Four industry leaders recognized for their contributions to education, mentorship and advancement of the automotive aftermarket
Northwood University is celebrating four distinguished automotive aftermarket professionals whose leadership, industry achievements and commitment to education are helping shape the next generation of business leaders.
The recipients of the 2026 Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards were honored Tuesday, Nov. 3, during an awards luncheon at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.
This year’s honorees are:
- Robert Roos, president and CEO of The Pronto Network
- Shawn Senior, chief executive officer of Eastern Warehouse Distributors
- Jessica Toliuszis, vice president of national accounts at Highline Warren
- Keith Zar, managing partner of Schwartz Advisors and principal of KAZ Enterprises
Since 1975, Northwood has recognized automotive aftermarket professionals for their significant contributions to education, professional development and industry advancement. This year’s recipients represent decades of leadership across distribution, corporate strategy, sales, operations and business development, with a shared commitment to preparing future generations for success.
“These honorees exemplify the leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the automotive aftermarket,” said Dr. Dave Oventhal, director of the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies (CAMS) and Subaru of New England Professor of Automotive Strategy at Northwood University. “Their success is impressive, but equally important is their willingness to share their knowledge, mentor emerging professionals and invest in the people who will lead this industry into the future. We are grateful for their contributions and pleased to recognize their achievements.”
Connecting industry leadership with student opportunity
The awards ceremony connected established industry leaders with Northwood students preparing to enter the automotive aftermarket.
Four Northwood students — Elijah Smith, Kennedy Polzin, Kennedy Williams and Charlie Baur — were selected to present awards during the luncheon. Fellow students Caleb Robinson and Chase Tesluck also assisted with the ceremony.
Their involvement was part of a larger Northwood University delegation attending AAPEX 2026, where students gained hands-on experience working alongside leading automotive aftermarket companies, exploring emerging industry trends and building relationships with professionals from around the world.
“The Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards demonstrate the strength of the relationship between Northwood University and the automotive aftermarket,” said Northwood Director of Aftermarket Education James O’Dell. “Our industry partners understand that developing future talent requires more than classroom instruction. By sharing their experience, supporting professional education and creating opportunities for students to engage with industry leaders, they are helping ensure the next generation is prepared to succeed. This year’s honorees are outstanding examples of that commitment.”
About the honorees
Source: www.northwood.edu
