Building Strength Through Industry Partnerships with AWDA's Ted Hughes

As a 30-plus-year automotive aftermarket veteran, Ted Hughes has seen change after change in the industry. He's experienced countless technological improvements. During his almost 24 years as head of marketing for MAHLE, he charged head-first into the digital era -- embracing digital media, e-commerce and a "data is king" mindset. Yet despite the evolution of the industry, one aspect has remained true: nothing beats the solid relationships that form long-lasting business partnerships and make this industry strong.

About a year ago, he joined the Auto Care Association as executive director of the Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and also took on the role of senior director of community engagement for the association, putting his love for the industry and his expertise for creating industry engagement to work. Although challenges abound, Ted looks at them as opportunities.

In this episode of AMN Drivetime with Bill Babcox, presented by AISIN, Ted delves into:

• Making the change to association work and its biggest rewards (0:54);
• How he was fitted for skates at a young age and what playing hockey and other sports taught him that he takes into his career (3:13);
• Ted's career trajectory and how he found the automotive aftermarket (6:54);
• Shifts in the overall business that impacted Ted's roles and how he and his team addressed them (10:36)
• The future of AWDA (15:47);
• The importance of face-to-face interaction (18:39);
• Rapid Fire Questions (24:40)

AMN Drivetime is sponsored by AISIN. Find more episodes here.