awards at APH Winter Conference Banquet

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:35:37 GMT

N.A. Williams Honored with Two Awards

at APH Winter Conference Banquet

ATLANTA, Ga. – Jan. 26, 2026 – N.A. Williams associates Jay Knopick, director of sales for the Midwest region, Bradley Johnson, regional sales manager and Kate Beauchamp, regional manager, were recognized for outstanding service by the Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH). The awards were presented at the APH winter conference awards banquet held on January 26 in Minnesota.

The N.A. Williams traditional Midwest sales team, headed by Knopick, Johnson and Beauchamp was honored with the "Outstanding Sales Support" award. In addition, Knopick was presented with the prestigious APH "Say Yes" award which represents the customer service attitude that APH strives for every day.

“We are honored that our great team of Jay, Brad and Kate were recognized by APH for the hard work and dedication in helping APH and its vendor partners grow their businesses,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Receiving these awards in front of the vendor community reinforces what a tremendous job Jay, Brad and Kate do to support APH. For Jay to win the ‘Say Yes’ award as a non-APH employee is an incredible honor and shows the type of relationship Jay has built with APH.”

APH is a third-generation family-owned aftermarket auto parts distributor based in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. APH was established in 1920 in Minneapolis, as National Bushing & Parts Company and today operates Auto Value parts stores throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Montana, Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming.

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with nine regional offices and over 130 associates.

For more information, visit www.nawilliams.com .

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 659-3333

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

N.A. Williams Acquisition of Western States Marketing

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:17:05 GMT

Date: January 14th, 2026

To: Our Suppliers

From: Chris Williams

N.A. Williams Acquisition of Western States Marketing

ATLANTA, Ga. – January 14th, 2026

We’re pleased to announce the January 1st, 2026, acquisition of the Sandy, Utah based agency, Western States Marketing (WSM). The Stronk family, who have owned the agency since its inception in 1979, have an impeccable reputation.

Bruce Stronk founded the agency and his sons, Ryan and Parker, purchased the agency from Bruce in 2021. Ryan (President of WSM) and Parker (Vice President) manage a field team of thirteen associates that cover the West Coast, Rocky Mountain states and the Western Provinces of Canada. Their team primarily focuses on training and demo-ing/installing tools and equipment at the shop/installer level. With two technician training locations in Sandy, Utah and Santa Ana, CA, their team was able to train over 5,000 shops and 15,000 installers in 2025. We plan to add a third training center on the east coast (Atlanta) in the second half of 2026.

With this acquisition, we are combining our current seven-person technician training team in the SE and SW with WSM’s thirteen-person team. Ryan and Parker Stronk will manage our combined twenty-person technician team and will train over 7,500 shops and 20,000 installers in 2026. We’ll utilize our Datalink customer service office, www.datalinksevices.com, to report all shop visits and insights to quickly identify installer product trends and provide real-time street support and data for our suppliers and customers.

We intend to expand WSM’s national reach with a goal of training 50,000 technicians annually. Please join us in welcoming Ryan, Parker, and the WSM team to the N.A. Williams family.

Best Regards,

About N.A. Williams
N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with nine regional offices and more than 130 associates.

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

Olivia Droney Newton Honored with Two Awards During 2025 AAPEX

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 19:15:24 GMT

Olivia Droney Newton Honored with Two Awards During 2025 AAPEX

ATLANTA, Ga. – Nov. 01, 2025 – Olivia Droney Newton, senior vice president of category management and business insights for N.A. Williams, received two of the aftermarket’s most prestigious awards during the 2025 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) held earlier this month in Las Vegas, Nevada .

Droney Newton received the 2025 Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award in recognition of her support of educational initiatives and learning within the aftermarket. The Northwood University award is given annually to industry leaders throughout the country who have made noteworthy contributions to education, on any level, inside or outside of the industry.

Droney Newton was also presented with the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Women in Auto Care association. The Women in Auto Care awards annually recognize exceptional women and companies driving the automotive aftermarket forward, celebrating leadership, achievement, and advocacy across the industry.

A three-year N.A. Williams associate, Droney Newton was recently promoted to her current position, where she leads N.A. Williams’ data and category management initiatives, collaborating with suppliers and customers to create new and innovative insights. A dedicated and active member of the industry, she currently serves on the executive board for Women in Auto Care and previously held the position of chair. Droney Newton has contributed her insights and leadership to committees within the Auto Care Association, including the Category Management Committee and the Market Intelligence Committee. She is also a supporter of the Auto Care Association’s Political Action Committee (ACPAC) and the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, and was recognized as a 2016 winner of the Auto Care Association’s Impact Four for the Future Award.

“We are incredibly proud of Olivia and the well-deserved recognition she has received from both Northwood University and the Women in Auto Care association,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “These honors reflect not only her deep commitment to advancing education and leadership within the automotive aftermarket, but also the positive impact she continues to make on our organization and the industry as a whole.”

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

N.A. Williams Elevates Five Associates to Senior Leadership Roles

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:15:21 GMT

N.A. Williams Elevates Five Associates to Senior Leadership Roles

ATLANTA, Ga. – Oct. 01, 2025 – Five N.A. Williams associates have been promoted to senior leadership roles at the company, Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams, announced today.

“These five individuals have been integral to the success of N.A. Williams over the years, and we are pleased to recognize their accomplishments with these well-deserved promotions,” said Williams. “Olivia, Kyle, Wayne, Gideon, and Pete are all incredibly respected in the industry and have built strong relationships with our customers that have helped them grow their businesses.”

A three-year N.A. Williams associate, Olivia Droney Newton has been promoted to senior vice president, category management and business insights. Regarded as one of the most talented leaders in the industry, she leads N.A. Williams’ data and category management initiatives, collaborating with suppliers and customers to create new and innovative insights.

Kyle Huden, who has been with N.A. Williams for 10 years, was elevated to senior vice president, e-commerce. Huden continues to lead N.A. Williams’ suppliers and customers through the ever-changing e-commerce landscape, and his team provides best-in-class support and solutions to ensure their products are showcased effectively online.

A 20-year veteran of N.A. Williams, Wayne McKitrick, who leads the company’s 17-person field team in the commercial/heavy-duty segment, has been promoted to senior vice president, commercial market. One of the most respected leaders in the industry, McKitrick continues to generate opportunities and solutions for N.A. Williams customers and suppliers.

A 13-year N.A. Williams associate, Gideon Norris has been promoted to vice president, organic growth. Throughout his career at N.A. Williams, Norris has held numerous important roles, starting as a field area manager before transitioning into the NAPA division, where he became a successful NAPA account manager. In his new role, Norris and his team will collaborate closely with supplier partners on growth initiatives.

Pete Riley, who has been promoted to senior vice president, AutoZone and Latin America, is a 15-year N.A. Williams associate who has achieved great success as an account leader for the AutoZone account. He works closely with suppliers, senior leadership, and the AutoZone merchandising team to create business success for all parties.

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

Olivia Droney Newton Honored with Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 19:15:17 GMT

Olivia Droney Newton Honored with Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award

ATLANTA, Ga. – Sept. 01, 2025 – Olivia Droney Newton, senior vice president of category management and business insights for N.A. Williams, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award in recognition of her support of educational initiatives and learning within the aftermarket. Droney Newton will receive her award on Nov. 4 at the annual Northwood University awards luncheon.

“We congratulate Olivia on this well-deserved recognition,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Olivia is a talented aftermarket leader and is deeply committed to educational programs that enhance the industry. She has volunteered her time and expertise to many industry organizations and is always willing to share her experiences for the betterment of others in the aftermarket.”

The Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award is presented annually to industry leaders across the country who have made noteworthy contributions to education, on any level, inside or outside of the industry.

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

Fisher Auto Parts Honors Randy Childers with Bright Star Award

Fri, 02 May 2025 17:13:32 GMT

Fisher Auto Parts Honors Randy Childers with

Bright Star Award

ATLANTA, Ga. – May 1, 2025 – Fisher Auto Parts recently honored several star partners with prestigious awards recognizing their excellent work and commending their dedication to driving mutual success. Randy Childers, regional sales manager for N.A. Williams, was recognized by Fisher with its Bright Star Award as supplier representative of the year.

“We congratulate Randy on this very well deserved recognition,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams . “Randy does a fantastic job working closely with Fisher Auto Parts and helping their customers’ improve and grow their businesses. We also want to thank Fisher for honoring Randy. N.A. Williams and Fisher have been great partners for many years, and we look forward to the relationship continuing for many years to come.”

Fisher Auto Parts is the founding member of Federated Auto Parts Distributors and now has over 500 company-owned locations plus over 100 independent jobbers in 20 states. It was founded in 1929 by Blair Coiner with the goal of “rendering service of the highest character.” The company continues a steady growth strategy by more than quadrupling in size over the last decade through a combination of same store sales, new stores and acquisitions. Fisher Auto Parts currently has approximately 5,700 employees. To learn more, visit www.FisherAutoParts.com .

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with nine regional offices and over 130 associates. For more information, visit www.nawilliams.com .

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

N.A. Williams Renews Gold Level Sponsorship of Women in Auto Care

Fri, 02 May 2025 13:24:45 GMT

N.A. Williams Renews Gold Level Sponsorship of Women in Auto Care

ATLANTA, Ga. – May 1, 2025 – N.A. Williams has renewed its Gold Level sponsorship of Women in Auto Care, a community of the Auto Care Association.

“We are honored to once again sponsor Women in Auto Care and support their mission as they expand their offerings in 2025,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Women in Auto Care has done a tremendous job providing educational seminars to those in the aftermarket looking to enhance their careers. Their scholarship program has been incredibly successful in providing opportunities for students looking to pursue careers in the aftermarket.”

The Women in Auto Care community is dedicated to its mission of engaging, educating and empowering women within the auto care industry. Women in Auto Care provides opportunities, education and career leadership to women in the auto care industry through conferences, networking, scholarships, education, data, awards and more. For more information about Women in Auto Care, click here.

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with nine regional offices and over 130 associates. For more information, visit www.nawilliams.com.

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

Neal Williams Honored with NAPA Partnership Award

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:46:48 GMT

Neal Williams Honored with NAPA Partnership Award

Neal Williams Jr. Honored with NAPA Partnership Award

ATLANTA, Ga. –March 24, 2025 – Neal Williams Jr., vice chairman of N.A. Wiliams, was recently recognized with the NAPA Partnership Award. The award was presented to Williams in March at the annual NAPA Vendor Summit.

“On behalf of everyone at N.A. Williams, I would like to congratulate Neal on this well-earned recognition,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Neal and our entire NAPA team do a phenomenal job working with NAPA on behalf of our customers. The NAPA ‘Partnership Award’ is a very coveted honor so we thank NAPA for this accolade.

“N.A. Williams has had a long and successful partnership with NAPA and one of the primary reasons is Neal’s hard work and dedication working closely with NAPA,” continued Williams. “We also want to thank Paul Donahue, chairman of NAPA, for his kind words about Neal and N.A. Williams during his presentation at the NAPA vendor dinner.”

Since its inception in 2011, the NAPA Partnership Event (formerly known as the NAPA Vendor Summit) has recognized outstanding suppliers through its supplier awards ceremony. The event provides NAPA an opportunity to honor the exceptional contributions of NAPA’s valued supplier partners, those who champion innovation, quality and excellence in everything they do.

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with nine regional offices and over 130 associates.

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

Datalink Unveils New Website

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:28:00 GMT

Datalink Unveils New Website to Increase Accessibility to their Customer Support and Market Intelligence Capabilities

ATLANTA, GA – January (day), 2025 – Datalink, a subsidiary of NA Williams Company, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new website. The new site provides a streamlined experience for companies seeking to improve their customer experience by providing live customer support and gaining deeper intelligence on market dynamics impacting their specific industry.

The website features a detailed set of capabilities and solutions clients can deploy to enhance their customer engagement. Key capabilities highlighted are:

Customer Support : Inbound call, text, chat, email, call routing, and CRM integrations.
Inside Sales: Inbound/Outbound lead generation, product quotes, and order management.
Marketing Intelligence: B2B/B2C call and email surveys, and detailed market intelligence insights for informed decision-making.
Price Shops: retail price shop services for accurate, real-time pricing intelligence to help your business stay competitive
Marketing & Promotion: Customer outreach, marketing follow-up, promotions, and loyalty support.

Datalink has been providing bilingual live customer support solutions across the US since their founding in 2008. Their capabilities are flexible and can be implemented to meet the unique needs of each client. Although they serve all industries, by visiting their site, businesses can view common solutions for specific industries such as, Retail, Automotive, Commercial Vehicle Fleet, Industrial, and others.

“We are thrilled to launch our newly designed website, which underscores Datalink’s commitment to innovation and accessibility,” said Ashley Baird, Director of Operations at Datalink. “This platform represents a new era for Datalink as we enhance awareness of, and accessibility to, our exceptional customer support services.”

Visit the new website at www.datalinkservices.com and explore all Datalink has to offer.

About Datalink

Datalink, a subsidiary of NA Williams Company, specializes in helping businesses enhance their customer relationships by providing live customer support, lead generation, market intelligence, and industry solutions across the US. Founded in 2008, Datalink is headquartered in Acworth, Georgia providing services for B2B and B2C markets.

For more information, visit www.datalinkservices.com.

Parts Authority Honors Jim Guy as Manufacturers Representative of the Year

areid@nawilliams.com (Allison Reid) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:24:59 GMT

Parts Authority Honors Jim Guy as Manufacturers Representative of the Year

ATLANTA, GA – Nov. 18, 2024 – Jim Guy, director of strategic accounts for N.A. Williams, was honored as the Parts Authority Manufacturers Representative of the Year. The award was presented to Guy at The Parts Authority vendor appreciation reception and award ceremony held during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) earlier this month in in Las Vegas.

“We want to congratulate Jim on being named The Parts Authority 2024 Manufacturers Rep of the Year,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Jim’s unwavering commitment to Parts Authority and our vendor partners is unparalleled. We also want to express our gratitude to the Parts Authority team for their support and we look forward to more growth in 2025.”

Parts Authority, founded in 1973, is a leading national distributor of automotive replacement parts, tools/equipment and transmissions. Parts Authority has grown through both organic initiatives and acquisitions. Parts Authority’s catalog of over three million parts, covering virtually every application on the road today, ensures their customer partners receive the parts they need when they need them.

About N.A. Williams

Michael Wamsley Awarded Leadership 2.0 Scholarship by Manufacturers’ Representatives Council

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 20:08:12 GMT

“Michael is well-deserving of this scholarship "

ATLANTA, Georgia – July 18, 2024 – Michael Wamsley, director of sales and service for N.A. Williams, is the 2024 Manufacturers’ Representatives Council recipient of the Leadership 2.0 scholarship.

“Michael is well-deserving of this scholarship and taking part in the Leadership 2.0 program will be a great opportunity for Michael to expand his leadership and business skills,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “We want to commend the Manufacturers’ Representatives Council for recognizing Michael and thank the University of the Aftermarket Foundation for funding this scholarship.”

Leadership 2.0 is a post-graduate style education program designed to promote the development of the next generation of auto care leaders and is comprised of two, five-day sessions. Session I will be held Aug. 11-15, 2024 , at the Northwood University campus in Midland, Michigan and Session II will be held March 9-13, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“I believe the knowledge gained through the Leadership 2.0 program will allow me to expand my range and value,” said Wamsley. The value that I can bring back to our customers, my teammates and peers is my number one priority for attending this educational program. Rising tides raise all ships. I am finding more and more that I receive back tenfold when I give and work on lifting others up. I look forward to being able to share my best practices while attending the Leadership 2.0 program.”

The Manufacturers’ Representative Council supports and promotes the interests, image, and value of the Auto Care Association’s manufacturers’ representative member firms. The council provides a platform for manufacturers’ representatives to address common industry best practices and enhance their professional skills.

About N.A. Williams

Michael Dolmetsch Named a YANG Council Member

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:25:19 GMT

Michael Dolmetsch Named a YANG Council Member

ATLANTA, Georgia – Nov. 14, 2023 – Michael Dolmetsch, sales director for N.A. Williams, has been named a council member for the Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG).

Dolmetsch began his career at N.A. Williams in 2021 and is responsible for farm stores and specialty markets in the Great Lakes and Midwestern states while also assisting with special projects involving traditional customers. Prior to joining N.A. Williams, Dolmetsch served in a variety of sales positions for the Trico Group, including Eastern regional manager, head of heavy-duty sales and executive director of sales for the traditional and specialty markets.

“We want to congratulate Michael on being chosen for the prestigious position with YANG,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Throughout the years, our employees have volunteered their time and expertise for a variety of industry initiatives. Michael has been very involved with YANG and I know he will do a great job in his new role.”

About N.A. Williams

For More Information Contact:

John Lanctot

Maximum Marketing

(312) 768-7376

jlanctot@maxmarketing.com

Gideon Norris, Eric Riner Promoted to Senior Directors

areid@nawilliams.com (Allison Reid) — Fri, 05 May 2023 17:42:40 GMT

Gideon Norris, Eric Riner Promoted to Senior Directors

ATLANTA, Georgia – May 05, 2023 – N.A. Williams has promoted Gideon Norris to Senior Director of Sales and Data Solutions and Eric Riner to Senior Director of Business Development, it was announced by Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams.

“Gideon and Eric work closely with our associates, customers and suppliers to offer best-in-class data and product management solutions,” said Williams. “They are instrumental to our success, and we congratulate Gideon and Eric on their well-earned promotions.”

Norris joined N.A. Williams in 2012 and served most recently as Director of Category Management. Prior to that position, Norris served as a Business Analyst for the N.A. Williams NAPA and Balkamp teams.

Riner has worked at N.A. Williams for over 15 years, including the last five years as Director of Business Development, Traditional Markets. He began his career at N.A. Williams in 2007 as a Product Manager for Traditional Markets.

About N.A. Williams

www.nawilliams.com .

Roger McCollum Recognized with NAPA Partnership Award

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 16:25:34 GMT

Roger McCollum Recognized with NAPA Partnership Award

ATLANTA, Georgia – March 17, 2023 – Roger McCollum, executive chairman of N.A. Williams, was presented with the NAPA Partnership Award at the NAPA Vendor Summit held earlier this month.

“Congratulations to Roger McCollum for receiving this very prestigious honor, the NAPA Partnership award,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “This award not only recognized Roger’s accomplishments working with NAPA, but also his leadership within the auto care industry. There is no one more deserving of this honor than Roger.”

McCollum transitioned to his current role of executive chairman of N.A. Williams in June of 2022 after joining the company in 1984. He had previously served as the company's president from 1997 to 2017 and was elected CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2014. McCollum helped direct and integrate several mergers and acquisitions, which greatly expanded, diversified, and strengthened the company's business.

The NAPA Annual Supplier Summit is an event dedicated to NAPA’s most valued strategic suppliers and serves as an opportunity for NAPA to connect with its valued partners.

About N.A. Williams

www.nawilliams.com .

Fleet Pride Honors N.A. Williams with Off-Highway Award

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:19:53 GMT

FleetPride Honors N.A. Williams with Off-Highway Award

ATLANTA, Georgia – March 17, 2023 – N.A. Williams was honored by FleetPride with its “Off-Highway Award” recognizing the best manufacturer’s representative group that works with FleetPride.

Mike Boxler, vice president of strategic accounts, accepted the award on behalf of N.A. Williams at FleetPride’s Supplier Summit held earlier this month in Grapevine, Texas. The Off-Highway Award was presented to N.A. for consistently bringing new and innovative ideas to FleetPride on behalf of their suppliers.

“Congratulations to Mike Boxler and the entire field team who works with FleetPride,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “This award is a combined effort of Mike Boxler working with headquarters and the national fleet team, along with everything we do at the stores every day around the country. We are very proud of each member of the fleet team and what each of them have done to contribute to this award.”

FleetPride is North America's largest distributor of truck and trailer parts in the heavy-duty aftermarket channel. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, FleetPride operates in more than 260 locations across 45 states, carrying over 400 nationally recognized brands.

About N.A. Williams

www.nawilliams.com .

David Singler Named Vendor Rep of the Year by Great American

areid@nawilliams.com (Allison Reid) — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:43:55 GMT

David Singler Named Vendor Rep of the Year by Great American

ATLANTA, Georgia – March 14, 2023 – David Singler, Regional Sales Manager for N.A. Williams, has been selected as Vendor Rep of the Year by Great American Inc.

“Great American is a valued partner. We thank them for recognizing David for his hard work and dedication to their organization and growth of their business,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “We congratulate David on this outstanding award and thank him for everything he does to support his customers and suppliers.”

Great American Inc. was founded in 1980, beginning with operations in a small warehouse in Roswell, Georgia with 12 direct product lines. Over the years, the product line offerings have grown to over 60 direct vendors. Great American focuses on providing high quality and competitively priced heavy-duty truck and trailer parts. Its active customer base includes truck

fleets, independent repair shops, automotive jobbers, loggers, farmers, mining operations, construction companies, school bus fleets, municipalities, manufacturing plants, owner-operators and more.

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field

training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and

commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, GA,

with nine regional offices and over 130 associates. For more information, visit

www.nawilliams.com .

Mike Wamsley Named Rep of the Year by XL Parts/The Parts House

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 02:32:49 GMT

Mike Wamsley Named Rep of the Year by XL Parts/The Parts House

ATLANTA, Georgia – Feb. 17, 2023 – Mike Wamsley, director of sales, Southeast sales and service for N.A. Williams, was named the 2022 Rep of the Year by XL Parts/The Parts House.

“We want to thank XL Parts/The Parts House for honoring Mike with this well-deserved recognition,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Mike’s great attitude and professional approach are a winning combination, and it seems the XL/TPH management team agrees. We appreciate our partnership XL Parts/The Parts House and look forward to continued success together.”

XL Parts/The Parts House is the fastest growing direct-to-the-professional automotive parts supplier in the Southeast with a strong history of serving the automotive industry for over 50 years.

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field

training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and

commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, GA,

with nine regional offices and over 130 associates. For more information, visit

www.nawilliams.com .

Tina Choinacky Profiled in Latest Women in Auto Care Newsletter

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 20:12:55 GMT

Tina Choinacky Profiled in Latest Women in Auto Care Newsletter

ATLANTA, Georgia – Jan. 27, 2023 – N.A. Williams Vice President Tina Choinacky is profiled in the current issue of the Women in Auto Care (WiAC) newsletter, “Voices.”

“We congratulate Tina on this well-deserved recognition,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Tina has had a long and distinguished career at N.A. Williams, and she was honored last year for her accomplishments as the Neal Williams Sr. Rep of the Year. Tina has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of Women in Auto Care which N.A. Williams has proudly supported since its inception.”

The newsletter article focuses on Choinacky’s 23-year career with N.A. Williams, where she helps support the NAPA/Balkamp business. Choinacky has been involved with Women in Auto Care since 2008, serving on the marketing and sponsorship committee, which she chaired from 2014-17. In 2019, Choinacky helped launch the WiAC’s tool program and continues to

participate in the WiAC mentoring program.

“I feel so fortunate to work with a great team and for a great company that is so supportive of my career and our industry,” said Choinacky. “From the beginning, I was encouraged to join Women in Auto Care as it is such a wonderful community, and it is amazing to see how it has grown. It has been incredible to form life-long friendships with the women I have met along the way, while mentoring and supporting new women entering the industry.”

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field

training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and

commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, GA,

with nine regional offices and over 130 associates. For more information, visit

www.nawilliams.com .

PATRICK MULROONEY NAMED REP OF THE YEAR BY AUTO-WARES

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:56:41 GMT

Patrick Mulrooney Named Rep of the Year by Auto-Wares

N.A. Williams Also Honored as Data and Technology Supplier of the Year

ATLANTA, Georgia – Jan. 06, 2023 – Patrick Mulrooney of N.A. Williams was named the 2022 Rep of the Year by the Auto-Wares Group of Companies. This is the second year in a row that Mulrooney has been recognized with this prestigious award by Auto-Wares.

In addition, Auto-Wares named N.A. Williams and its manufacturing partner Delphi as Data and Technology Supplier of the Year.

Auto-Wares recognized eight companies for outstanding performance and collaboration in 2022. The awards, which were voted on by Auto-Wares leadership, stores and sales teams, were presented at the Auto-Wares year-end sales meeting, where more than 200 people were in attendance.

The Auto-Wares Group of Companies is family owned and operates in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan with values focused on providing its customers automotive aftermarket part needs and exceptional customer service. Founded in 1976 with humble beginnings in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Auto-Wares has grown into a substantial distribution network

specializing in extensive inventory, product knowledge and full-service programs.

“Patrick does a tremendous jobs representing our manufacturing partners to Auto-Wares and we want to congratulate him on earning this notable recognition again this year,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “We are also very honored that Auto-Wares named N.A. Williams as Data and Technology Supplier of the Year in collaboration with Delphi, our longtime partner. We value our partnership with Auto-Wares and look forward to working together to help grow their business.”

About N.A. Williams

www.nawilliams.com .

PARTS AUTHORITY HONORS N.A. WILLIAMS TEAM MEMBERS

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:55:57 GMT

Parts Authority Honors N.A. Williams Team Members

ATLANTA, Georgia – Jan. 06, 2023 – Robbie Riefberg, president/GM, SRS division and Hector Garcia, regional sales manager, were both honored for excellence by Parts Authority at its vendor appreciation reception and award ceremony held during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.

Riefberg was recognized as manufacturer representative of the year by Parts Authority. He was honored for successfully managing multiple brands and inventory within Parts Authority, while educating team members and customers.

Parts Authority honored Garcia with its Road Warrior Award for outstanding and ongoing efforts on the front lines, training customers, educating team members and solving problems with passion and precision.

“We thank our partners at Parts Authority for recognizing Robbie and Hector with these prestigious honors,” said Chris Williams, president and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Robbie and Hector are exceptional professionals who do an excellent job representing our manufacturing partners within the Parts Authority organization, and we are very proud of their accomplishments.”

About N.A. Williams

N.A. Williams Announces Leadership Changes

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:07:36 GMT

N.A. Williams Announces Leadership Changes

ATLANTA, Georgia – March 30, 2022 – The board of directors of N.A. Williams company has accepted the request of Roger McCollum to step down as chief executive officer and transition to the role of executive chairman as of June 1, 2022. At that time, Chris Williams will assume the role of president and CEO. Neal Williams Jr. will continue as executive vice president and vice chairman.

Williams will be the fourth CEO in the 88-year history of N.A. Williams. He joined the company in 1993 and has held management positions of increasing responsibility throughout his 29-year career. He was promoted to executive vice president in 2007 and elected president in 2017.

“Chris has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career. He is respected throughout the industry, understands our business from the ground up, and is the right person to lead our company into its next period of growth,” said McCollum. “While I’m not retiring, the time has come for me to pass the torch to the next generation and support our team, manufacturers and customers as executive chairman. I intend to remain engaged with our business and the industry for many years to come.”

McCollum joined N.A. Williams Company in 1984 and served as the company's president from 1997 to 2017. He was elected CEO in 2007 and chairman of the board in 2014, and currently serves in both positions. He has directed and integrated several mergers and acquisitions which have greatly expanded, diversified and strengthened the company's business.

“It is an honor to take on this new role,” said Williams. “Our primary focus has always been the success of our team members, customers and manufacturers, and that will not change. We will continue to work in our stakeholders’ best interest and are grateful that Roger will continue on as executive chairman to help shape our strategy well into the future.”

PATRICK MULROONEY NAMED REP OF THE YEAR BY AUTO-WARES

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 21:40:50 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – January, 2022 – Patrick Mulrooney of N.A. Williams was recently named the 2021 Rep of the Year by the Auto-Wares Group of Companies.

Auto-Wares recognized six companies for outstanding performance and collaboration in 2021. The awards, which were voted on by Auto-Wares leadership, stores and sales teams, were presented at the Auto-Wares year-end sales meeting held virtually, where more than 300 people were in attendance.

“We want to congratulate Patrick on winning this prestigious award from Auto-Wares,” said Roger McCollum, chairman and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Patrick does a tremendous job on behalf of Auto-Wares. We value our partnership with Auto-Wares and look forward to working together in 2022 to continue to help grow their business.”

About N.A. Williams

CURT MCDOWELL NAMED TO CAWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:54:21 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – July 2021 – Curt McDowell, vice president of e-commerce solutions for N.A. Williams, has been appointed to the board of directors of the California Automotive Wholesalers Association (CAWA) to establish an eCommerce Task Force. The appointment was made by Mike Mohler, chairman of the CAWA board.

“Curt comes to CAWA leadership with a diverse background in technology, sales, process engineering and management,” said Mohler. “We will look forward to his participation and contributions as a member of the board and in assisting CAWA to achieve its goals as an effective automotive aftermarket industry organization.”

McDowell has over 30 years of business development, sales, account management, process engineering, IT, and management experience. He has worked with global partners and cross functional teams to design and deploy supply chain processes that significantly reduced both delivery times and capital expenditures in both the automotive and consumer electronics fields. With over 25 years of business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce experience, McDowell led programs that deployed global enterprise e-commerce solutions for Hughes Aircraft, General Motors and Royal Dutch Shell which involved many suppliers and global ERP solutions.

At ChannelAdvisor, Inc., McDowell applied his business development, sales, and supply chain experience to help build a network of strategic global partners to facilitate the listing, selling, and fulfillment of automotive parts and accessories making automotive one of ChannelAdvisor’s largest categories. He also managed the global partner and category management team at ChannelAdvisor to improve strategic partnerships at the category level to optimize the company’s ability to help retailers sell online.

About N.A. Williams
N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, field training, call center services, and data analytics to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with six satellite offices and over one hundred associates. For more information, visit www.nawilliams.com .

FLEETPRIDE PRESENTS MIKE BOXLER ITS OFF-HIGHWAY AWARD

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:40:22 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – March 2021 – FleetPride has honored Mike Boxler, strategic accounts, heavy duty for N.A. Williams, with its “Off-Highway Award” for 2020, which is presented to the best manufacturers’ rep agency.

“Mike did an outstanding job on behalf of FleetPride last year and we congratulate him on this prestigious recognition,” said Wayne K. McKitrick, heavy duty vice president, sales for N.A. Williams. “Mike was honored for his efforts in helping FleetPride with a variety of programs as well as helping them grow their business. We have a excellent partnership with FleetPride and one of the main reasons is the great relationship Mike has developed with the team at FleetPride.”

The award presented to Boxler and N.A. Williams stated: “Manufacturers’ rep agencies play a critical role in our industry, translating business needs to manufacturers and product opportunities to distributors. This award is given to a business partner who has driven significant growth by effectively triangulating needs, opportunities and realities.”

About N.A. Williams

MIKE DOLMETSCH NAMED REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR NA WILLIAMS

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:51:24 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – March 2021 – Mike Dolmetsch has been named a regional sales manager for N.A. Williams. Dolmetsch has more than 10 years of automotive aftermarket experience with a strong background in traditional WD sales, retail account management and heavy duty.

“Mike is a great addition to our Midwest sales team,” said John Bender, vice president, traditional automotive for N.A. Williams. “He will have responsibility for farm and agriculture stores and specialty markets in the Great Lakes and Midwestern states. Mike will also assist with strategic projects involving our traditional WD customers and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to a variety of market channels that we serve.”

Prior to joining N.A. Williams, Dolmetsch was the executive director of sales – traditional aftermarket for the First Brands Group/Trico Group. He also was a territory sales manager and a heavy-duty sales manager with Trico Products. Dolmetsch started his career working for his father as a manufacturer’s rep, covering Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin.

About N.A. Williams

ALEX GOODEMOOT OF NA WILLIAMS SELECTED AS WORLD CLASS TECHNICIAN

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:48:45 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – March 2021 – Alex Goodemoot, regional manager for N.A. Williams, has been selected as a “World Class Technician.” This prestigious honor was bestowed upon Goodemoot by the Auto Care Association and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

“We want to congratulate Alex on this incredible honor,” said Chris Williams, president of N.A. Williams. “This is a remarkable achievement and it shows how dedicated Alex is to being the best of the best. Alex’s background as a technician has really resonated with our customers and his dedication to continuing to learn and grow is a great asset to everyone at N.A. Williams.”

The Auto Care Association and ASE work together to recognize professional technicians who have tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas to earn “World Class Technician” status. There are an estimated 879,000 technicians in the United States and approximately 250,000 of those techs are ASE certified. Goodemoot was one of only 42 individuals to earn “World Class Technician” recognition for 2021.

Goodemoot grew up in the industry, spending most of his childhood in his family’s CARQUEST store. Throughout his 20’s, he worked in multiple repair facilities as both a technician and manager, sharpening his skills as a technician. He has worked at every level from the jobber store, warehouse, installer and manufacturer.

He holds ASE Master Certifications as an automobile technician, medium/heavy duty technician, collision technician and under car specialist, along with advanced level L1 and L2 certifications.

About N.A. Williams

DANIELLE SONNEFELD HONORED WITH AUTO CARE WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE AWARD BY WOMEN IN AUTO CARE

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 20:37:17 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – Sept. 2020 – Danielle Sonnefeld, vice president of business development for N.A. Williams, was honored by Women in Auto Care (WiAC), a community of the Auto Care Association, as a recipient of a 2020 Women of the Year Award. Sonnefeld was selected as the “Auto Care Woman of Excellence” for 2020.

“The auto care industry is a family, which makes receiving this award even more meaningful,” said Sonnefeld. “I am so honored to be recognized.”

Sonnefeld started with N.A. Williams in 2010 as the director of marketing. She is very active in the auto care industry and has spent the last 10 years on the scholarship committee for Women in Auto Care. Recently, she also became the co-chair of the scholarship committee for the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, which gave out more than $557,000 in scholarships in 2019. Sonnefeld is very passionate about the industry and volunteers her time to encourage, promote and support the next generation of leaders. She has been a member of Women in Auto Care since 2010 and served on its executive board from 2017-2020.

“The Women of the Year Awards honor three female leaders who have made a significant contribution in the auto care community,” said Olivia Newton, chair, Women in Auto Care. “This year we are thrilled to recognize our outstanding winners in a new digital format as we continue to showcase the tremendous impact women are making in our industry.”

The three recipients of the Women of the Year Awards will be recognized at the virtual Women in Auto Care awards ceremony during the Virtual AAPEX Experience on Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. ET and during Women in Auto Care 2021 events.

HORTON PRESENTS PUSATERI AWARD TO STEPHEN DREIER OF N.A. WILLIAMS

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 20:31:55 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – July 2020 – Stephen Dreier, regional manager, heavy duty for N.A. Williams, was recently awarded the 2019 Pusateri Award by Horton. The award is given in memory of Ross Pusateri Sr., founder of Pusateri Sales Inc., and recognizes a manufacturer’s representative with the highest percentage of annual sales growth of Horton products since the previous year.

“We want to congratulate Stephen on winning the prestigious Pusateri Award,” said Wayne McKitrick, heavy duty vice president of sales for N.A. Williams. “Stephen’s strong customer relationships and product knowledge were instrumental in achieving share gain for Horton against very tough market conditions. This annual award is the highest recognition of sales effort given by Horton and it is the second time in his career with Horton that Stephen has earned this honor.”

Founded in 1951, Horton originally focused on manufacturing industrial clutches. In the 1960s, Horton applied its clutch expertise to the cooling of on-highway and off-highway vehicles and later convinced truck manufacturers that they could save fuel during the energy crisis of the 1970s by installing engine cooling fan drives on their vehicles. By the 1980s, Horton fan drives were standard equipment for major truck OEMs.

N.A. WILLIAMS HONORS “WOMAN AT THE WHEEL” DANIELLE SONNEFELD WITH DONATION TO UNIVERSITY OF THE AFTERMARKET FOUNDATION

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:43:53 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – June 2020 – To celebrate the selection of Danielle Sonnefeld as a member of the inaugural class of “Women at the Wheel,” N.A. Williams Company has made a donation to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) in her honor.

“We are very proud to make this donation to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation to celebrate Danielle and all of the ‘women at the wheel,’” said Roger McCollum, chairman and CEO of N.A. Williams. “Not only has Danielle helped our customers grow their businesses in her role at N.A. Williams, but she is an enthusiastic industry education advocate. Her work on behalf of the Women in Auto Care and UAF scholarship programs has made a big difference in lives of young women and men pursuing careers in our industry.”

Sonnefeld joined N.A. Williams in 2010 and serves as the company’s vice president of business development. She is active in the auto care industry and represents Women in Auto Care on the University of the Aftermarket Foundation board of trustees. She also serves as co-chair of the UAF scholarship committee, managing the scholarship program and overseeing teams of industry volunteers that evaluate and select the recipients. In 2019, UAF awarded more than $557,000 in scholarships and is currently reviewing applications for the 2020-21 academic year.

The mission of “Women at the Wheel” is to recognize women who are leading, influencing and thriving in what historically has been a male-dominated field. Babcox Media opened the nomination process to women who work at all levels of the aftermarket, “from the boardroom to the breakroom.”

About N.A. Williams

N.A. WILLIAMS AUTOZONE TEAM VOLUNTEERING AT MID-SOUTH FOOD BANK IN MEMPHIS

Mon, 18 May 2020 21:58:12 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia –May 2020 – The N.A. Williams’ team that works with AutoZone in Memphis usually holds a weekly team-building staff activity. However, in these unprecedented times, the activity has taken on new meaning as the N.A. Williams group is helping out at the Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis.

“The local closures have put a real strain on the fight against hunger in Memphis,” said Michael Ray, vice president, AutoZone for N.A. Williams. “Thousands of people in the greater Memphis area depend on school-provided food, local non-profits, soup kitchens or shelters for food each day. With these places closed, the Mid-South Food Bank came up with a program called Mobile Pantry where purchased and donated food can be distributed in various outdoor locations throughout the city.”

Ray and his fellow N.A. Williams associates have started working at a Memphis location every week that loads 500 vehicles with food. There are five locations that distribute food daily throughout Memphis, with the amount of food distributed based on the size of each family.

“The need is not going away anytime soon, so we plan on doing this as a team every Wednesday,” said Ray. “We will do this every week until the need is no longer.”

For more information about the Mid-South Food Bank or to make a donation, visit www.midsouthfoodbank.org/coronavirus-response

About N.A. Williams

DANIELLE SONNEFELD NAMED TO INAUGURAL CLASS OF WOMEN AT THE WHEEL

Mon, 18 May 2020 15:39:54 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia –May 2020 – Danielle Sonnefeld, vice president of business development for N.A. Williams, was honored as a member of the inaugural class of “Women at the Wheel” as chosen by the editors of Babcox Media and featured in the May issue of Aftermarket News magazine.

The mission of “Women at the Wheel” is to recognize women who are leading, influencing and thriving in what historically has been a male-dominated field. Babcox opened the nomination process to women who work at all levels of the aftermarket, “from the boardroom to the breakroom.”

“Being an active contributor in your business is obviously very important, but figuring out how to be an active contributor to the industry as a whole is really where I get a lot of fulfillment in my career,” said Sonnefeld.

“Being an active member of Women in Auto Care for the past 10 years, I’ve been a part of our scholarship committee and we’ve really grown the number of scholarships we give out to women who are wanting to join our industry,” says Sonnefeld. “We’re all really fortunate to work for a great industry that acts like a big family. We take care of each other and that’s pretty unique.”

About N.A. Williams

MIKE WAMSLEY NAMED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR BY MAHLE

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 21:26:12 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – Feb 2020 – Michael Wamsley, regional manager for N.A. Williams, was recognized with the “Spirit of MAHLE Award” at the annual MAHLE national sales meeting held earlier this month in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The award honors MAHLE’S “Rep of the Year” for 2019. The award was presented to Wamsley by John Douglas, president of MAHLE as well as Jerry Starling, national sales manager and Jim Kahut, business development director.

The Spirit of MAHLE Award is presented to the MAHLE employee or agent that represents all of the intangibles of what a MAHLE representative should be: work ethic, determination and the willingness to go above and beyond to reflect MAHLE in the most positive way.

This is the second-consecutive year that a N.A. Williams has been awarded this prestigious honor. Last year, Brad Johnson was named the MAHLE “Rep of the Year” for 2018.

“We want to thank our partners at MAHLE for awarding one of our regional managers with the ‘Spirit of MAHLE Award’ for the second year in a row,” said John Bender, vice president of traditional sales for N.A. Williams. “We want to congratulate Mike for his hard work and dedication to the MAHLE account. We get great feedback from the MAHLE team on Mike’s contributions to MAHLE’s success so we know this award is well-deserved.”

About N.A. Williams

MICHAEL WAMSLEY NAMED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR BY TIMKEN

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 21:24:08 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – Nov. 2019 – Michael Wamsley, regional manager for N.A. Williams, has been named “Representative of the Year” by the Timken Company. Timken, a global leader in bearings and power transmission products, honored Wamsley for his strong work ethic that resulted in successful new business for Timken.

Timken recognized its manufacturers’ sales representatives for their outstanding service in 2019 with Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturers Representative Awards. Timken presented the awards to the winners at the start of the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.

“Michael goes above and beyond the expectations of Timken and his customers,” said Brett Blauner, national sales manager for the automotive aftermarket for Timken. “We appreciate his support and the great relationships he has formed.”

About N.A. Williams
N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, marketing, research, training, call center, and merchandising services to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. The firm serves manufacturers, retailers and distributors of automotive & heavy duty replacement parts, chemicals, accessories, tools and equipment. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with six satellite offices and over one hundred associates. For more information, visit www.nawilliams.com .

8 GOOD REASONS FOR SELLING THROUGH REPS

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 20:17:24 GMT

Roger McCollum, N.A. Williams Chairman and CEO: “While doing research for a talk I gave recently about the Rep business, I came across this terrific list in a book published nearly 20 years ago, Selling Through Independent Reps. This list is as relevant today as it was then, and I share it now with our manufacturer and supplier partners and friends as a reminder that selling through reps is just good business!”

1.You can’t afford enough direct people to give the intensive coverage you need.

If your sales volume is under $75 million, you probably don’t have the resources to support a sales force big enough to do the job. Your objective, remember, is a sales organization that develops closeness to customers. Because that means spending a lot of time with them, you need an adequate number of people.

2.Your profit centers or markets are diverse and require different sales skills.

Reps are, by their very nature, specialists in certain markets and with certain major customers. When you have a diverse market profile, you can develop a network of parallel reps geared to specific market needs. This approach can be powerfully effective. The right rep will have industry/market-dedicated sales people with the experience and knowledge to help you grow and find new opportunities.

3.Your product line is limited.

Sales representatives have scale with their customers by representing multiple and compatible product lines. Regardless if your product has large volume with each customer, the best reps will have a true partnership with the buyer and will provide focus on your products.

4.You have modest financial means.

In addition to variable expense and a more favorable cash flow, there is a third financial advantage to using reps. It is balance sheet management, a particularly important advantage for manufacturers who are in markets requiring local services, inventory and value-added support. Fixed investments by reps improve your balance sheet.

5.Your customers want local representation.

Customers frequently show a preference for local representatives. Unless you can afford the investment of direct sales people in every key trading area in the country, reps may be the way to go. Having a local agency rep that your client can meet with on a regular basis gives you a competitive advantage and your customer a trusted advisor.

6.Your direct team is struggling with a channel that’s not their primary focus.

Typically, corporate sales forces are shared by internal factory divisions, but they have a primary market thrust that almost totally consumes the time and effort of the sales personnel. If a certain division does not fit this primary thrust, that division faces a tremendous obstacle to growth. It would be much better off withdrawing from the corporate sales force and establishing its own sales channel with independent reps. Sales agencies often have channel teams with customer specific expertise that can provide deeper coverage.

7.You need fast entrée to a new market.

Many manufacturers stumble when trying to use their existing sales force to penetrate a new market. Not having contacts or familiarity with the market becomes a major roadblock and frequently sales people return to historical patterns as soon as corporate pressure to call on the new market abates. It is typically easier and more productive to recruit a parallel network of reps who are specialists in that market. A hybrid model of both direct and independent reps can help you enter new markets quickly, effectively, and without disruption to existing business.

8.You struggle to retain top performers.

If you’re typical among manufacturers, you’ll have a rather high turnover of sales personnel. This disruption of continuity minimizes your ability to maintain maximum penetration you’re your key customers. In contrast to the mindset of many in a direct organization, a reps whole professional life is focused on selling to a given set of customers or to a specific customer over the long haul. Independent reps are committed to selling as a career, rather than using their position as a stepping stone. And, they generally have higher compensation levels to incentivize them to stick around. All those things create tenure and trust with your customers, which translates into a competitive advantage for you.

N.A. WILLIAMS PROMOTES MAX GAGNIER TO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:58:12 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – Jan. 2019 – Max Gagnier has been promoted to account executive for N.A. Williams, it was announced by Roger McCollum, chairman and CEO of N.A. Williams.

In his new role, Gagnier will work with the N.A. Williams team to support the NAPA Balkamp division, managing the day-to-day activities and relationships between NAPA Balkamp and the suppliers represented by N.A. Williams. He will be responsible for a wide variety of supplier categories, including tools and equipment, chemicals/commodities and retail.

Gagnier began his N.A. Williams career in January 2017 as a district sales manager and member of the electrical and engine systems sales team, working out of the NAPA Atlanta distribution center. Prior to joining at N.A. Williams, Gagnier was a business development representative for Torchlite Marketing in Indianapolis. A graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, he earned a bachelor degree in finance from the Lacy School of Business.

“We want to congratulate Max on this well-deserved promotion,” said McCollum. “Max has become an integral part of the N.A. Williams team and is well-respected by our customers and manufacturing partners as well as his peers. I am confident Max will excel in his new role of account executive.”

About N.A. Williams
N.A. Williams Company is a leading manufacturers’ representative firm that provides sales, marketing, consulting, research, training, call center, and merchandising services to the North American auto care and commercial vehicle industry. The firm serves manufacturers, retailers and distributors of automotive & heavy duty replacement parts, chemicals, accessories, tools and equipment. Founded in 1934, N.A. Williams is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with six satellite offices and over one hundred associates.

STONE TRUCK PARTS NAMES N.A. WILLIAMS VENDOR OF THE YEAR

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 22:58:12 GMT

ATLANTA, Georgia – Jan. 2019 – Stone Truck Parts has selected N.A. Williams as its 2018 Vendor of the Year. The award was presented earlier this month to Joey Taylor, regional manager, heavy duty for N.A. Williams at the Stone Truck Parts vendor show in Wilmington, North Carolina.

N.A. Williams received the Vendor of the Year award for its outstanding results of bringing together and successfully managing a wide group of top vendors and helping Stone Truck Parts grow its business in 2018.

“This award was overwhelmingly a result of Joey Taylor’s day-to-day management of the Stone Truck Parts accounts as well as his interactions with the Stone team and the supplying manufacturers we represent,” said Wayne McKitrick, vice president of sales, heavy duty for N.A. Williams. “The list of compliments we received about Joey was quite extensive and we thank him for his exceptional work on behalf of Stone Truck Parts.

“We also want to recognize Mike Boxler for a job well done. Mike is a valuable source of support and information, and his increased interaction with the Stone team was instrumental in N.A. Williams earning this award. We are very fortunate to work with such a fine organization as Stone Truck Parts and are very proud to receive this prestigious honor.”

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Scott Austin Appointed to CAWA Board of Directors

Scott Austin Appointed to CAWA Board of Directors

N.A. Williams Honored with Two Awards at APH Winter Conference Banquet

N.A. Williams Acquisition of Western States Marketing

Olivia Droney Newton Honored with Two Awards During 2025 AAPEX

Olivia Droney Newton Honored with Two Awards During 2025 AAPEX

N.A. Williams Elevates Five Associates to Senior Leadership Roles

Olivia Droney Newton Honored with Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award

Fisher Auto Parts Honors Randy Childers with Bright Star Award

Fisher Auto Parts Honors Randy Childers with

﻿ Bright Star Award

N.A. Williams Renews Gold Level Sponsorship of Women in Auto Care

N.A. Williams Renews Gold Level Sponsorship of Women in Auto Care

Neal Williams Honored with NAPA Partnership Award

Neal Williams Honored with NAPA Partnership Award

Datalink Unveils New Website

Parts Authority Honors Jim Guy as Manufacturers Representative of the Year

Parts Authority Honors Jim Guy as Manufacturers Representative of the Year

Michael Wamsley Awarded Leadership 2.0 Scholarship by Manufacturers’ Representatives Council

“Michael is well-deserving of this scholarship "

Michael Dolmetsch Named a YANG Council Member

Michael Dolmetsch Named a YANG Council Member

Gideon Norris, Eric Riner Promoted to Senior Directors

Gideon Norris, Eric Riner Promoted to Senior Directors

Roger McCollum Recognized with NAPA Partnership Award

Roger McCollum Recognized with NAPA Partnership Award

Fleet Pride Honors N.A. Williams with Off-Highway Award

FleetPride Honors N.A. Williams with Off-Highway Award

David Singler Named Vendor Rep of the Year by Great American

David Singler Named Vendor Rep of the Year by Great American

Mike Wamsley Named Rep of the Year by XL Parts/The Parts House

Mike Wamsley Named Rep of the Year by XL Parts/The Parts House

Tina Choinacky Profiled in Latest Women in Auto Care Newsletter

Tina Choinacky Profiled in Latest Women in Auto Care Newsletter ﻿

PATRICK MULROONEY NAMED REP OF THE YEAR BY AUTO-WARES

PARTS AUTHORITY HONORS N.A. WILLIAMS TEAM MEMBERS

N.A. Williams Announces Leadership Changes

PATRICK MULROONEY NAMED REP OF THE YEAR BY AUTO-WARES

CURT MCDOWELL NAMED TO CAWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FLEETPRIDE PRESENTS MIKE BOXLER ITS OFF-HIGHWAY AWARD

MIKE DOLMETSCH NAMED REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR NA WILLIAMS

ALEX GOODEMOOT OF NA WILLIAMS SELECTED AS WORLD CLASS TECHNICIAN

DANIELLE SONNEFELD HONORED WITH AUTO CARE WOMAN OF EXCELLENCE AWARD BY WOMEN IN AUTO CARE

HORTON PRESENTS PUSATERI AWARD TO STEPHEN DREIER OF N.A. WILLIAMS

N.A. WILLIAMS HONORS “WOMAN AT THE WHEEL” DANIELLE SONNEFELD WITH DONATION TO UNIVERSITY OF THE AFTERMARKET FOUNDATION

N.A. WILLIAMS AUTOZONE TEAM VOLUNTEERING AT MID-SOUTH FOOD BANK IN MEMPHIS

DANIELLE SONNEFELD NAMED TO INAUGURAL CLASS OF WOMEN AT THE WHEEL

MIKE WAMSLEY NAMED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR BY MAHLE

MICHAEL WAMSLEY NAMED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR BY TIMKEN

8 GOOD REASONS FOR SELLING THROUGH REPS

N.A. WILLIAMS PROMOTES MAX GAGNIER TO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

STONE TRUCK PARTS NAMES N.A. WILLIAMS VENDOR OF THE YEAR

Bright Star Award

Tina Choinacky Profiled in Latest Women in Auto Care Newsletter