YANG Mentorship Program

Rebecca Conway is the Vice President, US/Canada Aftermarket Marketing at Clarios. She has been with the company for 14+ years with various roles across sales, strategy, category management, and marketing. Prior to joining the battery industry, Rebecca worked in market research and analytics in consumer-packaged goods. 

She is active across many industry associations including Auto Care, MEMA, and Battery Council International. Rebecca is passionate about advancing women in the automotive aftermarket industry.

She holds an Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rebecca resides in Milwaukee, WI with her husband and two children. Outside of work, Rebecca spends her time attending various kids’ activities and cheering on all her favorite Wisconsin sports teams.

Topic

There is Only One You

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water? Or unsure of what is the right next step for you? We will discuss how to plan your career in the automotive aftermarket by leveraging what makes you who you are, leveraging your strengths. We will discuss staying true to yourself and how you can use your strengths to differentiate yourself.

John Etheridge brings over two decades of experience in the automotive aftermarket, specializing in product management, cataloging, marketing, and category management. As Director of Product Management at Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), he has driven the expansion of product lines to achieve near-complete market coverage, launched successful new programs, and transformed the company’s catalog into an award-winning industry tool.

Prior to PGI, John spent 16 years at MotoRad of America, where he advanced through leadership roles in product development and category management. His ability to create innovative catalog systems and lead strategic initiatives has contributed to the growth and success of the companies he’s served.

John actively participates in industry leadership as a member of the Filters Manufacturers Community Advisory Council and through his involvement in events like ACPN and the Legislative Summit. Certified as an Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Automotive Content Professional (ACP), he combines strategic vision with hands-on expertise.

Passionate about building teams and leveraging data-driven decisions, John is dedicated to advancing the automotive aftermarket and creating impactful solutions for the industry.

Topic

Driving Success: Lessons from a Career in the Aftermarket

With over two decades of experience in the automotive aftermarket, I’ve helped two companies grow exponentially by navigating challenges, driving innovation, and building high-performing teams. Having started by rolling up my sleeves and doing the work myself, I understand the challenges at every level. Leadership isn’t always about the top seat—it’s about influence, strategy, and collaboration. As your mentor, I’ll share practical insights on aligning teams, adapting to change, and making data-driven decisions to fuel your growth and accelerate your success.

I am Billy Haines, the Senior Planner of Technician Retention for Nissan and Infiniti North America. My journey began at a refueling station, sparking a lifelong passion for the automotive industry. From working at a parts counter to becoming a Volvo Master Technician and later an Infiniti Master Technician, I honed my skills and embraced every opportunity for growth. My career advanced as I joined Nissan and Infiniti TECH LINE, diagnosing and fixing cars virtually, and later becoming a District Technical Service Manager, tackling complex issues across the Northeast. Today, I mentor others in their career paths, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and continuous growth. Your personal brand is your rocket ship to success—embrace it with passion and determination.

Topic

Taking Ownership of Your Career Path

Networking is crucial for building relationships that can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support throughout your career. Effective communication helps you articulate your goals and ideas clearly, fostering collaboration and understanding. Learn how owning your career path means taking proactive steps to set and achieve your goals, continuously learning, and adapting to new challenges. We will discuss key relationship strategies and share stories about career progression.

Brad founded Ascent Advisors, LLC to provide consultant advisory services and board representation. He is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of growing companies in private equity and consumer / industrial products. Brad served as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation from 2000 to 2023; Hopkins is an automotive aftermarket business that designs, develops, manufactures, and distributes a variety of functional consumer products to retail and wholesale outlets across 16 channels of the aftermarket. Brad recently completed eight years on the Board of the Auto Care Association as a Board Member, Vice Chair, Chair, Past Chair and on multiple committees. He has actively supported the industry’s drive to pass federal Right to Repair legislation (repairact.com).

Topic

Building Your Industry Network & Involvement

We are so fortunate to be a part of the auto care industry, an aftermarket that is large and diverse, representing 4.5m people employed by manufacturers and distributors, parts stores and service and repair shops, importers, business services, manufacturers’ reps and more, from start-up companies to billion-dollar corporations. While the scale can feel intimidating, when you get involved, you quickly find out how small the industry really is – getting to know other companies, parts of the industry, and the people - yes, including your competitors - on a personal basis builds a network and a wealth of contacts that will help in your professional life and make you a part of this aftermarket family. Let’s discuss ways to take advantage of this opportunity!

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Sanjay Patel is a seasoned Operations Executive and Revenue Growth Leader renowned for driving transformative change and fostering high-performance cultures in the automotive industry. His strategic acumen, customer-centric approach, and commitment to operational excellence have consistently yielded remarkable results and sustained success.

A graduate with a Master Certificate in Business Management from Tulane University, Sanjay combines academic prowess with practical expertise. His education, coupled with hands-on experience, has honed his ability to navigate complex business landscapes, lead diverse teams, and drive substantial revenue growth.

Topic

Guiding Change with Confidence

Change management can be challenging and disruptive for teams and organizations. By understanding strategies to navigate the stages of change, leaders can effectively manage transitions, foster adaptability, and maintain clear communication. This enables them to guide teams through change with confidence, minimize disruption, and ensure smoother, more successful outcomes.

Adam Smith is the founder and principal of Sound Press, soundpress.com a Digital Growth Agency employing a full life-cycle marketing approach.  Sound Press, founded in 2000, is a leading Cincinnati based marketing agency building brands and executing digital strategy for companies ranging from $10M to $2B+ and Fortune 500 class.  Adam is called on as a guest speaker to business leadership groups presenting on business growth, and the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.  Sound Press is known for creating brands and brand strategy, digital strategy & advertising, e-commerce strategy and execution in B2B and B2C, marketing campaigns, and web application development in B2B, manufacturing, machine tools, automotive, and multiple industry verticals.  In Automotive, Sound Press larger clients include General Motors ACDelco, eBay, Icahn Enterprises, Canadian Tire/Partsource, and serves many other groups, and automotive distributors and manufacturers in North America. Adam actively attends important industry shows such as IMTS for Machine Tools, and AAPEX/SEMA in Automotive.  He lives in Cincinnati OH with his wife and two children.  Adam serves on corporate, advisory, and non-profit boards.

Topic

Marketing in the Aftermarket

Explore best practices, trends, needs, and strategies in marketing for automotive distributors, manufacturers, and industry related companies.  Review strategy areas such as e-commerce, digital marketing, traditional marketing, and tactics that work. Understand challenges the Automotive Aftermarket faces in finding the right path forward for growth in business, retaining talent, and managing a multi-generational landscape.   

Melanie Sypolt went to work in her first automotive repair shop in 1991.  She has since worked in various Sales and Business Development roles for Shell Lubricants, Valvoline, and Advance Auto Parts.  Currently Melanie is a Senior Strategic Partnership Executive at Epicor where she enjoys helping repair shops increase their profitability, retain customers, and improve customer satisfaction.  She has an AA in Automotive Aftermarket Management and a BBA in Marketing/Management from Northwood University.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking outside, and doing yoga.

Topic

Partnering with your Customers and Prospects by Bringing Value

Learn how to bring value to your customers and prospects by using customer success stories.  Show your customers and prospects what you are able to do for them and move from a salesperson to a trusted partner.  Find out how to do this by showing those who are now operating a business or who aspire to do so how to grow their business through increasing their profitability, retaining customers, and improving customer satisfaction.

I’m a 30 year+ Industry veteran with a diverse history of experience in sales, product management, and operations. I grew up working in my father’s NAPA stores. Graduated college and went to work for GPC / Balkamp Inc. as a District Sales Manager. Was promoted 5 times in 15 years (PM, Marketing and Promotions, Regional Manager, Director Retail Product, National Sales Manager).  I left GPC for an opportunity to put all my skills into play running a small co-man warehouse (APW) for the Alliance as Vice President / General Manager.  After 11 years and quadrupling sales and revenues, I set out to work on the manufacturing side of our industry going work for Anchor Industries and finally setting in with BBB Industries as Director of Sales.

Topic

Diversification in Experience, Education, and Environment Yields Success

My work experience has been a cornucopia of exposure to multiple facets of business from the installer, store, distributor, and manufacturer and cross matrixed with sales, product management, and operations.  Every aspect contributed to my growth and wellbeing. At times I didn’t understand why I was asked to do the things I was doing, but it all came together and rounded out my career path to where I am today. 

Liz Whalen is the president and founder of Whalen Search Group, bringing 25 years of recruiting excellence in connecting talented leaders and executives with companies in the automotive aftermarket. Whalen Search Group partners with over 30 companies in the industry. Liz feels privileged to be in a business she loves and honored to work with such outstanding organizations. She attributes her success to fostering strong client and candidate relationships, as well as her commitment to hard work, integrity, persistence, efficiency, and delivering results.

Earlier in her career, Liz gained foundational experience as the Director of Corporate Staffing at CARDONE Industries. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and four children. In her free time, she enjoys attending her children’s many sporting events and remains actively involved in her community and church.

Topic

Standing Out & The Importance of Networking

Our group will discuss how you can stand out in your company, advocate for yourself, take ownership of your career, and the importance of networking. We’ll explore actionable strategies to help you build confidence and visibility, articulate your value, and cultivate meaningful connections that can open doors for new opportunities. The goal is to have tangible steps to strengthen your professional presence and take intentional strides toward your career growth.