VIPAR Heavy Duty 2026 IMPACT Conference Sets the Stage for Continued Collaboration and Growth

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies brought its network together for the 2026 IMPACT Conference with a new format designed to encourage deeper collaboration, generate new ideas, and align distributors, suppliers and business partners around opportunities for the future. The conference took place in mid-October at the JW Marriott Marco Island in Florida.

 

For the first time, the conference opened with a day dedicated specifically to distributors. The distributor-focused programming was stacked with sessions that generated meaningful interaction, roundtable discussions, and direct feedback on priorities affecting independent distributors and the broader heavy duty aftermarket. 

 

Distributor Monday Agenda Encourages Attendees to Chase Big Ideas

 

Scheele encouraged attendees to capture ideas, create trusted processes for developing them, provide room for experimentation, and protect early concepts from being dismissed too quickly. 

 

"It doesn't matter what the system is. What matters is that it exists, that your team trusts it, and that ideas put into it can find a home. Your job as a leader is to give your team the goal: here's the problem, here are the constraints, now bring me ideas," said Sheele.

 

That message inspired a mindset that was carried into the rest of the opening day. Distributor roundtables buzzed with candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing independent heavy duty aftermarket distributors. Attendees explored their most pressing priorities including technology, data, workforce recruiting, AI, training, order fulfillment and delivery, and parts procurement. 

 

Later, distributors rotated through focus groups where they shared input on group initiatives including supplier programs, PARTSPHERE® innovation, data tools, fleet opportunities, and VIPAR Heavy Duty’s partnership with NEXUS Automotive International in the Latin American market. 

 

Full Network Unites Around Future Priorities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On day two, the format expanded to bring distributors, suppliers, business partners, and associates together for the first-ever shared General Session, creating a single forum for the entire network to hear organizational priorities and consider how closer collaboration can create greater value. Leaders emphasized that each part of the network brings a different perspective and that connecting those viewpoints can produce better insights, stronger relationships, and new opportunities. 

“The strength of this network is not found in any one company. It is created when all of our perspectives come together,” said Jeff Paul, Executive Vice President.

 

General Session presentations highlighted several strategic priorities designed to position the network for continued growth. These include disciplined expansion across the Americas, stronger supplier engagement, continued investment in training and product information, technology and responsible data sharing, expanded channels to market, and a renewed focus on fleets and end users. 

 

Chris Baer, president and CEO of the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies, outlined a regional approach to network development across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Latin America, with an emphasis on finding the right partners for sustainable growth rather than simply adding distribution. 

 

“Our next stage of growth will come from strong partners, bold ideas, and the discipline to turn those ideas into results,” said Baer. 

 

The week also included IMPACT Conference traditions such as the trade show, scheduled one-on-one distributor and supplier meetings, and networking activities, providing additional settings for conversations around products, business priorities, and new opportunities. 

 

Alex Rodriguez Closes the Week with Lessons on Business and Leadership

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday’s keynote featured Alex Rodriguez, who drew on his baseball career, business ventures, and personal experiences to discuss preparation, humility, accountability, and continuous learning. He connected building a winning team in sports with building a successful organization, emphasizing clear vision, capable people, and alignment around shared goals. 

He also challenged leaders to recognize their blind spots, remain accountable for mistakes, and be willing to become beginners again when entering unfamiliar fields. 

 

“There’s no greater investment than investing in yourself,” said Rodriguez, encouraging them to continue developing their communication, writing, and other skills and to keep learning throughout their careers.

 

Throughout the 2026 IMPACT Conference, a consistent theme emerged: the network creates greater value when its participants share knowledge, bring ideas forward, and work together around common opportunities. That spirit of collaboration will continue to guide the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies as it develops new programs, supports independent distributors and supplier partners, and prepares for the next stage of growth.

 

The 2027 VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies IMPACT Conference is scheduled for Oct. 17-22 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.