Randy Buller to Explore Hybrid Distribution Model Opportunities at the AASA Vision Conference

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The distribution landscape is changing quickly, and aftermarket suppliers benefit from understanding these crucial changes. The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) will host a session featuring deep insights about the implications of this latest shift at the AASA Vision Conference, set for Thursday, March 26 in Rosemont, Ill.
 
Randy Buller, Parts Authority President and CEO, will present “Hybrid Distribution: Traditional Meets Online” and will discuss how Parts Authority is participating in both traditional and online distribution channels. He will share insights on how these channels intersect.
 
Buller has been in the automotive aftermarket business since 1980 when he joined his partner Yaron Rosenthal at Clearway Auto Parts. Parts Authority has grown over the span of 40 years to more than 225 locations in 13 states and Washington, D.C., through acquisition and organic growth. Parts Authority has specialized since its inception in selling automotive aftermarket parts to professional repair shops and has also serviced retail, jobbers, fleets, chains and e-tailers along with other market channels.
 
“It’s a tough time for inventory management. Our customers expect many versions of the same product or SKU on the shelf or delivered in 30 minutes or less,” said Buller. “They also want good-better-best options, original equipment, and the ability to compare pricing from various brands and suppliers. The quest for the perfect inventory model has never been more difficult, and it’s quite a puzzle to solve!”
 
The AASA Vision Conference will explore other important topics as well. Schwartz Advisors’ session “It All Starts with the Repair Shop” will review current technology challenges and opportunities that will drive aftermarket business at the service channel. Brian Daugherty, Chief Technology Officer with MEMA, will join Mark Kaufman with The Ford Motor Company on stage to talk about the impact of vehicle technologies on replacement parts in “Electrification: Aftermarket Headwind or Tailwind?” Barry Neal, Partner with Roland Berger, will cover “Supply Chain Disruption” and explore how global supply chains can adapt in an environment of trade wars and global shifts. The conference also will highlight the need for close industry collaboration through the presentation of the annual Channel Excellence Award.

AASA members attending the Conference can take advantage of an additional benefit: attendance at the association council meetings held in conjunction with the event. Member conference participants can attend the AASA Intellectual Property Council (IPC), AASA Marketing Executives Council (MEC), and AASA AAPEX Event Committee (AAEC) meetings on March 25 and meetings for the AASA Technology Council (ATC) and the AASA Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) Council on March 27. Council meeting attendance is limited to AASA members only; some limitations apply, and pre-registration is required. Contact info@aftermarketsuppliers.org for more information.

Additional information about the 2020 AASA Vision Conference can be accessed by visiting aasavision.com. This year’s event will focus on “Collaborating for a Vibrant Aftermarket Future” with sessions covering everything from emerging technologies & hybrid distribution to the global supply chain and how the industry can work together to succeed.

About AASA
AASA exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports 871,000 American jobs. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”