Northwood University recently honored the owner and CEO of Fisher Auto Parts, along with six other prominent supporters of educational initiatives within the automotive aftermarket industry, during its annual Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Awards luncheon in Las Vegas, Nevada.
As CEO, Bo Fisher III has achieved 10-fold growth of the company over the past two decades, debt-free. For the past five decades, he has listened to other bright minds in the industry and implemented strategies based on their mentorship.
Fisher III won the Mort Swartz Education Award, which is named after one of the titans of the automotive aftermarket, and presented annually to an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing the concepts and programs for continuing education in the North American auto care industry.
Because Fisher III’s father, Art, was a long-time proponent of education and training in the aftermarket, the annual Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship program was established in his memory. This scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in the automotive aftermarket management program at Northwood University. Fisher Auto Parts also provides 25 scholarships yearly to support students pursuing careers in the aftermarket and sponsors the annual KOI/ Fisher Training Cavalcade in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Fisher III has served as chairman of the board of Federated Auto Parts since 1998 and is co-chairman of the Automotive Parts Services Group, which offers its members and their customers an online training platform designed for professional technicians, shop owners and managers.
For his dedication to the aftermarket industry, Northwood University was pleased to name Fisher III among this year’s Class of Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award honorees.
“We appreciate our university’s special relationship with the aftermarket industry,” said President Kent MacDonald during the luncheon. “The future is bright for Northwood students, as we have implemented a strategic plan for growth in all programs with a focus on automotive and the automotive aftermarket. We are exceedingly grateful for industry leaders who continue to support and shape our students through internships and experiential learning.”
Since 1975, Northwood has honored aftermarket leaders for their significant efforts to further the cause of education for business and society. The Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award honorees, past and present, comprise a “who’s who” of this industry.
This year’s other honorees include:
Randy Buller, CEO, Parts Authority, New Hyde Park, New York
Michael C. Buzzard, of Dallas, Texas, managing partner, Schwartz Advisors (headquartered in La Jolla, California)
Dr. Donald R. James, CEO, Solero Technologies, Rochester Hills
Brian B. Norko, senior vice president, commercial business operations, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs), Wixom, Michigan
Aaron M. Shaffer, director of marketing services, Standard Motor Products, Long Island City, New York.
Chris Williams, president and CEO, NA Williams, Atlanta, Georgia
The Automotive Aftermarket Management Awards were developed in partnership with the Auto Care Association, Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association, Motor & Equipment Manufacturer’s Association and Northwood University. The awards luncheon was held during the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas, Nevada. AAPEX is one of the leading international meetings for the global automotive aftermarket industry.
Northwood students enrolled in the Automotive Aftermarket Management program — which is the only four-year degree program of its kind in the nation — presented the awards to the honorees.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to gather today to recognize and celebrate the successes of these professionals who are being honored by Northwood University for making a difference in the lives of many in their communities and in the aftermarket industry,” stated Northwood student Owen Hayes, of Whitehall, Michigan.
