Skip to main content
EVENT TRACKER
Keep track of rescheduled, canceled industry events with our COVID-affected event tracker - Powered by Snap Finance
Close
Sister Publication Links
  • Rubber & Plastics News
  • European Rubber Journal
tb-logo
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • OPINION
    • CORONAVIRUS
    • AUTO INDUSTRY
    • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
    • COMMERCIAL TIRE
    • FACTORY FIXES
    • GOVERNMENT & LAW
    • INTERNATIONAL
    • MOTOR SPORTS
    • NEW PRODUCTS
    • RETAIL TIRES
    • SERVICE ZONE
    • SEMA/AAPEX
    • SMALL BUSINESS
    • TIRE MAKERS
    • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • New round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opens
      Vaccine may usher sense of normalcy
      Cover-up: More retailers requiring face masks to curb COVID
      USW alleges COVID-19 violations at Kumho plant
    • Denso hires Joseph Wright as operations director
      Johnson named president, managing partner of Arnold Motor Supply
      Conti starts production of ‘HL' load index tires for select OE customers
      GM banking on 'BrightDrop' EV to build commercial van business
    • Q3 results disappoint for Monro, but business is trending up
      Hankook, Revvo team up to trial 'smart' tire technology in California
      ITC votes to keep duties in place on China P/LT tire imports
      NLRB certifies USW as bargaining unit for Kumho plant in Georgia
    • Goodyear, ConMet to develop tire/wheel-end digital analytics system
      Hankook, Revvo team up to trial 'smart' tire technology in California
      Love's plans to add over 30 stores in 2021 with Truck Care/Speedco services
      Linglong planning U.S. launch of 'Hubtrac' truck tire brand in 2021
    • ITC votes to keep duties in place on China P/LT tire imports
      Hwa Fong joins Taiwan tire makers' bid for alternative to import duties
      New stimulus package fixes PPP loan confusion
      USW opposes Taiwan tire makers' dumping counterproposal
    • Continental shifts exec assignments within Specialty Tires business unit
      Nokian's latest studded winter tire line to be available this summer
      Goodyear to install dynamic driving simulator at Luxembourg site
      ITC votes to keep duties in place on China P/LT tire imports
    • New NASCAR, F1 tire designs delayed due to COVID
      U.K. race series extends contract with Goodyear through 2026
      Goodyear Racing staying on track
      General Tire Canada renews sponsorship deal with Raceline Network
    • Nokian's latest studded winter tire line to be available this summer
      Hunter adds ‘FastBlast' bead-seating for LT/SUV tire changing
      Linglong planning U.S. launch of 'Hubtrac' truck tire brand in 2021
      Hankook doubles size range of Ventus V2 all-season UHP line
    • Q3 results disappoint for Monro, but business is trending up
      TIA to offer retail store leadership training course 5 times in 2021
      Updated ALI lifting points guide covers vehicle model years 2000-2021
      VIP Tires opens 20th store in New Hampshire, in Keene
    • Updated ALI lifting points guide covers vehicle model years 2000-2021
      Hunter adds ‘FastBlast' bead-seating for LT/SUV tire changing
      Johnson named president, managing partner of Arnold Motor Supply
      AMRA to host 5 educational webinars in Feb., March
    • WTC hosting webinar Jan. 20 on load-capacity standards
      Denver's Brian Sump named AAPEX Shop Owner of the Year
      DUB, TIS Wheels founder Myles Kovacs is SEMA Person of the Year
      AAPEX: Using social media to promote your business
    • New stimulus package fixes PPP loan confusion
      Vaccine may usher sense of normalcy
      2020 Review: PPP loans give boost to small businesses
      Latest COVID relief bill includes $325B in small-business support
    • Hankook, Revvo team up to trial 'smart' tire technology in California
      ITC votes to keep duties in place on China P/LT tire imports
      Nokian Tyres to add up to 150 jobs at U.S. factory
      Hwa Fong joins Taiwan tire makers' bid for alternative to import duties
    • Sponsored By Yokohama Tire Company
      7 questions to ask consumers when they need tires for a crossover SUV
      Sponsored By Yokohama Tire Company
      Stocking Tires for Crossover SUVs
  • SHOP FLOOR
    • BALANCING
    • DEMOUNTING
    • SAFETY
    • TIRE REPAIR
    • TPMS
    • TRAINING
    • VEHICLE LIFTING
    • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Video: Balancing Tire
      An introduction to wheel balancing
      Wheel weights: Balancing form with function
      Choosing the right balancing equipment
    • Video: Demounting
      An introduction to demounting, mounting and inflation
      Staying safe when demounting and mounting tires
      Demounting Equipment
    • Video: Safety
      Introduction: Creating a culture of safety
      Protecting your people with proper hygiene
      Making friends with OSHA
    • Video: Tire Repair
      An introduction to tire repair
      How to properly patch a puncture
      Tire repair: Shining a light on visual inspections
    • Video: TMPS Service
      An introduction to TPMS service
      The importance of proper relearn procedures
      Decoding sensor data for TPMS diagnosis
    • Video: Training
      Intro: Finding and training technicians
      Shop Floor: Scholarships
      Advantages of apprentice program partnerships
    • Video:Vehicle Lifting
      An introduction to lifts and lift safety
      Recommendations for using a jack
      Jack stands for commercial tire service
    • Video: Wheel Torque
      Introduction to proper wheel installation
      Torque check and recheck recommendations
      Using torque sticks to speed service times
  • Multimedia
    • VIDEOS
    • PHOTOS
    • PODCASTS
  • Events
    • ASK THE EXPERT
    • LIVESTREAMS
    • WEBINARS
    • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
  • Data
    • DATA STORE
  • Resources
    • DIRECTORY
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • ADVERTISE
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
August 19, 2016 02:00 AM

Q&A with The Group CEO Larry Pavey

  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Larry Pavey
    Larry Pavey, CEO, Automotive Parts Services Group

    AKRON (Aug. 19, 2016) —Tire Business recently submitted questions to Larry Pavey, CEO of Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group), which operates both the Federated Auto Parts and National Pronto Association programs. The following is an edited version of that Q&A interview:

    Last year after Federated Auto Parts and National Pronto Association merged efforts, the company announced some key initiatives to boost value for program members. How would you rate the success of these initiatives to date?

     “The reason for the collaboration was to deliver greater value to all constituents, members, suppliers and customers. We have worked hard to focus on that directive and there has been significant progress made in a number of areas.

    “We have worked closely with national account customers, expanding existing relationships and receiving many new approvals. We bring to them the benefit of having a large number of locations in most markets and the ability to provide consolidated data and marketing, while addressing unique local needs and requirements....

    “We are also working on improved supplier relationships focused on growth and mutual success. This effort involves sharing strategies and information designed to benefit all and identify growth opportunities.

    “Because we have leveraged the strengths of both Pronto and Federated in a number of areas and have eliminated redundant activity, we have been able to increase overall value at a lower cost…. Our goal is to coordinate their efforts and activities for the benefit of all. Creating new tools and opportunities that benefit suppliers, members and customers is a lot of work but is definitely enjoyable and makes us enthusiastic about the future.

    “Specifically, both Pronto and Federated agreed to make the ‘MYAutoAware' telematics program available to their automotive service and fleet customers.”

    Why is telematics such an important topic in the industry lately, and how does this program benefit your members?

    “Telematics is really the beginning of connectivity between the vehicle owner and repair outlet, so we are working hard to make sure that our members and their customers have the connectivity tools to compete.

    “Today that means an aftermarket telematics program that provides benefits with regard to consumer vehicles and fleets. We have been able to develop such a program that continues to evolve and are working together to better understand its implementation and the potential use of connectivity tools going forward.

    “Communicating vehicle service needs, estimates and information to all participants requires a comprehensive understanding of how to use these powerful tools to execute a connected car strategy. Our telematics program is a foundation that we will continue to build upon as we expect vehicle connectivity to continue to grow substantially in the future.”

    Training has been an important issue in auto service, and another initiative you announced last year was The Group Training Academy. What exactly is the academy, and how does it work?

    “It is a joint effort by Federated and Pronto to provide a 24/7 portal for all training materials, courses, videos and webinars. The academy gives our members valuable business and technical training tools to help train their own staff as well as service provider customers.

    “It gives our suppliers a place to make training and information available just for our members, stores and shops, allows for a learning program to be established for each, with a mechanism for monitoring progress and completion — literally a one-stop shop for all training needs.”

    How does your training program differ from some of the other ones already available in the industry?

    “It offers a wide variety of courses, videos and webinars — from business and sales training to technical and diagnostic instruction.... It is designed to accommodate suppliers' offerings; the curriculum can be flexible and tailored to individual needs. Certificates of completion are available for all participants passing an examination.

    “The Group Training Academy portal is flexible and can accommodate many types of learning models and can be expanded and enhanced as needed. We are dedicated to making as much information and instruction as possible available and have even discussed branding our site for some of our larger customers.

    “In addition, we are collaborating with our partners in Europe to share experiences and resources so we can improve processes and methods in the future.... Training and information have been the two most important areas of collaboration.”

    Now that the program has been up and running for a year, has your company learned anything about member training habits that might prompt some future changes, either in delivery or course topics?

    “We have met with shop owners and technicians from around the country and have learned that there is no right way or one-size-fits-all when it comes to training.

    “Everyone learns differently and every technician and shop owner has their own goals and requirements. Therefore, our approach has been to maximize flexibility and provide as much content as possible that can be utilized how and when each individual sees fit. We have heard often that the ideal time for learning may not always be in the evening after a long day at work. This reinforced our mission of making The Group Training Academy available 24/7 and allowing each person to use it at their own speed and learning process.

    “This is an industry where individuals are constantly working to improve their skills, so if we can provide educational resources for our members and customers to learn in their own way on their own schedule, that is bound to be beneficial.”

    What kind of improvements have you made in the area of inventory management and forecasting?

    “As William Edwards Deming, an American engineer, statistician, professor, author, lecturer and management consultant, said, ‘Without data you are just another person with an opinion.' That's why we have been laser-focused on expanding use of data.

    “This means improving the quality and quantity of data and its deployment. Because we have seen dramatic increases in the use of internal tools and processes for forecasting and inventory management, we are working closer with supplier partners on sharing data and evaluating on-hand and excess inventory information to assist in production planning.

    “With today's diverse vehicle population in both models and years, it has become a very challenging time for managing inventory and achieving a high overall fill rate.”

    What are other ways Pronto and Federated have improved benefits for both programs' members by joining forces, and is there anything new they can look forward to?

    “We believe that collaboration is a key to future success, and the joint relationship between Federated and Pronto is an important step in that process. The size and scope of The Group and the combined resources available are very beneficial to the membership.

    “Working together, exchanging ideas and experiences, developing more robust processes and systems, increasing communications with supplier partners, working closer with large customers, and identifying future challenges and opportunities are all major advantages. We know that ultimately the key to success is exceeding our customers' expectations. As those expectations evolve and become more interconnected, collaboration becomes more important so we can identify areas where we can create the most value.

    “The key is, and always has been, working together.”

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Do you have an opinion about this story? Do you have some thoughts you'd like to share with our readers? Tire Business would love to hear from you. Email your letter to Editor Don Detore at [email protected].

    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Newsletter Center

    Staying current is easy with Tire Business delivered straight to your inbox.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Subscribe to Tire Business

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • RSS

    Our Mission

    Tire Business is an award-winning publication dedicated to providing the latest news, data and insights into the tire and automotive service industries.

    tb-logo
    Reader Services
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Site Map
    • Industry Sites
    • Order Reprints
    • Customer Service: 877-320-1716
    Partner Sites
    • Rubber & Plastics News
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Automotive News
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Media Guide
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Classified Rates
    • List Rental
    • Digital Edition
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    Copyright © 1996-2021. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • OPINION
      • CORONAVIRUS
      • AUTO INDUSTRY
      • BUSINESS/FINANCIAL
      • COMMERCIAL TIRE
      • FACTORY FIXES
      • GOVERNMENT & LAW
      • INTERNATIONAL
      • MOTOR SPORTS
      • NEW PRODUCTS
      • RETAIL TIRES
      • SERVICE ZONE
      • SEMA/AAPEX
      • SMALL BUSINESS
      • TIRE MAKERS
      • SPONSORED CONTENT
    • SHOP FLOOR
      • BALANCING
      • DEMOUNTING
      • SAFETY
      • TIRE REPAIR
      • TPMS
      • TRAINING
      • VEHICLE LIFTING
      • WHEEL TORQUE
    • Multimedia
      • VIDEOS
      • PHOTOS
      • PODCASTS
    • Events
      • ASK THE EXPERT
      • LIVESTREAMS
      • WEBINARS
      • SEMA LIVESTREAMS
    • Data
      • DATA STORE
    • Resources
      • DIRECTORY
      • CLASSIFIEDS
    • ADVERTISE
    • DIGITAL EDITION