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From the opening remarks by VIPAR Heavy Duty President & CEO Chris Baer to the closing message from keynote speaker Tony Hawk, the 2025 IMPACT Conference delivered a powerful and recurring theme — Resilience.

 

The independent heavy duty aftermarket has navigated a period of significant challenges since the network last gathered, including uncertainty surrounding tariffs, freight, regulations, and supply chain pressures, as well as the accelerating need to adopt advanced technology tools such as artificial intelligence and enterprise resource planning systems. Despite these headwinds, VIPAR Heavy Duty reports continued growth in both its distributor network and business initiatives.

 

“The IMPACT Conference is a powerful reminder of the strength and adaptability of our network. Coming together in person allows us to deepen relationships, share insights, and align on strategies that ensure we are all better equipped to face challenges and seize opportunities,” said Baer.

 

This year’s strong attendance showed that the network is engaged and looking to the future. An impressive combination of attendees, 1:1 Meetings, and trade show booths provided ample opportunity to explore new business channels and plan for the future. 

 

Baer set the stage on opening day with an update on the current state of the VIPAR Heavy Duty network. 

 

Conference Highlights

 

Expansion Across the Americas: 

Distributor growth is apparent in the number of companies and points of sale, and in the success of those distributors who are excelling with just one location. In addition, VIPAR Heavy Duty continues to expand its presence in Central and South America, adding new stockholders in Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Colombia. These distributors are helping to build the network in new regions, bringing market expertise and vision to new areas. 

 

Operational Excellence and Innovation: 

The conference showcased major initiatives, including the implementation of an Oracle NetSuite ERP system, the launch of PARTSPHERE RMS 2.0, automation in the Global Parts Network reman brake process, and enhancements to PARTSPHERE PIM & DAM product data systems. These innovations are improving efficiency, competitiveness, and service.

 

Supplier Partnerships: 

VIPAR Heavy Duty highlighted collaboration with suppliers, encouraging them to expand and contribute to growth in new markets. Several suppliers were recognized for their engagement and support, aligning with VIPAR across the Americas in both strong existing programs and creative new offerings.

 

Training and Development: 

Through initiatives like the Nucleus Knowledge Center, VIPAR Heavy Duty continues to prioritize training and professional development, addressing critical workforce needs and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

 

Strengthening Leadership for the Future: 

Baer announced that in a special motion, the VIPAR Heavy Duty Board of Directors voted to appoint current Vice President of Marketing, Jeff Paul, to Executive Vice President as of Jan. 1, 2026. “Jeff sets a high bar for commitment, drive, and integrity, and our organization is fortunate to have him to guide the ship in future years,” said Baer.

 

Baer also announced that Jim Pennig, who retired from his position as Vice President of Business Development this past summer, will return to the company to redesign its national accounts program. 

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty leadership was joined by guest speakers from the industry to provide a well-rounded agenda.

• Shannon O’Brien, Commercial Vehicle Lead for MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers presented “Suppliers Respond: Insight from the Front Lines.” Her research, conducted exclusively for VIPAR Heavy Duty, combined a detailed supplier survey and in-depth interviews to provide meaningful feedback to distributors on shared challenges and opportunities with suppliers.
• John Kairys, Executive Director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation shared the AACF story with IMPACT Conference attendees at various sessions and a trade show booth. The AACF is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports people employed in the heavy duty aftermarket industry and their families during times of hardship. They were the beneficiary of this year’s IMPACT Memorial Golf Outing. VIPAR Heavy Duty was proud to enter into a new partnership with AACF earlier this year to support their fundraising efforts and raise awareness. 
• Thierry Mugnier, Founding Partner and CFIO of NEXUS Automotive International SA, spoke to suppliers about the Latin American expansion opportunities available to them through VIPAR Heavy Duty’s partnership NEXUS. He emphasized NEXUS’ goal to create stronger alignment between its North American and European organizations, noting that collaboration and shared responsibility among distributors and partners are essential to the network’s success. He also highlighted that by the end of 2025, VIPAR Heavy Duty will represent the largest and strongest group of heavy duty distributors within the NEXUS community.

 

The conference concluded on a high note with a keynote presentation from legendary skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk. From his first shaky ride on his brother’s skateboard (and a handful of splinters!) to becoming a global icon, Hawk’s story was one of resilience, creativity, and relentless determination. Every fall became fuel to rise higher — on the ramp, in business, and in life. He’s helped make skateboarding a legit cool sport — one kids now choose the same way they choose baseball or soccer.

 

“Skating is an individual endeavor with a huge sense of community,” Hawk shared. “If I’ve helped make skateboarding more acceptable, that’s my greatest legacy.” His message reminded the heavy duty audience that passion, perseverance, and purpose can build lasting impact — no matter the field.

 

The 2026 VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies IMPACT Conference is scheduled for Oct. 18-23 at the JW Marriott Marco Island in Marco Island, Fla. 

 

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is pleased to announce that legendary skateboarder and entrepreneur Tony Hawk will deliver the keynote address at the 2025 IMPACTTM Conference, taking place Oct. 19-24 in Orlando, Fla. 

 

Hawk — the man who put skateboarding on the global map — will present his inspiring keynote, “How Did I Get Here? The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO.” With his trademark modesty and humor, Hawk will share the remarkable journey from professional skateboarder to successful CEO, offering lessons on leadership, perseverance, and staying true to one’s values.

 

In a sport that's especially youth-oriented, Hawk, a 50-something father of four, still connects with his audience by staying true to who he is. Moving easily between the ramp and the boardroom, he founded a skateboard company, Birdhouse, and has a video game series bearing his name that has sold over $1 billion worldwide, making it the best-selling action sports game franchise in gaming history. He founded The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), which has given away over $13 million to over 700 skatepark projects throughout the United States that serve over nine million visitors a year.

 

Starting his business out of the trunk of his car, Hawk pledged to maintain authenticity in all he did, and it has served him well. His story of building global brands and giving back to the community, and his lessons of leadership, perseverance, and initiative are sure to resonate with both seasoned leaders and those just beginning their journey — even if they don’t grind rails in a skatepark.

 

“Tony Hawk stands out as an entrepreneur who worked hard, rose through the ranks, and achieved great success, which perfectly aligns with the experiences of our distributors,” said Jeff Paul, VIPAR Heavy Duty Vice President of Marketing. “Our attendees are sure to head back to their businesses inspired to catch air and carve their own path to success with renewed energy and vision.” 

 

The IMPACT Conference is a weeklong event that brings together the heavy duty aftermarket industry’s leading distributors, suppliers, industry associates, and aftermarket leaders. In addition to Hawk’s keynote, the conference will feature business and industry updates, annual stockholder and member meetings, interactive panels, educational sessions, a trade show, networking opportunities, and more than 1,500 one-on-one distributor-supplier partner meetings.

 

 

Tony Hawk — the man who put skateboarding on the global map — will present his inspiring keynote, “How Did I Get Here? The Ascent of an Unlikely CEO” at the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies' 2025 IMPACT Conference in Orlando, Fla., this October.

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is gearing up for its highly anticipated IMPACT^TM Conference, scheduled for Oct. 19-24 at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla. Widely recognized as one of the heavy duty aftermarket’s premier networking and business events, the conference brings together VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty distributors, supplier partners, and industry leaders for an energizing week of connection, education, and collaboration.  

 

The weeklong event will feature business and industry updates, a keynote address, annual stockholder and member meetings, educational sessions, a trade show, networking opportunities, and more than 1,500 one-to-one distributor-supplier partner meetings.

 

“IMPACT is where strategic decisions are made, new opportunities emerge, partnerships are forged, and our network moves forward together,” said Chris Baer, VIPAR Heavy Duty President and CEO. “Since we last met, we’ve surpassed 1,000 distributor locations, expanded deeper into LATAM and new markets throughout the Americas, and rolled out transformative technology solutions. We are preparing for the 2025 IMPACT Conference with great optimism, momentum, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of the heavy duty aftermarket.”

 

Each year, VIPAR Heavy Duty honors industry friends and their contributions to the network and aftermarket through the IMPACT Memorial Golf Tournament. This year’s beneficiary is the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501(c)(3) organization that supports people employed in the heavy duty aftermarket industry and their families during times of hardship. VIPAR Heavy Duty was proud to enter into a new partnership with AACF earlier this year.

 

Prime opportunities for networking and mentorship further elevate the conference experience, with specialized gatherings designed for professionals with shared interests, including the dynamic GenNext speed mentoring session, the Young Leaders Round Table Lunch, and the Women in Business Networking Reception.

 

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is gearing up for its highly anticipated IMPACTTM Conference, scheduled for Oct. 19-24 at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

 

 

 

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies has launched the Nucleus Knowledge Center™, an all-new online training platform designed specifically for heavy-duty truck parts professionals. The new resource provides training courses, reporting, feedback, and certificates of completion in a user-friendly format for both learners and administrators. 

 

Basic, intermediate, and advanced courses are available to learners through on-demand, online classes and videos and instructor-led, recorded webinars. Content supports all areas and roles in the heavy duty parts business, including counter staff, outside sales, and technicians. For administrators, an intuitive dashboard makes it easy to assign training and then track course enrollment and completion. Quizzes and assessments are automatically initiated, and certificates of completion are awarded. 

 

Built on a world-class learning management system, the platform is exclusively available to distributors within the VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty networks.

 

“The launch of the Nucleus Knowledge Center represents a pivotal step in advancing workforce development across the heavy-duty aftermarket,” said Jeff Paul, VIPAR Heavy Duty Vice President of Marketing.

 

“As the industry undergoes a generational transition, training is more mission-critical than ever. For distributors, the platform delivers accessible, consistent, and customizable training that strengthens product knowledge, enhances customer service, and drives long-term business performance. In turn, it helps suppliers maximize the return on their training investments and ensures that those selling and servicing their products are prepared to do so with knowledge and confidence.” 

 

Development of the Nucleus Knowledge Center was led by Al Vaisvila, Training/End User Program Manager for VIPAR Heavy Duty. Working closely with distributors, suppliers, and a professional learning management system provider, Vaisvila ensured the platform was designed with both learners and administrators in mind. 

 

“Our distributors are busy running their businesses. Finding, scheduling, and monitoring quality training can be daunting on top of the everyday attention and tasks that need to be performed. This platform significantly reduces that burden and simultaneously empowers their team to identify the right parts, solve customer challenges, and maintain strong, lasting relationships,” said Vaisvila.

 

“This is just the beginning of a long-term initiative for continuous learning and innovation, and one that underscores our commitment to supporting both our distributors and suppliers. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution – it’s a platform built to evolve. We’re starting strong, and once you're on this path of continuous learning, opportunities for growth continue to unfold,” added Chris Baer, VIPAR Heavy Duty President & CEO.

 

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty's new online training platform, the Nucleus Knowledge Center, was designed specifically for heavy-duty truck parts professionals and is exclusively available to members of the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies.

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is proud to announce the promotion of Joe Meyer to Vice President of Business Development. Meyer brings 35 years of experience in the heavy duty aftermarket and has been an integral part of the VIPAR Heavy Duty organization, serving as Program Manager since 2018.

Meyer has been responsible for leading strategic supplier relationships and developing high-value programs across VIPAR Heavy Duty and its family of companies. Known for his thoughtful, strategic approach and ability to connect supplier capabilities with distributor needs, Meyer has played a key role in advancing several of the organization’s largest and most successful programs.

 

“Joe is a terrific program manager who has built deep relationships across the industry,” said Larry Griffin, Vice President of Program Management. “He skillfully aligns supplier strengths with customer requirements, resolves challenges in a fair and professional manner, and represents VIPAR with integrity. While we’ll miss him in Program Management, I’m confident he’ll thrive as Vice President of Business Development.”

 

Meyer’s extensive career includes sales and sales management roles with Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Grote Industries, Borg Warner Automotive, and Chicago Rawhide (now SKF). His dual experience in sales and program management—along with a keen understanding of both supplier and distributor needs—positions him exceptionally well for his new role, where he will oversee the organization’s growth initiatives and partnerships across The Americas.

 

“Joe has spent his entire career in sales and strategy. He’s a planner, a thoughtful leader, and someone who never takes shortcuts,” said Chris Baer, President and CEO of VIPAR Heavy Duty. “He’s worked closely with each of our department heads, knows our business inside and out, and understands the pressures that both our distributors and suppliers face. Having someone with his knowledge, vision, and people skills on our leadership team is a real advantage.”

 

Meyer holds a degree from Southwest Missouri State University and will continue to be based out of his office in St. Louis, Missouri.

 

“I am truly blessed with this opportunity, and I look forward to working with my team, distributors, and suppliers to mutually grow the business as VIPAR Heavy Duty moves forward. The industry continues to change and evolve, and I look forward to the challenges that it will bring,” said Meyer.

VIPAR Heavy Duty congratulates Jim Pennig, who will retire from his role as Vice President of Business Development for the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies, effective June 30, 2025.

 

For nearly two decades, Pennig has served as a key member of the executive management and leadership teams, playing a pivotal role in the organization’s strategic growth and success. His tenure has been marked by major milestones, including significant expansion of both the VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty networks, the development and execution of the company’s expansion strategy in Mexico and Latin America, and the foundational work on its national accounts program.

 

Widely respected across the heavy duty aftermarket industry, Pennig is known for his calm and measured approach, relentless work ethic, and deep commitment to collaboration and results. His colleagues, distributor members, supplier partners, and peers regard him as a trusted leader who brings integrity and vision to every opportunity.

 

“Jim’s contributions to our organization and the industry are immeasurable,” said Chris Baer, President and CEO, VIPAR Heavy Duty. “His leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication have helped shape who we are today. We are incredibly grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty extends its sincere appreciation to Jim Pennig for his years of leadership and lasting impact on the organization and the heavy duty aftermarket.

 

Joe Meyer, Program Manager for the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies since 2018, will succeed Pennig as Vice President of Business Development. With 35 years of sales and business development experience in the heavy-duty aftermarket, Meyer is well-versed in the dynamics of the market, which will prove highly beneficial in driving value for distributors and managing relationships with supplier partners. Pennig and Meyer have spent significant time collaborating to ensure a successful transition.

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is proud to announce a new partnership with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), extending the foundation’s reach to the heavy duty aftermarket community to provide critical support to industry members and their immediate family during times of personal crisis.

 

Since 1959, AACF has helped individuals and families facing financial hardship due to unexpected adversity such as natural disasters, catastrophic medical conditions, life-changing accidents, and devastating fatalities. Through this new partnership, AACF’s support will now be available to individuals working in the heavy duty aftermarket and their immediate family members during the hardest moments of their lives. 

 

The process to apply for financial support is simple and can take as little as five to seven days. Once eligibility is established, an application is completed and sent to the AACF Recipient Committee for review. If approved, the funds can be sent to the recipient or directly to a business, such as hospitals, funeral homes, or landlords.

 

“We pride ourselves in our efficiency because we know that when people need help, time is not always on our side. We can help much faster than most employers and government programs and will do everything possible to expedite the process,” said John Kairys, Executive Director, AACF. 

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is honored to help promote the foundation's mission by raising awareness of these valuable resources, providing support through charitable giving efforts, and serving as a liaison within the heavy duty aftermarket. 

 

The AACF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With the exception of two full-time staff positions, AACF is run entirely by volunteers from the aftermarket industry. 

 

“Our partnership with AACF furthers our commitment to supporting the heavy duty aftermarket community—not only in business, but in life. It reflects the heart of this industry – a community that shows up for one another when it matters most. We encourage everyone in our network to spread the word about this important resource, and when able, support its mission to help those in need in our industry,” said Chris Baer, VIPAR Heavy Duty President and CEO. 

 

For more information, please visit https://hd.aftermarketcharity.org.

 

 

 

 

 

The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies announced Tom Ruud has joined its team as Program Manager. Tom will be working in multiple capacities including Program Management, Global Parts Network (Product Distribution Center and Brake Related Product Management), and Business Systems. He will report to Larry Griffin, Vice President of Program Management.

Ruud brings 13 years of heavy-duty industry experience to the team, with a proven track record in product and program management, supply chain management, and production and warehouse operations. He previously served as Director of Supply Chain at Wheelco Truck & Trailer Parts and Service, which was acquired by FleetPride, Inc. last year. Most recently, he was Sr. Manager of FleetPride’s OE Operations. Over the course of his career in the heavy-duty aftermarket, he has gained valuable experience in product pricing and procurement, globally sourced products, rebate management, and ERP software implementation.

“We are excited to welcome Tom to the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies. His extensive industry experience brings valuable insight that will support our continued growth. In addition to his role as Program Manager, Tom will be involved in several strategic initiatives that are critical to our long-term success. Having team members on board who understand the complexities of the supply chain and today’s evolving business systems is essential, and Tom’s previous experience positions him well to help navigate those efforts. We look forward to his contributions to the success of the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies for many years to come,” said Griffin.

 

Ruud will be based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

 

“What I’ve always loved about the heavy-duty industry is that, while it’s large and complex, it still feels like a small, tight-knit community. It’s a relationship-driven business, full of good, reliable, hardworking people. When I first entered the industry 13 years ago I was amazed at how quickly things were evolving, especially in areas like marketing, supply chain, and technology. I’ve seen firsthand how this industry has not only caught up, but in many ways, has surged ahead,” said Ruud.

 

“As for VIPAR Heavy Duty, I’ve known the organization and its leadership for many years, and the decision to join their team was easy. It’s the culture that drew me in—VIPAR Heavy Duty is a well-run organization that genuinely cares about its people and its role in the industry. Surrounding yourself with good people makes all the difference.”

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty has completed a major upgrade to its product information management system, PARTSPHERE® PIM, and released a new digital asset management platform, PARTSPHERE DAM. 

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty’s recent product data platform upgrade accomplished three major goals:

• A more user-friendly PARTSPHERE PIM, with enhanced search and filter functionality to more easily navigate its 1.2 million parts.
• A robust PARTSPHERE DAM to efficiently access 1.4 million supplier-provided visual assets.
• A categorization refinement to better organize parts and enhance customers' e-commerce experiences. 

PARTSPHERE PIM was originally launched in 2019 to provide streamlined access to and delivery of highly-sought product data. VIPAR Heavy Duty identified early on that good data builds accuracy and efficiency, and affects many different areas within a distributor's business including sales, training, inventory, shipping, and delivery. 

 

Jeff Paul, VIPAR Heavy Duty Vice President of Marketing, said that the heavy duty industry has made great strides in providing access to product rich data over the last five years.

 

“Most of the challenge is in creating an efficient way to exchange and communicate product information between suppliers and distributors. Naturally, suppliers want to be in control of their intellectual data, and how it is shared by distributors to end users. In turn, distributors want to receive that data with specific standards so it can be uploaded to whatever platform they are using – for e-commerce or as part of their business system, for example. This release of PARTSPHERE PIM and PARTSPHERE DAM allows our distributors and suppliers to further capitalize on e-commerce opportunities and integrated data management system efficiencies, and most importantly, makes it easier for end-user customers to find the right heavy duty aftermarket parts.” 

 

Distributors report that acquiring and organizing product data including descriptions, images, interchanges, and attributes, is a major undertaking, as it comes from suppliers in various formats. Some have even taken thousands of photos of parts themselves to use in their e-commerce platforms. Many suppliers have responded by working with VIPAR Heavy Duty's Content Services Team to actively build new product data and review existing data within the platform. 

 

“This upgrade and development are the result of feedback we received directly from our distributors who use PARTSPHERE PIM to sell and market parts to the heavy duty aftermarket. Their input was the driving force behind our latest platform enhancements and will help guide future development goals,” said Andrea Lily, VIPAR Heavy Duty’s Manager of Content Services. 

 

“This launch is evidence of our continued investment in PARTSPHERE solutions and the benefits to both our distributors and supplier partners. VIPAR Heavy Duty is committed to being a leader in product information management and data standardization efforts within the heavy duty aftermarket, and we will continue to evolve our platform to best support our network,” said Paul.

 

For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or email: info@vipar.com.
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In honor of the 114th International Women's Day on March 8, VIPAR Heavy Duty recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions women make to the trucking industry. While trucking has historically been male-dominated, women are increasingly taking on diverse roles, from drivers to executives, and shaping the industry's future.

 

According to The Women in Trucking Association’s 2024-2025 Index report, women make up 9.5% of all professional drivers. The survey also found that in leadership roles, approximately 28% in C-Suite/executive positions are women, and 34.5% are in supervisory leadership roles.

 

VIPAR Heavy Duty values this global movement recognizing the contributions of women, having first-hand knowledge of the impact women make within its own organization and the heavy duty truck parts aftermarket. Fifty-one percent of VIPAR Heavy Duty’s staff is women, five of whom serve in supervisory leadership roles. 

 

When VIPAR Heavy Duty President & CEO Chris Baer took on the top leadership position in 2017, he introduced a management structure consisting of new leadership roles to help the organization achieve its aggressive growth goals.

 

“We flattened out the leadership team and distributed responsibility. That action created opportunities for a new group of leaders to step into key roles, where they continue to drive success. To achieve success with efficiency, accountability, and integrity, it’s important to put a variety of voices at the table. The more experiences and perspectives you include in the conversation, the more well-rounded your solutions will be. Within our organization, women contribute to all areas including finance, technology, marketing, and sales, and our business is thriving due to their contributions,” said Baer. 

 

To promote the inclusion of women in the heavy duty workforce and the path they forged to get there, the women of VIPAR Heavy Duty were asked who influenced, mentored, or inspired them. Read on for their meaningful responses:

 

 

 

For more information on VIPAR Heavy Duty, visit www.vipar.com or email info@vipar.com.

For more information on Power Heavy Duty, visit www.powerheavyduty.net or email info@powerheavyduty.net. 

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