Episode 59: Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance President and CEO JC Washbish on Working Hard and Being Nice

In this episode of DriveTime, JC Washbish discusses the familiarity of the Washbish name, the esteemed aftermarket heritage that goes along with it and how he got started in the industry.

JC comes from a long lineage in the automotive aftermarket, proudly being the fourth generation involved in the business. His career in the automotive aftermarket began at NGK Spark Plugs, where he managed distribution in the Caribbean, before joining the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. He was promoted to President of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance on January 1, 2024, and then named both President and CEO in January 2025.

JC said the outlook for 2025 is hopeful. “We are in a really good position as a country to do more, to do better. You can feel the energy that’s out there. Car count is up, miles driven are up – all hopeful for our business, and the economy should be in a better position. I’m pretty excited to see what 2025 brings,” he said.

JC is focused on strategic growth while ensuring the team’s continued success, while sticking to this piece of advice from his uncle, Doug Washbish: "Work Hard, Be Nice."

To learn more about JC and the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance’s initiatives, be sure to watch the video above.

Episode Overview:

• JC describes the esteemed heritage of the familiar Washbish family name, beginning with his great-grandfather who started the business (1:06)

• JC talks about his first aftermarket job, and walks through his aftermarket career (4:13)

• JC describes how he got hired at the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and what it’s like working with his father, John Washbish, who he said cares deeply about the industry. “My father has done a great job as an icon in the industry. He gets it. He lives the industry,” JC said. (5:05)

• JC was promoted to President of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance on Jan. 1, 2024, and named President and CEO in January, 2025. He walks through year one and describes what year two looks like (12:38)

• The value of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance Channel Partner awards program as it relates to importance of partnerships in our business (18:25)

• Details about the Automotive Parts Services Group (APSG) meeting in April 2025, that the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance is planning (22:14)

• The company’s advocacy efforts as it relates to the Right to Repair initiative (24:50)

• Outlook for the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance and the aftermarket in 2025 (32:10)

• Lightning Round (34:23).