Truck Parts and Service | Heavy Duty Trucking, Aftermarket, Service Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85616
Guest Column It's Time To Evolve years. Th is year's event was no excep- tion. It certainly is no easy task to man- age and promote an event that contin- ues to surpass expectations. It goes without saying that those re- H eavy Duty Aſt ermarket Week is truly a one of a kind event that has grown consistently over the past sponsible for the event made this year a huge success. Th e largest number of booths and the highest attendance in HDAW history showcased the strength of our industry. From the opening session to the closing luncheon, it was an action- packed week fi lled with new products, new friends, networking opportunities and so much more. Th e theme of HDAW2012 dealt with the culture of our businesses. Th at got me thinking about how much it has changed over the years, and how it might look in the future. Many heavy-duty distributors have By Tom Stewart Carolina Rim & Wheel meant business was good. Sadly, many of those original businesses are gone as their culture blinded them to a chang- ing marketplace. Th ese were solid, successful com- panies who led our industry, only to be swallowed up by competitors that were better suited to respond to the evolving nature of the business. As times changed, customers and suppliers relationships became more complicated, employees became the eyes and ears of their companies and manage- ment became more aware of its markets. Th eir culture also had to evolve, moving to a two-way conversation with seminars continued to promote the need to take a close look at the cultures of our businesses. Th e speakers and panels continued to lead us in ways to think outside of the box. Th ere was much to absorb, process and take back to our home companies. new culture where management and employees work together to create an environment that is upbeat, progressive and ready to forge ahead with a level of service that far exceeds customer expec- tations. Everything we do, every change we make, we hope leads to the eventual satisfaction of the customer. Th roughout the week the educational We got a glimpse of a new culture where management and employees work together to create an environment that is upbeat, progressive and ready to forge ahead with a level of service that far exceeds customer expectations. remained closely held for decades by their original families and their culture has changed very little. Th ose businesses typically followed the idea of "what the boss said goes." Th e person in charge sat in the big corner offi ce taking the proverbial two- martini lunch, far removed from the daily activity. Customers were only as good as their ability to pay, and that mentality management listening (although not always agreeing) to the input created by employees, customers and suppliers. Businesses that have not adopted these new methods of communication are simply standing still, while more modern distributors pass them by. So where does this lead us? At HDAW2012, keynote speaker Rob- ert Richman gave us a glimpse into a HDAW over the years, you have seen the importance of this event. Th ere is something there for everyone. As the economy continues to For those who have attended rebound, the future looks bright. I implore many of you to look forward, embrace the challenges ahead and evolve into the new business culture of the 21st century. Tom Stewart is president of Carolina Rim & Wheel and the 2011 Truck Parts & Service Distributor of the Year. The views expressed in the Guest Editorial are those of the author and do not necessarily refl ect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Truck Parts & Service magazine. 4 TRUCK PARTS & SERVICE | April 2012